Chapter 3 Contract Marriage.

[6/20, 09:31] Praise (My Mtn): Chapter 3 :Contract Marriage

Theodore POV

I stepped into the house of the Romanos and my eyes landed on Aria , she had a shocked expression on her face .

She wore a blue dress that hugged her curves really well , her hair was down in waves , she's so beautiful.

"Mr De'leon , you are welcome." His wife , Celine , welcomed me with a wide smile on her face .

"We have been expecting you , come on let's eat and then we can proceed to business." Mr Romano stated.

I cleared my throat and diverted my gaze from Aria to him , he had a stupid grin on his face , I twitched my jaw and clenched my fists.

"Alright." I said and then we all settled at the table .

I sat across Aria at the table and she looked nervous throughout the meal.

We were soon done with the dinner and I wanted nothing else than to end this night , I felt choked .

Sitting and eating at the house of the enemy isn't something one would consider as pleasure.

"I would really appreciate it if we could get to business now." I said curtly.

He nodded and stood up from the table as he led me towards an office .

"I have to confess , I was a bit surprised when you brought up the idea of the contract and partnership.

I heard you are a little too uptight as a business man , but I'm sure we would be great partners." He said smiling.

I scoffed inwardly , only if he knew my intentions ...filthy Dog!.

I sat down on the arm chair with my legs crossed .

"I'm happy you think that way Mr Romano , it will be a pleasure to do business with you , but I actually didn't come here for that.

What do you think about strengthening our bond as business partners? , and you becoming the richest business tycoon here in Italy." I asked with a smirk and my index finger on my cheek .

He sat up as he suddenly took interest in what I was talking about , of course he would , he was super ambitious.

"I know what you are capable of Mr De'leon , of course I'm interested , but I know you want something in return , so what's the deal?" He grinned excitedly like a child given candy .

"What better way to seal a business partnership than with a marriage." I smiled at him.

He looked confused then his expression changed as he realized what i was talking about.

"You mean ... you are interested in my daughter?" He asked .

I nodded.

"Uh... I don't know Mr De'leon." He chuckled.

"Martina is still kind of young for marriage." He said resting on his chair.

"If I remember clearly , you have two daughters. I'm talking about Aria , your first daughter, she's the one I want to marry." I said calmly.

His eyes bulged out as he suddenly sat up .

"Aria? ... how?."

I scoffed , of course he wouldn't want want to give out his precious princess.

"It's not that hard Mr Romano , She's a beautiful young lady."

I stood up adjusting my suit .

"Think about it and give me a Feedback , I deserve that much , don't you think?" I asked raising an eyebrow.

"Huh? ... ah , yes yes , I would definitely get back to you." He smiled as he shook my hand .

"Good , I will take my leave now." I said and walked out of the office briskly , I wanted to get out of here so bad .

I walked outside the mansion to My car , my driver rushed out and opened the door before I got there , I was about to enter when I heard a soft voice .

"Uh, excuse me please."

I turned around to see Aria , she was fidgeting with her hands .

I stared at her , as the wind blew her chocolate coloured wavy hair , her rosy lips slightly parted .

My gaze went a bit lower , I watched as her chest heaved , I noticed the slight birth mark on her beautiful slender neck , I suddenly felt an urge to touch her.

I gulped and clenched my fist , focus Theodore!

"Uhm... I... i just wanted to ask for ... my necklace." She stuttered nervously as she shifted from one foot to the other .

I smiled and walked closer to her as she took a step back , I walked closer again and she shifted backwards until her back met the wall .

I had her caged now , my hands still itched to feel her smooth skin.

I brought out the necklace and raised it to her .

"Yes , this is it." She squealed excitedly , I chuckled .

"Turn around." I ordered .

"Huh?" She asked confused .

"I want to put it on you." I said staring into her honey coloured soft eyes .

"Ohh." She stated and turned around .

I gently placed the necklace on her neck and hooked it , my fingers grazed her neck , it was so soft.

I leaned in as I took in her pleasant scent.

She turned around smiling .

"Thanks."

I nodded .

" see you soon love." I smirked and got into the car leaving her confused.

Mr Romano POV

"That arrogant little bastard." I growled angrily .

He thinks he can just talk to me anyhow , he's so lucky I'm gaining from him.

"Gio , what happened? How did the meeting go?" Celine asked walking into the office .

"He had a bigger business proposal." I said .

"Really?" Her eyes lit up.

I nodded , "but it came with a condition ... he wants to seal it with marriage."

"Oh my heavens , this is good news! , Martina will be very happy." She said excitedly.

I kept silent.

"Why aren't you saying anything ... you gave him Martina's hand right?." She asked .

"Of course I did , but..."

"But what Gio!"

"He wants Aria." I said angrily clenching my jaw.

"What..? , how?"

"I really don't know , he clearly stated he wants Aria , I don't even know how he got to meet her.."

"Dad.."

I turned around to see Martina at the door with tears in her eyes.

"princess.."

"He chose Aria instead of me?" She sobbed.

Celine hugged her .

"Stop girl , your dad would do something about it , right Gio?" She asked looking at me.

"Dad please do something, I want Theodore , I want him , don't give him to Aria." Martina pleaded .

I sighed and patted her hair , "don't worry daughter , you know your dad always does what you want , now show me your beautiful smile." I smiled at her , her eyes lit up and she hugged me.

"Oh Dad , you are the best." She smiled and left the office.

"So what are you planning to do Gio?" Celine asked .

