The Modern Princess

CHAPTER ONE

All my meetings were done by five. I started leaving my workplace to attend my last meeting for the day. It is unusual for me to leave the place this early, I usually go home around nine or ten in the evening and I don't really entertain dinner meetings though I do it occasionally. When I say occasionally I mean once a year. Richard said this is a big account, a reason why he sent me to meet this person and close the deal with him.

Richard is the owner of the private company that I am working for. He's earning millions every year and he does give me a good compensation. He's thinking of expanding across countries and this account is the key for that, the company will be lending him a billion dollar without collateral, great pressure on my head right?

I let the valet do the parking; I'm fifteen minutes early for the meeting, the meeting starts at six thirty. What was his name again? Mr. Eisenhower. Right. Mr. Eisenhower.

I get inside Shangri La Hotel and walked straight to the restaurant. I have no idea what the man looks like, but I guess I can recognize him; this is a business meeting, so I'm expecting to meet around five to ten men to discuss the deal.

"Good evening ma'am" the petite woman greeted, the nameplate says her name-Liz.

"Reservations for Mr. Eisenhower" I snapped. I'm a snob, heartless and cruel lady. With my two years of stay in the office I barely talk to the employees, but I often talk with one, Lisa, my secretary.

I am not on my forties, actually I am on my late twenties, twenty seven to be exact, no boyfriend nor fiancé nor husband and at this age I've been the Vice President for Marketing Department. Richard promised to give me thirty percent raise and if this business goes internationally I'll be the head of the Marketing Department plus additional benefits that I want.

"Here's your seat ma'am" Liz said, standing beside the table. "Two chairs?"

"Yes ma'am. Mr. Eisenhower only reserved two chairs" I think I have intimidated her.

Before I take my sit I removed my corporate blazer and flaunt my emerald green long sleeved dress that is few inches above my knees. This dress emphasizes my curves, I admit it, I do have a Victoria Secret body but with C cups which is an asset I think. Right after I sit, I then I told Liz to leave me alone...in a nice way.

"Sorry, I didn't know you'll arrive earlier than the agreed time" I looked up to see who was it...and it shocked me. A foreign man with a pair of chocolate brown eyes staring at me, his well-trimmed hair has the same color as his eyes. He looks manly with his corporate suit that shows his well formed body and I guess well formed muscles underneath, he has a natural reddish lips and a perfect Adonis...I mean...a manly face.

He takes his seat but never did break his eyes on me, and then I realized I was staring for long. I didn't even offer to shake his hand.

"I'm Kathy Humphrey from Prestige Real Estate Corporation" I stand and offered a hand on him. "It's nice to meet you Mr. Eisenhower"

He took my hand and firmly held it. "Jeanne" he said. "Call me Jeanne" his hot voice...No...what I was about to say was he has a strong European accent.

I nodded. "Jeanne Eisenhower" I said. I shoot an eye on him. "Your name sounds familiar"

I think of it for a moment. Where did I hear his name? Hmm. I think I really heard it elsewhere. He was about to say something when I said "Maybe in some business columns I have read before"

He shrugged and answered "Maybe"

"You mind if we talk business first before eating?" I asked.

"I don't" he smiled showing his perfect Colgate white teeth. I opened my bag to pull out my Macbook Air, I don't come unprepared for the meetings and I made sure he will accept our offer. I presented a little background about Prestige Industries, that it has been run for fifty years now and of course I showed him the financials of the entity. On the last part of the presentation I showed him the expansion plan of Prestige, and the three continents where we plan to expand-America, Australia and another country in Asia.

"As regards the finances that we want to borrow from you, we can afford for about three to five percent interest annually but if you want we can pay up to eight percent..."

"I'm settling with three percent" he snapped. "The refinancing will be depended upon your company. I don't mind how long will it take for you to give the money back" Is this deal done?

"I haven't showed you the whole thing Mr. Eisenhower" he leaned back on his chair and stared at me for awhile.

