Chapter 2 Agreement

I was too stunned to speak. When I got the ability to stand, I almost stumbled and make myself an embarrassment in front of him. “Mr. Allejandro… “I stood up in shock. The picture from the internet didn’t do him justice! I wasn’t expecting the onslaught of strange emotions I felt when I saw him. Turns out he’s stunning in person.

I reached out to his palm and shook his hand. His grip was firm. I calmed myself down and smiled lightly. I shouldn’t be this affected. Get a grip Euphrasia! He’s just a man.

“Please take a seat,” he offered which I gladly follow. I have to immediately sit or else I would collapse on the ground as my knees never been this weak before.

He sat in front of me. “I apologize for the sudden change of location. I hope I didn’t waste your time coming here.” Actually, it did but I hope I have the strength to say that.

He stared at me intently. There is something in the way he stares at me. I couldn’t stop staring back.

“Miss Acosta?”

I closed my eyes and secretly chastised myself. What the heck? Why am I acting like a starstruck fan?

“Sorry. Ahm, nah. It’s fine.” I smiled. I’m not even sure if my smile was okay.

“You seemed surprised to see me.” Who wouldn’t be?

I cleared my throat. I’m really surprised. I didn’t expect him to be this good-looking. I saw many guys here in the Philippines and even in the States, but his attractiveness is something that I cannot fathom. I can’t help but think how different he is from the men I’ve seen and known.

“Well… aren’t we going to talk about the business?” I decided to change the conversation.

He understands the change of topic and his face became slightly formal.

“I presume Attorney Sanchez told you about my proposal,” he began.

“Yes. The resort you’re planning is indeed a very big project. And to put that in an island wherein the travels will only be in water or by air, I’m kind of impressed.”

He inherited the island from his deceased grandfather when he turned 21. Since then, he started to develop the island little by little. It’s actually just an island with a vacation house, mansion rather, but I guess the young Alejandro has better plans for it.

“It is almost complete except for the land near the sea where it could be the travel port for the tourist. I bought the near island for the expansion of the airport. I needed the land near the sea for the seaport.” He showed me the pictures of the developed resort. The facilities and lush greenery. The tourist attraction and the airport. “All we need is your land to finish the project. So maybe we can talk about the terms now.”

“It’s a promising paradise indeed mostly for people who want to unwind outside their comfortable homes and stressful work, but I am afraid I cannot sell the land to you.” He seems to expect that part that’s why he nodded and smiled formally.

“I am willing to pay for whatever price. Just name it. I really need that piece of land. Everything I did will be ignored without the seaport. It’s inconvenient for people to only travel by air. And you know the price of traveling by air is quite different at sea.”

“I understand what you’re pointing at Mr. Allejandro. The price is not the problem. The problem is that the will and testament my father had left cannot give me the authority to sell or develop the land.”

“No! No! He cannot do that!” His face darkened. “We agreed to settle this before he died! How come…” His jaw dropped as he stood up. “Then this conversation is useless after all.” His eyes are now very cold and sharp. I can even hear the distance of his voice.

I was unmoved by his cold and intimidating stance. Instead, I stood my ground even though I felt a little shaky from the stares he was giving me.

“I can still help you reach your dream, Mr. Allejandro.”

He quickly returned to his seat and was suddenly interested in what I said. “Really? How?”

I bit my lower lip and stared deeply at his black enticing eyes. “You only need to marry me. You can have a privilege to use my land as my husband.”

If he was surprised by my declaration, it was not obvious. He looks at me for a long time as if I’m spitting nonsense. There’s a hidden smile on his pursed lips. There was nothing funny about what I said but why did he seem to be laughing? Does he think this is funny?

His eyes narrowed. His broad shoulders relaxed, and he even had the guts to smirk. I felt my cheeks blush as I watched him.

“Do you perhaps…like me, Miss Acosta? You only have to ask me. You don’t have to use the will to have me.” The nerve of this man to say that in front of me!

I forced myself not to show any reaction. This man is taking everything lightly. He’s full of himself! Do I look like I have my saliva falling outside my mouth just because he’s jaw-dropping? Huh! The nerves! I should have the power between the two of us because I got the ace!

“I’m sorry to boost your bubbles but I’m giving you here a better option. According to my father’s will, unless I’m 26 or married, that’s the time I can only develop or sell that land. If I marry now, I will get all the rights to develop it for now.”

A flicker of surprise shone in his eyes. He also became a little serious and lost his smile. I secretly grinned. “So, I have to marry you?”

“Yes. I don’t actually have plans to get married yet. I’m still studying, and marriage has never entered my mind, especially at this age. It’s up to you if you want to agree with this or not. I don’t really mind.” I shrugged my shoulders.

“If you don’t really mind, then why the heck are you suggesting this? Unless you have feelings for me.” His arrogant grin returned. I also grinned arrogantly.

“Let’s say, I’m doing this for a reason which surely benefits not only you but also me. And to make you more enlightened, feelings will not be involved here. This is just an arrangement.”

“You mean a marriage for convenience only.” That’s not even a question.

“Yup. We will be married in name only. We can marry and get a divorce afterward. I will also agree to a prenup agreement to protect ourselves. I’m going back to States this Saturday and we can get a quick wedding there. We can get my lawyer as a witness for formalities. We don’t need a grand wedding. As for the marriage contract, I will give you the hand to find a lawyer for that and—”

“Do you have a boyfriend?” I was stunned by his sudden question. I didn’t answer right away. He assumed that maybe I have because of the sudden darkness I saw in his eyes.

“You better break up with your boyfriend. I don’t want to share you with just anyone, do I?”

I was stunned. “You agree to marry me?”

“Not until you cut ties with your boyfriend,” he said firmly.

“I don’t have a boyfriend.” I licked my lower lips. His stare only became intense after I did that.

“That’s good to hear then.” His voice is raspy.

I looked away. “I’m also expecting that you don’t have any girls with you while I’m away. Or don’t ever let me hear news about it.” I frowned. I don’t agree with what I’ve said but anyway, we shouldn’t care about ourselves. I think this is better than being noisy.

“Don’t worry, you won’t have any problems with me. I will be faithful for the duration of our marriage. How about you?” he questioned.

“I’m faithful too. And that’s not sarcasm.”

“I want to add another clause in the contract.” I turned to him. “As your husband, I want to make sure that you are safe. After the wedding, you will stay at my house in the States. You will have a driver and a bodyguard. I will take care of all your needs. You will bring my name so I expect that you will neither taint my name nor let yourself in harm.” My face gradually wrinkled from what he said.

“That’s not necessary. You have no hold on me.”

“I’m your husband. That’s my responsibility. That’s also your responsibility as a wife to obey me.”

I gritted my teeth. “I’m not going to obey on anything!”

He let out an exasperated sigh. “This is just to ensure the safety of both of us. I won’t force you to do something you don’t want. This is also for our benefit. I just want to make sure that you will not make a move against me.”

I caught my breath when his coal-black eyes met mine. I could see hell in his eyes. A very sweet hell.

“Fine! I agree on your terms.” I sigh and stand up. Maybe it’s better that I stay away from him. I won’t see him always. It will be safe for my heart.

“I’ll be leaving now. It’s nice to talk to you Mr. Allejandro.” I formally said and reached out my hand for a shake.

He rose up and suddenly, the difference in our height reveals more of his intimidation. I even wore 4-inch heels and yet, I still look like a kid against him.

“It’s so nice to talk to you too, Mrs. Allejandro.”

I swear, I heard a slight beat somewhere. Having him as my husband is not really a good idea.