Fake Marriage Partner

The marriage of the only heir to the Fernandez family has just been completed. After holding a press conference and answering so many questions from the media crew, it was time for the bride and groom to leave to rest.

So while in one of the hotel rooms, both unwind. Looking for each other's position to stretch their muscles for hours stOliverng, serving the guests.

"Are you tired? You can sleep here with me." Jerome, the groom, deliberately patted his palms on the mattress. Suggesting that the woman who had officially become his wife a few hours ago lay beside him.

Of course, Jerome was playing around. How could he sleep with a woman he did not love?

"You should have given up and chose to sleep on the couch, Jerome Fernandez. I am a woman." Alanis pursed her lips. She didn't want to accept Jerome's invitation to sleep in the same bed.

Jerome laughed seductively. He loved seeing Alanis upset like she was right now.

"Oh come on, honey. Are you sure you don't want to sleep with me? I'm your husband. It's very common for husband and wife to sleep together and do the first night ritual, right?"

Alanis snorted indignantly. She felt like throwing up hearing Jerome's babbling. She swore she would kick the man out of the way if she weren't tired.

"Fine, if you don't want to give in, I'll sleep in another room. Doesn't this hotel have a lot of rooms?" said Alanis.

Jerome smiled in response to Alanis's annoyance.

"Please sleep in separate rooms, Mrs. Fernandez. So I'll make sure that tomorrow your name will appear in every news headline."

Alanis growled. Feels like everything she does looks awry. It was doubtful that he slept in the same bed as Jerome. Even though their current status as husband and wife, she didn't want anything wrong to happen between them. Even sleeping in a different room is not the right choice. Of course, the paparazzi made this a fine meal for their headlines. Ah, no way; it definitely can't happen until a crazy idea pops into Alanis's head.

The woman suddenly smiled broadly at what she was thinking at the moment. Hopefully, what she has planned this time will work. The next second, Alanis stepped confidently towards where Jerome was lying.

With confidence, she landed her petite body right beside the man. Adjust the position to face Jerome's body directly.

"Come on, husband, let's sleep. Don't you want to hug me, so I don't feel cold?" Alanis unexpectedly wrapped her arms around Jerome's waist and rested her head on the man's arm.

Suddenly, Jerome was taken aback. He didn't expect Alanis to reply openly to the game he deliberately created.

"Why daydream?" she asked. "Should I take off my pajamas first so that our first night goes perfectly?" Alanis brought her fingers to touch Jerome's cheek gently. While the man could only remain silent stiffly see his wife's behaviour now.

A moment later, Alanis straightened up. Then she began to direct her hands to unbutton the pyjama she was wearing one by one.

"What are you doing?" asked Jerome in between the hot activities his wife was creating.

Alanis smiled seductively at Jerome.

"Undressed all my clothes. So what else?"

Jerome took a deep breath and let it out harshly. He was suddenly frustrated with Alanis's behaviour.

"Stop it, Al!" ordered the man while holding Alanis's fingers to stop unbuttoning her pyjamas. "Okay, this time, you win. Please enjoy your bed. I will sleep on the sofa tonight."

Annoyed, Jerome stepped out of bed. He immediately lay down on the sofa bed available in their room.

"Yes!" Alanis shouted in her heart. She looked delighted because her game again made Jerome have to give up. Alanis is starting to understand what her husband's weakness is at this point.

"Don't be happy just yet. I swear I will repay you in the future!"

Alanis didn't seem to care. Choose to pull the blanket to cover her entire body. Leaving Jerome, who was still awake, feeling annoyed.

"We'll see, Mr Arrogant, who survives or finally gives up on this damn marriage!"

One month before.

"Come on, everyone, let's congratulate Alanis Swan. Today, she has again succeeded in attracting big investors to work with our company," said Mr Alfredo with a sparkling face. After saying those words, one by one, the company's core employees clapped their hands and then congratulated Alanis.

The woman in a black blazer, with a tall, slender stature and wavy brown hair, is Alanis Swan. A beautiful employee working in a multinational company engaged in services and construction. Possessing intelligence and the ability to analyze the business market, she has always convinced large investors to work together and invest fantastic capital in the company where she now resides.

After finishing the meeting and some work, Alanis immediately walked in a hurry. Bringing himself to immediately go to the lobby of the building because there was already a handsome man waiting for her.