He smiled and replied. "I like it the way you presented it and I'm willing to lend money on this project"

I nodded and shut down my laptop. "I'll draw the contract tonight and send it tomorrow, first thing in the morning" I snapped. I do not know if he's easily impressed with the presentation or if he's not thinking, either way I'm not happy not to finish my report.

Looking at him he seemed to range from twenty seven to thirty. Maybe he inherited his fortune and does not care with the damn one billion. I do not personally know this man but a billion dollar is a billion dollar is he insane to lend it to us at a rate of three percent without a collateral?

He raised a hand to the waitress and the waiter abruptly offered us the menu. After we've sent in our orders he leaned back on his chair and crossed his legs.

"So Kathy, are you married? Boyfriend?" he shot an eyebrow.

I was expecting the question how long have you been working for this company? "No, I'm not married"

"Not in a relationship?"

I shake my head.

"Why?" and why is he asking?

"I believe that's too personal to ask Mr. Eisenhower" I emphasized.

He tilted his head and smirk. "I'm sorry. I didn't know you were uptight. I heard Filipinos are hospitable and kind"

"We Filipinos are. I just don't feel comfortable talking personal things to strangers"

His jolly aura turned to serious one, he nodded and said. "I understand"

An awkward silence was between us before the food arrived. "So, until when are you going to stay here Jeanne?" He's going to lend the company a billion Katherine, bear that in mind.

"About a day or two depends on my fiancé" Oh, that's why he knew we are hospitable. Fiancé, he's got a fiancé. I didn't expect that really for I think he's a rake.

Actually I'm a hundred percent Filipino at heart but I don't really look like one. I have fair skin and light colored brown hair, most of the times they thought I was a Spaniard and that is because both sides of my parents do have a Spanish blood. Most of the people thought I was a European too but I'm a proud Filipino so I always say that I am a Filipino.

I nodded in reply, not wanting to ask more about the fiancé thing which wasn't related to business. "I guess you've engaged to a lot of financing in the country"

"No, this is the first time" I frowned in reply. Meeting her parents perhaps? Or he has nothing to do with his billion dollar?

"We are very lucky I guess" I said silently. "I think it's because of you and your ability" I smiled in response. Is he flirting with me?

We talked a little more about business as we eat, discussed some of the current events and worldwide issues. Maybe I was wrong with my impression with him, he's sensible and he knows a lot about business, maybe he's just much into real estate that he's willing to lend us that much money without collateral.

I waited for the right timing to say my goodbye to him, it's nine. Really? We talked for two and half hours?

"Now, I think we shall go to my main concern" he said. I frowned in reply. What is he talking about?

"I'm sorry but I didn't get that Jeanne" I frankly said.

He raised his hand in signal and a man from another table came to him. He's wearing a white suit and he looks like a European too. Bodyguard? He handed him an envelope and left.

Jeanne pulled out a paper from the envelope and handed it to me. It was a white typewriting paper which has a printed picture on it. On my judgment it was a document drawn a long time ago, because it was handwritten and the date says so-1905. It was written in Spanish, so somehow I do understand it; somehow, I mean, the borrowed words of Filipinos from Spaniards only. From its form it was like an agreement for it has a signature of two parties on the lower portion of it and it has a seal on the upper left side that was also written in another language from which Lexumbia was the only thing I do understand.

"Why did you hand me this?" I asked in confusion.

He leaned forward on me. "Are you familiar with this?" he asked with seriousness.

"No" I answered. He paused and studied my face.

"Do you understand it?"

"Some parts I do"

"Do you know what it says?"

"No" What the hell is the matter? Why is he asking me about it?

He leaned back on his seat and supported placed his hand on his lips. He looked at me and I didn't show any emotion at all.

"Do you know Lexumbia?" he asked.

"A country in Europe, one of the ten richest countries with Monarchy" other than that I do not know.

"Why do you have to ask all of this?" I asked straight out.

He shifted from his seat and sit straight up, I know this is a serious matter but I do not know what it is all about, his silence is actually killing me.

