Chapter 8

CHAPTER NINE

CHRISTINES POV

It’s been three days since Angela and Katy launched what they called “Operation husband hunt” and so far it has been nothing but exhausting. I have gone on two coffee dates and one dinner date, and each left me feeling more drained than the last.

On Monday there was Ethan a financial analyst who spent the entire hour talking non stop about the finance market and how he planned to retire by thirty five. He did not ask me a single question about myself, only paused to sip his coffee before continuing another monologue about digital investments.

On Tuesday, there was Mark a personal trainer with biceps bigger than my thigh. He called me ‘babe’ five minutes into the conversation and asked if I’d be willing to wake up at 4 AM daily to train with him so we could be a ‘power couple.’ I nearly choked on my latte.I was scarred that night.

And last night was Noah a pediatric surgeon. Kind, polite, and actually interesting. But the entire time, he kept looking at his phone in between sentences, apologizing that there is an emergency at the hospital . As admirable as his dedication was, I couldn’t help but feel that I would always come second to his job contract marriage or not. And I don’t know that’s not really what I am looking for.

All these dates have been exhausting so far I just want to give up. Some point I was even considering just saying yes to Adrian. Gosh no

So now, it’s Wednesday morning, and I’m back in the office, just staring at the wall while massaging a massive headache. I get a text from Angela.

Angela: Lunch date today at 1 PM. Cute architect. Be nice.

I want to scream out my lungs . I don’t know how much longer I can keep up with this. Each date feels like more tiring and a dead end as it comes.

A knock at my door, and I look up to see my dad walking in. My body stiffens immediately.He enters and closes the door behind him, taking a seat opposite me.

“How are the dates going?” he asks casually, but I can hear the underlying sad tone . I know he is not happy about them but I guess he is being supportive.

“Fine,” I say curtly.

He sighs, rubbing his temple like he is mentally tired. “Christine, you know I only want what’s best for you. And for the company.”

“Right,” I say, bitterness lacing my words. “Because what’s best for me is apparently being married off like a pawn in a business deal and of all people it’s him you want.”

His eyes narrow slightly. “That’s not what this is.”

“Isn’t it?” I snap, glaring at him. “Why does it even matter if I’m married or not? I’ve worked hard for this company. I deserve that CEO seat. But you guys decided to bring in a barbaric clause.”

His face softens, and for a moment, he looks tired. Old. “Your grandfather believed that a family run company needed to be well represented by someone who understands what family values is. He thought marriage showed stability, commitment, and responsibility. I never agreed with him completely, but it’s the clause, Christine. My hands are tied. You know how your grandfather is.”

“Then untie them,” I whisper, my voice cracking. “Change it. Amend it. You’re the chairman.Just do something! You’re my dad too.”He shakes his head. “It’s not that simple. The board would never agree, not now. Especially with the upcoming expansion plans. Investors want stability too.”

There’s a loud silence that falls between us. Finally, he stands. “Just consider Adrian’s offer, okay? He genuinely wants to help.”

As he leaves, my chest twists painfully. Adrian. Always Adrian. The man who has always seemed to put me on edge staring at me with those grey eyes of his and his confidence taking control of every room he walks into.The man who has been my rival since my first day on earth.

The man who, for reasons I don’t understand, is willing to marry me. He even suggested it.

My phone buzzes again. Another text from Angela.

Angela: Hey, breathe. You’ve got this.

She just knows the right things to say

I smile weakly. At least I have them.

Suddenly, my office door opens without a knock.Great another thing to spoil my already bad day Adrian walks in like he owns the building, his suit perfectly arranged, with that his signature confident smirk on his lips. Such an annoying face.

“Busy morning?” he asks casually, as if we’re friends.

“What do you want, Adrian?” I ask tiredly.

He raises a brow, feigning offense. “That’s no way to greet your future husband.” I scoff

I glare at him. “Don’t start.”

But he walks closer, placing both his palms on my desk and leans in until our faces are inches apart.

“Marry me, Christine,” he says softly, his eyes locked onto mine with some intensity. “Save yourself all this stress. You know I can make this easy for you.”

My throat feels dry. “Why are you doing this? What do you get out of it?”

He shrugs, his smirk widening. “Let’s just say there’s more to gain than you realize. I just want to help”

With that, he gets up and leaves, leaving me breathless, and also angry. As the door closes behind him, my mind races.

What does he mean by ‘more to gain’?

Why is he really doing this?

And worst of all why does my heart ache just a little at the thought of marrying him?