Episode 2 - MARITAL DUTIES
1771 Words
MAVERICK'S PENTHOUSE
Aria fidgeted with her hands, her eyes scanning the luxurious penthouse. She had never been in a place like this before. The furniture, floor-to-ceiling windows, and modern art pieces seemed to whisper wealth and sophistication.
Maverick was standing by the window, staring out at the cityscape, his back to her. His silence made Aria's nervousness grow.
"Mr. Green...Maverick" she corrected herself, trying to sound calm.
"I thought we were going to discuss the proposal?"
Maverick didn't respond, he was so focused on his phone.
Aria's shifted uncomfortably. What was he thinking? Did he approve of their arranged marriage? She took a deep breath and approached him.
"Maverick, please. I need to know what you think about this"
He still didn't acknowledge her. His eyes remained fixed on his phone, his jaw clenched.
She cleared her throat, trying again. "Maverick, I—"
"Give me a minute" he interrupted.
Aria's words died on her lips. She retreated, feeling frustrated and embarrassed.
Maverick's continued silence made her wonder what had she gotten herself into.
Maverick's fingers paused on his phone, and he finally turned to face her.
The silence between them spoke volumes. Aria's palms grew sweaty as she waited for him to speak.
"So, you're the one my father chose" he furrowed his brows.
"I...yes" she stammered.
"You're not what I expected"he said checking her out and Aria almost scoffed.
"What did you expect?" she asked.
Maverick's lips curled into a faint, enigmatic smile. "Someone more...polished, perhaps"
"Huh?"
"But you'll do. You're not exactly the type of woman I'm accustomed to" he said.
"And what's wrong with me?"
Maverick's smile twisted. "Your style, for starters. It's...unrefined. Not exactly the elegant, sophisticated look I prefer"
Aria's felt embarrassed, her hands instinctively smoothing her rumpled dress. She hadn't expected this meeting, and certainly hadn't dressed for it. Her usual casual attire now felt embarrassingly inadequate.
Maverick's eyes roamed over her, his gaze lingering on her outfit.
"You look like you just rolled out of bed and put on the first thing you found on the floor" he said.
"I...I wasn't expecting this meeting" she stammered.
Maverick raised an eyebrow. "That's obvious"
Aria clenched her jaw, stifling the retort that threatened to escape. She wouldn't give Maverick the pleasure of witnessing her frustration.
"As you're aware, our marriage will be a business arrangement"
Aria nodded, familiar with the terms. Sebastian Green had made it clear... produce an heir, secure the family legacy.
"I want to ensure we're on the same page. Review the folder my father gave you, familiarize yourself with the specifics" Aria pulled out the folder.
"Any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to ask"
"I understand the terms, Maverick. Your father explained everything."
"I just want to ensure we're clear on the terms. List them out for me, Aria"
"Marriage, producing an heir to secure the Green family legacy, and—"
Maverick interrupted. "Specifically, what does 'producing an heir' entail?"
"Having a child within two years of marriage, ensuring the continuation of the Green family line"
Maverick nodded curtly. "And what about personal expectations?"
Aria swallowed hard. "Discretion, loyalty, and...no external relationships"
"Anything else?"
"Residing in the Green's estate and participating in family events"
"Is that all?"
Aria double-checked her memory. "That's everything, as far as I recall"
"Well...I have my own terms, separate from my father's proposal" he said.
Maverick handed her a contract.
"This outlines our personal agreement, beyond the business arrangement"
Aria scanned the pages, her eyes widening.
" 'No emotional attachment'?" she read aloud.
Maverick nodded. "We'll maintain a professional distance. No entanglements"
"And 'no questions asked'?"
"About my business dealings, personal life, or past. You won't pry"
" 'Discretion' applies to both of us" Maverick continued.
"No public scandals, no embarrassing the Green family" he said and Aria nodded.
" 'Separate quarters'?" she asked, surprised.
"We'll maintain separate living spaces within the estate. Privacy is essential"
"And what about...intimacy?"
"That's covered under 'fulfilling marital duties.' We'll do what's necessary to produce an heir"
"Is that all?" she asked.
"One final condition before you sign"
"Outside relationships, I reserve the right to engage in extramarital activities, discreetly. However, you will maintain complete fidelity"
Aria's eyes widened.
"That's not fair"
"I'm protecting the Green legacy. My indiscretions won't jeopardize our agreement, but yours could"
"This is unacceptable" she said.
Maverick shrugged. "Take it or leave it. This condition is non-negotiable"
"Moving on to intimacy. As outlined in the contract, we'll fulfill our marital duties to produce an heir"
"Yeah"
"Specifically, we'll schedule intimacy three times a week"
Aria's eyes widened.
"Which days would you prefer?" Maverick asked.
"I...I don't know" she stammered.
Maverick raised an eyebrow. "You need to decide. Monday, Wednesday, Friday? Or Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday?"
"How can you make this so...calculating?"
Maverick shrugged. "Efficiency is key. We're adults, Aria. We know what's expected"
Aria took a deep breath, trying to compose herself.
"Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday" she said finally.
"Noted. Those will be our designated nights"
Aria felt a shiver run down her spine.
