Chapter 2: Synergy

Eleanor’s POV

I do not presume that the state of my mind can process the whole thing. Mixed emotions are hitting me, especially being overwhelmed. Maybe I exaggeratedly underestimated the boringness of my life earlier this day.

“Eleanor, dear? Any response? Are you sure you are fine? I was discussing with you concerns for consecutively 10 minutes but seems like you are not with usual yourself.” “Dad, why did you just state this about me now? You never warned me before or even gave me any genuine hints about it for me to be ready. Of course, I am too stunned to think about that news. Who wouldn’t?” He looked down and took a deep breath.

“Yes, you are certainly right. This has shocked you. I should’ve told you earlier or begun to prepare you in your teenage years. Although this is for your own sake—”

“Dad, you constantly tell me that it is always for my own good. I completely understand that in mind, but why? I feel like you are going to give me away like an offering or a proposal to somebody.”

“You are accumulating this in an incorrect way, Eleanor. That is not what I am eager to accomplish. Yes, he is a massive business partner, and his father was my best childhood friend. You haven’t intermingled with them yet since they live across the country. Dylan is a nice kid who is also quite attractive." He chuckled.

“I wish for you to be with someone who would genuinely take care of you.”

“Are you sure that you are not just doing this frankly for business?”

"To be honest, there is some of it. But it is mainly for you. Dylan is subsequently successful in life and in his enterprise.”

“You mean, his liquor business?”

“Yes, you’ve guessed it right. In relation to our liquor business, which you would also inherit. He would even educate you on concepts that you should learn about running our company. Honey, you are the only heir of my hard work.” That is a lot of pressure, but I have no choice but to say yes.

Needless to say, I do not want that the hard work of dad will be granted to others or fade away effortlessly.

“Dad, I primed myself for the company, but for someone in marriage, I am still in a comprehensive shock.” 

Everything is just turning too fast.

“Please, trust me with this.” He grabbed my hand and looked at me with great expectation. I strongly want to reject it, but it is my father's desire.

“Fine, dad! Just make sure that he is kind and respectful.” I can’t stand declining my dad’s demands. My trust in him is immoderate. I can deal with my life the way he wishes. Besides, I don’t really see what I intend to do in life. It is better for me to go along with him and just watch where the flow would take me.

My only concern right now is how I will definitely resolve the marriage I am obligated to.

“That’s my daughter! As a result, I have opted to eliminate your curfew. Instead of 12 a.m., you could stay outside for as long as you want and then go home regardless of what happens. Because of this arranged marriage, I have conceptually realized that you are already a 20-year-old adult. But keep in mind to be responsible enough, please. I am refraining from being strict because I know that arranging marriage is already exorbitant, but I am hoping that you wouldn’t waste this opportunity.”

“Really?!” Finally, good news struck my life! Despite being locked in an engagement, this news makes me feel like a free bird.

“Yes, but I will reiterate this, looks like you misheard it. I said, know your responsibilities because if not, I will revoke it.”

"What kinds of irresponsibility do you mean?"

“Anything that would cause your or our lives difficulties, problems, or uncertain happenings. Why? Do you intend to do some?”

“No! I was just purely asking to know my boundaries.”

“So, I suppose we are decided at this point, go to your room and dress respectably. Dylan is on his way here for you to have your initial, concrete meeting and for us to talk.”

"Dad, are you serious?! Right now?!”

“Yep, he will be here in 30 minutes. Don’t worry too much, you could just merely welcome him. We are going to have a discussion about business.”

“Sure, but still, I must go and prep myself! I am still in my pajamas!” I ran swiftly past his office, continued to my room, and confined myself in it.

What am I supposed to do now? Layer upon layer of problems stirred me up!

Incredulous, unbelievable, and dubious are the three keywords that could describe my state as of now. I am conjugally married to an Alpha and preparing to be married to another Alpha. But I am just a simple half-blooded werewolf who knows nothing significant in life! How could I presume to tell it to dad?

You are probing and dissecting possible consequences again, Eleanor. For now, consider calming down first because the other man is approaching!

In the meantime, prepare, groom yourself, and face him as if nothing is taking place. Conceive the other Alpha soon after dealing with this.

--

“You look gorgeous, I am sure he would appreciate your presence. But you appear to be nervous. Give away that feeling, it’s too transparent to see as crystal clear.” Dad frustrates me.

"Who wouldn't be concerned about this troubling condition?"

“Here he comes,”

Dad and I are abundantly waiting for him beyond the colossal door of our mansion. He enters the gate with a dark, black, and shiny limousine. His limousine continued to move slowly as it came through our orbit.

His deputy opened the door of the limousine, and he moved out of it with full poise. You can recognize his wealth by seeing him. Undeniably, he is handsome with how his hair looks, the way he dresses, and the way he smiles…

“Good afternoon, Mr. Stein, and of course,” He took my hand in his and kissed it, full of respect.

“Good afternoon to you, Eleanor.” This is consequently awkward! I couldn’t glance at him with a straight in the eyes. I just gazed everywhere, but not at him. I couldn’t even communicate!

“That’s really her Dylan, naturally shy at first. Anyway, Eleanor, why won't you welcome him into our mansion?" Dad widened his eyes at me as a warning to fix myself.

“Y-yeah! We should get inside the mansion to have a better c-conversation.” This is me, stuttering over again.

“No worries, Mr. Stein. She looks even cuter for me.” He smiles widely, which makes his eyes sparkle brighter. 

--

It has been almost three hours since Dylan came here and had a prolonged conversation with Dad. They went straight to Dad’s office after I timidly welcomed him. I felt like I had humiliated myself in front of him heretofore.

I am merely settling here in my room, processing matters and thoughts.

*Knock (3x)

“Eleanor?” It is Dylan! I quickly stood up, fixed myself, and looked in my mirror to verify that my complexion is in good order.

“Yes?” I slowly opened the door and saw him standing tall. My head angles upward because of his towering height. He utterly stares at me. My current state is comparable to an ice cream that is on the verge of melting.

“D-do you need something?” I spoke once again to grab his attention. He moved closer and fixed a part of my hair with his bare hand.

“You really look pretty and innocent.” My cheeks are probably turning into red cherries. “T-thanks?” One word came out of my mouth. I get even more shy if someone compliments me. 

“Well, I do have to go now, and I willingly landed here to say goodbye. Until our next meeting,”

“Bye, take care on your way.” He smiles and leaves.

As I shut my door, I heard my phone ringing.

It is a call from an unknown phone number.

“Greetings, may I know who this is calling and the intention of this call?” I answered. “Eleanor Stein, right?” When I heard the bare voice of this caller, I did not know why my heart was beating at a fast rate. The voice is so husky that it caught my attention very well.

“Yes.” I plainly answered.

“This is Zayn, your husband. Can we meet for further discussion about our sudden situation?” I abruptly stopped walking around my room because of what he uncomplicatedly said.

“Where did you get my phone number?”

“That doesn’t matter anymore, and don’t bother to ask unimportant questions. So, are you free or not?” His voice is undoubtedly broad and handsome, but he seems to be cold and intimidating.

Looking on the bright side, it is an advantage for both of us that he called. We really need to talk about our serious situation.