CHAPTER FIVE:

Robert checked his wrist watch, again for what felt like the millionth time. It was now twenty minutes past the agreed meeting time with Kayla, and he was furious.

He felt his blood boil as he sat impatiently, staring at the unanswered text he had sent her nine minutes ago.

Robert Moore had a strong dislike for poor time management and disregard for his time. The woman he made a deal with had behaviours that drove him crazy.

His foot tapped constantly on the well-polished wooden floor in his large office. In front of Robert was a large office table, cluttered with papers.

His table was the only cluttered area in the otherwise immaculate office. The expensive chairs, tables and shelves around him were perfectly positioned, with not a speck of dust in sight.

As Robert's fingers hovered over his keyboard, his irritation and anger reached a boiling point. Perhaps, he would have to reconsider his options.

Suddenly, a light knock sounded, and he raised his head to stare at his glass door. The person on the other side opened the door slightly and peeked inside.

“Mr. Moore, there’s a lady waiting,” his secretary, Chloe called out. “She is here for an appointment, and her name is Kayla Levins,” she said, as she pushed her large glasses back into place.

“Let her in,” Robert replied, his deep baritone sounding strange even to his own ears.

Chloe turned and opened the door wider, allowing Kayla to step into the room. Robert looked up at her, giving her an annoyed glare, his face set in a frown.

As soon as his secretary shut the door, Robert got up and walked straight towards Kayla, his annoyance evident in his stance.

“Let me make one thing clear, Kayla: I hate tardy people. When we agreed to meet at three pm, I expect it to be fucking three pm sharp. Do you think I have nothing better to do than wait around for you to arrive?!” Robert blurted, barely containing his anger at the despicable woman in front of him.

Meanwhile, Kayla completely ignored him. She walked past Robert and made her way to the chair in front of his desk.

Based on her body language, Robert suspected that she had intentionally arrived half an hour late to piss him off.

“Actually, Robert, I am impressed,” Kayla said, giving him an uninterested look as she relaxed into the comfortable chair. Robert on the other hand, crossed his arms as he tried to control his anger.

“I'm impressed by how demanding and foolish you can be. Or are you simply unable to read? I texted you that I wouldn’t be available until 3:30pm, not 3:00pm. Which means I'm actually a few minutes early.” She replied, giving him a sarcastic smile.

Kayla had recently discovered that her new favorite thing to do was to get on his nerves, which didn’t seem to be a challenge. Robert had intentionally ignored her when she told him what time she would be available to meet him, and had considered his own words to be final.

This was the second day since Robert and Kayla had agreed to their marriage,and now they were set to sign an agreement before proceeding.

Kayla had discovered that he was Robert Moore, the owner and CEO of Moore group, and she was impressed. Her soon-to-be husband was a stuck-up, rich, and arrogant billionaire.

“Kayla, I expect you to obey when I give specific orders.” He replied, his anger evident.

Kayla rolled her eyes, feeling a surge of irritation, “oh please, shut up Robert. I don’t work for you, why don’t you go tell that to the millions of employees you have.”

Robert let out an annoyed grunt and walked over to his desk. He walked around to the other side of his desk, pulled out a stack of papers, and handed them to Kayla.

Kayla took the papers, not bothering to look at him as she scanned the text to ensure that everything they had discussed was included.

The agreement was simple and straightforward; they would respect each other's space, stay away from each other's business, and maintain autonomy and independence. Robert provides material things she wants and she acts as his pretty wife.

She continued to read the document line by line, but her eyes paused on a particular line.

‘No falling in love.’

Kayla let out a dramatic, sarcastic laugh, “Did you think this was necessary? Do you think I’d ever fall in love with someone like you?”

Robert looked at her, his expression unamused, “I can never be too careful now, can I? I have a lot on my plate, and the last thing I want is a clingy, obsessive wife.“

Kayla laughed again, finding it ridiculous that he had added that clause. She was certain that nothing could ever make her fall in love with him. His presence alone annoyed her. Besides his handsome face and wealth, he embodied everything she didn’t want in a person.

After reviewing the contract, including the consequences of breaching it, Kayla took a pen and signed each page.

Immediately she was done, Robert pulled out a shiny cobalt green box and opened it.

Kayla was mesmerized.

Inside the box was a stunning diamond ring that exudes luxury. At the centre of the ring was a beautiful diamond that sparkled in the bright room.

“Here’s your ring, a symbol of our agreement to tolerate each other for the next year.” He pulled it out and held out his hands to Kayla.

“Oh, please, Robert, I can put a damn ring on my own finger.” She said, rolling her eyes once more.

Robert let out a breathy sigh and took her hand. His firm fingers wrapped around her soft palm as he slipped the ring onto her delicate finger.

“I’ll see you in court in three days to sign our marriage papers. Also, I will send you my home address. You’ll need to move in as soon as possible.” Robert said, releasing her hand as the warmth It brought him dissipated.

“Eager much?”

Suddenly, the door to his office burst open, as the clicking sound of a woman's heels echoed through the room. Robert and Kayla both looked up, staring at the intruder.

A woman with blonde hair and piercing green eyes entered the room. She was undeniably beautiful, and the red dress she wore hugged her perfect curves.

Robert sneered at her, “What do you want?” He said, his face twisted in annoyance, “Anya.”