Arranged Marriage To My Boss English

I was just barely retrieving myself from being useless. I was a happy-go-lucky kinda person back then. I had no other thoughts but myself because my family had always supported me. I never thought that I'd reach this point where I had to accept my boss's offer to be his fake wife.

Why would I decline it? I'm indebted to him and in exchange of my freedom I needed this arranged marriage. So here I am now in my boss/husband's room to discuss the things that couldn't be done during this arrangement.

"You are not allowed to enter any relationship within the period of this marriage," he said seriously.

My eyes widened. "As in even flings? Nothing at all?"

He looked at me solemnly. "I am a very possessive man, Iris. I don't like sharing."

My hairs at the back of my neck stood up. It was such a pleasure getting an attention like this from him. Shit. Right at this moment I knew I would be fuck up if this end.

"I understand," I agreed with him.

"Don't be clingy in public or even in private. You have to ask for permission before doing so."

I almost rolled my eyes. I never thought his rules was this ridiculous. He was making me feel like he was way above me, and yes, I knew he was. But he wanted me to submit all the way to him.

"You have to follow everything I say without complaining."

"I'm only your fake wife," I reminded him. "Why does every move I make need your approval?"

"Because I am your boss too, Ms. Villafuente," he said like a businessman trying to persuade his point.

I was having second thought if I could manage to do all of this since I'm used to get what I wanted all the time. I'm not the type who would submit herself for a man. But he was not just an ordinary man. He was my boss.

I wanted to storm out already but suddenly I thought about my family. Yes, I needed to do this for them. My life had also been good since birth; it was full of support, love and material things. But I guessed there was always a substitute for all that; a payback.

"Okay, Mr. Esqueza," I replied weakly.

He smirked. Oh my god! This man! He was enjoying the way I would agreed to whatever he was saying. But this side was better since he was the type you didn't want to mess up with. Well, if he wasn't this charming and handsome, I would never agreed to this.

"But you still have every right to stop this arrangement."

"Even if I sign something? I can stop when I don't want to?"

"Why can't you? This arrangement should be mutual. I don't like forcing things, Iris. You tell me to stop, I'll end it. It's simple as that."

He slowly approached my place until my eyes were focused on his perfect damn face. I sniffed. He smelled so damn good and expensive. Which made me question, why am I here and why he chosed me to be here?

"How will it be paid then?" I asked, voice hoarse.

"I'll talk to your Dad and the risk you'll be putting your family." He brushed the hair on my face then tucked it behind my ears.

"You are such a manipulative person, Zach..." I whispered without taking my eyes off from him.

His lips twitched. "What did you call me?"

"Zach..." I repeated, my mind wasn't thinking straight.

"I am the boss and you're calling me what?"

Oh, he was never backing down. I rolled my eyes. "Sir..."

"You can call me Sir or Mr. Esqueza all the time unless I tell you so to call me by my name."

"What if I forgot?"

His eyes darkened. "Then you have to face the consequence of that action."

"Consequence?" I asked confused.

"Like a punishment, Iris."

Consequence? Punishment? This was funny, I felt like a child. What he would do then? Spank me like my Mom used to do with me whenever I made mistakes back then? I suddenly laughed at the idea.

His face went serious. He took a step back. "Is there anything funny, Iris?" he asked while fixing the paper infront of him.

I swallowed. "Nothing, Sir..."

"One of these days you'll know about it. But for now, read and sign this. You can leave it on your room's desk once you're done. Now, go to your room," he dismissed like a boss that he was.

He handed me the paper. "Thank you, Sir," I told him again, exaggerating the word 'sir'.

But he turned around and didn't answer me. Very moody. It's been a while since I'd felt like this and now, I'd been treated like a slave to follow every rules he had.

I crossed my arms. "I'm coming out, Mr. Esqueza," I repeated so that he would give me a little attention.

He never looked at me again. Even a single answers, nothing. What an asshole. I stumbled out of his room. As soon as I'm out, my heart was a bit heavy. My thoughts consuming me. I don't know if it's the right thing to do. It was like forgetting who I am for the sake of money.

