100 Days As His Contract Wife

ARYAN'S POV

"If I'm to get you right, Mr. Darth, you'd like Two A's Investment to invest in your company when we already own three percent as a shareholder in it," I asked again, just to be sure of what this man is proposing as an offer to me.

"Yes, Mr. Alvarez," he responded with a cheeky smile. What does he take me for? A child?

"But what's the point of watering a withering plant? Your company has lost so much stock in the market, in just two days. Why should we invest in a company whose fate is sealed already? Do you take us for a joke?"

"But..." he tried to say, but I cut him short.

"There'd be no further discussion on this, Mr. Darth. And this discussion is null," I replied to him and massaged my temples. It is exhausting.

"Your father would have agreed to this," Mr. Darth blurted.

This again. I shot him a glance, and he swallowed hard.

"I dare you to say that again!"

"Victor Alvarez! He's the Chairman of Two A's Investment. You can't make decisions for him," he replied and went pale.

"No." I added, "I am his son. All cubs grow to be the next lion and hunt, don't you think?"

It took every inch of me not to punch this old fart in his face. I'll pass instead.

"Meeting dismissed. Have a nice day ahead everyone," I dismissed everyone and exited the company immediately, heading to my car.

"Sir Alvarez, You have a call,"

"Who is it?" I'm having a terrible day already. Who wants to piss me off more?

"Aaron, your father's secretary, sir,"

"Put him on the line."

"Aryan!" He exclaimed, his voice sounding worried.

"What's the matter? Report please."

"I'm afraid there's a problem! Your father just had another attack! He's also convulsing at the moment," he reported.

"To the mansion," I ordered.

"No, don't come to the mansion. We're on our way to the hospital! You can meet us there."

"To the hospital then!" I replied and hung up.

"Can't you move faster?!" I was getting agitated. My father's attack could be scarier than it sounded.

"Sir, the traffic regulation...The law!!!"

"I am the fucking law! Now move Faster, you fool!" I ordered, and he made a sharp U-Turn and faced the lane that led to the hospital.

Oh fuck!

***

ROSEANNE'S POV

"I'm here to see the patient in Ward 3, please. Grant me access,"

"Oh, are you perhaps Roseanne Jones, patient Luca's sister?"

'Of course I am,' I told myself, mentally rolling my eyes.

"Yes, I am," I smiled.

"Okay, you may go see him. But please remember not to make physical contact with any of the objects that could be contaminated. And do not adjust the settings of any of the machines. The doctor will attend to you soon," the nurse left the ward entrance and made way for me.

Nothing stings more than seeing your only family in a sick bed with little hope of living. Even the pain of being stabbed doesn't hold a candle to this.

"Luca? The letter came in yesterday."

I walked to his bed and dipped my hand into my bag.

"The admission letter to Duke's University," I smiled and brought it closer to his hand.

"I know you'll probably get pissed if you were awake right now because I had snooped to know what's in it but, you're not," I smiled bitterly and looked at his body, looking almost lifeless, face pale like it was winter.

Tears made their way to my eyes, and I began weeping. "Wake up, Luca, it hurts. Seeing you this way hurts so much."

"Uhm... Roseanne? Miss Jones?" Someone reached out and tapped my shoulder from behind.

Oh, the doctor.

"We might need to carry out a surgery on him for his survival. It's been a miracle for him to have made it to this point but I'm afraid he can't struggle much longer," he explained.

"Here's the bill, including the pills recommended by our pharmaceutical department and other minor payments to be made. The earlier, the better, Miss Jones. Stay strong," he handed me the paper, and whatever fog covered my eyes dissipated immediately.

"What?!" I screamed, and the doctor, about to exit the room, looked back at me and chuckled.

"Ten thousand?!" I exclaimed so high that my throat went sore almost immediately.

"Where am I going to get that? Doctor? Is there a discount or anything? I can't get ten thousand dollars in a week that's about to run out. Please doctor," I began pleading.

I had always believed in self-dignity and respect but threw them out of the window today. I couldn't afford such a week.

"I'm afraid that's the only way, Miss Jones." He exited the room, leaving me in my pool of thought.

My phone rang, and I picked up the call from Clara, my best friend.

"Hey."

"Okay, that was cold. What's the situation now?" She asked.

"Well. He hasn't improved, this is what they said. And I was asked to pay ten thousand dollars for treatments. Do you know of any job I can take?" I narrated.

I did not expect her to know of any, but I had to notify her.

