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Chapter 7
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2024-12-14 23:23:19Adrian P.O.V
Tomorrow is the day we sign the agreement with Amario Enterprises. I was anxious about the marriage and merger, but Jessica reassured me that Chloe would handle everything.
She explained the entire situation the other day, and we discussed the plan regarding the agreement last evening.
"Dad hasn't mentioned anything about this agreement yet. Maybe he's waiting until the last minute so I can't back out. What if he doesn't listen to me if I refuse to marry?" Chloe asked nervously.
Chloe had a point. What if her dad didn't accept her decision?
"Don't worry, I have a backup plan," Jessica interrupted.
Noah entered the room carrying his coffee and sat beside me.
"What are you guys talking about?" Noah asked as he placed his cup on the table.
"About how to decline the marriage agreement without Adrian losing his company," Jessica informed him.
"Well, as I was saying, the backup plan is if Chloe's father opposes her decision, Adrian and Chloe can proceed with the agreement and get engaged. But as the wedding day approaches, you can back out," Jessica explained. Noah looked amused, while Chloe still seemed confused.
"Also, it's not stated anywhere in the agreement that you can't separate or divorce later. Once the merger is finalized, Adrian can tell his parents he wants to marry me, not Chloe," Jessica said, running her fingers through her hair.
"We'll try this for now since we don't have any other option," I agreed, and we ended our discussion.
We had dinner together, and then everyone went home. I asked Jessica to stay with me because I wanted her to accompany me to the company tomorrow.
The next morning, Jessica and I were on our way to Amario Enterprises. I held Jessica's hand, and she kept reminding me that everything would go as planned.
When we arrived at our destination, I intertwined my hand with Jessica's as we entered the lobby. Everyone stopped working and focused on us. I smirked, seeing their reactions.
We informed the receptionist of our arrival, and she directed us to the 28th floor, where the conference room was. As we entered, I saw my father talking to Neil Darrell. Chloe was sitting next to her father, looking tense. There was also an older man with a strong, authoritative presence.
"Good morning, everyone," I greeted them. I took a seat next to my father, while Jessica sat beside Chloe. My father gave Jessica a confused look but chose to ignore her and turned his attention to the older man.
The older man cleared his throat to gain everyone's attention.
"Hello, everyone. I'm Stephen D'Amario. I started this company, and later, my daughter continued building it. I hope you all know why we're here. We're here for the merger to strengthen our relations," he said seriously.
Neil Darrell looked tense, sweating despite the air conditioning.
"This company has been handled by my son-in-law, Neil Darrell. But now, I want to transfer full authority to my granddaughter. She will be the new CEO. As per the agreement, the legal heiress of Amario Enterprises must marry the heir of Parker Enterprises," he stated firmly.
I was surprised Chloe would be CEO; her interests lie more in parties, clothes, and makeup than in business.
"Is it mandatory for the heir and heiress to marry?" I asked, earning a sharp look from my father, signalling me to be quiet.
"Yes, son, it's necessary as per the agreement. You know the consequences if not," Mr. D'Amario answered. A man in his late 20s handed me the contract papers. I was about to read them when I heard Mr. D'Amario speaking nervously on the phone. He seemed disturbed and worried.
I looked at Jessica, who nodded, urging me to proceed. I signed the documents and returned the file to the man.
Chloe reached for the file, but Mr. D'Amario took it back. Jessica, Chloe, and I were confused, as was Mr. Darrell.
"Isn't Chloe going to sign?" Jessica asked.
"Why would Chloe sign? We didn't even need her here," Mr. D'Amario replied, looking confused.
"Isn't she the one I'm marrying? As per the agreement, I have to marry your granddaughter, so Chloe's signature is needed," I said.
"You're marrying Sarah Darrell, the heiress of Amario Enterprises—my real granddaughter," he said seriously.
My head started spinning. I was supposed to marry Sarah Darrell. I grabbed the file and read the name. It was indeed Sarah Darrell, and she had already signed the papers.
The last time I heard about Sarah was five years ago when she ran away with a guy after making a video that went viral on social media.
"Sarah isn't capable of handling this business. I think you've made the wrong decision," Mr. Darrell said, shaking with anger.
"I don't need anyone's advice on my decisions, especially when it concerns my company," Mr. D'Amario hissed.
