3 - Marriage is the key

He went back inside his office after he forgot something. He opened his drawer, took out a comb, and faced the desk mirror.

"Be presentable, CEO John. You're facing the heiress of Sytone Diadem Company," he muttered while gently combing his hair.

But after a moment, he questioned himself—why was he making an effort to look good for her? Did he want to attract her? No, she was just a woman.

This is ridiculous. Why can’t I get her face out of my mind?

Is this just another fleeting admiration, or… something more?

"Love?" a voice interrupted his thoughts, his secretary came in. He shot a death glare at her.

"I just brought another set of paperwork for you to review later, sir," she said, stifling a grin.

Then, in a hushed tone, she added, "She's really beautiful," before quickly stepping out of the office.

His heart was pounding again. Why did he suddenly feel drawn to this woman?

Taking a deep breath, he finally stepped outside.

As he walked toward Garnet, he was surprised to find her chatting with his design manager, Divina. Curious, he approached them quietly, listening to their conversation.

"I think the second design is better. It’s simple but elegant," Garnet said, pointing at a digital drawing created by one of Congreene Company's fashion designers.

"Oh? I thought this one would suit you more," Divina replied, showing her a printed red evening gown design.

John remained silent, intrigued by their discussion.

"This one could be your honeymoon dress. Look how sexy and stunning it is—you’d definitely enjoy wearing it on your first night," Divina added with a playful smirk.

"John would love it. See-through dresses have the best impact on attracting your spouse in bed. That’s exciting!" she teased.

John grimaced. Divina had no idea she was practically describing his worst nightmare.

When his secretary was about to speak to him, he subtly gestured for her to stay quiet. She smirked and nodded before retreating.

"I know this could be useful for the honeymoon, but it’s too much. I don’t like the design," Garnet admitted.

Divina raised an eyebrow. "You don’t like my design?"

Divina was a strict and passionate couturier, and she rarely took rejection well—especially when it came to her hard work.

"No, it’s not that. I don’t hate dresses like this, but I prefer something more modest, like the one you designed earlier," Garnet explained, pointing at the other sketch.

Divina pinched her flank and playfully slapped her bottom.

"What?" Garnet gasped, surprised.

"Don’t you dare criticize my design! I put so much effort into it because I thought you’d love it. But if you don’t… then forget it!" Divina huffed.

Garnet burst into laughter, while Divina scowled at her.

"Get away from me! You’re making my blood boil!" Divina tried to shoo her off.

"You’re always so dramatic, Divina. But I do like them," Garnet said, trying to lighten the mood.

"SHUT UP!"

The entire office fell silent at Divina’s outburst. Even though they had worked with her for years, her fiery temper still caught them off guard.

Garnet, however, remained unfazed.

"Flordy, have you been standing there all this time?" Divina suddenly asked in a softer tone when she noticed him.

John turned to Garnet, who was struggling to hold back her laughter. Her dimples showed, making her even more attractive.

Damn. That’s… cute.

"You two know each other?" he asked curiously.

Divina rolled her eyes. "No, we don’t. I’m just drawn to women nearing their menopausal stage," Garnet joked.

Divina scoffed, and John finally let out a laugh.

"You two, get lost! I can’t focus on my work!" Divina ordered, turning her back on them.

John smirked. Divina had been his friend for years. She was three years older than him, and he treated her like an older sister. Despite her temper, he respected her work.

As they left, he turned to Garnet.

"Let’s take a walk," he suggested.

He froze when she suddenly clung to his arm, sniffing his cologne.

"You smell good. Very manly," she remarked, acting playful.

She wore a simple outfit today, but her natural elegance made her even more attractive. His eyes fell on her wristband again. This time, it was blue.

"By the way, tomorrow, I’ll show you the three designs for your wedding gown. I hope one of them fits your taste. Don’t hesitate to tell me if something needs to be adjusted," Divina said before they left.

Divina had prepared two wedding gowns—one for the ceremony, one for the reception, and also a dress for the honeymoon.

Honeymoon? Seriously?

"My mom asked me to visit her. She called last night and wants to see me—with you," Garnet informed him.

He stopped walking and looked at her. "Have you met my sister?"

She shook her head. "Not yet. But she’s lovely, isn’t she?"

"Yeah," he said before heading into the elevator.

Once they reached the parking lot, he noticed she had brought a large group of bodyguards.

"Something wrong?" she asked.

He hesitated, then shook his head and sighed.

She had a whole convoy. He wasn’t jealous, but damn, she looked like a high-profile politician.

"My father insisted on hiring them for extra protection. If it were up to me, I wouldn’t have them following me around," she explained with a small smile.

Her parents were clearly overprotective—and with good reason. She was the daughter of a billionaire.

"You go ahead. I’ll take my car," he said.

"Then I’ll ride with you," she decided.

He turned to her, frowning. "Are you serious?"

"Uh-huh," she nodded.

"What about them?" He pointed at her bodyguards.

"They’ll follow us," she replied without hesitation.

What else can I do?

As he drove, he glanced in the side mirror. The convoy was right behind them.

"I feel like a politician running in the next election," he muttered.

She giggled. "Are you jealous? If you want a convoy I can hire for you "

" No thanks. Just wondering… does someone want to kill you? You have more security than the president of the Philippines," he asked in wonder.

"There are quite a few," she said casually.

He turned to her, startled.

"Just kidding," she added, laughing.

His expression darkened. "My life has been a mess for a long time, Garnet. If I marry a woman whose life is even messier than mine… I’d rather stay single forever."

She remained quiet.

"I don’t want to be rude, but marrying someone I don’t love… it’s hard. If I have a choice... I won't marry you," he admitted.

When they arrived at his parents’ house, he pressed the doorbell. The guard immediately opened the gate.

"I know it’s hard," Garnet said softly. "You’ve told me that many times, " she continued.

"But there’s no other way to save Congreene. My family offered this marriage to help your family’s business. If you have any complaints, take them up with your parents," she added.

He sighed. "You’re right."

There was no way out of this. He was marrying the billionaire’s daughter.

And whether he liked it or not, this marriage was the key to their survival.