Becoming Mrs. Martin

The Deal

AE's POV…

I fixed my shades as I stare at the sky. I was sunbathing outside, beside the pool, drinking my mango shake when my phone rang.

Who dared to disturb my personal time?

"Hello?" I answered right away not looking at the screen, sounding annoyed.

"Having a bad day?" a familiar voice asked.

I immediately removed my shades and stared at the screen, covered the mic, before screaming out loud.

"You called, Austin!" I exclaimed excitedly.

"I can still hear you. Why are you screaming?!" he asked, sounding a bit pissed. "You've destroyed my ear drums!"

"Oh. Sa-rri!" I said in a cute voice.

"What?!" he asked.

"That means 'sorry'." I replied.

"Whatever." he said.

"I know you miss me too, babe!" I say right away, blushing.

"I need you to come to my office now." he said ignoring my endearment. "We have a very important matter to talk about."

"Oh." I say. "But I'm sunbathing. It's my own personal time, you know."

"Fine! Then forget about marriage!" he hissed.

"No! Coming!" I blurted right away and hung up.

I ran inside the mansion into my room. I took a quick shower, do my skin care routine and ran to my dress room. I tossed the place upside down, not knowing what to wear.

Why am I nervous?

"Alitha!" I called and one of my maids came. "Where's my navy blue sunday dress? The one with a simple cut and a simple ribbon on the side?"

"Oh, it's here Miss." then she looked for it and gave it to me.

I thanked her and immediately put on the dress. She helped me blow dry my hair while I put on a light make up. She fixed my curly hair in a half bun and put some mousse to emphasize the curls and let it stay in place. I glance at the mirror, satisfied, before running out of the mansion. I laughed as I saw B1 and B2 cramming out to follow me. They’re so cute.

"Romeo, go straight to the M's Tower..." I commanded as I sat inside the car.

"Yes, Miss." he answered.

Romeo, has been my chauffeur ever since I was young. He's a very good guy.

I stared at the mirror all throughout the ride, making sure that I look perfect for Austin to see. I asked Romeo to wait for me at the parking lot and he nodded. I confidently entered the building when I remembered that I haven't used any scents. I panicked and went straight to the comfort room. I searched my purse and smiled to see my perfume's 10ml spray bottle.

“Alitha, you’re perfect!!!” I exclaimed.

I sprayed generously all over my body. I also used some mouth spray (just in case he takes my first kiss today!). I laughed at my silly thought. Then I look at the mirror.

Perfect!

I gained back my confidence and walked out of the restroom. I went straight to the elevator. I've hired a private investigator for me to know more about Austin. So, at least I know where his office is. And his other where abouts.

I smiled at Sara, his receptionist. I feel like I already like her.

"Hi, Sara!" I greeted.

Her eyes widen, probably wondering how did I know her name.

"I've had you investigated, if you don't mind." I said again making her eyes even bigger. "Don't worry, I won't use it against you. I just wanted to know if you fit to be Austin's receptionist. And I found out that you're very professional."

"Oh. Thanks." she said and smiled nervously. "I believe you're Ms. Adams."

"How do you know?" I ask, smiling warmly.

"You're famous in the business circle. Almost everyone knows about you. After all, you're a business tycoon’s heiress." she answered honestly. “And I saw you’re covers in the magazines.”

"I see that you read a lot of news and magazines." I say and smirked. "I'm here to see Austin."

"Yes. This way, please." she said as she showed me the way. "He's been waiting for you."

"Thanks." I say and winked as I walked into Austin's office.

***

I sat down on the couch after calming down. Earlier, when I entered the office, I immediately run and hug Austin upon seeing him. He looked flustered about my actions, so he excused himself for a while and went out of the room.

Was I being so clingy?

Was that so drastic?

Well, I missed him. So it’s just natural, right?

I waited for a while before Austin came back, sitting in front of me.

"I'll be straight to the point" he said right away. "I came here to talk about your proposal."

"Oh-" I said but he cut me off.

"Let’s get married." he said firmly and looked into my eyes.

"Really?" I asked.

"Really." he replied.

"I knew it. You like me too?" I teased, blushing of course.

"No." he answered directly, hurting my self-esteem. I pouted almost imeediately.

"Then, why do you want to marry me?" I asked curiously, my mood started changing.

"Your father asked me to." he said. "Well, as you may know by now, I am a successful business man. And your father's offer is irresistible. I like it very much. As a business man, I can see that it is a good deal so I want to do it."

