Christian

I took another look at my wristwatch before letting out a sigh. The fact that she was being late was terribly getting on my nerves. Thirty minutes! I've been seated here in this coffee shop for over thirty minutes and yet there was no sign of her showing up anytime soon. I lightly rubbed my temple quite unable to take anymore of her tardiness. I honestly  didn't  want to meet her any more than she might not want to meet me. If it were up to me, I would prefer to meet her at the altar and not go about doing this but to make this seem more realistic, we'll have to show up together at events and slowly let the world in our decision.

I sighed once more as I picked up my mobile phone which I had left on the table in front of me. I made a redial with the exact numbers Rockwell had used to contact me earlier just to let me know of his arrangement for me to meet his daughter this very day. Perhaps, he was playing a crazy prank on me.

"Hello Rockwell." I started but I could clearly feel the vex coming up. I mean, I could have done lots of meaningful things  with my time back at the office but I spent  it here for the good reason.

"Christian?" He asked, sounding quite a little surprise.

"Mr. Gryffin, is this some kind of sick joke that both you and your daughter appears to be playing with me?" I asked while at the same time trying my best to calm down and not lose control.

"Joke? What do you mean by that?"

"Your daughter. I've been waiting for her like a fool for over thirty minutes and yet, there has been no sign of her. What do I make of this situation Mr. Gryffin?" I asked quite baffled by the entire situation. I could hear him sigh on the other side of the phone.

"I'm sorry Christian for the delay. Please give her a little bit more time. Harieth will definitely be there." Rockwell stated and all I could do was sigh before cutting the call.

Fine. Okay, waiting a little more wouldn't hurt. I'll wait, if that's all it takes to return Hendrix enterprises to its former glory. I'll wait.

Harieth

I struck another pose, stood still but yet with a touch of feminism and sexiness just so the photographer could click a good picture of me. Eventually, the flashlight came on several times. The make-up on my face had been done by a professional. My hair neatly styled as well. The attire I had on this very minute was all part of the wardrobe and belonged to the studio. I continuously changed my pose in order for him to take several pictures of my sides as well as front. I thought happy thoughts and felt pretty in order to enhance my confidence as I stood behind a white background.

"Okay Harieth!" The photographer exclaimed displaying an okay sign with his fingers to let me know the shoot for the day was finally over. I sighed quite exhausted as I regained my normal posture. Suddenly, I began to feel hot.

"Towel." I called out as I walked away from the white background towards the editing team behind the monitor. I needed to see for myself just how good the images were. I couldn't bear seeing a hideous image of myself in the upcoming magazine. I mean, I do have competitors in this line of work. Looking pretty was my job. Having a renowned family name was my boost up. Perhaps, the world doesn't have the littlest idea that the Gryffin's account was slowly running dry but I was still determined to take advantage of all the privileges that came with being an heiress. By the way, it wasn't all over as I still have a marriage of a deal as my last card.

"Here Ms. Gryffin." A young lady stated as she handed me the towel.

"Your dad's been calling, Ms. Gryffin." She added as she stretched out my phone to me. I slightly furrowed my brows at that little information before I collected it from her then she was on her way.

"Ten missed calls!" I exclaimed as I took stared at the screen of my phone. I understand that I had somewhere to be but this shoot couldn't wait. How was I going to make dad understand that? As if reading my mind, my phone vibrated and the caller ID revealed dad's name. I took in a deep breath,  ready to have a word with him.

"What the hell is wrong with you Harieth!?" He exclaimed yelled that I had to push the phone away from my ear. That was really loud but I brought it close to my ear once more.

"I thought I explained everything to you. I thought I made it clear at just how important this marriage is for the both of us. Why the hell are you doing this!?" He exclaimed the last sentence once more but all this yelling only made me agitated.

"I had a photo shoot that couldn't be set back. It's just a meeting dad. I'm sure he can wait."

"No, he can't! If there's anyone going to wait then that's you. Enough. Enough of this attitude Harieth. I want you to meet him right now. No more excuses. Do you understand me!?" He ordered and although I hated being scolded, reprimanded or ordered at, the fact remains that he was right. I do need that jerk after all.

I sighed.

"Yes." I replied, sounding a little worn out.

"Good." He stated before the call got disconnected.

"Urgh!" I exclaimed as I threw my head backwards.

* * *

I pushed the door open into the café and stood for a minute scanning the room through the sunglasses I had on for any sight of my supposed future husband. Finally, I found him seated calmly somewhere in the middle. I could recognise him as I had seen his pictures online.