"Well, no jobs at the moment, I'm sorry. Rather, no job is offering such a high price and even if they are, it's by the month's end."

"Oh."

"But there's a rich guy down the alley who needs a bride for a night. I think the pay is fifteen thousand dollars. I got us slots, if you don't mind,"

"Isn't that kind of risky? What if he does something to us? Was there more details?" I queried.

There have been cases of such these days where guys trick ladies into hiring them and then get down forcefully with them.

"Nah, no job description whatsoever. Since he is very reputable, he wouldn't do such a thing. See you in a bit," she said and hung up.

Damn! I had to go.

***

ARYAN'S POV

I reached the hospital, saw Victor at the entrance, and entered the elevator immediately.

After what took forever, the elevator dinged, and I collided with someone from nowhere.

"What the fuck?!"

"Oh my goodness, I'm sorry," she said as she used her sleeve to clean the spot where she had spilt coffee.

"It's fine, out of my way," I told her off, irritated and left the scene.

"This way," Victor led the way to my father's ward, and what I saw was beyond shocking.

"Where is he?!" First, he had an attack, and now he was missing.

ARYAN

"Where is he?!"

"I'm right here. Look at you all worked up, who would have thought you'd love your father this much?"

"Leave us," I sighed and walked closer to him.

He was seated on the sofa just adjacent to the bed.

"So, I heard you're rejecting most offers from companies that need an investor?" He said as I took a seat by his side.

"Well, they're not looking profitable nor promising so I think it'll be a waste of funds. Don't you think, father?" I cleared my throat and stole a glance at him.

His stare is somewhat scary, even for a man like me.

"Well, you're quite capable of handling a company. At least you've proven that. Your reasoning is quite okay too. I guess I have to update and make a few changes to my will,"

"What do you mean?" I was puzzled.

"You're capable of being my heir, officially. I plan to hand over Two A's to you," I was shocked.

That was quite weird. He never admitted that I was his heir, so that was something new.

"Victor, get the documents by my bed."

"I hope you're still with that girl. What's her name? Oshana, is it?" He asked.

That whore! Why did he have to remind me of her?

"Well, not quite. We broke up a few days ago, I caught her..." I tried explaining but was cut short by him. Very typical of him.

"What?!"

"So, you're single right now? Well then. Don't bother, Victor. You can return them."

"What, why are you asking him to return them? What does being single or married have to do with all these?" It pissed me off every time.

"A man with no home to govern cannot handle a company!"

"I will not give my wealth and hard-earned properties to a bachelor! Go bring a presentable wife or all you wish to inherit will go into donation," my father ordered as he turned deaf ears to my grumbles.

"Speedy recovery, father," I said and left the room.

"You punk!" He cussed, but who cares?

Why did he have to place such a high condition just for me to be the next Chairman?

I took my phone and placed a call to my friend. Thankfully, he picked up.

"Hey, man! What's good?"

"Nothing is. Are you at work? I drop by for a few minutes, talk about stuff, and dissect over wine. You can make time, right?" I need to drop this burden off my chest.

"Uhm... Yeah, sure. I'll be expecting you."

"Alright," I replied and hung up.

"To Kent's office," I ordered my driver, who acknowledged and drove off immediately.

How do I find a girl who isn't a gold digger? The answer is no way because all girls are gold diggers. Even the meek-looking ones want to have something attached to their name and buy things more expensive than their income.

Oshana never really liked me for who I was. She wanted just three things that meant everything to all girls. Fame. Wealth. Sex. After giving them all that, they grew wings and flew away.

"We are here, sir," my driver called my attention back to reality, jolting me out of my thoughts.

"Oh." That was fast.

"My man!" He exclaimed as we shook hands.

"Would anyone believe that we haven't seen each other informally despite being in the same town?" He laughed, but I kept a straight face because I was not in the mood for jokes. I had more pressing issues.

He was right, though. We only see this during shareholders' meetings since he controls the legal department of Two A's.

"Oh, whatever the problem is?" He questioned the moment he sensed the coldness.

"Dad," I mumbled and walked off for him to catch up with me.

"Oh, he's still over the issue of having a woman?"

"Well, apparently," I responded and nodded.

"Wait, what about the girl, Oshana?" He asked, and I scoffed.

"You blew it?!" He yelled.

"Hey hey hey! It was her fault, I told her off after finding out she cheated on me with her brand manager. And who the hell are you yelling at?"

