Chapter 3 Married

Alex's POV

I'm Alexander McGregor, but you can call me Alex. I'm 27 years old and the CEO of the biggest group of companies in the country. Despite the rumor that I am quite the catch, I have no intention of settling down until I turn 35.

Yep, 35 is my magic number. Right now, I want to focus on my business and avoid distractions like girlfriends or a nagging wife. My parents want me to tie the knot because the board of directors thinks it'll make me more responsible. But honestly, most of those board members are married and not exactly a good role model for a family man. They give me marriage advice while fooling around with other women. Hypocrites, right?

I grabbed my phone to check my emails. I asked my assistant, Von, to make a list of potential candidates for a wife for me. But as I read through the profiles, none of them seemed like the right fit. They were all too friendly and outgoing, which isn't my thing. So, I told Von to come up with a new list of candidates.

Then, out of the blue, Von suggested, "Why not check out the Royale Club, sir? You'll find all sorts of women there-maybe someone who will catch your eye." he texted.

Now, that got me thinking. The idea of meeting different women, each with their unique charm, sounded intriguing. Maybe the Royale Club was key to finding someone who could match my style and ignite a spark.

With a confident grin, I replied to Von, "Book me a reservation at the Royale Club. Let's see if fate has something special in store for me. Meet me at eight later; make sure to book a private room," I replied.

"Copy, sir," Von responded. I loved how he was always ready and prepared for anything I asked him to do. He was intelligent and witty and never failed to impress me with his work.

I arrived at the Royale Club, a well-known establishment in the country. However, not just anyone could enter. It was a place for the wealthy and elite, with membership categories like VIP and VVIP. And, of course, being a successful businessman both locally and internationally, I qualified for the VVIP category.

The club was bustling with party people when we arrived, and I was grateful that Von managed to secure us a private room. "This way, sir," he said, leading me to a room on the second floor with a one-sided mirror. He knew me so well, anticipating my preferences effortlessly.

As I glanced around the club, my eyes landed on a captivating woman sitting alone in a corner. She exuded confidence as she sipped her drink. Confidence was one of the traits I desired in a partner. One of the qualifications my wife must have.

She scanned the room, and it felt like her gaze met mine for a moment, even though she couldn't see me due to its design. It stirred something within me-a feeling I had never experienced before. I'm on the second floor of the club, and even though it has a wall-to-ceiling glass wall, it is a one-way mirror.

"Sir, here's the list of women who are present tonight. Please take a look," Von said, handing me his iPad. I'm sure he took it from the club's security system, where he had a connection. I looked at it, hoping to find information about the woman who had caught my attention. To my disappointment, she wasn't on the list.

I scanned the profiles of the other candidates, but none of them captured my interest. Feeling disheartened, I ordered a drink and stayed a little longer. As I rose from the couch and looked at the woman again, my heart sank, finding her gone.

Feeling like my search was fruitless, I decided it was time to leave. "Sir, are you sure? I thought you were determined to find a wife," Von asked as we stepped out of the private room.

"Yes, but I can't settle for just anyone. I need a wife who can be my business partner, and none of the candidates fit that criteria," I replied, my voice tinged with a hint of frustration.

"How about the board members?" Von suggested.

"I can still handle them. But of course, I'll continue searching for the perfect wife," I responded.

"Perfect," a voice chimed in from behind. I turned around, and there she was-the woman I had admired on the ground floor. She had come closer, allowing me to better look at her.

She looked effortlessly elegant with her black shoulder-length hair, red slacks, and white long-sleeved blouse rolled up to her elbows, paired with red stilettos. Her face was almost bare, except for the touch of red lipstick that enhanced her natural beauty. She didn't need hair accessories or jewelry to shine; her confidence alone made her stand out.

"Have you finished assessing me? Did I meet your standards?" She inquired, her confident tone snapping me out of my thoughts.

"Excuse me?" I replied, slightly taken aback.

"Let's get married," she declared, her confidence palpable. I studied her face, searching for sincerity, but found it impassive. I was certain we would have a good rapport. When I introduce her to the board, she'll undoubtedly make them look foolish. She was stunning, alluring, and self-assured. I was sure she was also intelligent. Perfect wife material. With that thought, I made my decision.