Is Roland Einhard Miller, a famous actor who has become Alanis's lover in recent years. She felt pretty lucky because of the many beautiful women; the actor chose her as his partner.

"So, where are we going today?" asked Alanis when she was already in the car.

"I want to invite you to a special dinner," the man said. Then drove the car to an exclusive restaurant.

When they got there, Alanis was immediately amazed. How could it not be that a typical Italian restaurant was transformed into a private place so the two could enjoy a special dinner without being disturbed by other people?

"You booked this restaurant?" asked Alanis after sitting in one of the chairs provided.

Roland nodded. The sweet smile did not fade from the handsome face of the mulatto man.

"Of course. I want to celebrate our second anniversary this year privately and intimately. No one is allowed to enjoy your beauty but me, honey."

Alanis laughed after hearing Roland's statement. The man is brilliant when it comes to stealing his heart. They have been together for two years, but Roland treats her like a princess.

"Oh, my God. You scumbag!" he accused. "We've been in a relationship for a long time, don't you get tired of looking at my face, hmmm?"

The man smirked. He grabbed Alanis's wrist and held it tightly.

"Why be bored? There are lots of beautiful women scattered out there, for some reason no one can take my eyes off you, Al." Roland then kissed the back of Alanis's hand while saying again, "Whatever we are going through now, you should know, I really love you."

Alanis smiled knowingly. But inside, she felt sad. Realize that the love story could run smoothly as expected. For some reason, her father, a retired soldier, does not approve of her relationship with Roland for various reasons.

The older man even thought that Roland's profession would not guarantee the welfare of his son's household in the future. He argued maybe one day, Roland's popularity would drop, and the man would fall into poverty.

Alanis had convinced his father that Roland was not only involved in the artisanal world. The man also has a side business as an investment in old age. But still, Oliver Swan insisted on forbidding his son from having a relationship with Roland.

***

One night, Oliver Swan suddenly called and asked Alanis to have a serious talk. Seen from the look on his face, there was something important he wanted to convey to his first child.

"Alanis come here, I want to have a serious talk with you." Alanis can see Oliver Swan waving his hand. Gesture asked Alanis to sit beside him.

Alanis turned lazily, and with unsteady steps, she approached her father, who was sitting on the couch in front of the TV. Once again, Alanis was sure what her father would talk about this time.

"What do you want to discuss?"

"Alanis is an adult now. She even has a very good career path." The older man was silent for a moment. He took a deep breath, then soon spoke again. "What if Alanis marries her son, Uncle Ferdy, father's old friend. Incidentally, her son has returned from abroad some time ago. I'm sure Alanis knows Uncle Ferdy. We have arranged marriages for you since you were babies."

Alanis's eyes widened. She obviously couldn't believe what his father had just said. How is it possible since childhood already betrothed? This is crazy. Old People had an arranged marriage because her parents owed a wealthy merchant.

Did his father owe a lot to Uncle Ferdy so that his arranged marriage was worth the money? But that is impossible. Then why, in modern times like this, must her fate be the same as old people not being able to marry a man of her own choice?

Alanis shook her head in disbelief.

"Father isn't kidding, right? This isn't the era of Siti Nur Baya who has to be matched. Besides, I know that Alanis is currently in a relationship with Roland."

Andy nodded.

"Yes, Father knows that you are in a relationship with Roland." Oliver Swan's face looked lazy after hearing the man's name from his son's mouth.

"So, why do you still insist on setting Alanis up with Uncle Ferdy's child? Even if you have to get married, Alanis only wants to marry Roland, not with anyone else, let alone someone you don't know."

Oliver Swan's face hardened. It took work to convince his eldest son.

"Alanis, you have to remember, Father set you up with Uncle Ferdy's child from you when he was a baby. Long before you met Roland. Father has repeatedly said that he would never agree to your relationship. Roland has no future and Father is not sure he can feed you later. An artist's work like the one he is in cannot fill you and your children."

Alanis didn't move, still trying to hold back the emotions ready to explode.

"Then what profession do you think has a bright future?"

Alanis's face immediately turned red. She knew that any debate involving her father was confident that she would lose because Oliver Swan was the only person who did not accept negotiations.

"Can't you give Roland a little chance?" Alanis spoke again. "Let Roland prove that he is capable of providing a decent life for Alanis in the future?" asked Alanis in a pleading tone.