"Katherine Humphrey. Twenty seven years old. Single. Straight As from St. Andrew's University Sweden where you took your Masters Degree, has a brother named Karl and the heir of an international company in the Agricultural sector. Never been claimed to be in a relationship for the past three years and never intended to manage their own company. You lived in America for two years and have been back in the Philippines last year because your grandmother had a mild heart attack." What.the.hell? How did he know all of these?

"You've worked at Prestige for two years now and you've been exemplary great about it. A promotion was offered to you when you closed this deal and you're planning to work out of the country but you know you might encounter a problem with that since your parents wanted you to manage your company at the age of twenty eight."

"Who the hell are you?" I snapped at him. Hell I care with him and his money!

He stared at me for a while, like he was reading what I am thinking as of the moment. Who wouldn't feel bad about what he said. He's like stalking on me!

He looked at me seriously his eyes into mine. "I forgot to tell you something about my name" he said. "I'm Jeanne Eisenhower. Prince Jeanne Eisenhower of Lexumbia, third in throne and the second son" my eyes grew wider. That's why he sounded familiar. I have read his name on the list of the richest country with monarchy. "I did a research on you" What the...a research?

I didn't say anything and waited for him to continue. "I know you're thinking about this paper..."

"Go on" I encourage. What does he want to say? And what do I have to do with it?

"To give you the summary of the content of this paper...this is an ancient agreement, a marriage contract that says that you and I shall be married" and that was the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard in my entire life. Marry the man I just met? Is he insane?

I rolled my eyes on him but didn't utter any word. "I know this sounds crazy but we've been negotiating it for a month now with your grandmother"

"What? How come granny never mentioned it to me?" I just went home two weeks ago!

"That is the reason for me to be here, to personally talk to you about it. Your granny didn't want to cooperate with us really and I guess she never gave you any idea about it. She keeps on telling John to wait for her call, that which, has never happened"

I think this is too much information for me to take. Marry this man? Is he even serious about it? And how do I know if he's telling the truth? And even if he does how do I know his family is really the clan my ancestors has contracted into?

"I will waste no time going here if this is not a legitimate document. The document is in a keep safe and I suggest that if you come with me in Lexumbia I will show you the real contract, you can bring an expert with us to know if this was not a forged one" Did he just read my mind?

"Your grandmother can elaborate it further and she knows if this is a legitimate agreement or not I guess you better talk to her about this matter"

"What will you get here?" I asked straight out.

"Excuse me?"

"I said what are you going to get here? Or did I have to ask what will you lose from it? Will you be inherited with a greater amount of money? Or will you be disinherited and thrown out of the family if you do not pursue with it?"

He gritted his teeth and looked away. "I know that was a vulgar question to ask but you wouldn't do this without a purpose and if I will ever consider agreeing in this marriage I want to know what you are up to, why do you want to do this and the terms of this marriage. Number of years, when can we have our divorce and everything related to it" Did I just impliedly say that I consider this thing?

He rolled his eyes on me, his face was serious and he shows that he is piss with me. I have to ask for apology. Not because of the billion dollar but because of what I have said.

I was about to say something when he cut me out "Yes I do have a purpose on doing this" he started. His voice was calm and serious but shows no anger at all.

"But this is not about the money." He shrugged "Maybe you know very little about me." I know nothing about him really.

"I will do this for my grandmother...this is the only thing that will please her."

"So you will be out of it and be free when I broke it off don't you think? Go there in Europe and tell her that I do not want this marriage"

"No. I want to fulfill it." Did I hear that right? "I'm on my marrying age and so you are, when I've known about it I told her I will do it so long as you wanted to. There will be no problem on my part I am not committed to anyone right now and as far as my research has gone you are not too."

He pulled the the paper and put it back on the envelope. "You will have to decide about this Kathy, bring this with you and ask your grandmother about it, but I will have to wait for your answer if you say yes then you have to come with me in Lexumbia, see the documents and as you said, name the terms" he paused "but I will not force you Kathy. If you say yes to this agreement I want you it to come from you."

He pushed the envelope back to me and looked at me in the eye."Bring this with you just in case you need it. I'll be waiting for your response in two days Kathy, call me if you want to further investigate on it but do not force yourself Kathy because no one forced me."

