CHAPTER FOUR:

The loud sound of Kayla’s voice and the door banging shut caught Theo's attention. He tried to push himself up, but Kayla rushed to his side and helped him.

“Theo?” A man called out from the entrance.The man's scowl turned back into a look of concern.

“Oh, Robert, come on in,” Theo called out weakly, a smile spread across his face.

Robert took careful steps as he walked towards Theo and stood beside him, on the opposite side of Kayla.

Theo reached out and gently grabbed Robert’s big, firm hands and squeezed.

“Robert, this is my daughter, Kayla. I’ve told you about her. Kayla, this is Robert.” Theo said, introducing both of them.

Robert felt a shiver run down his spine, as he stared at the despicable, rude woman he had encountered at the parking lot, her behaviour still fresh in his mind.

“She is your daughter? The one I am supposed to marry?” He asked, his face twisted in disgust and slight anger.

Theo looked confused, noticing the tension between Robert and Kayla. “Is everything okay? Did I miss something here?”

Kayla shot Robert a warning look, not wanting her father to worry about their earlier unpleasant meeting.

Robert ignored Kayla’s look and continued to observe Theo.

“Uh, it’s nothing, dad. It’s fine. We’re just surprised to be meeting, that’s all.” Kayla said.

“Oh, in that case, why don’t I give you both sometime so you can get to know each other better? You know, like young people do these days.” Theo replied, followed by an awkward laugh.

Robert let out a sad sigh, “I’m sorry, Theo. I had no idea about your health. Why did you tell me nothing about this?”

“Oh it’s nothing to worry about, lad.” Theo replied, dismissing Robert's concern. “Now, why don’t you both get out and get to be familiar with one another, eh? Let me know what you think,” he finished with a wink.

Kayla gave her dad a soft genuine smile, but her expression turned into a scowl as her eyes met Robert’s. She saw Robert giving her a sharp, piercing look before he stood up straight.

Robert straightened his coat before giving Theo a soft pat. “If you’ll excuse us then,” he said, walking towards the door.

Kayla followed his lead and walked out of the room with him, and they both walked in silence until they reached the end of the hallway.

“What the fuck? You dumb jerk!” Kayla whispered angrily.

“You know what, I would appreciate it if you could shut your damn mouth.” Robert retorted, his anger and disappointment evident in his tone and body language. “It had to be you, the rude, insolent, disrespectful woman. Huh?”

“Trust me, I’m just as unhappy and displeased about this as you are, you rude, entitled, arrogant, spoiled piece of shit.” Kayla replied, her anger boiling over.

“Oh please, I could say more about you, but fortunately, I’m not here to engage in name-calling. You just had to make this worse for me.” Robert said, his expression a mixture of anger and frustration.

“Make this hard for you? you’re the one making this difficult, not me. I thought it’ll be easier to just go along with all this, but it’s you, so I’m not interested anymore.” Kayla replied, her lips set in a thin line.

Having said enough, she turned to walk back down the hallways to inform her dad of her refusal to marry an arrogant and unpleasant man like Robert. But before she could take a step, his cold hands grasped hers, stopping her.

With a sudden shove, he pushed her against the wall, trapping her body between his sturdy body and the solid wall behind her.

“Listen, Kayla,” he said, his voice low and menacing, his face inches from hers. “You will not ruin things for me. One year.” He said, his expression unreadable.

Refusing to back down, Kayla looked up at him defiantly, “I have no reason to accept a one-year marriage to your stuck up ass.”

“Look, I’m not any happier about this than you are, but we have to find a compromise. I am currently engaged to a woman I do not want, and you’re my last ticket to getting out of this mess. Don’t you want to please your dad? I mean look at him...” Robert said.

“Shutup. Don’t think my dad's desperation reflects my feelings.” Kayla said, feeling defensive.

Robert let out another frustrated sigh and continued to stare intently at Kayla, their eyes locked. “You’re making this difficult, Kayla. For a year, I’ll provide anything you want that is within my means during this period. Plus, don’t think I'll let you go again after ruining my damn shirt.” Robert finished, giving her a taunting glance.

“Well, you ruined my good coffee,” Kayla replied, she shot Robert a sly smirk before continuing, “if I marry you, you’ll provide everything I want right?”

Without hesitation, Robert replied, “Yes, even if it includes your stupid coffee.”

Kayla thought about it. She wasn’t thrilled about being with Robert, given his insufferable behaviour, but she had already promised her dad she would work things out and didn’t want to disappoint him. His suit exuded wealth and If he was as rich as her dad claimed, the extra money would certainly be useful.

“Why not marry the woman you’re engaged to?” Kayla asked, stalling for more time to reconsider. “What if she is some bat-shit crazy lady and comes for my head? Don’t tell me you’re one of those playboys.” Kayla said, giving him a look.

“I simply don’t want to get into the same situation twice. My marriage with her might get me into some shit I’m not ready to handle.” He said, shifting a little to run his fingers through his hair. “And I’ll protect you, anyway,”

Kayla let out a breathy sarcastic laugh and pushed Robert‘s firm chest. “One year, that’s all. I maintain my autonomy and independence during that time, and we’ll draw up a written agreement. Deal?” Kayla said.

“Accepted,” Robert replied, his expression set in a small frown.