Chapter 4 Compromise

In an instant, I froze in place as if struck by lightning. What did he say? This bathtub guy is my fiancé?

"I'm Owen Miller, your betrothed, Miss Mia Thompson."

What? What? What?

"Impossible, my fiancé is Locus."

"That's my older brother. You think he would marry you? Dream on."

"You were the one who bid on the necklace that day?"

"Yeah, I saw the esteemed Miss Thompson of the great Thompson family about to be married off to Voldemort or some bald old geezer. Felt sorry for you, so generously decided to rescue you again."

"I'd rather marry the bald old man!" I shook his hand off angrily.

Nearby, Charlotta was also frozen in shock, having come over to ask what was happening. But then she heard me say I I'm gonna ask my fiancé for help., and the next second this guy's phone rang.

"This is Mr. Locus Miller, I presume?" she said walking over.

"His arrogant, ignorant little brother," I added.

"So your arranged marriage is to..."

"What's up, you're not satisfied with me as your husband-to-be?"

"Charlotta, I'm not trying on these clothes anymore. I want to call off the engagement," I said through gritted teeth, but with determination.

"But he's from the Miller family," Charlotta whispered into my ear.

"So what if he's from the Miller family? I'm still the esteemed young miss of the Thompson family," I huffed irritably. "Why are you speaking up for him?"

"The Miller family controls 80% of the medical resources in America. Remember your grandfather's heart surgery? It was their family who helped bring in the top doctors and best equipment in the world. Rumor says that they also have ties with the Adams political family and have influence across the nation."

"But isn't our family quite wealthy too? How do we compare to them?" I asked, turning over the thought in my mind.

"No comparison! There's a huge gap between your families to begin with. Your family has been in finance and investments for generations, and the market hasn't been good recently with the economic crisis. A consulting firm released a report last week saying your family assets have shrunk 30%."

No wonder this guy is so arrogant. I recalled Mom and Dad's warning to me on the day of our engagement not to cross the Miller family. I discreetly coughed twice to cover my embarrassment and squeezed out an awkward smile.

"Mr. Miller."

"Hmm?" He stood with his arms crossed, leisurely watching me.

"Fate brought us together amongst the crowds, but I'm untalented and unattractive, truly unworthy of the tall, handsome, and distinguished Mr. Owen Miller. Why not benevolently call off our engagement so you can find someone better?

"When did I say I wanted to call off the engagement?"

"One can only marry once in life. If you marry me, you'll miss out on so many beauties in the future! Think about what a waste that would be!"

"You alone are enough. Of all the people in this wide world, only you, Mia, are all I need." As he spoke, his eyes were gentle and he softly stroked my hair.

Just a moment ago he looked ready to kill me, now he's putting on this act!

I took a deep breath and squeezed out another smile. "Mr. Miller, most elegant and dashing Owen Miller of your whole family, look! Every time we meet it seems to be life or death between us. The atmosphere is far from harmonious. Why don't I introduce you to some beauties and see if you like any of them?" I pulled Charlotta over. "Let me introduce this beauty, Charlotta James. Her brother deals weapons and explosives, so their family injures people and your family heals them - a perfect production chain. A strong alliance could be so great."

Charlotta was caught off guard and left stunned by what I said.

"I don't want anyone else, just you."

I was on the verge of tears. "Please, Owen, what do you see in me? I can change if needed!"

He suddenly stared at me, from head to toe, as if trying to see every inch of my skin.

"Your hair." I touched my hair.

"Your neck." I rolled my neck around.

"Your arms." I hugged my arms.

"Every inch of you."

He looked like he wanted to devour me.

"Daniel. Bring the custom gown I ordered earlier." Owen raised an eyebrow slightly and smiled. "Let my betrothed try it on."

"No need, we've already picked out a few dresses." Charlotta tried to pull me away.

"How could those compare to the custom gown specially ordered by me?" Owen ran his fingers through his hair and walked away.

"What do we do, Charlotta?" I asked Mia in a desperate voice

"We have no choice but to play along for now. We'll see how it goes at the engagement banquet tonight."

