Celyn woke up to an empty room, the sunlight streaming through the window lighting up the room. She stretched, yawned, and sat up, her expression turned serious as she remembered about last night. She lazily swung her legs from the bed and quickly went to the living room, her eyes searching for Lucian. But he was nowhere to be found. Celyn's gaze narrowed, Wondering where he could have gone. she saw a small note on the table with a business card attached to it. Lucian's card.
She picked it up, her eyebrows frowning, wondering why he had left before she woke up. Didn't he want to talk to her? Thank her for saving his life? She shrugged, deciding not to concentrate on it. After all, she had her own life to live.
Celyn showered, made breakfast, got dressed, and headed out to start her day. She spent the morning shopping for new clothes and accessories, feeling like a new person. She even treated herself to a fancy lunch at a nearby restaurant.
Meanwhile, Lucian was having a very different morning. He arrived at the Olivares mansion and was greeted by his mother, Florencia. A beautiful woman, whose looks had faded with time.
"Lucian, darling, I'm so glad you're here," Florencia said, air-kissing his cheeks. "I have some news to share with you. Raven's family has agreed to the marriage, and we're finalizing the details."
Lucian's expression turned cold, his eyes narrowing. "Mother, I don't want to marry Raven. I've told you that before."
Florencia's face frowned, but she quickly recovered. "Nonsense, son.You need to settle down now that you're CEO of Olivares Corporation. Raven is a suitable match, and her family will bring valuable connections to our business."
Lucian's discomfort increased even more, but he kept calm. "I'll think about it, Mother."
With this, he left from there. Leaving florencia with a puzzled expression ,Florencia sighed
At the Olivares corporation, in the president's office, Lucian met with his assistant, Zack. "I need you to investigate those mysterious men who attacked me yesterday," Lucian said, his tone firm. "I want to know who they are and what they want."
Zack nodded quickly in agreement "Already on it, sir. But I have to say, you seem... different today. More... relaxed."
Lucian smiled, a cold, calculating smile. "Just focused, Zack. Now, about Celyn... I want to give her something in return for saving my life. She's a remarkable woman."
Zack raised an eyebrow, Lucian had told her all about celyn earlier."Remarkable? Sir, you're not usually so enthusiastic about people."
Lucian's face turned expressionless "Just do as I say, Zack. I want to make sure Celyn is taken care of."
Just then, a knock interrupted them. Zack glanced at the surveillance camera, seeing who it was. He cleared his throat " hgm, sir. You have a visitor "
Lucian frowned as he looked at the camera, it was Raven, his arranged marriage partner standing at the office door step with one of his other assistant trying to stop her
Lucian eyes rolled heavenward, signalling Zack to let her in
Zack nodded and opened the door for her,
Lucian looked up to see raven, dressed elegantly and her blonde hair styled perfectly
"Raven" he muttered, his tone low and flat "what brings you here?"
Raven lips curved in a a smile, her eyes sparkling " I just wanted to see you darling, we haven't talked in a while"
Lucian's eyebrows raised " we haven't talked in a while Raven, Our families have already arranged everything "
Raven's face fell, but she quickly recovered. "I know, lucian.but I thought we'd...discuss it at a personal level."
Lucian's expression turned cold "I'm afraid I'm not interested in discussing this in a personal way, this is a business arrangement and nothing more"
Raven's face fell, flashing with disappointment, but she didn't want to push the matter further. She gave a small nod " will talk about this some other day." She said before turning to leave
Lucian shrugged, his tone dismissive. "Whatever, Raven. Just leave me alone."
Lucian's gaze lingered on Raven until she left, closing the door behind her. Lucian's face flashed with frustration, rubbing his temples
Zack chuckled at the scene " sir, you're being forced in an arranged marriage because madam thinks you're not emotionally interested in women"
Lucian's eyes rolled heavenward, " I can only marry someone I love, not a business marriage"
Zack chuckled, shaking his head
" Well sir, how do you plan on rewarding the girl who helped you... what's her name again uh...?"
