Chapter 1 - Meet up

" Are you excited about settling down? " his sister Ashley asked while he was busy arranging the papers he was holding.

" Next question" he replied while not looking at her.

" Are you excited about settling down?" She asked again. He stared at her intently.

" Isn't there any other question? " he said with a frown.

" Brother, it's written in the questionnaire " she explained while showing the folder she was holding.

So persistent, sister.

He is busy at work checking and reviewing pending paperwork, then, his sister talking about settling down he doesn't want to happen.

He decided to ignore her. His head hurts when he remembers the marriage agreement. Who wouldn't get a headache if you don't want to get married but his family is strangling him to do it?

Ashley waited for his answer but he just smiled seating on his swivel chair. After a while, she seems to feel impatient. She crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow at him while straight look in his eyes.

" It's a simple question, why you can't answer it? We're at the first question in the most exciting part " she said with a bittersweet smile.

He remained reserved, steadily under his deep gaze reviewing paperwork. Much better to ignore her unnecessary question than to exceptionally consider it an essential matter.

" Brother, you didn't help me. I'm serious and I'm not asking you for a joke " she blurted seriously.

" You went to the wrong person, Ashley. Just find someone else to talk to because I won't answer what's written there " he ordered pointing out the questionnaire.

What he needs to expect with her sister's persistent manner. He know as much as what was stated in the questionnaire, it was just a mix of nonsensical questions.

" You're the one who was recommended by my instructor. If I have a choice, precisely, I'm not going to this office with a boss like you " she retorted.

" So, it's my fault that your instructor chose me? Or you were the one who recommended me to your instructor " he countered.

" Don't be a melodramatic person, brother. Why are you always too triggered when the question is about love life? And that's funny, everyone wants to be happy—like having a life partner. But I don't know why you seem bitter about settling down " he retorted. He simply chuckled.

" I feel happy every day, Ashley. My first LOVE is my WORK. People fall in love on different routes, maybe we get decided to choose things over a person, or a successful career, or whatever. I don't need women to alleviate my satisfaction. I've been happy for a long time and I don't need a woman to be happy " he emphasized.

She felt irritated and forcibly removed the questionnaire from the folder and crumpled it before throwing it in the trash. It seems she completely lost her enthusiasm to see him.

" Fine! It seems like it's hard to ask you a favor for my project. Then don't worry, next time I won't ask for help from you. Don't talk to me until I find someone else who can help me to pass my project " she mumbled, picking up her bag. Ashley was about to leave the office but he told her to stop.

" Send me another copy " he added. Ashley was stunned and a mischievous smile drew on her lips. She pretended to be surprised so that his older brother wouldn't notice.

He really couldn't stand against her sister.

" Ok. I'll send it tomorrow. Much better if you write the answer so I have proof that it all came from you. I need your authoritative name and factual signature for better proof " she said with a radiant smile before saying goodbye.

" Make sure...you will answer all the questions indicated in my questionnaire! " She reminded him before she left.

Suddenly, his cell phone rang. His mother is calling.

" Hello, Mom? "

[ Flord, don't be late. Don't disappoint your fianceé again ] her mom Diana reminds him always about the meetup. He heaved a deep sigh.

[ I warn you, darling. You need to meet each other. Your upcoming wedding is soon enough ] she added. He keeps himself calm down.

" Yup. I am going to get to. What time did she set?"

[ 7:00 PM at Jacinth Building. Just ask the receptionist. Someone will guide you to the place she set. ]

" Ok," he answered before he hung up.

He peeps at his wristwatch. It's almost lunch. Meeting up with his supposed fiancee couldn't get out of his mind. He wanted not to meet her up on the said date but he shook his head to disagree. If he did it again, maybe his father might get angry and punch him hard in the face.

He will marry a woman he doesn't even know. She isn't familiar to him and he had no interest in meeting her even though she was as beautiful as a goddess. He promised himself that he would never be attracted to a woman again.

