Chapter 4 UNFORESEEN ALLIANCE

Dante's POV

I woke up with a slight headache. I'm not sure how I got to bed but I remember moving out with drake to the club last night, I was mostly drinking trying to forget my family's mess.

I looked towards the window where a ray of golden light streamed through. I blinked, my eyes adjusting to the brightness.

I roll out of the bed stepping on the tiled floor cold beneath my bare feet. I notice my mouth tastes stake alcohol.

I moved into the bathroom undressed, turning on the shower and waiting for the water to heat up. The hot water felt good against my skin. It did a little to ease the pounding on my head.

I thought about the distress and pressure that had enveloped me because of my family's predicament.

I feel like l have no control over my life. Every decision in my life is dictated by my family needs.

I got off the shower all wet with my white towel wrapped around me. I heard a knock on the door, what now? I thought.

In this mansion, my room is the only place I find refuge from the chaos outside.

"Who's it?" I growled.

"Diego, sir" the voice sounded heavily.

"Of course." I numbled. "Come in."

Diego opened the door slowly and shut it behind him. I was relieved and annoyed to see him.

"Morning sir." He greeted calmly. "How was your sleep?"

"Fine." I replied quickly almost cutting him off. I went to my bed to sit at my own comfort.

"I have a good news sir." He said

"What do you mean?" I asked looking bewildered.

"The lady who goes by the name Barbara" He said slowly.

"She has called back to accept the contract marriage offer proposed." He added.

"What?" I exclaimed. "Why?" I asked again.

"She'll be here sooner than expected I suggest you get prepared to meet her in the living room." He said nonchalantly.

My eyes widened in disbelief. It's crazy enough to propose a contract marriage to a mere woman who I don't love because of her talent.

The initial rejection from her gave me a glimmer of hope that all of these wouldn't come to fruition.

"What changed her mind?" I asked, my tone was filled with exasperation.

"Well, I believe she had a change of heart." Diego replied. "Perhaps she sees an opportunity to help her family in a time of need."

Diego replies seem to be in favour of this Barbara, sometimes I wonder what his deal is.

I wasn't pleased at all with the news. But I understood it was all in the name of my family's wealth and fortune.

"I'll be leaving now sir." Diego said. "I'll need to welcome her in."

I thought about my supposed fiancée, Victoria, she would hate me for life if I go through with this, she blames me already for my incompetence. She believes it's what resulted into our engagement being called off.

I moved to my wardrobe to pick a classy wear out of the rows of clothing hung neatly before me. I put it on and stood in front of the mirror looking ready to face the day ahead.

I walked out of my room moving down the stairs. I was actually curious to meet her. I could only think of her as a gold-digger.

I entered the living room, I saw Diego standing firm, beside him was a white beautiful looking woman with a curly brown hair sitting on the sofa chair.

I moved closer to them getting a perfect view of her. I was a little surprised, not what I was expecting, I thought.

She stood up gracefully, looking straight into my eyes. She was in a very beautiful red dress, looking so bright. Her blues eyes were fascinating.

"Hello." I said smiling, not sure if I should. We exchanged an handshake. Her hands were so soft I felt like I should kiss it. She definitely wasn't what I was expecting.

"Please, Have your seats." Diego said gesturing.

We sat moderately like little kids.

"Barbara, meet Dante, Emiliano's heir." Diego said facing Barbara.

"And Dante, this is Barbara" Diego said now facing me but his tone changed.

I stared at Barbara, I was really taken aback by her beauty. Obviously I had to say something.

"Nice to meet you Barbara." I said, my voice trembled slightly.

"Likewise." She said in a low tone. She didn't seem comfortable. She was gazing down the floor playing with her fingers.

It seems I would have to do the talking, what the heck am I gonna say?, I thought.

"Tell her about the marriage contract." Diego said catching me off guard.

"Oh right." I nodded.

"We've seen your artworks on the media and they are pretty great." I said not sure if I started well. I stole a glance at Diego, his looks were obviously mocking.

"Thanks." She said.

"I and my family would love to invest in your artworks to generate lots of funds to help both of our families. You'll pretty much understand everything soon" I said.

"I understand actually, I don't know if I could be your best shot." She said

"Well I believe you can." I assured her.

"Alright, I'll do my best." Barbara replied.

She seemed quite unsure of herself, I thought. She showed no sign of desperation and I sensed humility in her words. Maybe she's not willing to do this. Maybe she's also forced to accept the contract marriage also.

"I need this business to save my brother and my mom." They are both in critical condition and I'm the only one who could help." She said.

"What about your father?" I asked feeling sorry for her.

"We need to see your father now." Diego said interrupting.

"Alrea..

"Yes sir, He's waiting." He replied cutting me off short.

Diego was beginning to be a jerk, I felt there was something off about him because he was not acting like a servant should, I really wondered what his deal with my dad could be. He has been our butler for 10 years and he doesn't seem tired of us all even with our troubles.

"Let's go." He said moving away from us.

I looked at Barbara who also stared at me looking confused.

"Let's go." I said to her.

We both walked clumsily behind Diego. I seriously felt like a little kid. How is this going to turn out? I thought.