Chapter 3. A Promise

ROSEANNE'S POV

"Wait!" I called out to him as he gestured to meet at Jeffrey's, the fabulous bar opposite the event centre where I was.

"I agree. What time? And where?" I added when he looked back. His gaze met mine, and I felt weird. Those blue eyes had a freezing effect on me, so I stared at the floor to avoid his gaze.

"Good choice," he said coldly and chuckled.

"Probably, by twelve p.m. or one. Two A's Headquarters. I'll free my schedule. Anything for my wife," he smirked flirtatiously and walked off.

I couldn't help but blush as I looked at him walk into Jeffrey's. 

He was not that bad after all. Was it me getting smitten by a man? Oh no! 

I checked the business card in my hand and dipped it into my bag with a sigh. I just hoped all would go well. Luca's health was my priority; this was a marriage of convenience, nothing more, nothing less.

"I got it! I got it!" Clara screamed as she pounced on me. She did? How better could my day get? 

"You did?! Wow, I'm so happy for you!" I squealed and dragged her cheek. 

"And who was the lady who screamed earlier? I've heard so many screams I don't even know if my eardrum still works." 

"Oh, that? Probably ladies who failed. Bars are pretty high you know," she whispered and made a face. The one that showed disgust, and I mouthed an "Ohh" in response. 

"Uhm… Miss Yan? Can you spare us a few minutes of your time, please?" A burly guy came to us while we were jubilating. They looked like bouncers and wouldn't take no for an answer.

"Uhm… Yeah. Sure. Be right back," she responded and turned to them as her hair danced along her move.

"She's not even that pretty," someone behind me chimed. 

"Exactly! How did she get picked?" Another one commented.

"The person before her said she saw her strip to the man. I think that's why he picked her," 

"Yeah. She definitely looked thick. She probably seduced him,"

Now, that got me. I scoffed loudly to get their attention.

"You got a problem, lady?" The last speaker faced me, and I glared in response.

"With you? Yes. You failed, fair and square. You have to envy and spread rumours about her?"

"Yeah, tell that to who doesn't know you spoke to Aryan Alvarez," another person said in her defence.

"She did? Such a hypocrite!"

"Hypocrite? Vermins like you are responsible for the society's stunted growth. Get a life and scurry on, Littleton!" Clara spat from behind and shooed them away.

Thank goodness. I had nothing to say in my defence.

"And, bitch, you spoke to Aryan Alvarez?!" She whispered and hailed a cab.

"You're not answering! Is that true?" Clara was getting anxious, and it wasn't enjoyable. 

"Just get in! I'll explain when we get home," I shrugged and dragged her into the car by her dress' collar.

 ***

ARYAN'S POV

"Hey, bro! Is there anything you'd like to explain?" Kent inquired as he poured himself a drink.

"No," I simply replied and gulped on my drink. I wasn't interested in explaining anything.

"Okay," he replied and gulped his too. That was it? Wouldn't he pester me? That's new.

"But dude. Don't you think you should shed light on this matter? You meet a girl, make contact with her, without a mask! You even flirted with her. Who's she and why do you want to marry her?"

I knew it! Just what I was expecting. He never disappointed me.

"Okay. I found the answer to the WHY question. What about the rest? Who's she? You seem to have met before," he queried, and all I could do was sigh.

"Can I just drink in peace please?"

"Sure," I'm expecting another fuss. "You know, Aryan I wonder sometimes if I'm truly your main man. I should know everything about you! And this should not be an exception!"

"Fine. We met at the hospital once. She spilled coffee on me and that was it."

"And you decided to marry her? You really are unpredictable, Aryan Alvarez," he poured himself another drink.

I asked for a refill and was ignored.

"Just prepare a contract and a little court wedding. I'll drop by tomorrow to get it," I demanded and walked off. My driver should be out by now. It was getting late. 

***

ROSEANNE'S POV

So, you're saying you spilt coffee on The Almighty Aryan Alvarez and left the scene unscathed?" Clara asked for the umpteenth time with her face pale.

"What a beautiful white lie," we said unison, and I laughed.

She would usually utter it when she did not believe any words.

"Believe it or not. Anyway, he wants a wife for reasons known to him. He also said he'll pay me which is exactly why I'm doing this. We'll be meeting tomorrow." 

"He doesn't have a taint to his name, he seems good. I support it. At least I'll be acquainted with a rich man for a while. Hundred days, eh?" She smiled and ushered me up.

"It's getting late. It's your turn to stay with Luca over the night. Take care," she said, giving me what she'd prepared earlier.

"Thank you. Have a good night," I replied and left the apartment.

I hailed a cab and went straight to the hospital.

"We're here miss," I paid him and got into the hospital.

I entered his ward, shared my day experience, and dozed off. 

"Miss, visiting hours are over," a nurse woke me up, and I thanked her and left the hospital.

Oh my goodness, it was almost twelve! 

I went home to at least look decent, only to find a note on the bed with a dress underneath. She wished me good luck, and I wouldn't spill anything on him. That bitch! I dressed up and went off to Two A's after calling Aryan for the umpteenth time to tell him I was in the building, but he wasn't picking up. He was a busy man.

"Miss Jones? I'm Mr. Alvarez's PA. He sent me to you and requested your signature after going through the content. He's in an important meeting," I read through the content, and they were considerate to me. At least, there were no demands from him. 

I hastily signed the signature and left the building. I was disappointed I did not meet him, but it was fine; it was a marriage of convenience, not some lovey-dovey affair. 

*** 

ARYAN'S POV

The meeting ended earlier than expected, but I couldn't catch up with her. I just watched her exit the building, which allowed me to check her out. She wasn't bad. And her fashion sense was decent. 

I called my father and notified him of my marriage, and he sounded joyous. That was what you call things falling into place. He told me he would be getting discharged tomorrow and wanted to see her at home. I agreed and hung up.

"Things are going as you planned. I bet you're happy," he goofed around, and I turned to him, leaving the delightful sight of watching Roseanne walk.

"Spill it out, man." 

"Tell me everything!" He demanded.

"Remember what happened when you did this dance? Of dating and trusting ladies?" He continued, and I cut him off.

"There's no such thing as everything, man. Besides, It's a contract marriage. One of convenience," I fired and looked back, only to see she was gone. A shame. I wanted more.