The Cursed Alpha's Fake Mate

"Let's cut this deal smart, Mr. Don. I will contract you as my my fiance, fake fiance precisely. I don't want marriage now and I must do something to cancel the engagement. With how far we've gone, you are the only person fit for me. What will you want in exchange?"

I smirked when I noticed her eyes were so bright. Immensely serious than I had thought, "Two daily full-body massages."

She smiled tenderly, raising her brows as she threw her back against the chair, crossed her legs, and folded her arm with the other hand supporting her chin, the edge fingers kept grinning at that chin sweetly.

'I think this deal is sealed.' I thought but my judgment was wrong. I could see she was anxious since her legs were shaking. "Each for 30 minutes. Before and following my bedtime. Is it finalized, Ms. Davis?"

Another round of smiles appeared, these were far more radiant than before. "No doubt. Mr. Don, the deal is sealed."

"Fine! I often go to bed at midnight and get up at six. Deal?!" To shake her hand, I extended my hand.

She swung back from the chair instead and apologetically smiled. "Excuse me, I need to use the restroom first.

______________

Chapter 001: Arranged Marriage Awareness

|Melissa's POV|

When my father told me I should come back to the City to complete my High School which I was in my last semester. I felt it was odd... Transferring school at such a delicate stage. I hope he could give me the chance to complete school where I was.

Once I arrived in his City, he set up an arranged marriage with me.

I was completely awestruck when he slammed the file he had been glaring at on the table. Although he has been talking through his nostrils all the time he was scanning through the file. All along, I was so attentive yet wondering whom he was referring to until his last statement hushed out.

"Our family will eat dinner with Alessandro's family next weekend. And a set date will be determined for your engagement to his Heir."

My heart fell to the lowest depths as his ominous, black eyes pierced through to my orbs. Dad was talking about me? My proposed marriage to a man I hardly know?

Underneath my breath, I muttered the name 'Alessandro?' in distaste, and asked myself whether I had heard him well. I found it incomprehensible that my father would consider marrying me off at such a young age.

That family name doesn't sound familiar to me. Perhaps, that was a member of his crew because the money wouldn't be a reason for him to do that to me. We were doing so fine. He was well-known across the country and the Mafia Lord of the Whale Wing in the western region.

He was a competent single father and of course wealthy. His company was one of the top companies in the country. Inclusive, he was into politics recently.

His achievement was top-notch and such a man wouldn't need any money, connection, or influence from others... to talk of marrying his sole child off for that sake.

"Dad, do you really want to marry me off to a lowly family? Do you want to make a trade with me because I won't be able to take over your Mafia position? For goodness' sake, I'm just 18 and in my last year of college. Did you bring me back from abroad only to arrange my marriage?

I blabbed while still experiencing the shock that was creeping under my skin with tears already threatening to spill from my eyes. I've been fighting it back, but I was no longer able to.

The more I thought about the entire log of stories he had narrated since the more my soul kept flicking and my feeble heart was squeezing in my chest.

I just arrived from Germany yesterday since I left my hometown 8 years ago. It was really sad that he brought up my scheduled marriage in our first interaction.

Age 18! When I was supposed to be free from parental control, get to plan for myself, design my future and have the very good damn chillness of this life!

Gosh! This is unbelievable!

"Dad, this is just a prank to welcome me, right? You can't really mean it." I got up as quickly as I could. The whole lot of signs that surrounded him did not show he was pranking me. But I just have to hope it was.

As fast as I could, I paced to my room. I did not want to appear feeble to him. I wanted to prove to him that I had matured, and was now capable of making my own decisions and choosing what was best for me.

Well, since my mum passed away ten years ago, I've been doing well. When I was eight years old, she passed away from cancer, and when I reached ten, I was taken to live with my aunt overseas until I finally returned home.

I was still unable to comprehend that he had welcomed me with such a ridiculous issue.

'Once I get to my room, I will call aunty to book my new flight. I must leave this city as soon as possible!'

"Lissa, this is my choice, you can't choose a life without me, your father in it! I've discussed it with your Aunty and she agreed to this engagement, in fact, she will arrive before the date."

I paused on the track of my step. I wanted to turn to him and confirm that he mean it truly. I was sadder because I felt the seriousness in his voice as he continued to lash out at me

"My election is in four months and that family has been quite supportive up to this point. Engaging you in such a family is nothing compared to their loyalty to me. You won't regret this decision I made for you, I promise."

It was so annoying to hear his thick voice. Blazingly, I fixated on those lips and the anguish I felt almost made me puke. It has been lingering in the tract of my throat the entire time.

What made him devious and greedy? The father I left was the kind of parent everyone could want-caring, thoughtful, and passionate. In actuality, he was my late mother's very indulgent husband.

Those memories of my childhood with him started replaying in my head. Outside of his home, he led a wild life, yet to his family, he was the ideal father and man. My heart was unable to withstand the agony I was experiencing as I thought back on those experiences.

My legs quaked. I couldn't believe happy memories could haunt me so badly when triggered by a tragic circumstance.