Oliver snorted in annoyance, then shook his head. "I just don't want that after you get married, your favourite child has to struggle to support his family."

"Then what do you think is what makes Alanis happy? Does it have to be a rich person, a boss or what. Is the child who is betrothed to Alanis a wealthy person so father is sure he can make Alanis happy?"

"If you've met the person in person, you'll surely fall in love with it, Al. How can you know if you don't try it yourself first? And until whenever Father will not approve of your and Roland's relationship, remember that!" Oliver snapped while looking at Alanis, full of anger.

Alanis burst into tears as she ran to her room. He didn't even pay attention to his father's screams. Prefer to enter the room in a state that is so upset. Feeling frantic, Alanis grabbed the cell phone that was on the bedside table, and then she tried to dial Roland's phone number that was stored there.

No need to wait long. Someone picked up the phone call on the other side.

"Hello honey, why are you calling tonight?" Roland's voice sounded hoarse, like the familiar voice of someone who had just woken up from sleep.

"I can't take it anymore dit, I'm afraid that dad is really desperate to marry me to his chosen cOliverdate." Alanis could no longer hide her emotions when she heard Roland's voice.

"Al, can you calm down? You can tell me everything slowly, I will listen carefully."

While sobbing, Alanis told the sequence of events that had just happened between her and her father to Roland. Worry was evident in his words. Alanis was afraid that she had to be separated from Roland. Indeed, he is not ready if he has to break up with a relationship that has existed for a long time because he has to obey his crazy wishes. His father arranged for him to marry his best friend's son.

"Please, take me away from here. We'd better just run. My savings are enough for our lives later." Alanis seemed utterly at a loss as to how else to convince Oliver Swan.

"You have to calm down, honey. We will think about how to deal with and prove to your father that I am serious about our relationship and will not disappoint his trust." Roland said, trying to calm down.

Alanis exhaled harshly. However, she realized that sooner or later, her father would still separate her and Roland.

"Promise me you won't leave me alone. Please fight for our love. I really don't want to marry a man other than you."

"I promise I will do my best to melt your father's heart," Roland said as he hung up the phone.

Alanis knows Roland's character. He will always fight for what is his. And Alanis hopes that Roland can convince his father this time before it's too late.

***

As usual, Roland drove his car to Alanis's house in the morning. Roland is used to picking up and dropping Alanis off at work.

Before leaving the house, Alanis saw her father deliberately going out to meet Roland, who was seen parking his car in the yard. Slowly he followed and eavesdropped on the conversation between his father and Roland from behind the house door.

"Good morning, Uncle," said Roland kindly. But not the other way around with Oliver Swan. He turned his face as if lazy to meet face-to-face with Roland.

Still, in a state of looking away, Oliver began to open his voice. "I have warned you many times not to meet Alanis again. If you want to be her husband, you should have looked for a clear job long ago. Being an artist or a musician will not guarantee my child's future!"

Gosh!

Alanis froze hearing her father's words that were so direct to Roland.

It is confident that Roland's heart must have hurt to hear his father's words, which belittled Roland's current profession.

"How can I bless your relationship, if you never try to convince me yourself!"

Radio only bowed his head at that time, neither answering nor denying Oliver Swan's words. At that time, he put his ego aside to remain calm to hear all the insults that Oliver Swan said.

"Until whenever, I will not change my decision. I will not give my blessing for your relationship. Do you think I am willing to see my beloved child live hard with the man of her choice?" Oliver's emotions are unstoppable this time. The glint in his eyes was unmistakable that he was controlled by anger.

Once again, Roland was silent, choosing to continue listening instead of answering, let alone denying.

"Do you think I'm willing, after I worked so hard to raise Alanis and gave everything I had so that Alanis can live well. And you, suddenly came and wanted to make her life difficult! Do you think I'd be willing?"

"Father!" Alanis's screams from inside the house startled Oliver and Roland, who had been stOliverng in the yard.

"Come on follow me." I pull Alanis towards Roland's car. He motioned for Roland to quickly get in and spurred his car to leave the house immediately.

It was clear that Oliver's face was red with anger at the behaviour of her son, who just left without saying goodbye first.

You see, Al hasn't even become your husband, yet he has taught you to be rude to your parents.

***

Silence.

All the way, Roland is just silent. Alanis was sure that Roland would be offended by what his father had said at home earlier.

