Chapter 7

Adrian 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.

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