I once loved him with my life but not anymore! After I left this city... He changed drastically

I used to love him with all of my heart, but not anymore. He underwent a significant transformation after I left this place.

He wouldn't contact me unless I did, and even when we did, he never spoke to me for longer than five minutes. Such a man could only consider trading me for his interest, right?

As of then, he was a Mafia Lord but now he has started contesting. I suppose he was putting me in touch with his member! He intended to use me as a political pawn... How could he treat his only daughter and child in such a way?

Tears started to fall to my lips. It had a bitter taste-very bitter. His normally stern face relaxed at me till he grinned contentedly. His faint chuckle intensified as his tongue snaked out and licked his lips in satisfaction.

|Melissa's POV|

I cried my eyes out once I got to my room. My eyes were so dim on the iPhone I was glaring at while laying on the bed on my stomach. Without a specific destination in mind, my finger continued to flick restlessly across the screen. I was too confused to know what next of me to do.

Perhaps I should run away? If about money, I have a lot to elope with but where out there would be safe for me out of the reach of my father, -The Mafia Lord of the Whale Wing?

I was screwed! So damn screwed!

This engagement must not happen... I must do something to stop it.

I shuddered slightly as my phone pinged. A message popped up. I was in too much distress to open it but pick it up quickly as the sender's name caught my glimpse.

'Joy Sanctuary Orphanage Home'

They must have sent a reminder for their international conference with Orphanage kids across the globe. It was pitiful that I won't attend this one.

Visits to the orphanage home back in Germany were part of my routine. I was one of the investors, too. I spent the majority of my allowance money at the home, and I never missed any of their programs. The annual conference was usually held simultaneously at their branches across the globe. Since I transferred here, it's so unfortunate that I would miss such a program. Besides, I haven't looked into whether they have a branch in my hometown.

'Ms. Davis, The Joy Sanctuary Orphanage Home invites you to join our other branch at Saint Angeles Orphanage Home in your community. We miss you at J.S.O and we consider you as our guest of honor at S.A.O for this Annual Conference.'

I read through the address before pulling the duvet over my head.

I've gotten the remaining day to be alone and brainstorm on my hideous plan but now ruined by the Conference. -I would have to prepare something spicy and inspiring for those kids. At least as a new investor and family.

Although, I learned of the conference long ago and I've been hoping to attend until the news of my transfer reached me. I contacted the J.S.O to make them know of my dismissal but I had no idea they have a branch here let alone would receive an invitation as their guest of honor.

How am I gonna do this? The time was stipulated for 10 a.m. tomorrow.

Due to the stress and mental trauma my father caused me, I have missed two days of my publishing schedule. For my latest serializing book, I was left with 5 stockpiles which were the stipulated mass-release chapters I promise those avid, devoted readers of mine.

Things got messed up because of this sudden summons!

Again, my phone rang. On the screen was Alice. I picked up the call on the first ring.

"Hello... Alice?"

I pushed the blanket up to my neck and banged my back against the headrest. I felt as though my entire body had frozen like ice. My voice was similarly icy too.

"Lissa-" Alice stumbled over her words and drifted off. "-did something happen? Do you feel ill? Was the weather unbearable for you?"

Her numerous assumptions rang vehemently across the phone that it pinched my hearings, but I felt her concern that it got me hooked and I leapt my sicky voice to respond to her, vibrantly.

"A-Alice..." I gritted such that her name vibrated through my teeth. She needs to stop talking so much. "I'm great...always!"

Her breath sighed relief, "Ok, hope you are set for the party. Come on now, press on the speeds, we are waiting!" merrily, she screamed.

'Oh gosh!' I screamed within, I'd forgotten the party that Alice and Kelly organized to welcome me. They told me about it but I honestly forgot!

I frowned when I glanced at the clock. Remorsefully, I bite my bottom lips for being 30 minutes late.

"Alice-"

"Don't! Don't tell me you've forgotten, Lissa! You sounded so dull, are you sleeping?" Her voice came out lowly as if hiding from the ears of others.

"Hear me out..." I scream to get her attention as she was just talking her mind out without giving any ears to my words.

Again, she interrupted as I was about to speak. "Hurry down here, everyone is here including those hot guys you will always dream to have!"

"Alice, I can't make it! I'm sorry... it's a family thing." Hurriedly, I spoke to make her hear me. she displays this tense attitude whenever her mind got spilt... I hope she could be focused and calm for once.

"Is that Alice?" Kelly asked underneath.

I raised my voice in an effort to get Kelly's attention instead. "Kelly... hear me out, I'm not gonna make it there, I owe you guys. It's all on me, please."

"Lissa sounds so sick in the head... I can't keep listening to her!" Alice's voice grieved beneath and I could hear how devastated she was.

If only they knew how devastated I am.

"Don't say to us 'please'. Just bring that your f*cking as$ here!!" Alice spoke out loud.

"Your girl is damn freaked, Lissa... butt up and come here now. oooh..la..la." Kelly toned her voice melodiously.

A disbelieving smirk followed my frantic yell. "Hey!..." The call ended at the peak of my outburst. I leapt my voice as they turned into whispers. "Listen-"

'Hot guys worth dreaming of?'

