PROLOGUE

I was just barely retrieving myself from being useless. I was a happy-go-lucky kinda person back then. I had no other thoughts but myself because my family had always supported me. I never thought that I'd reach this point where I had to accept my boss's offer to be his fake wife.

Why would I decline it? I'm indebted to him and in exchange of my freedom I needed this arranged marriage. So here I am now in my boss/husband's room to discuss the things that couldn't be done during this arrangement.

"You are not allowed to enter any relationship within the period of this marriage," he said seriously.

My eyes widened. "As in even flings? Nothing at all?"

He looked at me solemnly. "I am a very possessive man, Iris. I don't like sharing."

My hairs at the back of my neck stood up. It was such a pleasure getting an attention like this from him. Shit. Right at this moment I knew I would be fuck up if this end.

"I understand," I agreed with him.

"Don't be clingy in public or even in private. You have to ask for permission before doing so."

I almost rolled my eyes. I never thought his rules was this ridiculous. He was making me feel like he was way above me, and yes, I knew he was. But he wanted me to submit all the way to him.

"You have to follow everything I say without complaining."

"I'm only your fake wife," I reminded him. "Why does every move I make need your approval?"

"Because I am your boss too, Ms. Villafuente," he said like a businessman trying to persuade his point.

I was having second thought if I could manage to do all of this since I'm used to get what I wanted all the time. I'm not the type who would submit herself for a man. But he was not just an ordinary man. He was my boss.

I wanted to storm out already but suddenly I thought about my family. Yes, I needed to do this for them. My life had also been good since birth; it was full of support, love and material things. But I guessed there was always a substitute for all that; a payback.

"Okay, Mr. Esqueza," I replied weakly.

He smirked. Oh my god! This man! He was enjoying the way I would agreed to whatever he was saying. But this side was better since he was the type you didn't want to mess up with. Well, if he wasn't this charming and handsome, I would never agreed to this.

"But you still have every right to stop this arrangement."

"Even if I sign something? I can stop when I don't want to?"

"Why can't you? This arrangement should be mutual. I don't like forcing things, Iris. You tell me to stop, I'll end it. It's simple as that."

He slowly approached my place until my eyes were focused on his perfect damn face. I sniffed. He smelled so damn good and expensive. Which made me question, why am I here and why he chosed me to be here?

"How will it be paid then?" I asked, voice hoarse.

"I'll talk to your Dad and the risk you'll be putting your family." He brushed the hair on my face then tucked it behind my ears.

"You are such a manipulative person, Zach..." I whispered without taking my eyes off from him.

His lips twitched. "What did you call me?"

"Zach..." I repeated, my mind wasn't thinking straight.

"I am the boss and you're calling me what?"

Oh, he was never backing down. I rolled my eyes. "Sir..."

"You can call me Sir or Mr. Esqueza all the time unless I tell you so to call me by my name."

"What if I forgot?"

His eyes darkened. "Then you have to face the consequence of that action."

"Consequence?" I asked confused.

"Like a punishment, Iris."

Consequence? Punishment? This was funny, I felt like a child. What he would do then? Spank me like my Mom used to do with me whenever I made mistakes back then? I suddenly laughed at the idea.

His face went serious. He took a step back. "Is there anything funny, Iris?" he asked while fixing the paper infront of him.

I swallowed. "Nothing, Sir..."

"One of these days you'll know about it. But for now, read and sign this. You can leave it on your room's desk once you're done. Now, go to your room," he dismissed like a boss that he was.

He handed me the paper. "Thank you, Sir," I told him again, exaggerating the word 'sir'. 

But he turned around and didn't answer me. Very moody. It's been a while since I'd felt like this and now, I'd been treated like a slave to follow every rules he had.

I crossed my arms. "I'm coming out, Mr. Esqueza," I repeated so that he would give me a little attention.

He never looked at me again. Even a single answers, nothing. What an asshole. I stumbled out of his room. As soon as I'm out, my heart was a bit heavy. My thoughts consuming me. I don't know if it's the right thing to do. It was like forgetting who I am for the sake of money.

I leaned against the door. I hope this would be all worth it in the end. I'm not sure but hopefully there would be a good outcome. I also don't know why he chose me. He was a billionaire and also CEO of Esqueza's Corporation, why would he had to do this arranged marriage with me? There were lots of women better than me so why me?

I breathe heavily, feeling overwhelmed all at once. Shooing my thoughts away.

"Goodnight, Mr. Esqueza ..." I whispered one more time, hoping he could hear it.

When I gathered my strength and returned to my senses I made my way to my room. It looked like it's going to be a long night of overthinking again. I'm going to wake up again. When I lied down, I kept asking myself if this was really the solution to my problem.

Arranged marriage to my boss? For real?