Chapter 3 A MARRIAGE OF CONVENIENCE

Kieran looked at Irene for some time, watching her eyebrows furrow.

"And you're that blind girl that bumped into me yesterday, aren't you?" Kieran retorted, pointing a finger at her too.

"Who are you calling blind, stupid?"

Irene exclaimed aggressively as she stood up

Kieran also stood, looking pissed "Look around. There's no one else here."

"Its common decency to be polite to others. People can tell a lot about someone from the smallest things". Irene fumed.

"It's not my fault that you don't look in the direction you're headed to". Kieran uttered

"I-I was lost in thought. I'm not usually like that" Irene deflated a little. "But that doesn't mean you can be rude to someone because of that"

"Yeah, try telling that to someone whose not in a good mood which is basically more than half of the population"

Irene puffed her cheeks "You're nothing like the way Papa described you".

"You don't know anything about me" Kieran said coldly.

"And I don't intend to find out. I don't think I'd like to spend my entire life with someone like you"

"Years is a bit much. I can't even stand being next to you even for a minute"

"A second, you mean" Irene sneered

"Wow. Something we agree on. Then maybe we shouldn't even get married"

"Perfectly fine with me" Irene raised her head high.

"Perfect"

"Perfect"

"Per-" Someone knocked at the door and opened it. It was Albert, carrying a few refreshments on a silver tray. He dropped them on the table, made a few glances at the two, bowed and left.

Kieran sighed and sat back down on his seat and put a biscuit in his mouth. Irene reluctantly followed. She could never say no to snacks. The two glared at each other cautiously for a few seconds until Mr. Blackwell came in. The fake smiles on the two's face not evoking any suspicion.

"Seems like you two are getting along fine" Mr. Blackwell uttered with glee.

"Yes papa. It's pretty intense between us" Irene turned to Kieran "Right?" giving him an angelic smile.

Kieran smirked "Yes, it's being quite an exchange. We've both come to an understanding. An amicable one at that"

Mr. Blackwell clapped his hands together "How wonderful. Kieran, would you like to stay for dinner. We could talk more properly while having a nice meal"

Irene's eyes immediately darted to Kieran. Her eyes conveying a clear message.

Kieran began to think of way out when he suddenly got a phone call. He answered it after excusing himself.

"He's very polite, isn't he dear?" Mr. Blackwell beamed.

"If you say so" Irene said, her eyes still looking at Kieran cautiously.

Kieran came after a few minutes with a calm yet serious face. "I'm sorry, sir but I'll have to leave early. A problem has occurred at the office"

Irene noticed that there was a different air about him now. That annoying face had become stern as he looked at her grandfather, awaiting his response.

"All right, maybe next time. Dear, escort Kieran to the front door".

Before Irene could protest, Kieran spoke up "No, there's no need for that, sir. I'm in quite a hurry. I wouldn't want to take more of miss Irene's time". He bowed to Mr. Blackwell and left the office.

Irene secretly sighed in relief as she also excused herself to go to her room. She was exhausted from the whole ordeal that had just occurred and wanted to rest her head.

She was pleased that she wouldn't get married since it was so apparent that they weren't a good match. She was certain Kieran would tell his parents about their argument and cancel all arrangements. Then she would have her freedom again until her grandfather found another suitor, of course but she wouldn't think about that now and focus on the present.

The next morning, Irene was in such a good mood she all but danced through the hallway as she headed to the dinning room to have breakfast. She passed by a familiar figure "Good morning " she greeted happily.

"Good morning. Someone's happy. I wonder why" a familiar voice said

"Well, yes because-" Irene stopped in her tracks and turned towards the person. Her eyes widened in surprised. "What are you doing here?"

Kieran could only laugh hysterically "Your face is priceless right now". Irene could not utter a word as she stared in disbelief.

Mr. Blackwell walked in moments later "I see you've both met each other. Since Kieran was not able to join us for dinner last night, I insisted that he joined us for breakfast today".

"But Papa, he's an extremely busy person. I'm sure he had better things to do" Irene tried to change her grandfather's mind

"Nonsense, he said it was a great idea and came running. I'm sure that he couldn't wait to see you" Mr. Blackwell gave Irene a wink that made Irene wince internally.

They all sat down on the table with Mr. Blackwell sitting at the head while Irene and Kieran sat facing each other. Mr. Blackwell and Kieran engaged in conversation while Irene sulked, wondering what she ever did to deserve this.

After breakfast, Albert informed Mr. Blackwell that he had an important call to attend to so he left Irene and Kieran alone for a while.

"What's going on? I thought we had an understanding yesterday"

"We did" Kieran replied calmly

"Then why are you here?" Irene looked frustrated

"Hear me out. I know we hate each other and don't intend to be anything more than strangers"

"Sooo, where are you going with this" Irene raised an eyebrow.

"I have a proposition, one you can't refuse" Irene scoffed but waited to hear what Kieran wanted to say. "As you already know, I am currently the COO of Sterling Enterprises. The only way I can fully take over the company is by getting married and you won't need to be bothered by your grandfather with other suitors. We both hate each other so there's no chance of us falling in love. We can be an ideal couple in front of our families and be ourselves when we're alone"

Irene looked into his eyes. He was serious about this. It was obvious he had thought this through. "Why me?" She finally asked.

"I would rather have someone who can't stand me than someone who'll ask for my love and attention." When Irene didn't say anything, Kieran put a hand on her shoulder so she could look at him. "I'll let you think about it, okay? We don't have much time". He put his card in her hand and closed it just in time before Mr. Blackwell walked in.

"Oh my, am I interrupting something" Mr. Blackwell smirked as the two immediately removed their hands. "its not what you think, papa".

"Irene, dear, I'm old not stupid" Mr. Blackwell raised an eyebrow. "I'll be taking my leave, sir. Thank you for having me". Kieran said as he stood up. "I'll see you later" he held Irene's hand, his eyes conveying a message. She gave him a small smile, playing her part. She watched him leave, wondering why the fingertips of the hand he had touched tingled.