Chapter 3 Redefined life

Aria squirmed with her hands, her eyes viewing the expensive penthouse. She had never been in a place like this before. The furniture, floor-to-ceiling windows, interior decor and modern art pieces seemed to whisper wealth and elegance.

Maverick was standing by the window, gazing at the cityscape, his back to her. His silence made Aria's anxiety grow.

"Mr. Green...Maverick" she corrected herself, trying to sound calm.

"I thought we were going to talk about the proposal?"

Maverick didn't react, his attention fixed on his phone.

Aria moved uncomfortably. What was he thinking? Did he approve of their arranged marriage? She took a deep breath and approached him.

"Maverick, please. I need to know what you think about this"

He still didn't respond to her questions. His eyes remained fixed on his phone, his teeth gritted.

Aria gave a little cough, trying again. "Maverick, I-"

"Give me a minute" he interrupted.

Aria was so speechless. She withdrew, feeling irritated and embarrassed.

Maverick's persisted silence made her question herself of what she has gotten herself into.

Maverick's finger suddenly paused on his phone, and he turned to face her.

The silence between them told a story. Aria's palms grew sweaty as she waited for him to speak.

"So, you're the lady my father chose," he wrinkled his brows.

"I...I ... .yes" she stuttered.

"You're not actually what I expected"he said checking her out and Aria almost sneered.

"What were you expecting?" she asked.

Maverick's lips curled into a faint, cryptic smile. "Someone more...sophisticated, perhaps"

"Huh?"

"But I can manage you. You're not exactly the type of woman I'm used to" he said.

"And what exactly is wrong with me?"

Maverick's smile twisted. "Your dress sense, for starters. It's...unsophisticated. Not exactly the classy, sophisticated look I prefer"

Aria felt embarrassed, her hands instinctively straightening her squeezed dress. She hadn't expected this meeting, and certainly hadn't dressed for it. Her usual casual attire now felt embarrassingly inadequate.

Maverick's eyes gazed around her, his gaze lingering on her outfit.

"You look like you just got out of bed and put on the first cloth you found on the floor," he said.

"I...I wasn't even expecting this meeting" she stuttered.

Maverick wrinkled an eyebrow. "It's so obvious"

Aria's teeth gritted, stifling the retort that threatened to escape. She wouldn't give Maverick the pleasure of witnessing her frustration.

"As you're aware, our marriage will be a business arrangement"

Aria nodded, familiar with the terms. Sebastian Green had made it clear... produce an heir, secure the family legacy.

"I want to make sure we're on the same page. Please review the folder my father gave you, familiarize yourself with the specifics" Aria brought out the folder.

"Any questions ,please don't hesitate to ask"

"I understand the terms, Maverick. Your father explained everything."

"I just want to ensure we're clear on the terms. List them out for me, Aria"

"Marriage, producing an heir to secure the Green family legacy, and-"

Maverick interrupted. "Specifically, what does 'producing an heir' entail?"

"Having a child within two years of marriage, ensuring the continuation of the Green family line"

Maverick nodded curtly. "And what about personal expectations?"

Aria swallowed hard. "Discretion, loyalty, and...no external relationships"

"Anything else?"

"Residing in the Green's estate and participating in family events"

"Is that all?"

Aria double-checked her memory. "That's everything, as far as I recall"

"Well...I have my own terms, separate from my father's proposal" he said.

Maverick handed her a contract.

"This outlines our personal agreement, beyond the business arrangement"

Aria scanned the pages, her eyes widening.

" 'No emotional attachment'?" she read aloud.

Maverick nodded. "We'll maintain a professional distance. No entanglements"

"And 'no questions asked'?"

"About my business dealings, personal life, or past. You won't pry"

" 'Discretion' applies to both of us" Maverick continued.

"No public scandals, no embarrassing the Green family" he said and Aria nodded.

" 'Separate quarters'?" she asked, surprised.

"We'll maintain separate living spaces within the estate. Privacy is essential"

"And what about...intimacy?"

"That's covered under 'fulfilling marital duties.' We'll do all that is necessary to produce an heir"

"That's all right?" she asked.

"One final condition before you sign"

"Outside relationships, I reserve the right to engage in extramarital activities, discreetly. However, you will maintain complete fidelity"

Aria's eyes opened wide.

"That's not cool"

"I'm protecting the Green legacy. My mistakes won't put at risk our agreement, but yours could"

"This is not fair" she said.

Maverick nodded. "Accept it or leave it. This condition is non-negotiable"

"Moving on to intimacy. As outlined in the contract, we'll fulfill our marital duties to produce an heir"

"Yeah"

"Please note that we will schedule intimacy three times a week"

Aria's eyes opened wide.

"Which of the days would you prefer?" Maverick asked.

"I...I really don't know," she stuttered.

Maverick wrinkled an eyebrow. "You have to decide. Monday, Wednesday, Friday? Or Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday?"

"How can you make this so...calculating?"

Maverick nodded. "Planning is key. We're adults, Aria. We know what's expected"

Aria inhaled deeply, trying to pull herself together.

"Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday" she said finally.

"Noted. Those will be our designated nights"

Aria felt cold run down her spine.

"Any questions?" Maverick asked and

Aria shook her head.

Maverick handed her a black pen. "Sign, please"

Aria's took the pen, scanned the contract one last time and with a deep breath, she signed her name.

"It's official" he said as he took the contract.

Maverick handed her a copy. "For your records"

Aria took it...their arrangement was sealed.

"Now that the etiquette are settled, we need to start preparations for the wedding"

Aria nodded.

"A fashionista will arrive very soon to help you choose a wedding gown and attire for the ceremony happening tonight"

Aria was flabbergasted. "It's tonight?"

Maverick nodded. "The wedding will take place tonight, at 8 PM"

"So soon?"

"My father wants this union solidified quickly"

"But I'm not ready..."

"Don't worry my dear" he said and they heard a knock on the door.

"Right on time" Maverick said, rising from his seat.

"That'll be your stylist. I'll leave you to it" Maverick exited the room.

An elegant woman entered, carrying designer luggage and a warm smile.

"Hello, Aria. I'm Vivian, your fashionista. Let's proceed, shall we?" She asked and Aria nodded.

"Don't worry, it's a small, intimate gathering, just Maverick's immediate family and closest relatives"

"Only family?"

Vivian nodded. "Sebastian wants to keep it private. No media, no public spectacle. Just a quiet, elegant ceremony"

Aria exhaled slowly. "That's a relief"

She thought of informing Beatrice of this but doesn't know where to start from.

In just a few hours, she'll become a member of the esteemed Green family.