"What offer?" I asked again.

How can I have a scheming father going behind my back?

I like what he did, but he should have given me a heads up!

"He will be giving me all of his company shares once we get married." he answered straight to the point. "Well, there are some conditions given, like we have to be married for at least 2 years before they can finalize all of the transfer to my name-"

"So, you are just going to marry me because of his company shares?" I asked interrupting his explanation.

***

Austin's POV...

I looked at her intently and saw some pain in her eyes when she asked me that question. Why would she be hurt, anyway? Isn't it that it was only because she wanted to get want she wants so she decides to marry me?

"Why, A.E? Would there be any other reason for me to marry you?" I asked back. Her eyes widen and I think I saw it glisten like she was about to cry. "Or do you really like me that much for you to ask your dad to ask me to marry a girl like you?"

She became silent.

"I know that rich girls like you just do things as you wanted it...and then throw it when your done with it." I commented.

"What do you mean by that?" she asked back, sounding hurt.

"That you are just another spoiled brat who wants to get what she wants." I said frankly. “You wanted me, like a toy, so now you’re trying to get me.”

She bowed down her head looking at the floor. “I said, I like you. Not want you.”

“It’s the same thing.” I concluded and she remained silent.

Did I go overboard?

"So, what is it going to be? Are we still pushing the wedding or NOT?" I confidently asked. A part of me suddenly felt some kind of fear after realizing my question.

Fear? Oh, hell, NO!

It’s a business deal. Like any other business deals, it’s fearful to lose a good one.

What if she said NO? What if she suddenly decides not to marry me?

So what?

I don't even like her!

I simply held my breath as I wait for her answer.

"F-fine." she took a deep breath and said. "I agree."

"Y-you. Agree?" I asked again for confirmation.

I don't know what I am feeling. I kind of hate her. She’s manipulative, loud and annoying. But why am I happy hearing that she wants to marry me?

"Yes." she confirmed.

"Okay. Then, it's decided. I'll be sending over one of my assistants to you so we can coordinate with the wedding details. I'll set the wedding date a month from now." I said.

"A month?" she asked, obviously shocked.

"Yes, A.E. You and me will be married a month from now." I answered looking intently at her. "Do you have a problem with that? 'Coz I personally don't want to waste my time. I get to deal with business right away. The sooner I close the deal, the better."

"Oh." she uttered.

"Then, I'll see you in our wedding day, A.E." I said and went back to my desk.

"And since I see that this deal benefits you most, I have some conditions." she suddenly said as she looks intently at me.

"Conditions?" I asked, raising my brows.

"I was brought up by a businessman as well, Austin. I also am a business woman myself." she said and smiled widely. "If you will be getting my father's company shares, then you must also agree with my conditions."

"Fine. That sounds fair enough." I replied which made her smile more. "Just 5 conditions."

“20.” She said firmly.

“10.” I rebutted.

"Okay. I'll be writing them down here for a while. Let’s discuss it after. Then I need you to call your lawyer to legalize everything." she said confidently. “Today as well.”

I nodded and she grins evilly.

What is going on that head now?

I shook my head and minded my own business. She took a pencil and some papers from Sara and began writing like her life depended on it.

“Austin?” She asked without looking at me and nibbling on the eraser of the pencil.

“Yeah?” I answered as I look her way.

“Where are we going to stay after the wedding?” She asked and looked at me.

“My house, of course.” I answered immediately.

“How about ours? Besides, Daddy’s almost never home so – “She debated

“Nope. My house.” I answered firmly.

We had an eye battle for a while and she surrendered.

“Fine.” She blurted out and I just smirked causing her to put her tongue out and made face on me.

I just shook my head and laughed silently as she continued to appear busy on her conditions.

So childish.

After an hour, she cleared her throat and called my attention. I looked at her and she pointed at the paper she's holding.

"Ready." she said.

I went back to sit in front of her, grabbing the paper from her. Then as I read the conditions, my eyes widen.

"What's the problem?" she asked, smirking.

"I don't agree to some of it." I replied. "Okay, let’s start with the first condition: Throughout this marriage, Austin James Martin must exclusively belong to Anica Elaine Adams. He must not cheat nor commit a******y. What's with that?"

"What's with what? You should only belong to me!" she hissed. "I mean; I know you're a player...but if we get married. You are not allowed to play around! What would that make me look like? A pathetic i***t! I have my pride, Austin.”

"I know that! But what about you?!" I reasoned.

