"Stella's point of view,"
"All of your other conditions are acceptable to me, but the third numbered one is not."
Even before he could sign the papers, his hands froze.
"Why do you disagree with the third point?" I questioned, arching my brows.
"After all, what kind of person do you think I am if you only want to get married to me for a year? I know that my reputation isn't great with you, but it doesn't mean we have to be married by contract."
Oh, so the marriage's ties to this heartless individual do matter.
"But Mr. Woods, our marriage is merely a business arrangement; we are both looking to benefit from our marriage."
What makes this man think that I will spend the rest of my life married to such a haughty man?
"The contract between us has been signed, but I...,"
"Oh, come on, don't ponder too much." Sign the paperwork right away."
What makes him think that I'll grant all of his wishes?
No, not at all. I am better at influencing people than he is. I knew he would not readily accept my demands, but I also understood that he needed me.
My ploy to get him to agree to my demands was successful. I was feeling pleased with myself because I had won.
"I accept your requirements, Miss Parker, but our wedding must take place the next day." He said as he extended the papers in my direction after signing them.
"Tomorrow? Why so soon?" It shocked me as I stared at him.
"Since we have little time." His grave demeanor made it obvious that he was under some sort of pressure when making such a significant decision.
"Okay, Mr. Woods, I don't mind, but how can I get ready for the wedding in such an inconsiderable amount of time?" I questioned in a perplexed tone.
"Relax, Miss Parker, we will invite only close relatives and friends to our simple church wedding." He responded politely.
"Okay," I say with a low voice and a shrug of the shoulders. What else I can say about this emotionless man? I never wanted to get married, and I no longer have any interest in romantic relationships, but I had never considered such a formal marriage. It's like a formal business meeting where one is required to appear in nothing but a bridal gown.
"Your wedding dress has already been prepared and sent to your house. Please make sure you get to church on time tomorrow; I'll take care of the rest." He attempted to establish himself as the most superior, as usual.
"Okay, Mr. Woods," I did my best to contain my rage. However, after observing this man's haughty demeanor, I doubt I will put up with it for very long.
Stella, you have signed a contract with this man. Thus, you need to learn self-control. Stella, act professionally. My inner voice kept telling me to control my rage.
"Now that everything is clear between us, Mr. Woods, I believe I should go," I said as I got out of my chair.
"Miss Parker, please do that crucial thing; I don't believe you have amnesia at all."
Oh my God, this man will stop at nothing to feed his ego. Although we are getting married tomorrow, this man is still waiting for my apology.
"What significant work are you referring to?" I attempted to act ignorant.
"Oh, you forgot? That's okay, I'll remind you once more. You need to apologize to me for the error you made in humiliating me in front of the entire city by winning the polo match and the racing game."
To me, Ethan Woods, who is sitting on the chair in front of me, is no less than a cruel king who is trying to compel his subjects to respect him.
"Can't we agree on another condition instead of this one?"
For what shall I express my regret to him? In all honesty, I prevailed. He had won a game of chess against me, but I didn't ask him to apologize.
"No, Miss Parker; you must make amends to me." Right now, he reminds me of a kid laying on the ground and flailing his arms and legs wildly to win a bag of candies.
"Okay, Mr. Woods, please accept my sincere apologies for losing to you in the polo and racing games." I clenched both of my fists tightly to contain my rage. I fiercely shut both of my eyes at the same moment to avoid glimpsing the triumphant look on that man's face.
"Miss Parker, if you pledge not to make the same error again in the future, I might consider forgiving you." He said while placing his hand on his chin.
"Have you gone insane? I will do nothing like what you want from me;" this man's antics will not stop.
"Miss Parker, if you don't pay attention to me, I won't return the shares to your company...,"
"You have already signed a deal with me, Mr. Woods, so you can not do anything similar. You can no longer back out of our agreement." I prompted him to carefully read the paper's written terms one more time.
"Miss Parker, you can't be trying to cheat on me."
Oh my God, if you listen to this man right now, no one guesses he is the boss of such a large company; he is acting more obstinate than a 3-year-old.
"I haven't cheated you, Mr. Woods; instead, you're relying on me to feed your ego," I responded to him in a furious tone.
"Do you mean you'll try to defeat me once more?" He questioned, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes, of course," I replied, shrugging my shoulders.
"You can't do it?"
"Why, why can't I do it?"
Why is he trying to control me around?
"Because I will be your husband, and no female insults her husband."I listened to him and could not stop giggling.
"Mr. Woods, let me remind you once more that you will only be my legally wedded spouse for one year and that you will not be allowed to me after that." I waved the papers I had taken out of the envelope in front of his eyes.
"Okay, Miss Parker, I understand; there's no need for you to reiterate the agreement we made." He spoke in a hushed tone.
Why do I suddenly notice the melancholy in his eyes? It has undoubtedly depressed him because of not gratifying his ego more.
"Mr. Woods, I'll see you at church tomorrow."I walked over to the parking lot after leaving him there alone.
I can't believe I'm being married tomorrow, and my spouse will be the person I despise the most in the entire world. Although living as a married couple with this conceited man for a year is an enormous challenge for me, for me, this marriage is just a business deal.
However, I would rather put up with this conceited man's tantrums for a year than spend the rest of my life with a greedy person.