"Any questions?" Maverick asked and
Aria shook her head.
Maverick handed her a black pen. "Sign, please"
Aria's took the pen, scanned the contract one last time and with a deep breath, she signed her name.
"It's official" he said as he took the contract.
Maverick handed her a copy. "For your records"
Aria took it...their arrangement was sealed.
"Now that the formalities are settled, we need to prepare for the wedding"
Aria nodded.
"A stylist will arrive shortly to help you choose a wedding gown and attire for the ceremony happening tonight"
Aria's eyes widened in surprise. "It's tonight?"
Maverick nodded. "The wedding will take place tonight, at 8 PM"
"So soon?"
"My father wants this union solidified quickly"
"But I'm not prepared..."
"You'll be ready" he said and they both heard a knock on the door.
"Right on time" Maverick said, rising from his seat.
"That'll be your stylist. I'll leave you to it" Maverick exited the room.
An elegant woman entered, carrying designer luggage and a warm smile.
"Hello, Aria. I'm Vivian, your stylist. Let's get started, shall we?" She asked and Aria nodded.
"Don't worry, it's a small, intimate gathering, just Maverick's immediate family and closest relatives"
"Only family?"
Vivian nodded. "Sebastian wants to keep it private. No media, no public spectacle. Just a quiet, elegant ceremony"
Aria exhaled slowly. "That's a relief"
She thought of informing Beatrice of this but doesn't know where to start from.
In just a few hours, she'll become a member of the esteemed Green family.
•••
The soft glow of twinkling lights and candles illuminated the beautiful garden. Aria, looking elegant in her white gown, stood beside Maverick, who looked dashing in his tailored tuxedo.
Before them, the priest smiled warmly.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here tonight to witness the union of Maverick Green and Aria Wilson in holy matrimony"
The priest continued. "Marriage is a sacred bond between two souls, built on love, trust, and commitment"
"Do you, Maverick, take Aria to be your wife, to love and cherish her, through sickness and health, for richer or poorer, till death do you part?"
"I do"
The priest turned to Aria.
"Do you, Aria, take Maverick to be your husband, to love and cherish him, through sickness and health, for richer or poorer, till death do you part?"
"I do"she said almost in a whisper.
"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride" he said but none of them made a move to do that.
The gathered family and relatives applauded as Maverick and Aria turned to face them.
"Welcome to the family, I suppose" Monica, Maverick's step sister, said with a forced smile, her eyes scrutinizing Aria's gown.
Kaden, Maverick's brother, snorted. "You're certainly...different from Maverick's usual type"
Aria's smile faltered, but Sebastian intervened.
"Aria, dear, welcome to the Green family. I'm delighted to have you as my daughter-in-law"
"Excuse me" Maverick said , already turning to leave.
"Aria, dear, follow Maverick immediately" he instructed.
Aria nodded, relieved to escape the uncomfortable atmosphere.
As she turned to leave, Monica whispered, loud enough for Aria to hear, "You won't last long"
With a deep breath, Aria followed Maverick's path with an heavy heart.
Finally, they reached his room, and he pushed open the door.
"Enter" he said.
Aria stepped inside, her eyes adjusting to the dimly lit space. Maverick closed the door behind her.
The room reeked of luxury, from the plush carpet to the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city.
"What's today?"he asked.
"Saturday"
"We are starting our marital duties today,so get ready"
Aria's heart skipped a beat.
"Already?" she asked, Maverick nodded.
"According to our agreement, Saturday is one of our designated nights"
Aria took a deep breath. "Okay"
"Remove your wedding gown. I'll be back soon" he said and entered into the bathroom, closing the door behind him.
The sound of the shower starting filled the room and she became nervous.
Immediately, Aria's phone buzzed on the nightstand.
She glanced at the screen, it was an alert from Sebastian.
*Monthly transfer successful. $500,000 deposited into your account
Aria's heart skipped a beat.
Their agreement.
Aria took a deep breath and slipped out of the elegant gown, leaving her in her underwear.
As she hung it in the closet, she couldn't shake off the feeling of being bought.
As Maverick came out from the bathroom, Aria's eyes involuntarily moved to his dripping wet body. Water droplets clung to his chiseled chest, and his hair was slicked back, revealing his sharp jawline.
But, suddenly aware of her ogling, she hastily looked away and Maverick's low chuckle sent shivers down her spine.
"Aria" he said coming closer and as he drew closer, Aria's nervousness intensified.
"Maverick, I...I need to tell you something" she stammered.
"What is it?" he asked, his breath whispering against her ear.
"I'm...a virgin" she blurted out and Maverick's movements stilled.
Silence.
"Say that again" he whispered.
"I'm a virgin, Maverick"
"A virgin" he repeated and she nodded.
He leaned in, his lips grazing her ear.
"Aria, don't worry. I'll be gentle" he whispered.
He started by trailing kisses down her neck.
Aria stood frozen, unsure of what to do.
He gently pull off her underwear leaving her naked and Aria's cheeks burned with shame.
She dared not look at him.
She felt his hands roaming her body.
"Get on the bed, Aria"he said but Aria hesitated before she moved to the bed
Their business arrangement had just become painfully real and this is just the beginning.
- Writer