Timidly Alanis finally tried to break the silence. "Are you okay, Honey? Forgive my Dad, please. I'm really sorry if Dad's words hurt your feelings," Alanis asked.

Roland was initially still unmoved. It didn't take long before the man smiled faintly, then glanced at Alanis's face briefly. "Hmm, it's okay, Al. It's my fault." Roland's face had sad streaks.

"Never mind, don't continue anymore. However, I still love you. I just want to marry you, not with anyone else. Moreover, we have been in this relationship long enough," Alanis replied, trying to comfort Roland. But Roland remained silent and did not reply.

Alanis grabbed Roland's left hand. "Roland, come on. Are you still mad?" asked Alanis, holding her lover's hand tightly.

"Hmmm, how can I be angry with the woman I really love and love." Instantly a short kiss landed smoothly on Roland's cheek. The man was even surprised to receive Alanis's treatment, who suddenly kissed him.

"Don't be sad anymore, if you continue to be sad I will make sure I will go on a hunger strike!" said Alanis seductively.

"Al..."

The radio suddenly pulled Alanis's hand before he got out of the car he was driving in.

"I love you Alanis Swan, please stay by my side forever."

"Alanis, Mr Alfredo is waiting for you in his room," said Lina, none other than Mr Alfredo's secretary.

It was unusual for Alanis's boss to call her this early if it wasn't a momentous occasion. That said, he didn't do anything wrong either. She has completed all deadlines and office assignments since yesterday. Then why did you have to be absent from his room so early? Without thinking much, Alanis immediately stepped into Mr.'s room. Alfredo at that time too.

Knocking on the door twice, Alanis stepped into the room.

"Mister, can I help you?" Alanis immediately went into Mr Alfredo's room.

Mr Alfredo seemed to be sitting restlessly in his chair. His eyes were focused on the tablet screen he was holding. Noticing Alanis, who had entered the room, he averted his eyes and motioned for her to sit down.

"Alanis, sorry if I suddenly called you here. Today we suddenly have an important guest. Do you know BlackHorse Corporations?" asked Mr Alfredo.

Alanis nodded her head. "Yes, I know that company."

Who doesn't know BlackHorse Corporations? One of the most famous real estate companies in Asia. In Indonesia alone, almost all Malls and Elite Housing are under their Auspices.

Also, the owner is among the wealthiest people in Asia and the most influential in this country. Long ago, before applying for a job at her current company, Alanis first applied for Blackhorse. But unfortunately, at that time, she was not accepted because he was too young not to meet the requirements.

"This afternoon BlackHorse's leadership will also attend the meeting. It is an honor for us, especially you, Alanis, to be able to face him directly. I really want you to handle it as usual. Make sure you also win the big tender this time."

Alanis nodded in understOliverng.

"Okay Mister, after this I will prepare the presentation material."

"Oh yes, Al..." Mr Alfredo deliberately paused his words as if he was trying to compose the right words for him to say.

"Yes Mister, is there anything I have to do again?"

"Remember! Don't let your guard down during the meeting this afternoon. Our client this time is different than usual. According to the stories of other business partners, he is so hard to convince. This is a challenge in itself for you considering the nominal investment offered is also very fantastic."

Alanis smiled at Mr Alfredo.

"Then, if I succeed, am I just given a bonus as usual?" Alanis looked at Mr Alfredo's face with a severe look.

While Mr Alfredo was seen rubbing his chin like he was considering Alanis's words, the man answered a moment later. "You don't need to worry, I'll raise your rank if you do well as usual."

Alanis, with a sparkling face, accepted the challenge given by her boss this time. He was very confident that he could win it as usual.

"Okay then I'll be going first."

Before Alanis could even step outside, Mr Alfredo spoke again.

"Alanis, remember, you have to be careful. Our client this afternoon is also a bit arrogant. I hope you can keep your emotions stable when dealing with him. You have to be good at finding loopholes and taking his sympathy so that your presentation this afternoon can be approved."

Alanis frowned.

"Is it that hard? But there's no need to worry, just trust me all."

"So far I've never doubted your performance, Al. I'm warning you to be more careful and not take the wrong step.

"Okay Mister. Don't worry, I will get today's tender for our company as usual."

Mr Alfredo smiled broadly at Alanis's expression, who was sure he could melt a client's heart this afternoon. It can be seen from Alanis's face that she can't wait to meet face-to-face with Blackhorse's leader.

