001. Arranged Date With... An Eight-Year-Old?

The soft light from chandeliers lit up the restaurant, creating a cozy and elegant atmosphere. 

People chatted quietly as silverware clinked on fine china, soft jazz played in the background, and the delicious smells of grilled steak and aged wine filled the air around tables covered in clean white tablecloths.

Alex Ramos adjusted his badge and checked his watch. Again.

Across from him, his partner Jenna took another leisurely sip of her wine, clearly entertained by his impatience.

"Well, your matchmaking effort was a total waste today," Alex muttered, shooting her a look of mild irritation. "She isn’t here, so I should probably take my leave."

Jenna rolled her eyes. "You’re impossible, you know that? Maybe she just got caught up in traffic."

"Or maybe she wasn’t interested in a blind date with a detective."

"Or maybe you should stop acting like this is a murder investigation and relax," Jenna countered. "God, no wonder you’re single."

Alex exhaled through his nose, already regretting letting his partner talk him into this. He had zero interest in forced romance, especially when orchestrated by someone else. 

But she had insisted, saying she knew someone who’d be perfect for him.

"One dinner," she’d said. "Worst case, you get a good meal. Best case, you stop being a stubborn pain in my ass."

So far, all he’d gotten was an empty chair across from him and a growing sense of irritation.

He was just about to push his chair back when the restaurant doors swung open.

A hush fell over the room.

Two large men in tailored suits entered first, scanning the room like trained security. Their movements were sharp, and their faces were serious. 

Alex did not need to be told that they were bodyguards... highly skilled and well-trained. He immediately straightened, his instincts on high alert.

Then, between them, walked a little girl.

She was small, probably around eight or nine years old, but she carried herself like a queen looking over her court. 

Her glossy black hair was tied up in a neat high ponytail, and her bright green eyes scanned the room with a thoughtful expression that seemed much older than her age. She wore a designer dress and shiny shoes, and a confidence that said she belonged here.

The moment she stepped forward, her guards parted for her like a royal procession.

And then her gaze landed directly on him.

Alex noticed Jenna tense up next to him, making him straighten his back as the tension tightened in his shoulders.

The girl walked confidently, completely unfazed by the curious looks being cast her way. The entire restaurant seemed to collectively hold its breath as she made her way to his table.

Without hesitation, she stopped at his side, tilting her chin up.

"Mr. Ramos?" she asked in clear, well-polished English.

Alex exchanged a glance with Jenna, then looked back at the little girl. "…Yes?"

Without waiting for an invitation, she slid into the chair across from him. The waiter hesitated for a moment, then quickly brought her a glass of sparkling water. 

She accepted it with a graceful nod, took a slow sip, then set it down with perfect composure.

She folded her hands neatly on the table.

"I'm sorry for keeping you waiting," she said in a businesslike tone. "There was slight traffic from the airport. Shall we begin?"

Alex blinked.

Jenna blinked.

The entire restaurant—at least, those still watching—seemed frozen in confusion.

Alex leaned forward slightly, looking amused. "And you are…?"

The girl met his gaze without hesitation. "I'm Pearl Reed," she declared. "And I’m representing my mom today."

He arched a brow. "Representing your mom?"

She nodded. "Yes. She needs a husband, and I need a daddy."

Silence.

For a long moment, Alex could only stare.

He was a trained detective, a highly skilled negotiator, and secretly, the boss of one of the most powerful underground mafia syndicates in the country. He had faced down murderers, arms dealers, and rival mafia leaders without breaking a sweat.

But an eight-year-old just walked into one of the city’s most expensive restaurants and proposed marriage negotiations like a seasoned diplomat.

He had no idea how to respond to this.

Jenna, on the other hand, was barely holding in her laughter.

"Excuse me," she wheezed, covering her mouth. "Did you just say—?"

"I said, my mom needs a husband, and I need a daddy," Pearl repeated matter-of-factly. She took another sip of water before continuing, "You seem like a decent candidate."

Alex’s mouth twitched. "A… candidate?"

"Yes." Pearl nodded seriously. "You meet the qualifications. You have a respectable job. You have no known criminal record." She paused. "That I could find."

Alex’s brows shot up.

"You’re not ugly," she continued, as if evaluating a specimen. "And you have a very calm personality, which means you won’t stress out my mom too much. That’s a plus."

Jenna lost it.

Alex dragged a hand down his face. "You decided all of this?"

"Of course," Pearl said, looking almost offended at the question. "I did a background check."

"You did a background check? On me?"

Pearl nodded. "I wouldn't choose just anyone. My mom deserves the best."

Jenna leaned in, still grinning. "Alex, I love this kid."

Alex exhaled, turning back to Pearl. "Look, uh… Pearl, I think there’s been a misunderstanding. I was here for a date, not an arranged marriage discussion with a seven, probably eight-year-old."

Pearl sighed dramatically. "I’m eight. And I knew you’d be stubborn. That’s why I came prepared."

She raised her hand, and one of her bodyguards stepped forward to hand her a folder.

Alex instinctively tensed. Something about this kid screamed danger.

She slid the folder across the table.

He hesitated before picking it up and flipping it open.

His brain short-circuited.

MARRIAGE PROPOSAL AGREEMENT

He blinked. Read it again.

"You have twenty-four hours to consider," Pearl said smoothly. "I expect an answer by tomorrow."

Jenna was now crying with laughter.

Alex slowly set the folder down. "I… I don’t think it works this way, Pearl."

"Why not?" she countered.

"Because marriage isn't something you negotiate like a business deal!"

"That’s exactly how business deals work," Pearl pointed out. "And you and my mom are both business-minded people, so it’s the most logical approach."

Alex opened his mouth and then closed it. He had nothing.

Before he could formulate a response, Pearl pulled out her phone.

"Let’s take a picture,” she said, turning her back towards him from her seat.

"A—what? No—"

Click.

She took a selfie, grinning. Then she smirked.

"Perfect. Now I have proof we met."

Alex groaned. "Kid—"

"You have twenty-four hours," Pearl interrupted, sliding out of her chair. Her guards immediately moved to flank her. "I’ll see you soon, Mr. Ramos."

And just like that, she turned on her heel and strode out, her bodyguards opening the door as she left.

Alex stared at the empty chair, his mind struggling to process what had just happened.

Jenna wiped away tears of laughter. "Oh my God, Alex," she gasped. "You are so screwed."

Alex just ran a hand down his face.

What the hell just happened?