I nodded and took the new dress from Daniel. It was a deep blue mermaid gown with a cinched waist. The frills at the tail swished and shone as I moved.

After changing into the dress the bathtub guy picked for me and standing in front of the mirror, I couldn't help but light up. The ones Charlotta chose were beautiful but lacked soul, like something was missing. But this deep blue mermaid gown had a harmonious wholeness, with the dress enhancing the wearer's beauty. Even Charlotta couldn't help but gasp in admiration.

Sitting on a leather sofa nearby, Owen glanced over and gave a light chuckle but said nothing.

"Daniel, do you have any shorter high heels?"

"Miss Mia, the height of these shoes is designed to match the waistline of the dress perfectly in a golden ratio. Any shorter and the proportions..."

"Are you questioning the length of my legs?"

"Certainly not, my apologies." Daniel maintained his elegant demeanor and composure.

I whispered in his ear, "Do you have any killer heels I could run really fast in?"

"Our shop's clothes and shoes are designed by Scarlett Adams. Unfortunately there are no such high heels currently, but Ms. Adams is a very creative and talented designer, so it's possible such a design may emerge in the future."

What good does the future do me? If I can't get away tonight, by the time she makes those shoes, Owen and I may already have a child!

"Let's go, my betrothed," Owen stood up. "We shouldn't be late for our engagement banquet."

I swallowed the angry retort on the tip of my tongue. I'll endure this!

The Miller family's banquet hall was brightly lit that evening. At the elegant high table, the Miller and Thompson families sat facing each other, with a server standing behind each seat holding dishes and plates.

Dad sat in the vice chairman seat, Mom next to him, followed by my brother who had just returned from Canada. I sat obediently next to my brother, maintaining a poised and proper demeanor. Across the table and flickering candlelight sat the bathtub guy. He wore a deep blue dress shirt without a tie, collar slightly open, subtly alluring. Our eyes inadvertently met - his gaze was even brighter than the candle flames, full of confidence.

The seat next to him was empty. The hosts were Mr. and Mrs. Miller. Mr. Miller sipped his tea, exuding a dignified aura. Mrs. Miller also wore a calm smile.

The room was eerily quiet, with only the clinking of teacups on bowls.

Suddenly, a gurgling sound erupted from my stomach. I hadn't eaten or drank anything all day, so my stomach growled loudly.

"We are gathered today to discuss the union of our two families. I've heard the Thompson's daughter Mia is beautiful and talented. Our Owen was born and raised in the UK, rarely visiting America, so he is not well known here. Fortuitously, he won Mia's necklace at the charity auction, binding our families in good fortune. Why not hold the wedding in two months? What do you think, Mr. and Mrs. Thompson?"

I'm so hungry, when will dinner be served?

"It's our daughter's blessing to marry into the Miller family."

I wonder if the Miller family chefs are any good.

"Mia! Mia!" My brother nudged my shoulder.

"Huh? What? Oh, I..."

I was so hungry I spaced out and didn't hear what they were discussing at all.

"The wedding in two months, what do you think?" my brother clued me in.

I looked up to see everyone's eyes on me.

"Two months seems a bit rushed," I said, glancing at the bathtub guy. The candlelight flickered on his face, shadowy, inscrutable.

"I agree," Owen suddenly said.

What? This brat doesn't want to marry me anymore?

"In that case, why doesn't Mia move in and transfer to NYU so you two can get to know each other. As for the media, tell them the wedding will be in a year," Mr. Miller made eye contact with the butler, who understood and signaled for dinner to be served.

I was starving and about to faint, finally food! As dish after dish was served, I inhaled everything ferociously. What were they saying about moving and transferring? This Japanese wagyu is amazing, so tender and juicy.

"Locus was also supposed to attend today but got held up at the company. He'll be late."

This scallop is so fresh and tasty, the garlic sauce delicious!

With the last spoonful of dessert, my rumbling stomach finally quieted. But the gown's waist was too tight, and finally split with a rip after the big meal.