Ultimatum.
1070 Words
Stefano was heading to his father’s office when he realized the older man was busy meeting with other people.
They were talking about him.
“We know Stefano won’t be able to take over the company unless he gets married. I don’t know what else to tell him to make him realize his mistake,” his father said, unaware that Stefano was standing behind the door, listening.
“You need to put an end to this, Giordano. It’s clear he won’t make any effort to arrange a marriage. If you don’t come up with a solution this week, I’m pulling my support for this project,” the man replied, visibly upset.
His father’s business partner remained silent, though his expression mirrored the frustration in the room.
Stefano decided to walk in. He wasn’t going to stand there silently while they belittled his father’s hard work—work that was far from insignificant.
“You shouldn’t be speaking about the company like this, especially knowing anyone could overhear you,” the youngest in the room said as he stepped into the office.
All three men froze, looking like statues.
“You know what we’re saying is true. You’ve done nothing of what’s required. You’re old enough to know better than to waste time chasing after every woman you meet,” said the man speaking with his father.
“And you’re old enough to understand that a man’s knowledge of business isn’t measured by a wedding ring,” Stefano retorted coldly.
“No one would trust a real estate consultant or a company that isn’t run by someone married,” Giordano added, clearly irritated by his son’s tone.
“I still don’t understand why that’s an indispensable requirement for a company as well-known as ours, one that practically sells itself.”
“It’s important because people care more about the personal lives of high-profile businessmen than they do about the companies they run,” the man insisted.
“Fine. And what makes you think I’m incapable of finding a woman to marry me?”
“Because you’ve never been able to commit to anything. The word *commitment* is far beyond your reach,” the man responded, his glare sharp as a blade.
“You’ll see you’re wrong,” Stefano replied.
“Prove it to me,” the older man challenged.
Stefano extended his hand, gripping the man’s firmly.
With that handshake, the deal was sealed. He had exactly seven days to find a woman willing to marry him.
One week to figure out how to draft a marriage contract.
There was no way he’d truly get married, not even drunk. The concept was completely foreign to someone like him.
As soon as he left the office, he called a good friend—an excellent lawyer—knowing he’d need his help.
Finding a woman wouldn’t be the hard part, but if he wanted to inherit the company, she had to be someone on his level. She couldn’t be just any woman.
She needed to be bribable, especially if they were going to spend time together.
The lawyer agreed to meet him at one of Stefano’s favorite cafés in ten minutes.
Once there, seated across the table, the lawyer clarified the plan.
“So, you want to draft a marriage contract specifying that after a set amount of time, you’ll part ways and never see each other again. Is that correct?”
“Exactly,” confirmed Mancini.
“To make that happen, we need to determine the sum of money that will convince this woman to accept the deal.”
“A few million should do,” Stefano said nonchalantly.
“That should certainly work for whoever the lucky candidate is. Do you have anyone in mind yet?” asked the lawyer.
“Not yet, but rest assured, I’ll find her. Maybe I should hold auditions,” Stefano replied, sipping his cold coffee.
“Auditions? For what purpose?”
“Think of it as a job interview,” Stefano said, as if he were used to treating people like assets.
“I see. However you go about it, make sure to investigate her first,” the lawyer advised, uneasy with Stefano’s methods.
“Of course. I won’t bring just anyone into my home.”
“I heard there’s already a woman in your home,” the lawyer said.
“That’s a different case altogether. It’s not my fault she got in the way.”
“You should be grateful you’re still alive.”
“I suppose,” Stefano said dismissively. “It would’ve looked bad if I’d left her there bleeding out.”
“You’re right about that, too.”
“How did you find out about that?”
“I have my sources. You should know that by now.”
“Of course. A lawyer can’t go through life unprotected.”
“Especially when we’re dealing with important people, wouldn’t you agree?”
Stefano nodded, shaking hands with the lawyer before they parted ways.
He decided to return to the mansion earlier than usual to think more clearly about the auditions for prospective brides.
The candidate needed to carry herself with poise, matching his presence. She had to be beautiful and at least know basic etiquette and protocol.
On the drive home, a completely different idea came to mind.
When the chauffeur parked in front of the mansion, Stefano stepped out of the car and greeted his mother with a kiss before heading straight to the second floor.
Standing in front of the door that separated him from the woman injured at the restaurant, he debated whether to enter and speak with her.
He didn’t want to knock, but it wasn’t necessary—one of the nurses opened the door suddenly, leaving him no chance to slip away unnoticed.
Natalia was awake, so there was no excuse.
This should be simple, he reminded himself. All he had to do was offer her a large sum of money in exchange.
When he entered, he paused for a moment, staring intently at her face.
“Is something wrong?” Natalia asked, uneasy and uncomfortable under his gaze.
“I have a proposition for you.”
“What kind of proposition?” she asked, her brow furrowing.
“Would you marry me?” Stefano asked.
She froze in place, unsure how to respond.
And there it was again—the relentless pounding of her heart.
- Writer