The meeting finally started, precisely as Mr Alfredo had before. This time, the client was indeed more complex than Alanis had previously thought. Just imagine meetings that usually take one to two hours at most, with BlackHorse having to spend three hours.

"Can you explain why my company has to cooperate with your company? Considering the amount of investment that I will disburse, it's no joke this time. What benefits will I get in the future?"

Alanis gaped slightly at one of the man's questions. He also deliberately asked several other questions without letting Alanis catch her breath first.

Alanis admits that her client this time is very different from what she is used to dealing with.

His name is Mr Jerome Fernandez. As long as you know, he's still very young, maybe around 28 or 29 years old, not too far from Alanis's age.

When the meeting first started, Alanis was also amazed by his appearance.

How could it not be, Alanis thought that the leader of the famous BlackHorse was an older man, but in fact, he was young and very handsome, just like the Oppa in the Korean drama series.

But what amazed Alanis so much was her excellent knowledge and insight. Alanis was dizzy and surprised to answer all the questions and all the arguments she presented in the meeting. Not to mention that none of the meeting participants disputed his argument.

"Okay, after I have considered all the materials and explanations that you presented, I agree to this collaboration. You can prepare any agreement files that I have to sign later."

Alanis smiled happily, and finally, with an arduous struggle again, she could get a big tender. That means bonuses and new positions are waiting in front of him.

"Miss..." Alanis stopped from the activities of compiling the meeting files that were on the table. He heard someone say hello from behind his back. Alanis turned around and found Mr Jerome approaching.

"My name is Alanis, Mr.Jerome," said Alanis, giving her the sweetest smile. The woman also reached out to shake hands with the leader of the Blackhorse.

Unexpectedly, Mr Jerome did not accept the helping hand that Alanis offered. How embarrassed Alanis was in front of the crowd the man refused to shake hands with her.

Do I look so disgusting that he won't touch my hand? Shit, it turns out Mr Jerome-- ahh, he doesn't look like he deserves to be called Mister. Jerome is an annoying person. From the look on his face, it looks like he's underestimating my abilities. I might have kicked him out of the room if it wasn't for the owner of a big company. I know he is very handsome, but if his behaviour is minus like this, it feels redundant that the handsomeness and wealth he has!

"Don't be happy with the tender you got. This is far from the beginning miss. Prepare yourself for the difficulties that will arise next," Jerome said with a grin that seemed to belittle Alanis.

Alanis could only be silent, listening to all the words Jerome had just said.

It's like there's a big plan that Jerome is deliberately preparing to demolish him in the future.

***

Every child must have a dream of being devoted to both parents.

Giving the best in the rest of his life as a return of gratitude to those who have given birth and raised us well.

But agreeing to Alanis's arranged marriage is not the best way to be filial.

Alanis has not spoken to Oliver Swan, her father, for the past few days. He was still outraged over the incident the other day between Oliver and Roland.

And Oliver didn't regret his words in front of Roland the other day.

Oliver still firmly asks Alanis to end her relationship with Roland as soon as possible.

Finally, Alanis's fear has been proven. Oliver Swan fell ill, and this moment was used as well as possible to separate Alanis from Roland.

Oliver begs to accept the match he has arranged with his best friend.

Oliver argued that this was his last request if he died at any time, considering his age, which was indeed not young anymore. He also assured Alanis that she could leave in peace because she had fulfilled her obligation to marry Alanis to the right person.

With a feeling of exasperation, Alanis contacted Roland with her cellphone, and her chest still felt very tight, remembering what her father had asked her to do.

"Dit, this is too much, Dad doesn't even want to listen to what I have to say. What else should I do?"

There was a moment of silence, no answer from the other side.

Again Roland is just silent. Alanis had urged her to be firm with her father's decision this time.

But the disappointment he got. Roland asked Alanis not to argue with her father's request.

Roland took the initiative the next day to meet and visit his father. Radio hopes Pak Oliver's heart will melt this time and agree to their relationship.

After contacting Roland, Alanis returned to tidying up the files from this afternoon's meeting with BlackHorse Corp that were scattered on the room floor. Jerome's behaviour this afternoon managed to disturb his mind again. Of the many big clients he has faced over the years, only Jerome is too arrogant.

Alanis thought it would be difficult for someone like Jerome to find a partner.

***