Everyone was shocked except my father. I couldn't imagine marrying her. She was one of those selfish, mean people I despised.
"Sorry, I can't marry her. That's my final decision. I want someone of my class and standard—someone who can stand beside me as my wife. I don't think Sarah is the one," I said, about to leave.
Suddenly, I heard my dad's voice.
"If you back out of this marriage, you'll not only lose the shares but also Parker Enterprises. I'll transfer everything to your cousin, Enrique," my dad warned.
I stopped, stunned. I couldn't believe him. He knew how hard I worked for the company. I sighed in frustration; I couldn't let this happen. I couldn't lose Parker Enterprises.
"Okay, I'll do it," I agreed reluctantly. Jessica's eyes filled with tears, but this was my only option since I had already signed the papers.
"Good. We'll announce your engagement this weekend at the anniversary party," my dad informed me.
I left with Jessica. During the ride, I tried to comfort her, but she kept crying. Once we reached my apartment, I made her sit on the bed and calm down.
"Jessica, please stop crying, love," I said, hugging her tightly.
"She always ruins my life. She steals everything from me. I can't lose you, Adrian," she said, sobbing.
"I'm just doing this for the merger, babe. Once everything is under control, it'll be over. I'll leave her," I assured her.
"What if it doesn't happen? What if she doesn't leave you? What if you fall for her trap?" she asked between sobs.
"Sweetheart, that'll never happen. There's only one girl in my life, and that's you. I'll make sure she regrets signing those papers and all the bad things she did to you in the past," I promised.
"I will always love you, Jessica Martin," I confessed, kissing her forehead.
"I love you too, Adrian," she replied.
I just hope everything goes according to plan. I can't afford to lose my company or Jessica. I'll make sure Sarah regrets everything and begs me to leave her.
I will. I have to.
______________________________
Bab terkait
Wedcuffed Chapter 8
Sarah P.O.VIt's been four days since I signed the agreement at home. I was about to leave for the company with Grandpa that day when suddenly Grandma started feeling uneasy. We immediately called our family doctor, who examined Grandma and told us that her blood pressure had dropped, causing her discomfort. He prescribed some medication and advised her to stay in bed for the next two days. Grandpa wanted to cancel the meeting, but Grandma insisted that we proceed as planned. Therefore, I signed the papers at home and asked Grandpa to handle the meeting.A few hours after Grandpa left for the company, Grandma began to feel a bit better. I was in the kitchen preparing soup for her when Grandpa walked back into the house. He asked about Grandma's health and later informed me that the agreement had been signed. Adrian and I will be engaged at Adrian's parents' anniversary party, which is scheduled for this week.The rest of the week passed in a blur. I was mostly preoccupied with adjusti
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-14Wedcuffed Chapter 9
Adrian P.O.VI arrived at the venue, and all the arrangements for the anniversary were managed impeccably by my staff. I spotted Mom and Dad in the room, engaged in conversation with some guests. I made my way towards them."Hey Mom and Dad," I greeted, giving Dad a side hug and kissing Mom on the cheek."Hello, Son. How are you? You hardly visit us anymore," Mom said with a hint of sadness."I'm fine, Mom. I've just been busy with work. I'll definitely come and stay with you once I'm free," I replied."You did an excellent job organizing everything for today," Dad said, patting me on the shoulder."Anything for you both. I'm glad you like it," I replied, feeling pleased as I continued talking with them and mingling with other guests.Soon, I excused myself to attend to a few business associates when I noticed Jessica at the entrance. She immediately spotted me, and as our eyes met, she smiled seductively. She walked towards me in a short cocktail dress. Once she reached me, I quickly
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-20Wedcuffed Chapter 10
Sarah P.O.VTaking slow steps toward the stage, I felt my heart pounding harder with each step. As I reached the stage, Lauren immediately turned towards me. "Ahh! Here comes my beautiful daughter-in-law," she said warmly, pulling me into a hug. "All the best, dear," she whispered in my ear, sensing my nervousness."Ladies and gentlemen, today my son is beginning a new phase of his life with the beautiful heiress of Amario Enterprises, Sarah Darrell," Mr. Parker announced. I stood next to Adrian, both of us wearing forced smiles."My son, Adrian, has worked very hard for the company over the past few years, and I hope that marrying Sarah will lead to even more success for them both."The rings were soon brought out, and we exchanged them. Adrian slipped the ring onto my finger with a forceful touch, making it clear he wanted to leave as soon as possible. After we exchanged rings, the crowd erupted into applause and cheers."I have one more important announcement. Since I will be leavi