I leaned against the door. I hope this would be all worth it in the end. I'm not sure but hopefully there would be a good outcome. I also don't know why he chose me. He was a billionaire and also CEO of Esqueza's Corporation, why would he had to do this arranged marriage with me? There were lots of women better than me so why me?

I breathe heavily, feeling overwhelmed all at once. Shooing my thoughts away.

"Goodnight, Mr. Esqueza ..." I whispered one more time, hoping he could hear it.

When I gathered my strength and returned to my senses I made my way to my room. It looked like it's going to be a long night of overthinking again. I'm going to wake up again. When I lied down, I kept asking myself if this was really the solution to my problem.

Arranged marriage to my boss? For real?

CHAPTER 1

"Miggy, oh hi, what are you doing here?"

Of all the freaking places in the world. Why would I even see my ex-boyfriend here? Don't get me wrong. I don't have bitterness towards him. It was just too awkward case to feel like how to handle yourself when you see your ex-boyfriend in public? Ugh, freakish, Iris. Calm yourself.

Miggy glanced at me before answering, his lips quirked as if stopping himself from smirking. "I've a secret job here."

He is so weird. Trust me, really, he is.

"Oh wow, a secret job." My voice raised a little. But before I say something stupid, I immediately stopped myself. "Err, by the way, Migs, I have an orientation to attend. See you around!"

I was about to walked away when he talked again. I stopped.

"Esqueza Company?" He pointed to the building behind me. I just nodded and smiled.

"Whatelse?" I almost rolled my eye. "I mean yes, bye!" "Marie wait---"

I didn't look back at him and ran towards the huge building. I was running almost out of breath. I was about to enter the entrance and rush to the elevator when the security guard stopped me.

"I have an orientation." I told him before questioning me.

"Give me your ID."

"ID?"

My mind was a bit confused. It took me three seconds to realized what he was telling me! He showed me the one hanging on his neck. I slapped my forehead. Damn this hangover! What on earth is happening to me that I even forgot what ID means!

"Yes, I need an I.D," he said again making me look like an idiot. I hurriedly looked for my ID in my shoulder bag. Luckily. I can't find it! Ugh! I usually put it here!

"G-goodmorning, S-sir," said the security guard infront of me.

"There! Here! Here, Kuya! I found it!" I said happily and pulled the ID out of my bag. "Happy now, Manong Guard?"

His face was pale when I looked at him. "What happened to you?" I asked, confused.

He didn't bother to answer me.

"Write your name here, time then signature."

I did what he tells me. Okay, he was kinda annoyed and scared so I kept quiet. I won't push my badluck today. When I finished doing what he told me to do I immediately ran and chased the closing elevator.

"Stop! Stop! Stop!" I shouted and the man inside immediately pressed the open button.

I went in and smiled to say thank you so from the white hand of the man in front of me my eyes widened to his face.

"Thank--" I was paralized into place. More on this moment. I didn't know what's wrong with me.

Suddenly, my heart beating faster when I saw his face. What the hell? I couldn't even blink my eyes. Not a single words came out of my mouth to finish my thank you.

Does he have some kind of a supernatural controlling power? His face was serious. Really serious. His forehead was furrowed then raised an eyebrow when I didn't move an inch.

"Which floor?" he asked in a flat tone.

I broke my eye contact. I bet my cheeks were all red now. Shit.

"14th floor," I said, looking down.

Shit, Iris! Are you okay?! Fix yourself! I saw that the 14th button was already pressed.

Oh, we're going on the same floor? Is he gonna be my workmate too? Is he new here? The man was wearing a very nice suit so I'm sure, like a hundred percent sure he will be joining the orientation like me.

"Did they call you for orientation?"

My nervousness has somewhat disappeared because I found out that we are going to the same room and we will both work here.

There were questions in his eyes before he answered me. "Sort of."