"I will let him know I have agreed with the marriage , when next he comes , we will simply hand Martina to him and find an excuse for Aria." I smirked.

"That's perfect , goodnight my love." She smiled and pecked my cheeks , then she left the office .

I sat and rested my back on the armchair.

"As long as i am alive Aria , I won't let you be happy."

[6/20, 09:31] Praise (My Mtn): Chapter 4 : The other Wife

Aria POV

I sat on the kitchen stool , my palm on my cheek as I stared at nothing in particular.

Ugh! , why do I feel this way , I can't get Mr stranger out of my head , the way he touched my skin , it gave me tingles .

My cheeks became hot , I'm sure they are red by now .

"Huh , what's got you all dreamy?" Becca Smiled at me .

Becca is the niece of Ma'am Serena , she went away for a little while but now she's back , she's my bestfriend and well my only friend , she's so playful.

I blushed harder , "nothing."

"Don't Tell me nothing girl , your cheeks are all red , and your eyes are so dreamy." She smirked at me now .

"Come on , spill."

I huffed , she won't let this go until I tell .

"Uhm ... I met a man." I said playing with my fingers .

"Really?... when , how?!." She squealed .

"Shh , they might hear you." I warned her .

"Alright fine fine , but tell me everything."

"Uhm ... I met him one day when I went to the swing ..."

Yea , she knows about the swing , she partly helped me discover the place .

"I realised I was late and I was rushing back to the mansion, when suddenly I lost control and fell off silvia , he helped me and dropped me at home." I explained .

"What?, he came into the Mansion?"

"No no , I pleaded with him to drop me before the mansion gate." I replied .

"Awwn , that must have been so nice ... so tell me is he hot?" She asked.

I blushed.

"Yea , he is definitely hot." She winked at me.

"Stop it Becca." I whined.

"But he came here yesterday night."

"Really?"

"Yea , he is Dad's business partner."

"Wow , hot and rich." She said fanning herself dramatically.

I chuckled .

"He ... he also said he would see me soon when he gave me back my necklace." I said .

"Oh my! , it means he likes you too!" She squealed again.

"No Becca , that doesn't prove anything , he is Dad's business partner , he will probably be here for another meeting sometime , that was what he meant."

"Yea , you believe that." She scoffed.

Then Martina walked in .

She smirked at me , "now you look like the real servant you are, you thought putting on nice dresses would make that change." She laughed.

"Your plan to woe Theodore didn't even work , you slut , he chose me of course." She flipped her hair .

What?

"Watch what you say." Becca charged at her.

"He chose me Aria , he chose me to be his Wife and I'm warning you now , stay far away from him , he's mine." She flashed me a wicked look before she walked out.

"What?" I murmured.

"Don't listen to her Aria , you know she's a snake , she's definitely lying , I would ask my aunt." Becca said .

Ma'am Serena walked in .

"Aunt , is it true , is Martina getting married to Mr De'leon?" Becca asked .

Ma'am Serena looked at me with somewhat pity and then looked away .

"Yes , he's coming today with his family . Now come on , you girls eat." She said looking at me again before she walked out .

"Ugh! , I'm sure that snake seduced him , slut!." Becca hissed .

I sighed , it's fine , I mean , I don't even know him , I shouldn't feel this way.

"I will just head to the stables." I said and left .

I brushed Silvia's hair gently.

"Oh Silvia , I can't help but feel sad , he's getting married to Martina , I guess he likes her , I should really stop thinking about him now." I said sadly.

She neighed.

"Yes , it's for the best."

Theodore POV.

I stared at nothing in particular as I remembered every detail of her face , the feel of her skin .

I wanted to see her again , to touch her .

I groaned and stood up .

"Get your head right Theodore , she's the daughter of your enemy , a pawn in your revenge." I clenched my fist .

Then Noni walked in .

"Theodore." She called and walked up to me .

"I heard The Romanos' have agreed to the marriage ... its time." She said with her hands behind her back.

"Don't have any space for pity in your heart , let your heart be in accordance with your mind , one goal one thought , Revenge .

Avenging the death of your innocent father and mother .

Restoring the honor of your mother , and avenging your little sister who didn't have the chance to even know the world." She said as a tear dropped from her eyes.

I clenched my fist harder , the voices in my head started speaking to me again.

"every drop of their bloods , every tear they shed , I promise to avenge till my dying breath." I said through gritted teeth.

"That's good. Reneè and her mother will be accompanying you." She said .

"What?... no , it's impossible Noni."

"I don't trust any other people on this , who else to accompany you than them."

"Mother Elsa and Pancho can."

"They are both workers , Reneè and her mother is family."

"Reneè wouldn't agree to this Noni."

"She has , I already talked to her , get ready Theodore."

With that she left the room.

I sighed and rubbed my temple.

I got ready , I took out the bracelet I bought for her , Aria.

I smiled and kept it in my pocket , then I walked out .

The cars were ready , Reneè and aunt Salma stood at the front door .

"Let's get this over with already." Aunt Salam said and got into the car .

"Reneè , you don't have to do this if you don't want to." I said .

She looked up at me , her eyes teary , she let out a small smile.

"It's fine , I mean it takes a lot of courage for a wife to accompany her husband to ask for the hand of another woman , but if this is what I have to do , then so be it , maybe then you can finally acknowledge me as your wife and look at me with love , come on let's go."

I sighed and ran my hand through my hair.

We got into the car and headed to the Romanos' mansion.