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-20Wedcuffed Chapter 11
Sarah P.O.VAfter a MonthI tossed restlessly in my bed; it was almost four in the morning, and I hadn't been able to sleep the whole night. Today, I would be exchanging wedding vows with Adrian, and I was extremely nervous.Time certainly flies. It has been almost a month since the wedding was announced and since I last saw Adrian at that party. I wasn't looking forward to seeing him again, but I hoped to at least meet him and clear up our misunderstandings. We might as well be friends for the sake of this marriage.Additionally, I had been so busy managing the company affairs that I hardly had any time to talk to him or meet him. Over the past few years, my father seemed to have done everything possible to ruin Amario Enterprises. I bet if Grandpa hadn't suggested the merger, the company would have gone bankrupt within a year or two. The entire month had passed in sorting out the company issues.On a brighter note, Ester had finally moved to NYC. I offered her a position in my compa
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-03Wedcuffed Chapter 12
Sarah P.O.VSunrays tingled my face, pulling me out of sleep. I got up from the bed and headed straight to the bathroom. It had been three days since my wedding, and since that night, I had done my best to avoid Adrian as much as possible. I decided to move my belongings to a bedroom directly across from Adrian's. I didn't want to share the same room with him after that night, and Adrian had no objections. I still prepared his meals, but they remained untouched and often ended up in the trash.After using the bathroom, I took a relaxing shower and started getting ready for work. I chose a puffy-sleeve wrap blouse paired with a black pencil skirt. Today, I had a meeting with Parker Enterprises, and I needed to be punctual. Since taking over Amario Enterprises last month, I have fired employees who weren't performing well, including my father. I expected him to cause a scene, but he seemed to understand the gravity of the situation; the company was on the brink of bankruptcy.After a fi
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-07Wedcuffed Chapter 13
We decided to take a short break, and everyone left the room to get coffee, except for me, Sarah, Noah, and Sarah's assistant, Ester. Sarah, as always, was focused on her work, discussing some papers with Ester at the far end of the room. The quiet buzz of their conversation was the only sound in the large, otherwise empty boardroom. I glanced at Noah, who was scrolling through his phone, his coffee cup untouched in front of him.The faint sound of a knock at the door broke the silence. I turned to see my secretary standing there, her expression neutral but professional. "Sir, Mr. Morgan is here to see you," she informed me."Please send him in," I replied, wondering briefly what had brought Justin here today. Moments later, Justin walked into the boardroom with his usual confident stride."Hey, Adrian! Hey, Noah!" he greeted, flashing his characteristic grin. He dropped into the chair next to Noah, but his attention quickly shifted across the room. His expression changed subtly as hi
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-07Wedcuffed Chapter 13
Sarah P.O.VI excused myself and left the boardroom, heading towards the restroom to freshen up. It wasn’t even noon yet, and I already felt drained. Perhaps it was Adrian’s presence that was wearing me out—he had a knack for testing my patience. Before the presentation, he had tried to insult me by questioning my potential and skills. It was a game he seemed to enjoy, but I wasn’t about to give him the satisfaction of seeing me falter.Despite my efforts to avoid confrontation, I delivered the presentation with clarity and confidence. Every point was carefully structured, and I made sure to emphasize the hard work I had put into it. When I finished, I braced myself for Adrian’s critique, anticipating his sharp words or an attempt to undermine my work in front of everyone. But instead, he sat there, silent and seemingly deep in thought, his usual smirk absent. He looked almost...shocked.It amused me internally to see him taken aback; he clearly hadn’t expected this level of competenc
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-17Wedcuffed Chapter 14
