Two

Mason's POV 

Candice's response didn't guarantee whether or not she was coming to New York. I had invited her last night, but her hesitation stung. "It's too soon to plan a wedding when we just got engaged," she said. The frustration gnawed at me.

My father had already invited the Prescotts over for dinner today, and this whole alliance fiasco had thrown me into chaos. One moment, I was planning a romantic dinner for my fiancée, and the next, I was dealing with a wedding my father was arranging for me and some stranger. Yes, I am aware of the relationship my dad has with the Prescott's but I thought it ended when Michael Prescott died years ago.

I sent Candice a text, asking her to come to New York so I could explain things to her properly. I headed to the bathroom to freshen up, awaiting her response with bated breath.

~~~~

On my way to the office, a reply came in. "Fine, but I'll be arriving next week. I still have a ton of photo shoots this week."

I groaned upon reading her text, next week is too far. I need her to come here today. "Can't you just come over today? Please love, It's important." I texted back. I never used "please" unless it was with Candice. She could be stubborn, but she was the one person I loved, flaws and all. 

Her response was swift. "I can't, babe; I need to work. At least one of us has to keep a steady income." 

Her words stung, a reminder of the inequality she saw between us. She didn't mean to hurt me, but even if she did, I don't care. Like I said, flaws and all. I ignored her text and focused on finding another solution.

~~~~

When I arrived at the office, my assistant was waiting for me. 

"Good day, sir," she greeted, "I'm here to inform you that you'll be meeting with Mr Marino at 2 pm." 

I nodded, acknowledging the information. "You can go. Hold on, cancel my schedule for tomorrow. I'll be visiting one of the restaurants tomorrow."

She paused halfway through the door. "Your father also asked me to remind you that this partnership means a lot to this company. He wants you to make sure Mr Marino is pleased with our work."

I chuckled softly, my dad still didn't trust me to do a good job. He should be thanking me for making this company what it is today. "You can go." I dismissed her.

As she left, I focused on the work in front of me, determined not to be late for my meeting with Mr Marino.

~~~~

The meeting with Mr Marino was cordial. 

"It's nice doing business with you, Mason," he said, shaking my hand.

"Likewise, Mr Marino. I hope we continue this successful partnership."

"Please, call me Enzo. We're almost the same age," he replied with a friendly smile. Enzo is just a year older than me. Though I admire his work, I kept my distance. His ties with the Italian mafia made me wary. I've heard so much about his illegal activities and ruthless nature, and he has been living up to his reputation. 

As we concluded our meeting, my assistant informed me that my sister was waiting for me in my office. I don't have time to deal with her right now but I also know sending her home isn't an option. That girl is like a leach.

~~~~

Returning to my office, Julie had already made herself comfortable while waiting for me.

"Finally, I thought you'd be stuck in there all day." She exclaimed as I entered. "Were you planning on sleeping there?"

"I didn't ask you to come here," I replied, my tone sarcastic.

Julie rolled her eyes. "Oh please. You know you can't live without me. Anyway, I just needed to leave the house for a bit. I don't want to spend too much time with Dad before he decides to arrange my wedding as well." She taunted me. I seriously doubt my dad would do that to her, she's his favorite. 

I smirked. "Not funny, Julie. Shouldn't you be preparing for tonight's dinner?" I already knew what her answer would be.

"Are you kidding? I can't stand Blair. She's a walking disaster and so full of herself," Julie said, clearly unimpressed.

Julie kept me up last night, giving me different reasons why I shouldn't marry that girl. She's a model, just like Candice. Honestly, I don't even know why I listened, and I don't have time for drama. But what surprised me was when Julie said my dad wasn't very fond of this girl. So why does he want me to marry her? He must care for his late friend, Michael Prescott.

"I don't know how to get out of this mess," I confessed. 

"Hey, he's your father too." Julie retorted.

"I doubt that," I muttered.

"I thought you called your girlfriend, Candice?" She asked.

"She said she'll be coming next week, but I only have until tomorrow," I said, frustration creeping into my voice. 

Julie's expression turned thoughtful. "You know I'm not a fan of Candice but I hate Blair more. Plus, you're crazy in love. So I'll come up with a solution, just let me search through my brain for something." She said, determined. 

Julie never likes anyone, I've never heard her talk about someone she likes except her boyfriend, Kyle. The day she visited me in Paris, she saw Candice yelling at an old lady, and since then, she's never liked the idea of us being together.

I was skeptical. "What idea could you possibly come up with, silly?"

Julie's face lit up. "I've got it," she yelled and jumped like she just solved the world's hardest puzzle. "What if you get a substitute bride? It's temporary. You set clear terms, and once Candice arrives, you divorce her."

I stared at her, stunned. "Have you lost your senses, that's the dumbest thing you've ever said."

"Not if you handle it right. I'll have a lawyer friend draft a contract for you. Just tell me what you want included," she explained. 

I hesitated. "And what if she refuses to get divorced?" I can't believe I considered this idea. I guess I'm the crazy one.

"Don't worry about that, my friend's got it covered. That's why we need a lawyer." 

"I already have a lawyer..."

"You probably don't know this, but your lawyer takes orders from Dad, and if you go to him, I'm one hundred percent sure Dad will find out about it, so this is the safest route." 

I was shocked by what she told me. I should have known my dad had people watching me. I'll have to send someone to keep an eye on Candice. I can't afford to let my dad meet with her before he ruins this for me too. 

"Please don't let Dad know I told you. He'll never trust me again." Julie pleaded. I know she cares about both of us and is just trying to fix things with me and my dad.

"I won't but I don't know if I can find someone that fast."

Julie's idea was surprising, but it made sense. 

"You'll have to do that yourself, I can't help with that. Just go out, you'll find someone. Didn't Dad ask you to go supervise the restaurant? There will be lots of girls there, just let your heart guide you." She said dramatically.

"Shut up, leach. I'm not looking for love, just a temporary solution." I said, shaking my head at her childish behavior. 

Julie laughed. "You never know what the future holds, brother; maybe you might end up falling for your substitute bride. I just read about a similar story but she was a surrogate." I knew it, she always does this. After reading those fictional books, she'll start meddling in my love life. 

"Why don't you experiment on your relationship and leave me alone."

"Kyle isn't around now, he's in London. Why do you think I'm here?"

"Alright, thanks for stopping by, now leave." I faked being upset.

"That was a joke, I'm not leaving without you."

"We should probably get going; it's getting quite late," I said, looking at my watch. I'm glad Julie came, her presence made my day less gloomy.

"Hmm, I hate how the thought of going home takes your smile away." She muttered sadly.

"I have my own house, Julie. You know the only reason I'm still there is because of you. That place stopped being my home the day Dad sent me to France. I'll have to move back to my penthouse once this is settled."

"I'm going to visit you every day once you move out, so you better get ready. No peace for you." She said, making us both laugh. I may hate the fact that my dad remarried so quickly but I never blame Julie or her mom. Her mother was a victim of my dad's carelessness.

"Looking forward to it," I said, smiling. 

"Let's go," I said after keeping all my files in my drawer. I glanced at my watch and it was getting late. Despite my frustrations with my father and the arranged marriage, having Julie around was comforting.