Lucian's eyebrows arched, his eyes flashed with excitement. A calculating smile playing on his lips " Celyn! Yes... This is it." His voice laced with excitement, as if he came up with an escape plan
Zack said " oh yeah, celyn." His face flashed with curiosity as he said
" What about her?."
Later that day, Celyn was enjoying watching a movie in her apartment when she received an anonymous call. "Hello, Celyn. Our boss wants to see you. Please come to Olivares corporation"
Celyn's curiosity was piqued, her eyebrows arched in surprise "Who is your boss? And what does he want with me?"
The caller chuckled. "Don't worry, Celyn. We mean no harm. Our boss knows who you are, and he's willing to make you an offer you can't refuse."
Celyn's mind was racing as the caller hung up, _olivares corporation? Is it Lucian who asked him to call me?_ celyn thought
" wait, is this some new plot again?!" She muttered to herself, remembering what happened last night but she decided to play along. She quickly got ready and left.
Celyn arrived at olivares corporation, a sleek, modern building, her heart racing with anticipation. She had no idea what to expect from the mysterious meeting, but she was determined to make a good impression. As she entered the office building, she was greeted by a sleek reception area and a friendly receptionist.
"Hi, can I help you?" the receptionist asked, smiling.
"I'm celyn da silver Santos, I'm here to see... um... Your boss?" Celyn replied, unsure of Lucian's title in the company
The receptionist nodded. "Ah, yes. Mr. Olivares is expecting you. Please, take a seat."
Celyn nodded as she sat down, glancing around the reception area. Her gaze fell out on a woman standing by the window, chatting with one of the employees in a friendly manner, her voice could be heard from afar. Celyn's face laced with curiosity. Who was this woman, and why did she seem so familiar and so over comfortable with the company ?
Celyn entered the office, she was shocked to see Lucian sitting behind the desk, looking every inch the powerful CEO. His office, spacious
"Celyn," he said, standing up. "Welcome. I'm glad you could make it."
Celyn's eyes widened. "You're... The boss?"
Lucian smiled, a charming smile. "I am. And I have a proposal for you, Celyn. A contract marriage, for one year. In return, I'll give you a nice job, status, and a generous allowance." He said, in a rush
Celyn's jaw dropped. "Why would you offer me this? And what's in it for you?"
Lucian leaned back in his chair, tenting his fingers. "I'm not interested in marriage, Celyn. Not ever. But I need a wife, for appearances' sake. And I think you'd be perfect for the role."
Celyn's eyes narrowed, for a moment she couldn't utter a word, disbelief flashing on her face
Lucian's gaze lingered on Celyn's puzzled expression, clearing his throat " I know... you're confused, probably because we just met yesterday due to unforseen circumstances. But this marriage will just be a put on, and it's going to save me from an arranged marriage."
Celyn shook her head, a hint of amusement dancing on her lips. "Tempting offer, but no. I'm not interested in being a prop for your convenience."
Lucian's eyebrows arched, annoyance etched on his face. "Celyn, you don't have to worry about our lives after this marriage. We'll just live our normal lives... without performing any couple duties."
Celyn laughed, a sweet sound that filled the room. "You want to use me as a shield, an excuse for not marrying the woman your parents arranged for you? That's crazy. What about my life?"
Lucian's expression turned serious, his eyes filled with concern. He rose from the chair, squatting down before Celyn, his hand touching hers. "You'll get everything you want, Celyn. A job, a status, everything. Just sign the contract."
Celyn's gaze wavered, her firmness softening. She hesitated for a moment before nodding. "But this is just a business arrangement, Lucian. Don't expect anything more from me."
Celyn's mind was reeling, but she saw the opportunity. She could marry Lucian, get the money and status she needed, and then divorce him to start her new life and find her real husband. She smiled, a calculating smile.
"I accept," she said, extending her hand.
Lucian's eyes lit up, and he shook her hand, thinking he has found an escape plan from his mother's plan.
Little did Celyn know, she was stepping into a world of intrigue, power struggles, and hidden secrets. But she was ready to play the game, for now.