"Follow me; let's discuss the details," I responded. Von's eyes widened, but he followed us nonetheless.

In the car, she stared out the window. "Tell me your terms for this marriage," she demanded, turning to meet my gaze.

Von choked in surprise as I responded, "You'll receive generous compensation, and we'll be married for life."

"I don't need compensation. I stand to gain plenty from this marriage as well. Do you have a lover or child that would complicate this arrangement?" She retorted.

"I don't," I responded confidently, which seemed to surprise her.

"I don't have time for such things; I'm too occupied managing my businesses. However, I won't deny I've had my fair share of women," I added.

"That's good because if you did, I would make sure to kill them," she warned, causing Von's eyes to widen further. "As for those women you've been with, ensure they're out of the picture," she added.

"Likewise, make sure you don't have anyone either. I could do the same to any man in your life," I countered, and she nodded in agreement.

"Understood. But I want you to know that I'm not your average woman. I won't submit to anyone," she stated as she locked eyes with me.

"Fulfill your duties as my wife, and we'll have no issues," I replied. "And by every wife's duty, I mean every wife's duty," I emphasized.

She was silent for a moment, staring at me. "You don't intend to marry me now, only to leave me once you've gotten what you wanted, do you?" I asked. Her sudden fluttering eyelashes told me I was right. "I believe in the sanctity of marriage, so I won't agree to a divorce. If that was my intention, I could have chosen anyone. So, think carefully," I warned. "We'll share a room, a bed, meals-everything a married couple does. We can go on dates if you wish; just let me know," I continued.

"I run my own business, and I don't want you meddling in it," she declared as she nervously caressed her nails.

"As long as it doesn't interfere with me," I agreed.

"There will be times when I won't be able to come home," she warned.

"Only if you tell me where you are," I responded, and she looked at me intently. "You don't expect me to neglect my wife, do you? You'll fulfill your duties as a wife, and I intend to do the same," I added.

"No physical touch," she stated firmly.

"I thought we agreed on every wife's duty?" I asked while smiling, knowing she knew what I meant.

"Not this early," she clarified, and I smirked. I took a moment to admire her beauty, but when I looked into her eyes, they held a story I wanted to uncover.

"Hey, did you hear me?!" she said, snapping me out of my thoughts. I glanced at Von, who was trying to suppress his laughter.

"Of course. I've never forced a woman, and I won't start now," I assured her.

"Sounds fair," she replied.

"We're doing this for personal reasons, but we have to make it work. I've told you my terms and given you time to think and make your demands," I said, adjusting my sleeves.

She was silent for a moment before reaching for the car door handle. "Let's meet at the civil registry tomorrow at 9 a.m.," she said, exiting the car.

I watched as she was approached by three men who bowed to her. One of them opened the back seat door of another car, and she climbed in. Five cars, including hers, exited the parking lot. 'How did she end up alone earlier?' I wondered.

"Sir, are you sure about marrying her?" Von asked, and there was an evident concern in his voice.

She was different from the other women we met, which made her more appealing to me. I felt no threat from her.

"Yes. Ensure everything is ready for tomorrow's wedding," I instructed. "Let's go; I need to be early," I added, leaving the place with a smile on my face.

The following day, I arrived a little earlier and found my bride scolding a man. "Why did you make me wear this kind of clothes?" she asked angrily.

It was a white sleeveless dress that reached halfway down her legs. For me, it looked pretty good and fit her perfectly, so I wondered what she didn't like about it.

"Boss, you said it was your wedding, so that's what I bought for you. I even asked the sales lady."

"I told you that it would only be held here. No other ceremonies or whatever," my wife-to-be replied.

"Yes, boss. That's what everyone wears at a civil wedding. Boss, it looks good on you," the man replied, and she hit him on the leg with her foot.

"When did you learn to know what looks good? Huh?" she asked, and she hit the man again. The two other men watching were trying to control their laughter.

"Get me another set of clothes," she said, and the man nodded.

"No need, we're going to be late; you look good, and that's all that matters," I interrupted and walked ahead, followed by Von.

She followed me, and I smiled internally. She may be a tough woman, but I know how to manage people, especially her, I think. We went straight to the civil registry office because Von had already scheduled an appointment for us to finish everything quickly. We only had to sign a few documents and have our pictures taken, and we were done. We are married.