Chapter 5 Marriage of convenience

"Come in," Emma's voice sounded a few minutes later and he gently opened the door.

"Sweetie," he gently shut the door behind him.

"Can you please make it short, I need to think about 'my wedding'," Her voice was sarcastic as she air quoted My Wedding.

"You are going on a date with Mr. Harper tonight," he bowed his head after dropping the bombshell.

"Wow, you've got a unique way of doing the unexpected lately... do you want an award for that?" She bit her lips afterward to fight back her tears.

She was hoping he would apologize for the strange news but he is doing the opposite at the moment.

"When is he coming?" Mr. Lopez stared at her with his lips slightly parted as they were the last thing he expected her to ask.

"Less than two hours," he answered.

"I'll get ready," she walked into the bathroom leaving no room for more conversation.

Alfred found her response strange but he was grateful she agreed.

~~

Emma breathed loudly as she tried her best to calm down, she was going on a date with her so-called husband.

"You can do this Emma," she assured herself with her gaze on her reflection in the mirror.

She was dressed in a short sleeveless yellow gown, her hair packed in a messy bun and a little tiara on it.

Her white heels graced her feet, her makeup was light almost unnoticeable.

The door was suddenly opened and she turned to find a maid holding the handle.

"I apologize miss, but..."

"I will be there," she cut the maid off.

"Yes, miss," the maid bowed slightly before leaving.

Downstairs waiting for her were Nathaniel and Alfred, Nathaniel stood impatiently in the living room.

He had more work to do, waiting for a girl is exactly a waste of time to him.

Soon Emma joined them, She stood beside her dad while Nathaniel turned to them with a smile.

"Good evening, Emma," he greeted while Emma forced a smile.

"Shall we?" He gestured at the door and she glanced at her dad before following his lead.

"Where are we going?" Emma asked immediately after the car moved.

"You will find out," he replied casually.

At the restaurant Emma only played with the meal on her plate; hunger was the last thing she felt. She raised her head to look at Nathaniel, who was almost done with his meal.

She diverted her gaze to her surroundings, and there were lots of people who she could tell were rich.

They were trying their best to mind their business, but it was obvious they were interested in them.

"Is this what we are going to do all night?" Emma broke the frustrating silence.

"Eat?" She pushed the plate slightly with a finger.

"Isn't that what happens at a dinner date?" He dropped the fork and glanced at her; her face was cold and angry, but he cared less.

Emma scoffed and grabbed her purse; before she could say a word, he gestured his right, and she turned to find a paparazzi secretly taking their pictures.

"I would not do that if I were you, darling," he smiled, but she found it irritating.

"Let's just enjoy our meal," he added, picking up the glass of wine. Emma stylishly dropped the purse.

"Do I need to do this? This marriage?" She found herself asking, She was going to find a way to stop the wedding, but now it seemed impossible

It is her against two powerful men.

"Yes, it is going to be a marriage of convenience... You have nothing to worry about, darling," he smiled.

"Marriage of convenience, my foot... This is a loveless marriage. I don't even know you," Emma gritted her teeth as she tried to suppress her anger.

"We can get to know each other; ask me questions," he wiped his lips gently.

"No, I don't want that... I want to get to know you naturally," she mumbled.

"You will after the wedding, but trust me, there is not much to know, darling," he smiled again, and she felt like throwing up

"Your smile disgusts me," she rolled her eyes whilst he smiled widely. She is an interesting character that he is willing to study.

A few minutes later, they were in the car on their way to Emma's. The ride felt like hell for Emma while Nathaniel worked on his laptop.

She agrees to go on a date so she can convince him to cancel the wedding, but it is fruitless; he seems determined. Of course, he would say it is business.

"We are here," The driver informed, and Emma made to open the door immediately.

"Good night, darling," he smiled whilst she frowned.

"I hope you have a horrible dream," she said out loud before stepping out of the car.

Nathaniel simply diverted his attention to his work while the driver drove away.

"Sweetie... How was your..."

"Horrible," Emma cut him off, tears were already rolling down her cheeks.

"It can't be that bad," Alfred tried to hold her, but she slapped his hand away.

"I don't want this, Dad! I don't want an arranged marriage, and I don't like Nathaniel Harper!" Her voice was loud enough to bring the house.

"You will learn to like him... It's just a matter of time," he assured.

"Mom would be against this if she were here," She cried.

"Emma!" He snapped.

She wiped her face and rushed upstairs. Alfred dragged his feet to the couch before collapsing on it.

Do you think she is right, Linda? Do you think I am wrong for getting her engaged? It is for the best, right? I made the best decision for her,' he thought with an aching heart.

He hated seeing Emma in tears, and he wanted her to be happy. He won't change his decision; he can't.

Trying to take back his words will only ruin Lindsay; Nathaniel Harper won't go easy on him either.

Emma sat on the floor with her back resting on the wall her knee hugged to herself, and she soaked herself with tears.

She hates her life at the moment, and she hates the fact that things turned out this way.

She was still in tears when her phone rang, she didn't want to check it, but the person would not stop calling.