Chapter 5 A PUBLIC DISPLAY

Kieran had just finished a meeting and headed to his office to send a few emails to some shareholders. He barely sat down before Alex rushed into the office with some documents in his hand.

Kieran sighed "Haven't I told you to knock. How many times must I remind you?" he said coldly

Alex only grinned "Its not like there's a woman here." Making Kieran frown.

"You have something for me?" he reached for the documents in Alex's hand and lightly scanned through the contents.

"I also have a few notifications"

"Go ahead"

"The superior representative of Long Group Pharmaceuticals and his family want to have lunch with you this afternoon at Oasis Hotel"

"Please tell me his daughter Kayla won't be there".

Alex looked at his dear friend with pity "I wish I could, sir".

Kieran all but rolled his eyes "How much time do I have left then?" He asked

"Thirty minutes, sir." Alex replied.

Kieran stood up after some time, grabbed his jacket and left to the office with Alex following close behind.

"Sir, have you heard from her?" Alex asked

"Who?"

"You're soon-to-be wife" Alex whispered.

"Yes, I'm meeting her tomorrow afternoon"

"Do you need me to make a reservation?"

"No, that will not be necessary. She is coming to the office"

Alex has gasped "That's perfect. That way, women won't be able to bother you anymore and you can finally be at peace"

"it was her idea, actually" Kieran uttered

Alex watched Kieran's expression. "If I didn't know any better, I would say you are excited to see this girl."

Kieran scoffed "Oh please, that's not possible. She drives me nuts"

"That's how it starts" Alex began as they entered the elevator. "Before you know it, you are head over heels just

"Now you are just talking nonsense" Kieran said, dismissing Alex's comments and headed to his destination once he got in the car.

Irene was exhausted from trying on so many corporate outfits only to pick three out of the pile her friend forced her to try. After they had finished paying, Irene decided it was time to go home and get some rest.

Her grandfather was obviously thrilled to see her take the initiative to wear something fancy rather than him having to cox her. She went to her room and stared at the new clothes she bought. She stared at the beautiful red dress Marceline had forced on her. She remembered her saying it would definitely turn some heads at Kieran's company and also leave him stunned.

It was another grueling day of work for Kieran but he couldn't stop glancing at the time on his wrist watch. He was occasionally lost in thought during meetings and didn't pay attention when Alex recited his schedule for the day. Once his phone rang, he would answer it almost immediately and his face would drop once he knew who it was.

He wondered if he was acting this way because Irene was coming or the fact that his co-workers were going to see his wife to be and didn't want anything going wrong. He remembered that Irene wore baggy sweatpants both times he visited and began to feel a little nervous. 'Surely she wouldn't come in a ridiculous attire, right?' Kieran asked himself. He was still in thought when he got a call on his phone and he picked up quickly.

"I'm here. I'm coming up" Irene said and cut the call. Kieran immediately cleared his desk and arranged his folders. No way she was going to see him looking disoriented.

With the help of a staff member, Irene made her way to Kieran's office. Everywhere was silent as they watched Kieran's female guest walk by. The men were captivated by her beauty and the women were in awe; some envying her. Irene walked passed them confidently, avoiding their gaze. Once she entered Kieran's office, he stood. Their eyes met for a while as he welcomed her.

"You look beautiful" he said in a deep voice, loud enough for others around the office door to hear.

"Why thank you" Irene said shyly. As soon as the staff member shut the door, they both gave a sigh of relief.

"You sounded so cringe" Irene sneered

"As if you did a better job" Kieran retorted.

Irene took a seat "I don't have time for your childish behavior. Let's discuss our situation and be done with it already"

Kieran shook his head and brought out a contract from his desk drawer and gave it to her. Irene scanned the contents thoroughly before nodding. "This will do" and put it on the table

"Do you have any questions?" Kieran inquired

Irene waited a beat as she tapped a finger on the table. "The contract says the duration of the marriage agreement will only be for a year. Why is that?"

"Because by then we would have gotten what we want and we'll be free from any more obligations. Your grandfather won't be in a rush to get you married after the divorce so soon."

Irene nodded as she contemplated his words. "So where do I sign?"

Irene stayed a bit longer in his office to solidify the notion in the minds of Kieran's coworkers that he had a girlfriend now. They even ordered lunch and ate together. To the staff outside, it was a miracle to see their boss spend so much time with a woman at work. They could faintly hear Irene's laughter mixed with his and they became certain that it wasn't a dream but reality was far from that. They barely spoke to each other after signed the agreement and only pretended to have a blast when they thought someone was close by.

After some time, Irene left the building with Kieran escorting her. They were all smiles and they walked out in confidence. Once Irene entered the car, she said sweetly to him. "I guess I'll see you later, stupid. I had the worst time with you".

"Well, it was the same for me, curly" Kieran replied softly and waved goodbye.

"Curly? What do you mean by-" but the car had already taken off. Kieran was pleased to know he'd had the final word and went back to his office.

Alex came in moments later. "Did I miss her?"

"Yes, you did" Kieran replied

"Oh well, maybe next time". Alex said and left the office.

Kieran sat down and stared at the contract. 'Even her signature is wild' Kieran thought and caught himself smiling. He immediately brushed it off and continued his work.