I smiled, trying to be friendly. "Wow, I'm sure they'll love you here!"

"Pardon?"

"With that face? I'm sure you've passed the interview effortlessly! While me? Did you know that this is the one and freaking only company who called me on all the fifty resumes I submitted."

He chuckled. But I was avoiding his eyes. "You're very lucky then," he commented.

I looked in the mirror beside him instead.

"It's not just luck. I believe it's being wise. Because sometimes you also have to lie in your interview."

"What? You lied?" I crossed my arms and giggled.

"It's not a big deal!" I laughed, remembering the lie I told the interviewer.

"Don't worry, I didn't say I was the CEO's mistress or ex-girlfriend!"

His adam's apple moved. "What?"

I don't know in his voice is irritated or amused. I couldn't read this man. Yet I'm still laughing.

"I just asked someone to changed my TOR a little bit." I covered my mouth because I couldn't stop my laughter.

"Please don't judge! I told you! It's not that big!" I heard no answer from the man.

"Oh, come on, maybe you're one of those people with a high level of I.Q, right? You don't find it funny!" My eyes widened. "You've never done that before?"

He shook his head. "I believe there is no shortcut to success. People who are honest are the one who truly deserves to be in this company. I believe this company values integrity alot."

He slapped me with the truth. But I stood my ground, not backing down. "I mean, come on. I don't have any experience in any job but I also worked hard to get in here. Plus I'm a changed person now. It's just I was a happy go lucky back in college. And boy, I regretted it big time."

"As you should." I gave him a fake smile.

"Thank you for that compliment, Mister," I told him sarcastically and I knelt down to adjust my stockings that were curling up on my feet.

"You're already late," he pointed out. "And so are you." I stood up and faced him. He was a bit shocked by my answer.

"I've every right to be late."

"So am I," I said.

"I woke up late."

"Either you're drunk last night or been busy with someone."

I looked at him. "I was drunk last night. How did you know?"

He smirked a little. "Instinct."

Okay, that was weird. But I shrugged it off. I just combed my hair while facing the mirror. I noticed that he was watching me.

I smiled sweetly. "Do I look okay?"

"Okay is not the right term. You look exquisite."

Wow. Just wow. I stopped fixing my hair and let it fall on my shoulder. My hands were shaking a little. Oh damn. Here we go again. I thought I broke the ice already.

"You are?" For the first time in forever, his tone was friendly.

"I'm Iris."

"Iris," he mumbled.

"I'm Zach." The man held out his hand. "Nice to meet you."

I shook his hand then I felt something. My mouth hung opened as we both stared to each other's eyes. I was also surprised at the sudden retrieval of his hand. Oh God, he felt it, too. I jumped when I heard the elevator open and the man came out immediately.

I placed my hand on my face. I could smell his perfume. When the elevator door was about to close, it brought me back to reality and hurried out. I went straight to the receptionist who looked like a barbie doll to me. She's smiling.

"Hi," I sighed. "I'm here for the orientation. Sorry if I'm a bit late."

"It's fine." She's still smiling. "May I have your name?"

"Iris Villafuente." She wrote my name on a piece of paper.

"You're a little late, Iris. But the good news is, our boss is in the mood. Maybe he won't go to the orientation room to double check the qualified employees."

"Thank God for that."

"Yes, you should really thank God." Her dimple is showing. "By the way, Iris, just go straight then turn right at the end. Second door."

"Thank you!"

I immediately searched for the magical door where my future holds. When I entered, it was as if cold water had been poured on me because everyone inside was looking at me as if I killed someone.

Good thing my friend will be doing this orientation. Romeo's eyes widened at me. I immediately sat down in the nearest chair I could find. The other people were still looking at me. I rolled my eyes. What's wrong with them? I'm just late, I did not kill anyone.

Almost thirty minutes. While listening, my eyes searched for Zach. He's supposed to be here. Where is he? Everybody turned when someone knocked on the door and the receiptionist entered the room. There were two men on her side. We were all confused because it looked like someone superior will suddenly show up.

