Chapter 4. Time To Scam My Future Husband

Copper

"His wife?!"

My mouth hung open in shock.

"That's the last thing I said, yes," Mr. Harmony stated patiently. "Only for a little while, it's not permanent."

Of course I heard everything else he said, about how he wanted to bring me back into the family, and not because of this other rich guy he wants me to marry.

The idea of being an heiress represented something I always dreamed about, but was also terrified of at the same time.

Being a wealthy daughter would have helped my parents a lot, I'm not blind to that. All the things I could do with that money, all the ways I could make sure the people whom always stood by my side live in luxury for the rest of their days.

But there was also the issue where I don't know this man, nor whether what he said was true. For all I know, the Harmony enterprise could be bankrupt and they're trying to use me as the scrap goat. Not cool! I don't like that at all, and I would hate myself for being stupid enough to fall for his tricks.

However, what do I have to lose? If something was wrong with their finances I would find out once I'm there. Plus, I stole a glance at Mom, they need me.

"His parents already know the one he will want to marry. But first they need to bring up her station. She comes from a very low background, so it will be a while before she is respected enough to be considered for marriage with their only son."

I nodded. I pretended to be completely immersed in what he was saying but in reality all I was judging Kenny Greenland's parents in my mind. What a bunch of prudes to think just because someone is poor they aren't worthy of being in their family.

"Yeah, I don't know about that."

He tried to reason with me. "You'll only be a distraction, that's all."

Not helping me feel more inclined to the idea. I can't imagine being just a distraction to a man I married, who doesn't even want me!

Not that I would prefer it that way.

"Sylvester Harmony," he turned to my mother who looked at him incredulously. "Aren't you asking

for too much? She's only nineteen and in highschool! This is her last year and the last thing she needs is a marriage with some stuck up family's son!"

Okay, she was losing herself and it showed. "Mom is right," I held her hand. "School is more important."

Mom smiled and squeezed my hand.

Harmony shook his head so fast I was afraid he would break his neck. "No, I would never separate you from Grace nor stop you from attending classes."

"You wouldn't?" I blinked. "Oh." Well that's good.

"Absolutely not. They are your family, hence they are mine as well."

Mom glanced out the window. Harmony continued.

"How about this? I won't force you to inherit the Harmony estate or abandon your morals. Instead, after the two years you've spent with Kenny and the divorce, you can choose whether to stay in the family or not. If you choose not to, then I will grant you 80 million to do as you wish. Then in another three years I will leave you with an undisclosed amount. That's it. As an added bonus you'll never have to do anything for me again."

I tried to get a read from Grace but she only shrugged, her way of saying 'do what you want to do'. When I looked at Daniel he showed the same sentiment, neither nodding nor shaking his head as he frowned. Guess I couldn't depend on them to make the decision for me.

"Only two years?" By that time I'll be twenty-one with millions I could use to do whatever I wanted. Harmony nodded, lips turned into a smile.

"Two years." He confirmed.

"I'm in."

After all, spending a few hours of my day with someone who would probably cheat on me and stay out of my way didn't seem that bad. What's the worst that could happen when we most likely won't even be sleeping in the same room?

.........................

Kenny

If that man wanted me to do the work and get it done by the end of the day, then he should answer when I send him a message to review the file.

Yet here I am, walking down his floor with a document that should have been approved ages ago in my hands.

My father always had a thing against light colors, so the walls surrounding the pathway to his office were as dark as my button shirt. At least he made sure to install some windows, so the hall wasn't half as dreary compared to the man himself.

"Good morning, Mr. Greenland." Dad's secretary sprang to her feet as soon as she saw me. I nodded in her direction.

"Morning, Miss Smith. Do you know if he's in?" I asked.

"Yes, he will be departing soon, but he is still inside."

After giving her a 'thank you', I took a right and continued to my dad's office.

I knocked on the door once. Then I heard some shuffling from inside. Then laugher. It didn't sound like the way he usually laughed. Way too melodic.

The first knock was just a courtesy. The second never happened. Once I turned the knob and started opening the door, I was hit with a whiff of melon scented perfume. My confusion was pushed aside for the sight I saw in front of me.

Mr. Greenland smiled as a woman straightened his collar and laughed at something he said. I stood and watched, the opening only allowing a sliver of vision. He leaned down and did something, or whispered some words into her ear. Whichever it was, it caused her to smile.

And this raven haired, slender young woman was not my stepmother.

I opened the door all the way, and that woman stepped back until she was two feet away from him. She nodded at Dad then swiftly departed the room, greeting me on the way out. Soon as she was gone, I marched right up to my father.

"At least now I know why you didn't answer your emails," I said. He didn't even try to meet my eyes.

He focused solely on his physical presentation.

"Next time you could have just sent a text," he grumbled.

I sighed and rolled my eyes. "I did, but I didn't get a reply from you," I said.

Dad blew harshly through his nose. "Is that the proposal for Pixel Corp? Give it here."

I handed it to him and waited until he finished reading. In the meantime, I looked around.

Dad liked to surround himself in darkness, said it aided his thoughts. There wasn't a single window in this place, save for a vent right above a set of deep orange antique sofas to help bring oxygen into the room. There was a light bulb smack in the center of the ceiling, yet he only utilized the yellow lamp sitting on his desk.

Nothing was out of place. Not even the cushions.

Was I wrong?

"Great," my attention snapped back to him. He slapped the folder shut and handed it back to me. "But lower the investment by $2,000,000, Oscar will rise it by himself once he sees it."

I nodded. As I took the proposal back I asked him what was on my mind. "Who was she?"

He raised his eyebrow. "An employee."

"She seemed pretty close for an employee."

I started to chuckle but Dad's face showed no expression. He walked up to me, then stared right into my face.

"She. Is. An employee." He emphasized each word. "No more, no less. Now get this done. It's not the only thing I have for you to do today."

He left me standing in his office. I could do nothing more than stare at his back, wondering what exactly his words meant, and why did he feel the need to say it twice.