Chapter 4 LOVE, LIES AND ARRANGEMENTS

Later that day, Irene was contemplating on Kieran's words when she noticed her grandfather talking to Albert in the living room. They seemed to be in a hurry. He was wearing one of his business suits so Irene figured he was going to the company. Out of concern, she walked towards them.

"Papa, you're going to the company right now? Is something wrong?"

"There's some discord between some executives so I have to resolve it"

"You're not in a good condition right now, papa. Why don't you let me go with-"

"No, Irene. You're not ready for that yet. Just stay home and wait for me. I'll be right back". Suddenly, he felt a sharp pain in his chest and winced.

Irene, Albert and the few of the help around began to panic. The head maid ran towards them to give him his medicine. It took some time for the medicine to kick in. Everyone sighed in relief when Mr. Blackwell said he was fine.

"Papa, at least let me escort you. I won't say or do anything that would bring necessary attention" Irene pleaded, even more desperate to protect her grandfather's health.

"Remember that you've been suspended for three weeks for that little ordeal that happened"

"It is not my fault that Mr. Cooper doesn't know when to keep his mouth shut" Irene huffed. When Mr. Blackwell only shook his head, Irene deflated "Fine. I'll wait for you"

Mr. Blackwell only smiled and promised he'd be back before she knew it then left. His absence gave Irene the assurance she needed. It was obvious what decision she had to make. She went to her room and saw the card Kieran gave her on her desk.

"You've been going out during work time. Is there something serious going on?" Kieran's assistant and best friend, Alex inquired.

"It's not unnatural to leave work sometimes for my own personal things" Kieran shrugged

"Uh yes, it is. You never leave work for anything. If you had your way, you would live here all your life and never leave".

"Well, if you must know, I've been visiting my fiancée's house"

Alex's mouth flew open. "No way. You have a girlfriend? And she's your fiancée now? I thought I knew you..."

"Well, she isn't my fiancée yet" Kieran muttered.

"Oh, so it's an arranged marriage. Knowing you, there is no way you won't object" Alex grinned.

"Actually, I think it's a good idea to marry her"

Alex stared at Kieran. "Do you like her or something?" Alex questioned.

Kieran chuckled "No way"

"Then why do you want to marry her, then?" Alex was getting confused.

"That's why it's so perfect. Since we don't like each other, she won't beg for affection" Kieran explained. Kieran began to pack up his things so he could head home.

"Has she agreed to this?"

"Not yet. I gave her some time to think about it. She's bound to make the right decision" Kieran said confidently.

Alex escorted Kieran to his car where his driver was waiting for him and bowed as he drove away.

Kieran was looking through some notifications on his phone when he got a call from an unknown number. He had a pretty good guess on who it was. He waited a beat to answer the call. He didn't want to seem desperate. When she called again, he answered quickly.

"Hello?" Irene asked in a calm voice, unlike her aggressive nature in Kieran's opinion.

"You've thought it through?" he went straight to the point and Irene preferred it that way.

"Yes, I have" Irene took a breath "I'm in"

"Okay. We will have to schedule a time for us to meet." Kieran noted. "I will be free the day after tomorrow in the afternoon. Where should we go?"

"No need for a location. I'll just come to your office so we can discuss privately" Irene said.

"Why not outside?" Kieran asked curiously

"What better way to tell the world you are no longer available than your new fiancée coming to see you in your office?" Irene smirked.

Kieran nodded "You're right. Let's go with that then"

"Like you would have thought of it" Irene muttered.

"Are you calling me dumb?" Kieran raised an eyebrow.

"If the shoe fits" Irene smirked, her mockery very audible in Kieran's ears.

"I'll hang up now" Kieran said.

"Sure thing, loser"

"Hey!" Kieran began but Irene hung up first. Kieran began to plan his revenge

The next day, Irene went to Madeline's café to tell her about her situation. "I guess I should congratulate you, then. You are getting married soon. How do you feel?" Madeline asked with a smile.

"I don't feel anything actually. I'm just hoping it works in my favor." Irene responded

"You don't really have to do this if you don't want to, you know."

"You haven't seen papa the last few days, Marcy. He's so happy. He smiles more often and his spirits are up. He even takes his medicine without complaints. I can't break his heart by telling him I don't want this marriage." Irene sulked.

"What's this person like?" Marceline inquired as she sipped on her boba.

"He's very tall, very full of himself, annoying. He doesn't listen to a word I say and he thinks just because he's handsome he can just-"

"You think he's handsome?" Marceline gasped

"W-what? No I-" Irene stammered

"Could this be a budding romance?" Marceline squealed

"Ew, Marcy. Keep me out of your romance fantasies. The guy's a narc in my opinion" Irene sneered.

Marceline held her hand "Well, at least he's not a bad person"

"Yeah he's rude but he's not obnoxious or needy" Irene shrugged. "I'm meeting him in his office tomorrow"

"So you have something to wear?" Marceline raised an eyebrow. Irene avoided her gaze. Marceline's eyes began to sparkle. She stood up and went outside the café with Irene following her "Come on, we're going to get you some clothes. It's a good thing we're at the mall".