Amber p.o.v
Amber spent the next few days weighing her options. Marrying Alexander would solve her financial woes, but at what cost? She'd be tied to a man who saw her as a business transaction, not a partner.
One evening, Lily joined Amber for a walk in the park.
"Have you decided?" Lily asked, concern etching her face.
"I'm leaning toward yes," Amber admitted. "But I want guarantees."
"What kind?"
"Assurance that our agreement will be temporary, and I'll receive fair compensation."
Lily nodded. "You're playing this smart."
The next day, Amber met Alexander at his office.
"I accept your proposal," Amber said, her voice firm. "But I have conditions."
Alexander raised an eyebrow. "I'm listening."
"First, our marriage will be temporary – one year, max."
Alexander nodded. "Agreed."
"Second, I want a guaranteed settlement of 25 percent of your company."
Alexander's expression turned calculating. "Done. Wait what? 25 percent."
"Yes. Or would there be an issue with you fulfilling it?" She asked with a straight face.
"Fine 25 percent it is." He said with a sigh.
"Third, I want a clause ensuring my freedom after the divorce."
Alexander smiled. "You drive a hard bargain, Amber."
The contract was drafted, and Amber signed, sealing her fate.
I went home thinking about what I was getting myself into. 'I don't like him, so how is it going to work.'. I kept pondering on what could go wrong. What if his dad funds out? What would happen if my family also funds out it was a fake marriage?. How roasted I would be.
But looking on the positive side I would gain much more than what we bargained on. The publicity and also different major company coming in for business deals.
I closed my eyes to clear off the thought running through my head. 'Well it not a bad idea.' I thought, before been pulled into a dreamless sleep.
I woke up with a slightly throbbing headache. I checked the time and it was just 4am in the morning. Since I was awake, I decided to go for a run.
I came back sweating profusely like I had gone for a marathon.'phew' I was tired as f**k. Got to the fridge, took out a bottle of water and drank to my fill, closing the door I saw the questioning face of lily standing just behind the fridge.
"Oh my!.. You scared me. What are you doing awake by this time?" I asked, taking a glimpse at my wrist watch.
She moved passed me, taking a bottle of water "Came to grab some water. What about you?." she creased her brow in a questioning manner.
I reluctantly replied, " well I couldn't sleep, so I went for a run."
"Still thinking about the wedding?." Lily's face was laced with concern. I knew she was as worried as.
"Yeah." I replied absent mindely, "what if his father finds out it a sham marriage, it would bad for the company. ". I made known my worries.
Lily sighed, " you know, you shouldn't think to much about it, just let it happen. His father won't know, I don't think he would through this great length just for his father to later find out it was a scam."
"Well, you're right." I sighed in utter confusion. "Let see as it goes ."
"I would be going back to bed then." She left.
I went upstairs, where I got dressed for work, even though I didn't feel like working, I still had to, it is my responsibility.
I kept spacing out during a conference meeting, "Miss Amber, what do you think about the globally publicity of Ambethan new island project." "Miss Amber.. Miss Amber. "
"Miss Amber." Stacey called out on low whispers as she gently tapped me.
"Yes.. Yes I think it's great." I replied with a half smile, which was very fake.
"That should be all for today." I dismissed the meeting earlier than expected.
I buried myself into my work, I was so focused on my work that I didn't rember to have lunch, I worked overtime today just so I could get my mind of Alex proposal. It was a good one for both of us, I can't help but wonder how I am going to put up him, he is basically the one person I hated.
I got home, feeling exhausted and also famished. All thanks to Mrs mercy, I had a very wonderful meal which I didn't have to share with lily, my portion was hidden from her and when I was home she was busy with her research ( spying job ) work.
*** Few weeks later**
I couldn't Still believe I was getting married to Alexander Grey, my sole enemy. If only joy was a person, it would have been my dad, who beaming in all happiness and joy. Ethan on the other hand wasn't as joyous as my dad and everyone. He was sad that I was leaving, I was getting married. I had to promise him I would also remember our us day.
Yeah a day where we both hang out together with lily and her boyfriend.
The glaring sunlight fell into window, refracting the light and brightening up the room with it's beauty.
On the bed was, me enjoying my beauty sleep, forgetting about what event was taking place.
The bedroom door flew open, and a half dressed lily came to view. She walked up to the sleeping Amber. "Amber...Amber." she yelled into Amber ears, as it is her usual way of waking her up, whenever she is making them late for an appointment or event.
I woke up, searching for lily, I knew she was the only one who would dare to scream into my ear.
"Whatttt!." I yelled at her. I took a moment yo observe her, she was dressed up, what for' I thought.
"Why are you dressed up?" I asked having no idea why.
Lily stared at me for a while, I guess asking herself why she was friends with me, I was always forgetting about important events.
"It you're wedding dummy." She smacked me on the head in annoyance and a bit of astonishment.