Sarah POVGiven my distressing situation, I expected Adrian to intervene or at least inquire about what was happening. Instead, he slammed the door shut and left us there without a word.Why had I expected him to help me? He wouldn't, Sarah. He never had and never would.I refocused on Justin before he could attack me again. My clenched fist connected with his face, and he stumbled backward, clutching his nose. His eyes blazed with a mix of shock and anger as he quickly regained his stance."What the hell, Sarah?!" he shouted, blood trickling from his nose.Without wasting a second, I pushed him again, my palm striking below his right eye. As he reeled from the blow, I delivered a sharp knee to his groin. A guttural groan escaped his lips as he collapsed to the floor, clutching his face and abdomen."If you ever pull a stunt like that again, I will file a harassment complaint against you," I warned, adjusting my disheveled clothes. My voice was steady, but inside, I was trembling. I c
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-17
Bab terbaru
Wedcuffed Chapter 203
Sarah POVHis words settled deep within me, reassuring me in a way I hadn’t realized I needed. But there was still one more thing I had to say, a truth that needed to be voiced.“I wanted to let you know that I spoke to Adrian,” I admitted, watching his face carefully. “I told him we needed some space. I want you to know that you’re my priority, and I won’t let anything or anyone come between us.”For a moment, Alessandro didn’t say anything. His expression was unreadable, but then his shoulders dropped slightly, and he exhaled a breath he had probably been holding for too long. When he finally spoke, his voice was steady, appreciative. “Thank you for that, Sarah. I appreciate it. I’ve been worried about how much he’s been around, but I didn’t want to pressure you.”I gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. “I understand,” I murmured. “But you don’t need to worry. I’m committed to making this work. We’ve come too far to let anything get in the way now.”His thumb brushed over my knuckles,
Wedcuffed Chapter 202
Sarah POVSarah's POVAs the days passed after Adrian's unexpected visit, the tension between Alessandro and me began to ease. We had successfully navigated a difficult moment, but I couldn't shake the nagging feeling that Adrian's presence was still a looming threat to our relationship. Even when things felt light and easy between Alessandro and me, a small, anxious voice in the back of my mind kept whispering reminders of the past—of Adrian’s influence, of the confusion he stirred within me. I knew I had to confront the situation head-on, not just for Alessandro's sake, but for my own peace of mind.It was a bright, clear afternoon when I finally decided to send a message to Adrian. The sun streamed in through the curtains, casting golden patterns on the floor, but despite the warmth of the day, I felt an unmistakable chill settle in my bones. The words didn’t come easily, but I knew they were necessary.Message to Adrian:Hi Adrian, I think we must maintain some distance for a whil
Wedcuffed Chapter 201
Sarah POVBeside me, Alessandro shifts. His voice is calm, firm, but there’s an unmistakable edge to it. “We’ve been trying to focus on our relationship and work through things together. I appreciate your concern, but I think it’s important for us to handle this on our own.”Adrian’s gaze flicks to Alessandro, and for a moment, the air crackles with unspoken tension. Then he looks back at me. “I get it. I just didn’t realize how deep things were between you two. I guess I’m still trying to understand where I fit into all of this.”A pang of something guilt, frustration, maybe both presses against my ribs. I take a deep breath, steadying myself. “Adrian, you have to understand that I’m trying to rebuild my relationship with Alessandro. I’ve made it clear that I need to focus on that, and your presence here complicates things.”For the first time since he arrived, something in Adrian’s expression shifts. His shoulders relax just slightly, and some of the steeliness in his eyes fades. Th
Wedcuffed Chapter 200
Sarah POVThe tension in the kitchen is thick enough to cut with a knife. The scent of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the rich aroma of butter sizzling in the pan, but none of it is enough to mask the growing unease settling over the room. Adrian takes a seat at the table without waiting for an invitation, his movements deliberate yet casual, as if trying to stake a claim on the moment. I sense Alessandro’s eyes on me, his concern pressing against my skin like a silent question. He doesn’t have to say anything—I already know he’s on high alert.I try to steady my nerves, pushing down the wave of anxiety clawing its way up my chest. This unexpected visit could be nothing more than an awkward inconvenience, a minor speed bump on the road Alessandro and I are rebuilding. Or it could be the kind of turning point that shifts the entire course of our relationship.I glance at Alessandro, searching for reassurance in the warm depths of his gaze. He gives me a small, firm nod—silent suppo
Wedcuffed Chapter 199