--------

My phone rings, I looked who it is-Sophia. I answered her call and put it on a loudspeaker. "Sophie, why did you call?" Sophia is one of my two best friends, all of us studied in the same school when we were in junior and senior high and we even studied in the same university, but we took different courses.

In our entire college life we've stayed in a condominium where every day means fun well except when they broke up with their boyfriends, I mean when we broke up with our boyfriends.

I decided to go home and discuss the matter with my family, I have to know if this is true.

"Dinner? Josh is coming home today" Josh, her husband. He's a doctor, despite the persuasion of his father for him to take up entrepreneurship to manage their business he resisted and took up medicine, but it was worth it since he ranked one in the licensure exam. He went to Aussie Land and had been there for two weeks for a medical mission, every year he goes out in different countries for this medical mission.

"Sorry I can't, I'm heading home"

"Why?" She sounds surprised, I do not often come home not unless there are important occasions but I make sure I keep in touch with them. It's been two years since I've been like this, few months after I've known granny was fine. I have been really very busy.

"Mom told me that she'll tell me something important" I simply answered so she couldn't sense that I'm lying.

"So important?" I can feel worry in her. Yes like I'm going to get wed soon? I mentally answered. She will intrigue me if I say that.

"I guess so, she wants to talk to me personally" I lied again.

"How's Kiel?" I try to change the topic. Kiel is Sophie's three-year-old only son, he's a cute little kid and he's a combination of Sophia and Josh.

"He's good"

"I really want to go there and see him; he's so cute and charming, too bad I can't come today. If you do not like him anymore you can give him to me"

"You are f*****g crazy Katherine, I stayed at the hospital for fourteen hours-laboring-and you are asking me to give my only child to you when I like him no more? Go make yourself one!"

"Chill Sophia, I'm just kidding" I grin. I can just imagine her face, her well trimmed eyebrows meeting at the middle, and how mad she is with me.

"That's so irritating to hear. You sound insulting." I know she's rolling her eyes on me.

"I'm sorry, you know I don't mean to piss you off, it's just that Kiel's so charming, that's a compliment of course, and it means he came for great genes"

"Then go make one" she's still irritated, but of course this is not something to fight about.

"I have no time for that, I have tons of work and actually I'm planning to study again" that was my original plan before this marriage thing pop up.

"What?! You are studying again?" Can't she really chill out? I know where this is heading.

"Nothing's wrong with that right?"

"You are twenty- seven and you still want to study?" Now she's really pissed, what's the matter? Well of course I know the answer to that, she's always been persuading me to go out with guys, go to the club, make out and marry. I shake my head. I guess teasing is not so good. Karma's attacking me right now.

"Yeah, is there a rule that when you reach twenty seven or something you cannot go to school anymore?"

"Will you just please attend dating games than studying? You've turned down a CEO, and politician and a lawyer who are all good-looking, wealthy and from a well-off family, what exactly are you looking for in a man?"

I rolled my eyes. "Sophia could you just please stop talking about boys"

"You have to get married!" she screamed, like a mother getting angry with her child for not obeying.

"Not everyone gets married Sophia, besides not all married couples are happy. I love to learn, books can teach you many things this makes me happy." I said calmly, trying to convince her in the most pleasant way that I can handle myself and I don't mind being alone for good. I have relatives, I can help the poor I can be happy, that can make me happy.

"You can't marry books"

"I know" now are conversation is really getting far. "That's silly" I have to do a way to escape now or else this will really open the past again.

"That's a fact!" she shouted. Can't she like lower her voice?

"And books can't give you kids" she added.

"Yeah, yeah, you know what I'm really driving on the subway I really have to hung up, I don't want to kill myself yet"

"Fine, I know you're trying to escape. Take care, drive safely, not so fast Katherine" I rolled my eyes, I know she called me Katherine intentionally.

"It's Kathy not Katherine" I said then I hung up the phone.

It was around eight in the evening when I arrive at home. Our home is not a mansion, which everybody says, but it is big. A three-storey modern designed, American-inspired house. It was renovated about five years ago. I immediately parked my car at the garage noticed that grandma's car was already here. Am I ready with this? That I am not sure of.