Guys hot or cold weren't on my agenda... not when I have to run from this freaking fate!

Soon, I consumed myself with the discussion I had with my father. Happiness was far from me as I laid low on the bed. My hands wrapped the pillow closer to my heart as if it was the only hope I have to give me warmth.

Melissa's POV

I was remorseful all through the drive to Saint Sanctuary Orphanage Conference. Since I last spoke with Alice, I haven't received her call, nor from Kelly. Likewise, our group chat was void of messages. They must have been mad at me. I felt remorseful for not attending the Party at which I was the main guest.

To be candid, after that call, I tend to rest for 30 minutes to clear the bulky burden in my head. -I felt as though some minutes of rest would help me and at least liven my mood.

I reset the alarm for 30 minutes but when I woke up, the time was 8: 45 this morning.

I couldn't believe I had slept for as good as 12 hours and more, yet, I still feel junk in my head. It whirls and spins every damn minute.

Also, each cranny of my body was aching me seriously.

In a nutshell, I was still not in a good mood. And I was still aggravated to this moment. But I have to attend the conference and be a role model for those children.

My gaze had been on my phone from time to time, waiting for their call or message but to no avail, none of that happened.

I stopped at the sight of the red light and chose the time to text them in the group again. Both Alice and Kelly were online. I was relieved they were at least safe. I'd better drop another message.

"Kelly... What happened? Are you guys safe?" I directed the text to Kelly knowing Alice would never reply to my message since Kelly was an atypical girl opposite to Alice.

My heart raised slightly as the two marks turned blue and my tensed body waited patiently for their reply.

"Goddamnit! They've both viewed it!"

A minute went by and none of them chose to reply. I fixated on the screen like one whose life depends on that text. And then, another minute went by.

These two silly girls have viewed all my messages including the private ones, yet, they refuse to reply to me with either call or a message.

I was annoyed and devastated by their attitude.

Unexpectedly, my phone slid from my hand. A hit on my car caused my whole frame to booze like a drunk man if not that I was held by the seatbelt.

"Who dared hit my car?" I gritted and blazed an ardent gaze through the front mirror.

In a short while, a man alighted from the car behind me. My hand gripped the wheel, rubbing on it with both grief and impatience.

Just then a knock on the side window caught my attention, though, I was at full expectation of what the man just did.

He looked as much like a man in his early 50s, dressed in a black tuxedo. He gestured his hand at me to roll down the glass even though it was tinted.

The hard frown on my face still refused to disappear. Glaring at him sparked up some disgusting feelings in me that I almost puke.

His fame was huge and I could tell that he was a random goon as he behaved insanely. -While standing close to that door, he repeatedly knocked on the glass, then, rubbed the frontal hair of his short haircut while keeping a straight face on the glass.

I was taken aback. Was he checking out his handsomeness? Doesn't he have any curtsy?

Again, he knocked on it maliciously and flipped down his finger, summoning me to alight. In return, I was more irritated. He raised a brow at me pompously as if he already knew who was in my car.

Who was he to ask me to get down when he should apologize for hitting my car? He could have gestured politely and bowed that fucking head to me humbly!

Some people were just too insolent!

Something tickled my right ear. It made me shiver and I feel so cozy yet flaming heat like fire. Scratching that spot, I wish the man just disappear. Someone like him wouldn't apologize. And I don't want my little demoness to keep whispering in my ear. -Well, it's a habit of mine when the demoness whispers in my ears, it tickled me that I had to scratch that spot involuntarily.

The f*cking demon that runs through my bloody vein whenever I'm provoked.

"Change! You've changed, Lissa." My other ear tickled me with an angelic tone.

To calm down, I welcomed a short less-tempered breath into my core and roll down the glass. A light smile on my face as I tend to attend to him responsibly.

"Hi?" I said, more of asking him... what the hell is up with him?

Indeed, I was freaked but my promise not to indulge in anything havoc whether the same or similar to my past made me want to maintain this new personality of mine intact.

"Ma'am, perhaps you forget to see the light sign." he pointed across the sign light which was now blinking red. "That light had once turned green and cars were lining behind you. Despite the horn signs, you don't move an inch. Was something bothering a pretty girl like you?"

Oh gosh! I've misjudged this oldie. He was more polite than I thought. In return, I gestured with smiles and bowed my head to him pleadingly.

Immediately, I whine up the glass and kick start the engine, moreover, the sign already turned green. I haven't rolled it up when a hard thud fell on the glass.

"What?" I gasped, a little shuddered as it met me suddenly.

"What are you? A girl like you shouldn't forget the rules. You should learn to respect when did something wrong." That politeness in him faded, it seemed replaced by arrogance and superiority.

My eyes followed his utterance as he scanned through my car. I felt sorry when I looked through the rear mirror and saw many cars bypassing while some drivers lashed out some inaudible curse utterance towards me.

My head wrinkled remorsefully. I'd cause a commotion by mistake. It was so rude of me, I was remorseful and I'd plead to this man politely.

But what more of me did he want? Why behave insolence?

"Err... I am-"