Sarah POVWe move in perfect harmony in the kitchen, our bodies falling into an effortless rhythm as we prepare breakfast together. The scent of sizzling butter and warm spices fills the air, mingling with the quiet hum of our laughter. It’s easy, natural like slipping into a well-worn routine.Alessandro reaches for the same cutting board as I do, his fingers grazing mine. The brief contact sends a spark through me, and I glance up at him, my breath hitching slightly. He notices. His lips curl into a knowing smile, and for a moment, the rest of the world fades away.“You’re distracted,” he murmured, his voice laced with amusement.I smirk, shaking my head. “You wish.”His laugh is low and warm, wrapping around me like a comforting embrace. As the food on the stove begins to sizzle, Alessandro gently nudges me with his hip, pulling me closer to him. His touch is light, almost teasing, but there’s something deeper in the way he looks at me.“Sarah,” he says, his voice dropping into a w
Wedcuffed Chapter 198
Sarah POVThe kitchen is bathed in warm morning light as I start gathering ingredients. I pull my hair up into a loose bun and tie Alessandro’s oversized hoodie around my waist, enjoying the familiar scent of him clinging to the fabric. The smell of freshly brewed coffee fills the air, and I hum softly as I chop vegetables and whisk eggs. There’s something so soothing about the simplicity of this moment—about the act of creating something with my own hands for someone I care about.I heat up the pan and begin making the pancakes, savoring the familiar rhythm of cooking. The sizzle of batter hitting the hot skillet and the rich aroma of butter melting fill the room, making my stomach grumble in anticipation. I’m plating the first batch when I hear Alessandro’s footsteps approaching from down the hall.He walks into the kitchen, his hair tousled from sleep, the sleeves of his t-shirt pushed up haphazardly. A sleepy smile graces his lips as he rubs at his eyes. "Good morning," he says, h
Wedcuffed Chapter 197
Sarah POVAs we finally come together in a moment of profound intimacy, it feels like a culmination of all the effort and emotion we've invested in our relationship. The physical closeness reinforces the emotional bond we're working to strengthen. Every touch, every whispered word, and every shared breath between us feels like a silent promise an unspoken vow to continue fighting for what we have.Afterwards, as we lie together, wrapped in each other's arms, there's a sense of contentment and reassurance. The warmth of Alessandro's body against mine is comforting, a stark contrast to the emotional distance we'd felt in the past weeks. We've navigated through so much, and this moment of connection feels like a reaffirmation of our commitment to each other.Alessandro's fingers trace gentle patterns on my skin, his touch light and deliberate, as if memorizing every inch of me. The slow, rhythmic motion is calming, grounding me in the present moment. He exhales a deep breath, his lips br
Wedcuffed Chapter 196
Sarah POVI force a smile, pushing down the flutter of nerves in my stomach. “Hey.”He looks up, his tense expression softening slightly. He stands, offering me a small, appreciative smile before taking my hand. “Hey, Sarah. You look great.”“Thanks,” I say, squeezing his hand gently before slipping into my seat. “You do too.”We start with small talk—how our days went, the usual pleasantries. Alessandro listens attentively, but I can tell he’s distracted. His eyes dart away every now and then, his fingers tapping lightly against the table, a sure sign that something is weighing on him.Determined to break through the surface-level conversation, I take a sip of water and lean in slightly. “So,” I begin, keeping my tone light, “how’s work been lately? You seem a bit off.”His jaw tightens, and for a moment, I think he’s going to brush it off. But then he sighs, running a hand through his dark hair. “It’s been busy. You know how it is.” He pauses, then adds, “But that’s not what’s been
Wedcuffed Chapter 195
Sarah POVThe warm sunlight filters through the café window, casting a soft glow on the wooden table where I sit, my hands wrapped around a cup of coffee that has long since gone cold. The hum of conversations around me is nothing more than a distant murmur, drowned out by the storm of thoughts swirling in my mind. The past few days have been an emotional whirlwind, ever since my last conversation with Adrian. His words, carefully chosen and deliberately placed, have been gnawing at the edges of my resolve. Doubts, the seeds he planted, have taken root, and I have been battling to keep them from growing wild.But I refuse to let them control me.I close my eyes briefly, inhaling the familiar scent of roasted coffee beans, letting the warmth of the café ground me. I have to focus—focus on what truly matters. Alessandro. My relationship with him. I need to understand him better, to bridge the gap that has been steadily widening between us. If I let Adrian’s words cloud my judgment, I wo