"Where are they?" I asked Trina, the housekeeper, she's been with us for about ten years and mommy likes her so much, she's really persevering, mom even supported her kids in their studies, she can even stop the housekeeping stuff because her kids do have their respective stable works.

"They are in the living room Kathy" I don't let people call me ma'am or something. I have worked for an American Company where I knew they call each other by names.

"Thank you"

I headed to the living room. I saw Mom, Dad and Grandmother there. Why is my brother not here? What do I expect from my stubborn brother?

Mom and dad are at the lounge sitting beside each other, mom seemed to be uneasy while dad looks fine and calm. Grandma is seated at the chair adjacent to them and it seems like they've been already talking before I came. I headed to the chair adjacent to mom and dad and in front of mamita; I crossed my legs and pretend like I'm fine.

"What do you have to tell us hija? Grandmother asked, her voice was very unpredictable with fear and uneasiness.

I placed the envelope on the table. "A man came by me and talked to me about this"

Grandma picked it up and nervously looks in it. In a few seconds horror was all over her face, she didn't even had the chance to read it and I think Jeanne's right, she knows something about it.

"So, what does this mean?" I looked at them. I'm guessing mom and dad knows it too.

"How...wha..." granny sighed. "When did you get this?"

"Yesterday. A man decided to meet me up and he told me about it. What is this granny?"

Grandma responded in defeat. "Hija this letter was made over hundred years ago, your grandpa was not yet in his mom's womb back then when your papito's parents have done this marriage arrangement. It is known to you that your great grandparents are Spaniards...and when they entered in this agreement, they did not have a child immediately"

Grandma stood up, she looked so tense while she's saying all these. Her hands crossed on her back and walked back and forth with worries.

"They all thought that you're Lolo will be a girl and in this agreement it is stated that the first born in our clan shall be married with the other clan's second born which shall be a man...and if our clan's first born happens to be a man then the agreement shall be enforced by the next generations...It took roughly about one hundred twenty years before there has been a match." She stopped she seemed can't continue talking anymore.

"You are the first born and a man happens to be the second in the other clan. Nobody expects that this will be that long and finally there was a match. Your grandfather already told me about this when he was still alive and he told me that the original copy of the agreement is in the hands of the other clan but he wasn't certain if they still have it because it was really a long time ago, that's why he wasn't that worried at all"

So this is true. This is about me getting married to unknown, well not really unknown since he's a popular one. Okay that sounds clever, the cleverest thing I can hear from the most fool man. This contract is invalid; it was not enforced ten years after it was made and in the first place it is against our nation's tradition. I bet the other clan's really great in keeping things, how did they keep it that long?

"We haven't seen them yet. A man who was their representative went here last month and has shown this letter to us. I immediately called your mom and dad, but he is not a member of their family hija." Representative?! What is this? It's like somebody was called to the Principal's office and his parent's cannot come so they sent a representative. I suppose a better term can fit for that.

"We all agreed not to contact them hija because this has been a long time ago! We don't know that clan, What if they are not really good? Hundred years is too long for us to continue this agreement. People change. There is no certainty that Kathy will be in great hands there" Mom looks nervous. She surely does not agree with this arrangement.

"Seriously, at this 20th century, I never imagined that there will still be fix marriages" I laughed. Wanting the serious ambiance to shift and I really find this fixed marriage thing funny but I guess they do not find it funny, none of them laughed and mom gave me a cat-eye, startling me.

I stopped laughing and asked a serious question. "What will happen if we are not going to comply with this?" Well that's a sensible question.

"Not complying is not an option hija, the only option is only to comply or to pass it to the next generation until they find a match again"

"So we can pass it out to the other generation?" Well if that's that easy then pass it, next generations will lasts forever anyway.