"What about me?" she asked, not having a single clue.

"What if you cheat as well?!" I asked.

"I won't!" she said and winked at me. “I’m an NBSB, you know.”

“What’s that?” I asked back.

“No Boyfriend Since Birth.” She said rashly and pouted cutely.

I chuckled at her expression and she glared at me.

“Are you laughing at me lack of experience?” She demandingly asks.

“Nope. I’m just amused that no one has really tamed you.” I answered and she slightly blushed.

But then she stood up and seductively walked towards me. “Well, now I’m tamable, Austin.”

I held my breath as I turned crimson red as she whispered that behind my ear and gently push her to sit beside me. She was laughing. I just glared at her and put my concentration back on the piece of paper I almost crampled.

"I still think it must be in a written agreement as well." I say, changing the topic and added it on condition 1. "Okay. Condition 1: Throughout this marriage, Austin James Martin must exclusively belong to Anica Elaine Adams and vice versa. He/she must not cheat nor commit a******y. If anyone is caught cheating, this deal is null and void."

"Agreed." she said.

"Let’s go to the next one." I said reading the next condition. "Condition 2: The couple must never engage in any kind or form of s****l activities unless both parties are sure to have developed their feelings for each other."

"What?!" she asked when I became silent. “No feelings. No touching.”

"Alright. I agree to this but I need to add up something." I said and wrote it down. "Condition 2: The couple must never engage in any kind or form of s****l activities unless both parties are sure to have developed their feelings for each other. However, in any situation which requires comfort and support, both parties are allowed to cuddle, hug, or kiss each other so long as no one protests."

"Hmm…sounds good. Agreed." she nodded accordingly.

"Condition 3: Austin James Martin must bring Anica Elaine Adams to a date daily. Unless, there would be some emergency meetings, business trips and other situations which would allow them to be apart." I read and raised my brows. "Seriously? Who goes on date everyday? We need to change this, how about once a month?"

"No! How about every other day?" she suggested.

"No! Once a week?" I asked.

"Fine." she nodded.

"Alright. Condition 4: Anica Elaine Adams is allowed to bring home and take care of any kind of pets without a word of protest from Austin James Martin." I read and pouted. "I don't like pets. They're smelly, and they poop, and they scatter things a lot."

"Not if you train them." she reasoned.

"Fine but only dogs are allowed." I said and sighed. "I'm allergic to bunnies and cats."

"Alright. Agreed." she said and nodded. “And noted. Allergic to cats and bunnies.”

"Condition 5: Austin James Martin must give Anica Elaine Adams an absolute authority over his house. Thus, allowing Ms. Adams to do all her excellent experiments and changes she likes to do in Mr. Martin's house." I read again sighing. "This sounds dangerous. What excellent experiments?"

"Well, I like doing new things a lot. Don't worry, my experiments won't kill you." she assured me.

"Fine. But let me add this, if any of her so called experiments or changes brings any kind of damage (permanent/temporary) to any of Mr. Martin’s property, she must be responsible in replacing the item with the exact same thing. If not, she must pay 10x the original price of the item." I added.

“10x?” She exclaimed which made me conclude that her excellent experiments are really going to be dangerous.

“You want 20x?” I dared.

"Alright. 10x is fine." she said lazily.

"Condition 6: If in any case, an offspring would be produced, both parties must have a joint custody of the child. Both must have equal rights for the child." I read. "I agree to this."

"I told you I'm good with this." she said.

"Condition 7: Both parties must have mutual respect to their in-laws, caring and loving them unconditionally." I read and nodded. "Next, Condition 8: Both parties must be aware of each other’s expenses whether small/large purchases."

"See." she said and smirked.

"Condition 9: There must be no secrets between both parties during the duration of their marriage. Whatever decision, big/small, must also be agreed upon both parties. Each one must never lie to their partner." I read and looked at her. "Sounds good, but…the secrets that has happened way before this marriage should not be included. Unless, each party is willing to disclose the information voluntarily and share it with the other party."

"Okay." she answered. “Fine with me.”

"Condition 10: Both parties must try their best to develop their feelings of love for each other. Once successful, then this contract is null and void. If any of them fails, then they must immediately file for a divorce once the 2 yrs. end." I read. "I agree."

She smiled sweetly, looking at me.

"I just needed to add." I say, looking into her eyes. "No one must know about this contract, except for my lawyer."

"Agreed." she says and winks at me.

I hope I don't regret my decision of marrying this girl.

***