"Zach." I whispered. He was accompanied by two more men. Zach walked over to Romeo who was a bit pale right now. My brain froze, trying to absorb the situation. I'm slowly catching my breath again.

"Ah everyone, meet the CEO of Firestone Company. Our boss, Zachary Levi Esqueza."

Kill. Me. Now.

I faced my head down right away. Heat flushed through my cheeks, without even looking I knew my whole face turned red. What kind of misfortune is this ?! With so many people I can talk to, why did I shared my nonsense secret to my boss?!

Was he still my boss? He would probably fire me right away from his company! You fool, Iris!

I peeked slightly, his eyes still on me so I looked down. I feel embarrassed of what I did. I don't know either. I just thought I had a handsome guy in the elevator that I could work with. Why didn't I think of that? Damn this hangover!

I couldn't read his expression on his face. Was he having second thought? No! I would do anything for him to forgive me. I desperately needed this job. I needed money for my family. They would be disappointed after asking why they'd fired me, what would I say? I told my boss every lies I said in my interview?!

"I've received a news that someone here lied on their interview."

His voice was real serious, like we never had that friendly conversation in the elevator. Lord, why did you do this to me? If only possible to disappear now, I would. I just wanted to be swallowed down below. I wanted to move at the back to lose his attention but I did not have the courage to move my legs.

I could hear everyone murmuring from one another. I know I can do this. I can survive this. Just go with the flow or beg if there's no option left. I thought to myself.

I sat still, trying to pay attention and act as if I didn't know who it was.

"We've to re-run the interview result and will do a strict background check once we sort it out," Zach announced.

My heart skipped a beat. The blood in my ear was trumping so bad it's like everyone was slowly being muted and all I could hear was his voice.

"You are here with one reason; We are entrusting our company to you. Each of you are part of it, so I expect everyone's honesty. Integrity is a must all the time," he said then raised his brow to my direction.

I nodded silently, smiling awkwardly.

"I don't want the opportunities we granted turn into waste because this company invest on their people as well. I encourage you to think outside of the box, exceed my expectation and do hard work as it pays off."

"Sir?" asked one behind me.

Romeo and that one woman looked at Zach first. He nodded but his face was still serious.

"If you don't mind, how will we know if we still passed?"

"My assistant, Mira, will check throughly your informations. You have to wait for the call again for the the second result. That's it. Have a good day, everyone."

I unconsciously clapped my hands. Everyone freezed and stared in my direction, shocked. I stopped what I was doing. Sometimes when I'm really nervous I do things unconsciously . I looked at Romeo for help but he looked so scared too.

"You have anything to say?" asked Zach, his face intimidating me.

"I've a question."

"A question, 'he repeated in between his lips." Say it. "

I bit my lip and looked around. "Hmm ... C-can I say it outside?" I said, my voice trembling. "Just us two?"

I heard Romeo coughed. "Iris, you can ask your question here. Mr. Esqueza's time is important. Let's not waste it."

"Just a minute, promise."

Zach's bodygurad were about to halt me ​​when Zach raised his hand. "I'd like to hear what's bugging her, shall we?"

I stood up nervously. Romeo's eyes widened even more, I know he wanted to put a tape on my mouth already. But this was my only hope, I needed to try. Everyone was still looking at us, the others are gaping in shock. I followed him outside and stopped walking when we were far enough from the orientation room.

He turned to me and I stopped. My knees were shaking.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Esqueza." The first word came out of my mouth. "I'm sorry, really. I didn't mean it, that was my lie before. Believe me, that's all I really said."

He raised his brow, studying me. "Lying is a foul to me. I've trust issue, Ms. Villafuente."

Ms. Villafuente ... My chest throbbed even more when he mentioned my last name.

"I'll do everything. Please forgive me. I can show that I'm worth it here, that the chance you gave me won't be wasted. I only did it because I'm so desperate. I really really need this job."