"Her brand manager? Haha!" He chuckled, and I shot him a glare. Was he being serious right now?

"There's a cool bar downtown. What's the name again, Jeffrey's? Want to check it out?" I nodded. I need a glass of vodka and think of my next move.

"Sure. Let's stroll for a while and talk about work. You can tell your driver to come pick you up later," he added, and I waved at my driver, who drove away after a bow.

It's been a while since I felt the breeze. Being coupled with work for a week or so can have a turning effect on someone. The street was relatively scanty, thanks to Kent, who liked solitude and less noise, yet a specific building had more crowd than a betting arena, all ladies.

"What's going on there? I had no idea Two A's Event Center was booked during weekdays."

"Ahh, there. Most of my female workers took it off for it. Asher Miller wants to pick a lady for an occasion, I think. Pay is quite high so everyone is trying their luck."

Lucky him! He could come up with such an idea.

"Why not check if you can find your taste amongst them?"

"That's not a bad idea," I said and quickened my step to get closer to them.

ROSEANNE'S POV

So rude of him! I messed my sleeve up, and he couldn't even say thanks or apologize for colliding with me?! Rich brats and their nerve!

"Hey! Where the heck are you? Are you going to delay until the person is chosen?" Clara's voice screamed on the other end of the phone.

"Sorry, I got into some mess. I'm at the centre already... Wait, I'm supposed to find you amidst this crowd?! Are you sick?"

"Of course not! I'm opposite you, bitch!" She screamed and shoved her middle finger in the air from the other side.

I got to her and thanked her for going through the stress. Just then, someone grabbed me by the wrist. I looked back to see who it was to find out it was the guy from the hospital. Was he stalking me?

"You?" he said in unison, freeing my arm.

"She'll do, don't you think?" A blonde guy by his side said, and he nodded.

"What? Do what?? And who are you?!" Clara blabbed and got in front.

"I'll join you soon, go first," I assured her and she walked away, not taking her eyes off the blonde.

"Miss?"

"Roseanne," I replied curtly, unsure what to do next.

"I'm Aryan Alvarez and I'll go straight to the point. I'll offer you more than Miller. Be my wife for a hundred days and be free thereafter," he said blatantly.

"And what makes you think I want that?" I clenched my purse tightly, letting a rich brat see through me like a nylon.

Was this a joke? Did rich people take advantage of other people's desperation and manipulate them?

"Because it's a give and take," he took a stride towards me. "And we both know that you want that," he sighed and leaned into me.

"Here's my card," he said, waltzing off while his friend winked at me and followed. I was still thinking of all that had happened when I heard a scream.

ROSEANNE'S POV

"Wait!" I called out to him as he gestured to meet at Jeffrey's, the fabulous bar opposite the event centre where I was.

"I agree. What time? And where?" I added when he looked back. His gaze met mine, and I felt weird. Those blue eyes had a freezing effect on me, so I stared at the floor to avoid his gaze.

"Good choice," he said coldly and chuckled.

"Probably, by twelve p.m. or one. Two A's Headquarters. I'll free my schedule. Anything for my wife," he smirked flirtatiously and walked off.

I couldn't help but blush as I looked at him walk into Jeffrey's.

He was not that bad after all. Was it me getting smitten by a man? Oh no!

I checked the business card in my hand and dipped it into my bag with a sigh. I just hoped all would go well. Luca's health was my priority; this was a marriage of convenience, nothing more, nothing less.

"I got it! I got it!" Clara screamed as she pounced on me. She did? How better could my day get?

"You did?! Wow, I'm so happy for you!" I squealed and dragged her cheek.

"And who was the lady who screamed earlier? I've heard so many screams I don't even know if my eardrum still works."

"Oh, that? Probably ladies who failed. Bars are pretty high you know," she whispered and made a face. The one that showed disgust, and I mouthed an "Ohh" in response.

"Uhm... Miss Yan? Can you spare us a few minutes of your time, please?" A burly guy came to us while we were jubilating. They looked like bouncers and wouldn't take no for an answer.

"Uhm... Yeah. Sure. Be right back," she responded and turned to them as her hair danced along her move.

"She's not even that pretty," someone behind me chimed.

"Exactly! How did she get picked?" Another one commented.

"The person before her said she saw her strip to the man. I think that's why he picked her,"

"Yeah. She definitely looked thick. She probably seduced him,"

Now, that got me. I scoffed loudly to get their attention.

