A Marriage Of Convience Or... Misappropriation
875 Words
.....
ROSE POV
As I emerged from the dressing room, I felt confident in my new corporate attire.
Adrian was already at the checkout counter, paying for our purchases.
That's when I saw her - Kira. I knew she won't back off.
Her piercing gaze locked onto mine, and I could sense her irritation.
"Well, well, well. Look what we have here,"
Kira said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
"I didn't know Adrian had taken to frolicking with his employees now. Instead of being with her sick daughter at the hospital, she's here on a shopping spree - how cheap!"
I stood tall, refusing to let her get under my skin.
"And I didn't know I was a celebrity, with Her Royal Majesty Kira knowing everything about my life. How blessed I am."
Kira's expression turned red with anger.
"You have no idea what you're getting yourself into, Rose. Adrian is still mine, and I won't let some naive little thing like you take him away."
I smiled sweetly, unfazed.
"Actually, Adrian proposed to me, and the ring is on its way. But thank you for your concern, Kira. I'll make sure to send you an invitation to the wedding."
Kira's face contorted in rage, but I just turned to Adrian who sensed I might be in danger with the energetic strides he took towards us and said,
"Darling, I think we're done here. Shall we go?"
Adrian's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled, and he wrapped his arm around me.
"Yes, let's go, my love."
As we walked away, I could feel Kira's eyes burning with anger, but I just kept my head held high, knowing I had handled the situation with diplomacy and maturity.
I don't bark!
...
As I left the shopping mall, Kira's words kept echoing in my mind. Was I really just a distraction from Adrian's real responsibilities?
I couldn't shake off the feeling of guilt of having fun when my daughter is ill.
After a distracted day at work, I hurried to the hospital to visit Noel.
I needed to clear my conscience and make sure I wasn't indeed neglecting someone in need.
As I arrived at the hospital, I was surprised to see the doctor waiting for me with a smile.
"Ms.Rose, we've got some great news. The treatment has been cleared, and the surgery will be scheduled in due time. All we need is your signature on this form."
I took the form, but my eyes widened as I saw the payment details.
Someone had already paid for Sophia's treatment, and they wanted to remain anonymous.
My mind raced, but I knew exactly who the mysterious benefactor was. Adrian. My boss.
The man who had proposed to me.
I felt a mix of emotions: shock, gratitude, and a hint of fear.
Why was he doing this?
Did he feel responsible for me somehow?
I signed the form, still speechless, and handed it back to the doctor.
As I left the hospital, I knew I had to confront Adrian about this.
But a part of me was scared of what his answer might be.
...
ADRIAN POV
As we left the meeting with our client, I could sense Rose's unease.
She was perplexed, and I knew exactly what was on her mind. I eased into my chair, steepling my fingers together, and said,
"Ask me, Rose. Whatever it is, just ask."
She hesitated, then blurted out,
"Why did you pay for Sophia's treatment? I have nothing to offer in return."
I raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her naivety.
"You think everything has to be transactional, Rose? I did it because I wanted to. And as for marriage, don't worry about what people will think or say. I'm not concerned about their opinions."
But she pressed on, her voice firm.
"I don't want to marry you because of this. I'll work hard to pay you back."
I felt a coldness spread through my chest.
No woman had ever ridiculed my proposal like this before, any woman will die for this.
I leaned forward, my eyes locked on hers.
"You think you can just dismiss me like that? I'm not a man to be trifled with, Rose."
I pulled out a brown envelope from my drawer and slid it across the desk.
"This is a contract. You'll be my wife for six months, or you'll pay back the sum I paid for Sophia's treatment, with doubled interest. Failure to comply will result in... consequences. Legal consequences."
I strictly eyed her.
I leaned back in my chair, my expression unyielding.
"You have two weeks to decide. After that, the contract becomes binding."
Rose's eyes widened as she read the contract, her face pale.
I could see the fear creeping in, and I knew I had her right where I wanted her.
Let me see how she would repay this amount she assumed I lent her.
Through my own money?
The salary I pay her every month?
Or the allowance which is not even enough to cover up the bill every weekends?
You just have two weeks Rose... Let me see how you squeeze your blood out.
This would be another fun...
I put on my cunny cute smile.
....
- Writer