"Yes, until there will be a match, but your late papito told me that this agreement was made in front of the deities, bad luck will come in if the first match wouldn't comply and luck will come back only at the time when they find another match"

Grandma faced at me, looking so worried and concerned. "Hija, I am telling this to you not because I want you to marry that man. We wanted you to pick the man for you...Besides bad luck comes to bad people; we haven't done anything bad to have bad luck. The final decision will still be yours. You late papito said that when the time comes the consent of his granddaughter shall be considered before anything else"

I think grandpa had a slight taught that it might be me, mom's brother has three children, all of them are men, I am the only woman in their side, but I believe grandpa was uncertain since he does not know if the other clan's second born will be a man.

"If that's the case then I am willing" I said, with all seriousness. What is running in my mind? Well I don't know but the feeling that I am experiencing? I'm quite sure I want to do this. I don't think that the fact that I am marrying a prince did matter but as of the moment I do not have clear thoughts of why I want to do it.

"WHAT?" my mom stood up, it seems like she will have a heart attack. I can say that she is greatly at the state of shock; well I guess all of them are.

"I said I am willing to marry him" I confidently said that. I'm really serious this time.

"Wait, I believe that's a very fast response hija. Why don't we meet up with this clan and know his man? You start as friends then if you will not like one another then let's pass this agreement to our descendants" my grandma, she's really very sweet, I know that's why grandpa love her so much.

"Mamita, I am certain about my decision, I will marry him besides you told me it's me who will decide and I have decided" I stand up, and walked around the room. I don't know which part in my mind was telling this to me, Insane? Well maybe but I just really want to do this. I wouldn't lose anything in the first place.

"Aren't we gonna do some background checks? Who knows if he is a drug lord, a member of a syndicate or what if he was once convicted, we can't just let Kathy marry an indecent guy" Oh mom, I know she's concerned but that was over-analyzing the situation.

"Mom, don't be ridiculous. Actually I met the man and...he has good credentials" Aside from deep pockets which will address my future needs and the fame that he has which will make ma an instant celebrity I'm sure they will all agree with this.

"I'm against this!" Okay mom calm down please. She's in the state of hysteria.

"Mom! I'm not getting younger!" I screamed "I'm at the right age to get married and you told me that whoever I want to marry you will not be against him" I toned down and said that in all modesty hold her hands trying to calm her down. She'll get angrier if I'll sound angry.

"That is if you love such person, but in this case you do not" her voice sounds worried. "Honey, I don't care about his credentials, I don't care if he is a perfect man. I just want you to marry a simple man who can make you happy with the rest of your life"

"Love can be learned mom, and I can handle myself" I hugged her.

"Have you met John hija?" granny asked. I think he's the "representative".

"Actually I met my fiancée mamita. He's a Luxembish a billionaire business tycoon"

"No mamita, we talked about this we will not let this happen even if he is a king!" mom opposed. Mom you're almost there.

"Actually...he is a prince" I panicked. Will she laugh at that?

"What? You mean you're marrying the second born of the Royal Family of Lexumbia?" she asked.

I sighed and nodded in reply.

"And you think I will agree because of that?! I do not care Katherine and you will not marry him!"

"Mom! Let's stop this discussion okay? My decision is final." I have to be firm with my stand so that mom can't do anything. When I was younger, I always seek for mom's help but when I got older I do my own decisions and this started with my decision not to manage our family business.

"Besides there's nothing wrong with what we'll do besides I'm single and I suppose he is. Come on mom I'm tired now; I'll be heading in my room. Goodnight" I kissed mom, dad and grandma then I headed to my room. Dad did not react on it, well not yet I guess after all, it will really be hard for me to fight with three people at the same time.

I don't know what's running through my mind; I believe it's because of the pressure that was brought to me by my friends. I can count through my hands who amongst us are still single and seriously I am the only one who is neither in a relationship nor dating any man.

It was already 6 o'clock when I woke up I rush to the bathroom and eat fast so that I will be able to hit my work at eight. As I head to my work I do not feel any worry about this fix marriage thing, I mean I know grandpa will surely guide me. Later, grandma will talk to John; he's the man who brings the news to the other clan-the what they call representative. This is absurd, yes but it is more of challenging for me. I love all these challenges, so much.

