4

"You?"

"What're you doing here?" He growled.

Seeing the rage in his cold eyes, I trembled with fear. He had such a scary look.

"Wait, you guys know each other?" Natasha and Karen asked at the same time.

By now, everyone went quiet and the atmosphere felt quite tensed up.

"Well, we did meet. He came to our University for a board meeting. I was with the Managing Director so he must've seen me" I quickly speak up.

"She was-" He spoke again.

I didn't even know his full name.

"I'm Natalie Karina Salvatore" I extend my hand.

"Lorenzo James Maxfield" He shook my hand while giving me a suspicious face.

Oh right. Mom texted me his name. I just remembered.

"Okay, you guys can have your space" Chris said, sounding more suspicious.

"Don't worry, we won't disturb you. Anyway, a different room with separate dinner has been prepared for you so you can make your way to the first floor" Vinnie said.

The manager leads us to the first floor.

"This way" The manager led us.

When we got in the room, the door is closed from outside and we both settle down.

"What in the hell are you doing here? And why were you at the University?" Lorenzo bombarded questions at me.

"Woah, hold on. Let me explain myself" I said.

"Sure" He said, taking a deep breath while having a sip of the wine served to us.

"Look, I'm an Economics Professor at the University and I had no idea about this wedding until now. Don't look at me like it's my fault" I said in a matter-of-fact tone.

"I don't know how we met, how we're getting married and why all these is happening but I want to set up a contract. We'll both have custody over different things but I want you to listen to my terms and conditions first" Lorenzo said in a business tone and I somehow felt my heart drop.

His words hit me like poison arrows. I didn't want to agree to anything he was going to say, but I still listened.

"First, you will not interfere in my personal life

Second, you can have your way when it comes to parties, affairs and boyfriends until and unless you cause any scandals

Third, we will be staying at my parents' place for maybe a month or so. Until then you have to, or I guess I have to bear the pain of sharing a room with you. Once we move into our new home, you'll have your own bedroom.

Fourth, we will get a divorce after a year. So basically, we both go our separate ways and live happily ever after" He stated his conditions.

What the hell? What is happening right now? Am I signing up for a contract marriage?

"Wait, what's in it for me?" I asked, unsure about everything he just said.

"You get your personal space. And you get to live your life like you did before" He spoke in a tone, sturdier than iron.

I did not like it. At all. I felt disappointed. At least even if it was arranged by our families, I expect to work it out.

"Okay. I get it. But please don't act cold in front of the others. They are really happy with this and I can't disappoint them, especially in front of our grandparents" I said in a small voice.

"Sure. Why not? I can at least agree to one of your condition. Here, sign this confidentiality contract" He passed me a file.

"What for?" I asked.

"Just in case you forget about our contract. These papers will remind you. And don't worry, I've already signed them. Only your signature is required now" Lorenzo spoke, not a hint of emotion in his tone.

I take the papers and go through the terms and conditions though he already explained it to me and then only, I sign it.

After I'm done signing, he takes the papers and goes through it and I take my sweet time in studying his facial features, his eyes were really pretty and his lashes were long. His jawline was perfect and he matched up to a very good impression of him.

A God.

I further looked down and noticed the Rolex watch that he wore and the fitting tuxedo that clung to his body tightly.

Seriously, Natalie?

I shouldn't be appreciating his beauty! Instead, I should be condemning and hating him for what he did to me.

"Just because we're married, doesn't make us a real couple. Take it as a contract" He said in a business tone before leaving.

"Like I want to be with you" I muttered under my breath as my tears threatened to spill.

After he leaves, I calm myself and take deep breaths until my tears dry up.

I slowly get up from my seat and walked down to the main hall where everybody else was seated.

Lorenzo was talking with my parents and he was laughing. He was genuinely laughing. He looked happy with this marriage.

If he didn't tell me about the contract earlier, I would've presumed that he was really looking forward to this marriage.

Sadly, it's not what I hoped it would be.

"Psst! He's not that bad" Tony whispered in my ear.

"Shut up. You don't know anything" I grunted.

"What do I not know?" He asked, taking a sip of his champagne.

"Nothing" I said as I walked away.

"Okay, everybody. Let's take a group photo to mark the first official meeting of the Salvatores and the Maxfields" Mrs. Maxfield clapped her hands together to get everybody's attention.

Lorenzo and I was forced to sit in the middle of the elegant sofa, our parents and grandparents on our sides and then our aunts, uncles, siblings and cousins stood behind.

One of the manager came in with a camera and clicked our photos.

"Mr. Maxfield. Miss Salvatore. Please sit closer" The manager requested and I tried my best not to roll my eyes.

After having to sit all close with Lorenzo, I finally stood up and made my way to the elders. I wished them and then, went on my way to leave for home.

"Natalie. You go ahead with your cousins, we will further decide on the wedding date tonight and then, we'll meet you at home" Mom said as Mrs. Maxfield came to take her away for discussion.

I nod my head, bid my goodbyes and turn to the front door when Lorenzo's Grandma calls me.

"Natalie"

"Yes, Grandma?" I asked.

"Let Lorenzo drop you off to your car" She said.

"Oh, Grandma. It's not a problem. My car is parked right outside" I smiled.

"Of course, he has to accompany you to your car" His grandpa came.

"James. Come here, my boy" Grandpa called Lorenzo.

"What is it, Grandpa?" Lorenzo asked.

"Drop Karina to her car" He said, somewhat, ordered.

"Yes" He mumbled before accompanying me out.

"Y'know... you don't have to do this. I have two legs. Of course, I can walk to my car by myself" I said.

"I've already signed the contract where it clearly says that I'll show affection in front of our family members" Lorenzo said, not a bit affected by what I was trying to say.

"Ugh, whatever" I mumbled before getting in the car.

Jones started driving, following the other cars that carried my cousins and siblings.

"Congratulations, Miss" Jones smiled.

"Don't bother. It's my worst nightmare" I groaned.

"Miss, don't worry. I felt that way too. But then, arranged marriages are not so bad. My marriage was arranged too but it turned out so well" He said in a positive tone.

"Do you have kids?" I asked him.

"Yes, three. Two boys and a girl" He smiled dreamily.

"Oh, that's nice" I said before turning away and bluntly looked past all the street lights that we were passing through.

Oh, Jones. Little do you know that all arranged marriages don't work.

I have been coaxed into an arranged marriage with a person who I didn't know, existed until a few days ago.

I hope that I can make this marriage work.

I very much do. I can't say my wedding vows without meaning them.

I hate this. I hate everything that's happening now. I hate how Lorenzo is so negative regarding the idea of this marriage.

But I can't blame him either. He has very right to feel this way.