Why he didn't want it to happen again?

He had a relationship with a girl when he was still studying in college but they didn't work out. She's a popular student, a talented beauty with a brain. She won a lot of beauty contests but there's something he didn't like about her. She's a party animal, escaping her class, and last she dropped out of most of her subjects.

He tried to advise but she didn't listen. He's not the type of guy who likes a spoiled brat woman.

What if the woman with whom he will get engaged will be much worst than her ex?

Oh shit! This could be another headache.

After their break up, that wretch easily found a replacement. And the rumors that he's gay spread like a virus. Of course, he denied it. He doesn't want his parents to get disappointed, especially his father who truly believes that he's straight.

He's a professional pretender.

He had no interest in getting married, but what could he do if his parents made a way for him to get married? And it's all about the business matter again. Repeated cycle. Fixed or arranged marriage is an unbreakable cycle in the business world.

He had no idea about his fiancee's background but he hopes that she could be a good and kind woman.

But, he can't escape overthinking. What if his life would be miserable with her? And his concern is he couldn't imagine that he would sleep in a bed with a woman next to him. Every time that idea crossed his mind, he feels awkward and sort of nervous.

EVENING...

He looked at himself in the mirror. He made sure he could look presentable. He dig up his courage several times and tried to shake off his nervousness.

He was alone in this house for 3 years. Sometimes Ashley visits just to mess up his quiet living life. That's why he thought of staying alone and having space not to encounter his sister every day.

He wants a quiet place.

Good ambiance.

And fresh air.

He parked his car in front of Jacinth's building. One of the tallest and most luxurious buildings owned by Sytone. Sytone is known as rich and has a great influence in foreign countries through its multi-billionaire businesses.

In his entire life, maybe he and Garnet Sytone have never crossed paths. Jacinth is on the list of companies that are too enigmatic and meticulous. They're very private and strict when it comes to security. You cannot enter without permission from the high officer.

The guard let him through the gate and directed him to where to park his car. Two guards in black suits followed and one knocked on the windshield of his car. He opened the window.

" Sir, can I check your car?" He asked. He agreed and got out of his car.

The bald man came up and groped him thoroughly, asking him to take off his suit for serious inspection.

Goodness! Why they're so strict?

After securing that he brings no harm, they guide him to park his car near a gray car. Maybe, Garnet owned that car.

The receptionist started to entertain him. He calmly answers her question.

" Can I know your name, sir? " She asked with a smile.

" John Flord Congreene. " He answered. She looked at him in little awe.

" Follow me, sir " she said.

They get inside the elevator and wait to get there where Garnet set their dinner date. The building is tall so it took them a while to get there. Garnet decided to take the top floor for their meet-up.

" This is her room, sir. Just talk to the door and she would answer " she said and modestly bowed before she left.

He stared at the metal door. It has a camera on top. Instead of talking, he knocked three times and the door suddenly spoke. A sweet and soft dame voice.

" Miss Garnet went outside. She's on the rooftop, sir ."

The door is probably talking.

" I didn't know which way should I take. Is it right? Or the left? "

" Just turn your head left and walk straight, then turn right and you will see their white surface staircase. But, there's an elevator beside but sorry to inform you it is under fixing " she informed.

He chuckled. This is weird but it's fun to interact with a high-tech door.

" Thank you for recommending the lift but you rather want me to choose the staircase instead. Do you have a name? "

" I am Stone Perk, sir " she perfectly answered

" Ok. Nice meeting you, Stone " he thanked before leaving.

He's late more than 7 minutes. He take the stairs and was amazed at the beautiful view from the top of the building. The area is surrounded by blue dim lightning. There is a table in the middle. A romantic table set up with blue-scented candle lights.

Such a good idea for romantic dates. What a useless setup.

He didn't come here for a romantic setup. He is here to convey the conditions that he wants to have when they get married.

" Hey! " He stiffened after hearing a lady's voice.