The day seemed to be usual, nobody in this office have ever known that I will get married to a prince anytime soon, next year perhaps. I'm not really communicating with anyone in the office, they don't hate me, I think, but they neither are my friends.

The board of directors approved the budget we've allocated for the expansion of this company; I believe I mastered this budgeting job since I also worked for the same department during my stay in the Prestige Industries and now I am more pissed about this approval. Did he just lend the money to impress me? Or to have a chance to test my skills?

I leave the office at six and started driving towards Sofitel where we are about to meet Jeanne. I did a little research about him he's twenty nine, last relationship was two years ago, rumored to had flings with a lot of woman-redhead, blonde, European, American, Asian, Australian-and the longest relationship was for four years.

"Hey mom" I answered her call; I was already driving along the boulevard and few minutes away from the hotel.

"Where are you honey?" she asks simply. No more tension in her voice unlike yesterday.

"I'm driving along the boulevard mom, I'll be meeting Jeanne in a few."

"Okay honey, take care and please do change your decision about it"

"It's final mom. Just...just be happy for me okay?"

"You know who I want you to grow old with" and here we go about this discussion again.

"Mom please." I sighed. "I'm driving mom, I'll call you later"

As I reach the Sofitel, I immediately get out of the car and let the valet park my car.

I immediately saw him, my fiancé. I wanted to laugh at the thought of that. He gave me a sincere smile. "Good evening Kathy, you look beautiful" Really? He's flirting with me?

"Thank you" I said with a fake smile.

We had minimal talks during the dinner like how was the food, about the weather, what we did for today and honestly I don't feel too uncomfortable with him maybe because he's a rake and he knows how to handle woman.

"What? Three months? Why so soon?" God. I expected it to be after a year.

"Basically what was written in the contract was three months after they reach the age of twenty five and in case the clans parted ways and meet again they wanted the marriage to push through after three months"

"Isn't that negotiable?"

"But that is how things should be. Three months, well that's after you finally agreed with it. I wanted you to see the documents, roam around my country and see what life you will have"

"And when are you proposing for me to do that?" Yes, we do speak like we're closing a business deal and does looks like a business deal anyway.

"Next week...you can bring your family..."

"Next week? Can't we move it on a latter date? I have lots of work" This family is so demanding, why are they in such a hurry? Well that was written in the contract.

"The faster we do it, the faster you know if you want it or not"

"Are you really giving me options? I mean, do you know the twists of this?"

"I know. I know about the said curse when we don't do it and I'm not afraid of that if you don't want to, then I am not forcing you."

"You are not worrying to lose your self-built-entity which you started at the age of twenty? You move out of the house at the age of eighteen and have been a full scholar of Stanford University where you met your business partners and best friends. You are not afraid to lose your title and the third line in throne? You are not afraid to lose them all?" plus the privilege of bedding every woman whom you've been seen to be with at different parties and almost every night? I googled him last night and I have seen him with blondes, brunettes, redheads, American, Asian, Australian, European and a lot of famous celebrities and long legged models.

"I am not afraid of it because I know even if I lose them all they can't get my ideas from my head. I can still land on a decent job" and that's a boastful answer. I mentally rolled my eyes on him.

"Next week. You do not have to worry about the expenses, I will answer them all."

"I will settle with that. Book the flight going to Europe but I will pay for the expenses." I sound bossy. When he says that he will pay for the expenses I get irritated, I am not selling myself for this family.

"I'm sorry about that but I came here in a private plane. You will come with me in that" I rolled my eyes. Of course he has a plane.

"Fine, but I want to pay for my expenses" he took a sip of his wine and didn't say anything.

"Can I bring someone to look through the agreement?" I asked.

"You can, as long as he signs a non-disclosure agreement"

"Are we not going to name our terms?" I asked wanting to ask him about the pre-nuptial agreement. Based on my research, him alone has a net worth of ten billion pounds exclusive of his expected inheritance, my family's net worth is only about twenty percent of the ten billion pounds.

"We eventually will" he answered "After you finally commit on it" Jeanne seemed to give me a choice about this but most of the time he gives me an influential act and voice that was somehow intimidating.