04

Lara’s POV

After dinner I helped Clark with washing of the dishes and the pots that were used to cook. In that moment I felt like it won’t be so bad to be friends with him, but that moment was short lived the moment he opened his mouth

“That’s not how you do this” he says, taking the pot from my hands, “you have to ensure it’s cleaned with a dry towel before you return it to its original position”.

I sigh, “of course, I’m sure you have a book of methods and processes for everything you do. You wouldn't want to be caught making a mistake. If you’re gracious enough, why don’t you publish the book, I’m sure the world cares so much for pan and pots, it’d be a bestseller” I say, in a sarcastic tone as I roll my eyes.

He shrugs, “it’s just common sense” he replies, returning the pot to me. I roll my eyes, “I have more common sense than you do” I say, returning the pot to the cabinet.

“Now what did you want to talk about?” I ask, turning to face him. “Let’s talk on the terrace” he says, interwining our fingers before pulling me along with him.

“Okay?” I say, suspiciously as we take our seats. “We never have one on one talks so I’m really curious about what you have to say to me. You don’t want me to marry you because no one wants to date you, do you?” I joke.

He frowns, “for your information, I have no problem getting a girlfriend. Girls are constantly throwing themselves at me, I’m just not interested”

I scowl, “sure they are” I say, sticking out my tongue.

“Anyways, you’re partly right. The reason why I dragged you out here is because I am proposing marriage between the two of us”.

“You’re what?” I say laughing, “did Lai put you up to this” I say, finding it hard to control my laughter.

The look on his face tells me he’s serious which causes me to quiet down.

“You’re being serious” I ask, in a panic. He nods his head, “have you ever seen me crack a joke”

I shake my head, “you’re too boring to do that, ughh” my hands flying to my mouth as the realisation hits me.

“You’re not joking, you want to marry me” I say. He smiles, “I’m glad you’re catching on”

“Why’s that? Don’t you have like a million girls chasing you, after all you’re the most eligible bachelor in Yula”

He nods, “I might be but that doesn’t mean I’m going to date any type of girl out there. Most of them are after my money and status, not because they truly love me”

I scowl, “it’s not like you truly care about love?”. He nods, “I’m not interested in love, but that doesn’t mean I like being deceived”

“So why me?” I ask, surprised that I haven’t shut down the conversation. He smiles, “well I know you dislike me, and your parents have been pressuring you to get married so I thought it’s a wonderful match. It’ll be a respectable relationship with no feelings attached”

It’s true that my parents have been pressuring me to get married, though my elder brother Lai isn’t married. They have this traditional belief that girls have to get married quickly and guys can get married at any time. But that doesn’t mean I’m going to throw myself to the wolf.

“Why exactly are you making this proposition? I’m sure there’s a reason behind this. It’s more than you wanting to get married” I say, my eyes scrutinising him.

He nods, “you’re right, I see no point keeping it from you as you’re bound to find out”

“To inherit my parents company I need to get married before December 20th” he says.

I nod, “December 20th next year?”. He shakes his head, “this year”.

I gasp, “you’re not awfully strapped for time”. He solemnly nods, “I’m not, that’s why I need your help, but if you refuse, I’ll completely respect your wishes. No pressure”

I nod, “I know, you’re not the type to force your wishes on others”. He smiles, “And you’re not the type to let anyone force their wishes on you”

I chuckle, “that’s true, and I guess it’d be a plus since our families are affiliated with each other”. He nods, before abruptly sitting up, “does this mean you’re considering it”

I smile, “maybe but what’s in it for me. As a business person you know we never do anything without a gain. So what do I stand to gain from entering this contractual relationship with you?

He smiles, “this is what I love to hear. Asides from my social standing, family wealth and connections, I’ll personally connect you with top authors who bank with my company which would cause a quick growth in your company”

I smile, “you got me there, let’s do this then” I say, stretching out my hand for a hand shake. “Nice doing business with you” he replies, shaking my hand.

“When will the contract be ready?” I say, leaning against the chair. He smiles, “it already is, I like being quick when it comes to business. I won’t risk you changing your mind tomorrow”

I nod, “makes sense” I say, taking the contract from his hands before reading through it. “Everything written in here makes sense and I completely agree with it, especially the no sexual relations and no interference with out personal lives”

“Before I sign it, I need you to agree with a single condition I have” I say, looking  at him. “What is it?” He asks.

“Stop being insufferable” I say, he rolls his eyes, “I don’t think I am but I’ll try”

“Great” I say, signing the contract before handing it over to him, “I’ll keep this safe” he says, signing the contract.

I smile, “I guess we have a wedding to plan”