7 - Let’s Get Married.

Sdyney walked into the auction room and spotted Aleric sitting alone. He was Julian’s business rival as they both owned construction companies and usually competed for projects. She walked towards him and sat down, crossing her legs as she got herself comfortable.

She turned to his side and said, “You must be the famous Aleric.”

The man turned and focused his attention on Sydney, his brow raising slightly as he studied her face.

“I’m sorry, do I know who you are?” Aleric asked politely.

“I’m Sydney, Julian's ex-wife,” Sydney replied with a dry smile.

Aleric looked surprised. “I didn’t know you guys had divorced. I’m sorry to hear about that,” he said calmly.

Sydney shook her head. She picked up a drink from the tray of a passing waiter before saying, “Please don't be. The divorce was for the best.”

She studied Aleric. He was handsome and had a muscular build, but he wasn't as hot as Julian. Wait, why was she even comparing him to Julian?

“You must be wondering why I'm talking to you.”

Aleric looked away from Sydney and waved his hand across the glamorous room. “We are here at a social event, it is expected for us to socialize.”

Sydney nodded, dropping her drink on the armrest of the chair she was sitting on. Then, she looked into Aleric’s eyes. “I want you to marry me.”

Aleric furrowed his brow as he looked back at Sydney. “What did you just say?”

“You don't need to panic,” she said. “It isn’t going to be an official marriage.”

Aleric blinked, sitting up straight. “Marriage is such an intimate affair even if it is going to be a fake one,” Aleric expressed and studied Sydney with a keen look. “If I’m not wrong, you just got divorced. Given such a situation, you aren't even meant to be interested in getting married so soon.”

“I have my reasons.”

“To get back at Julian?”

Sydney tapped the brim of her wine glass before saying, “I don't have to tell you.”

Aleric nodded. “I wish I could be of help to you, but unfortunately, I’m not interested in marrying anyone at the moment.”

Sydney smirked. “How about if I give you the Steinfeld Group latest project? Will that change your mind?”

Aleric laughed, looking at Sydney like she had suddenly grown a horn or something. “And who are you to be able to hand over the Steinfeld Group latest project to me?”

Sydney rested her elbow on the armrest of her chair and leaned closer to Aleric, curing her hand underneath her chin. “I’m the one who is in charge of the project.”

Aleric snickered, not looking convinced. “Why will you be in charge of the project?” Aleric questioned. “The Steinfeld Group is family owned, Only the Steinfeld family are in charge of such huge projects.”

“What if I tell you I’m a member of the Steinfeld family?”

Aleric leaned closer, bringing his face close to Sydney’s ear before saying. “Then I will conclude that you are here to crack jokes with me tonight.”

Sydnry laughed. Nobody knew the true identity of the Steinfeld family’s daughter so it was expected that a man like Aleric would doubt her claim. Sydney brought out her business card and stretched it towards Aleric. “This kind of card is only owned by the Steinfeld family, you can scan it if you are still in doubt.”

Aleric looked closely at the card before collecting it from Sydney. He turned the card in his hand. “This project means a lot to your ex m-husband, why are you so willing to hand it over to me?”

“I don't know,” She shrugged. “Because he is my ex-husband? Because he is feeling so assured that he will secure the project? There are a lot of possible reasons.” Sydney collected the business card and asked. “So have you changed your mind?”

“Let me get this straight,” Aleric said. “You want me to pretend to marry you and in return, you will handover the project to me?”

“Yes.”

“Then, let’s do that,” Aleric said, looking more interested. “Let’s get married.”