"You got a problem, lady?" The last speaker faced me, and I glared in response.

"With you? Yes. You failed, fair and square. You have to envy and spread rumours about her?"

"Yeah, tell that to who doesn't know you spoke to Aryan Alvarez," another person said in her defence.

"She did? Such a hypocrite!"

"Hypocrite? Vermins like you are responsible for the society's stunted growth. Get a life and scurry on, Littleton!" Clara spat from behind and shooed them away.

Thank goodness. I had nothing to say in my defence.

"And, bitch, you spoke to Aryan Alvarez?!" She whispered and hailed a cab.

"You're not answering! Is that true?" Clara was getting anxious, and it wasn't enjoyable.

"Just get in! I'll explain when we get home," I shrugged and dragged her into the car by her dress' collar.

***

ARYAN'S POV

"Hey, bro! Is there anything you'd like to explain?" Kent inquired as he poured himself a drink.

"No," I simply replied and gulped on my drink. I wasn't interested in explaining anything.

"Okay," he replied and gulped his too. That was it? Wouldn't he pester me? That's new.

"But dude. Don't you think you should shed light on this matter? You meet a girl, make contact with her, without a mask! You even flirted with her. Who's she and why do you want to marry her?"

I knew it! Just what I was expecting. He never disappointed me.

"Okay. I found the answer to the WHY question. What about the rest? Who's she? You seem to have met before," he queried, and all I could do was sigh.

"Can I just drink in peace please?"

"Sure," I'm expecting another fuss. "You know, Aryan I wonder sometimes if I'm truly your main man. I should know everything about you! And this should not be an exception!"

"Fine. We met at the hospital once. She spilled coffee on me and that was it."

"And you decided to marry her? You really are unpredictable, Aryan Alvarez," he poured himself another drink.

I asked for a refill and was ignored.

"Just prepare a contract and a little court wedding. I'll drop by tomorrow to get it," I demanded and walked off. My driver should be out by now. It was getting late.

***

ROSEANNE'S POV

So, you're saying you spilt coffee on The Almighty Aryan Alvarez and left the scene unscathed?" Clara asked for the umpteenth time with her face pale.

"What a beautiful white lie," we said unison, and I laughed.

She would usually utter it when she did not believe any words.

"Believe it or not. Anyway, he wants a wife for reasons known to him. He also said he'll pay me which is exactly why I'm doing this. We'll be meeting tomorrow."

"He doesn't have a taint to his name, he seems good. I support it. At least I'll be acquainted with a rich man for a while. Hundred days, eh?" She smiled and ushered me up.

"It's getting late. It's your turn to stay with Luca over the night. Take care," she said, giving me what she'd prepared earlier.

"Thank you. Have a good night," I replied and left the apartment.

I hailed a cab and went straight to the hospital.

"We're here miss," I paid him and got into the hospital.

I entered his ward, shared my day experience, and dozed off.

"Miss, visiting hours are over," a nurse woke me up, and I thanked her and left the hospital.

Oh my goodness, it was almost twelve!

I went home to at least look decent, only to find a note on the bed with a dress underneath. She wished me good luck, and I wouldn't spill anything on him. That bitch! I dressed up and went off to Two A's after calling Aryan for the umpteenth time to tell him I was in the building, but he wasn't picking up. He was a busy man.

"Miss Jones? I'm Mr. Alvarez's PA. He sent me to you and requested your signature after going through the content. He's in an important meeting," I read through the content, and they were considerate to me. At least, there were no demands from him.

I hastily signed the signature and left the building. I was disappointed I did not meet him, but it was fine; it was a marriage of convenience, not some lovey-dovey affair.

***

ARYAN'S POV

The meeting ended earlier than expected, but I couldn't catch up with her. I just watched her exit the building, which allowed me to check her out. She wasn't bad. And her fashion sense was decent.

I called my father and notified him of my marriage, and he sounded joyous. That was what you call things falling into place. He told me he would be getting discharged tomorrow and wanted to see her at home. I agreed and hung up.

"Things are going as you planned. I bet you're happy," he goofed around, and I turned to him, leaving the delightful sight of watching Roseanne walk.

"Spill it out, man."

"Tell me everything!" He demanded.

"Remember what happened when you did this dance? Of dating and trusting ladies?" He continued, and I cut him off.

"There's no such thing as everything, man. Besides, It's a contract marriage. One of convenience," I fired and looked back, only to see she was gone. A shame. I wanted more.