He was silent. He was still eyeing me, weighing my words. His eyes danced with amusement but that also disappeared immediately. Will he give me another chance?

"Mr. Esqueza, please?" I pled again.

"I'll call," he cut me off.

"Call?"

"Yes, a call, from me," he said seriously. "I've to think about it and set my terms once I've decided. For now you have to push your luck and pray more."

He then left me speechless.

All my life I hated waiting. That's why I'm always late when going out with my friends, they were not on time, too. I didn't have the patience to wait for them. And this, waiting for his call, for the result was like a suspense part in a movie for me. I kept praying each day that he would let me work in his company.

It had been two weeks, no call nor text from him. Even Romeo could not believe what had happened. He scolded me several times because he thought they would fire him, Zach's assistant talked to him several times about me. But good thing they didn't remove him and proved them that it was my fault alone.

"If it weren't for your negligence, we wouldn't have lost that business, Romy!" I heard mama shout.

I sighed deeply. Daddy and her are fighting again because of our business. It went bankrupt a few months ago. I wanted to help but when I asked what the problem is or what I can do, daddy doesn't tell me.

"We'd better sell it than be in total debt, Joy."

"We've been in debt for a long time because of you! I already told you, didn't I? Stop gambling! See what happened!"

"I'm sorry again, you don't have to remind me of my mistake over and over again."

"I will never forget this, Romy!"

"Sorry, sweetheart..."

My dad's voice broke. I wanted to cover my ears and tears started falling from. my eyes. I couldn't do anything to help them. I was in a hopeless situation too. I was just barely making my way to get my dreams and help them but this happened. If only I foresee this, I would have spent less on useless things before.

"Someone's calling you, Iris." Anya threw my cellphone on my bed just next to hers.

"Who's calling, Sister Anya?" I asked her sarcastically.

"That's not mine, why are you asking me?" she rolled her eyes.

"That's so nice of you."

I got up and picked up the cellphone. I went to the bathroom to cancel all the noise from other room.

"Hello?" I answered the phone.

"Hi."

"Irisian Marie Villafuente."

"Wow. Why on earth you know my full name. Who are you? I didn't order online."

I heard the other line chuckled. "You're hired."

"Hired? Don't prank me."

"I'm not," was the short reply of the other line.

Gradually I became nervous. "Is this ..."

"Your boss, Zach," he answered.

I covered my mouth to stop screaming. I was jumping in the bathroom. Shit. I already have a job. This is good news to my parents! Finally. Thank you, Lord! I put the cellphone back to my ear.

"Mr. Esqueza, thank you so much!"

"You'll start this Monday."

He then hangs up. Okay, I don't care anymore as long as I already have a job, I don't care! I ran towards Anya, I was hugging her but she kept on shooing me.

"I have a job, girl!"

"What do you want me to do?"

I slapped her gently and stared. She just stared back and started scrolling on her phone. I rolled my eyes and went to my parent's room. Maybe the tension between them would ease when they heard this news. I knocked, I entered when they didn't answer. Mama was sewing clothes while daddy was arranging the papers on the table.

"Yes, daughter?" Daddy forced a smile.

I smiled at him. "I already have a job."

"Wow. My baby girl has a job now! Great! Where did you pass again?"

"Esqueza's Corporation, Daddy."

Daddy stopped for awhile. He and mama looked at each other. There were hope in their eyes. Having said that, I could somehow make them feel better with my news.

"Congratulations, my child!" Dad kissed my hair.

"Do we still need to celebrate?" Mom asked.

I shook my head and approached to give her a hug. Her eyes were still puffy. "No nee for that, Mama. I know we're going through something right now. Don't worry, I can now finally help you with this problem."

Mom took a deep breath. She caressed my hand. "Iris, we have something to tell you..."

"Yes?"

"We decided to sell the house and live in Daddy's province ..."

My world stopped. Just when I thought I've somehow figure out some things, life had a unique way to turned you down.

"You need to learn to live alone first, we need to leave you... I'm sorry..."