I took in a deep breath. I can definitely do this. This is for my future and so I took steps towards him, without saying a word, I took out the seat in front of him and had my seat placing my purse on the table. I crossed my legs then folded my arms across my chest. He raised his eyes to me. Not bad. Not bad at all. He's actually much more handsome in person and... he seems a little familiar, like I've seen him somewhere other than online or right here. Why can't I seem to put a finger on where I've seen him? Oh whatever, maybe he has one of those lookalikes walking around. Perhaps, for his looks alone, I can bear this. I noticed how his brows slightly furrowed for a minute there while his eyes slowly scanned me up and down.

I let out a light snort. Sure, it's okay for him to check me out but by the look on his face, I would say he wasn't pleased much. He isn't? Why? What's lacking in me that some other woman would have? What exactly was he expecting?

Christian

I stared right at the strange woman who took her seat right in front of me. By the look of her, I would guess she's the same woman that has kept me here for nearly an hour now but, isn't she going to say anything? Are we going to keep staring at each other? It might be easier for her but for me, I couldn't see her eyes as she had on sunglasses.

I sigh.

"Do you have something to say to me?" I decided to speak up first. She tilted her head a little to the right, left and then set it straight once more.

"Do I? Is there something I'm supposed to say? I can't recall. Do remind me, Christian." She stated, her tone sounding a little filled with mockery and the fact she felt ease pronouncing the first name of someone she just met, told a little about her rudeness.

I slightly furrow my brows at her once more.

"You're late. Aren't you going to apologise?" I asked, putting out my real question.

She gave a light snort.

"Wow. Not married yet and you're already telling me what I should do. This is really something to think about." She stated, her reply infuriating me.

My hand on my lap folded into a fist. She was making me repeat myself and truthfully, I wasn't in the least bit mood for this. My eyes remained on her but I couldn't see hers. It added to my frustration.

"Take off the glasses." I ordered staring directly at her. There was silence for a moment before she suddenly let out a chuckle.

"Really? What makes you think I'll do as you say? We're not even married yet."

"Exactly. If this is going to work. You're going to have to respect me." I told her the truth but all I got once more was laughter while she unfolded her arms and leaned closer.

"I'm sorry, the only person I respect is myself... I suppose I should clear up any misunderstanding. Christian, I'm not marrying you because I like you. I'm marrying you for your money, for the comfort your money is going to give me." She explained before putting up an annoying smile.

Unbelievable.

"How can a woman be so shameless?"

"I'm shameless just because I speak the truth? You're marrying me for the exact same reason. At least I'm bold enough to proclaim the truth." She added before relaxing back on her seat. A light chuckle escaped her lips once more as she tucked a few strands of her hair behind her ear.

"Exactly what type of women have you been seeing? I bet they're liars and without class."

An image of Emerson flashed across my mind. I gulped down as I looked away from the young woman in front of me. Why did she have to say that? Suddenly, I felt quite uncomfortable and guilty for thinking of my brother's wife this way. I can't do this right now.

I stood up on my feet before reaching my hand into the pocket of my jacket. My eyes remained on her while hers on me, probably, a little confused. Then, I stretched that same hand to her, a card stuck between my fingers. She hesitated before eventually collecting it from me.

"That's my card. Give me a call when you're ready to get serious." I stated and without waiting for a word from her, I walked away and right out of the café.

Harieth

I let out a light chuckle as I stared at his business card now in my hand. I shook my head in disbelief.

"The nerve of that man... I can't believe I have to marry him." I quoted to no one in particular as I sat there all alone.

How can a woman be so shameless?

I recalled his exact words. The expression on my face tightened. What makes him think he can judge me? He knows absolutely nothing about me. He'll have to apologise for saying those words to me.

* * *
I stared at the beautiful red dress on a mannequin displayed behind the glass belonging to a famous designer brand shop in the mall. It was so pretty that it hurt me as I just couldn't have it. Dad froze my accounts and now, I have no money to control. Times like this is what makes me feel like signing the marriage certificate with Christian Hendrix already. Speaking of the devil, I haven't heard anything from him in the past two days. Was he really being serious about me contacting him first?

I shook my head at the thought. No way. I'm not going to do that. It would be like apologising and I just couldn't be the first to do that. I'm Harieth Gryffin. I don't apologise to people. Why can't he be a gentleman and give in first? All the men I've dated in the past do that. I stared once more at the dress.

"But I really have to have this dress." I murmured in frustration as sadness engulfed me.

My pointy heels made quite a sound as I casually walked towards the exit of the mall, feeling a bit better than when I earlier walked in. I pushed the glass door to open and made my way out. A few steps forward, the cloud rumbled. I came to a stop before slightly taking a look up. The sun had slowly made its way back in. The clouds hung in the sky pregnant with rain. The air got chillier. It was going to rain. Suddenly, I felt a little frozen to the spot I stood. I should go back in. It was definitely going to rain.

I took a slow but steady step backward and then another. Immediately, I turned and hastened my steps towards the entrance then all the way in. I walked on without taking a look back.

Christian

I walked directly towards Lucas office with an important folder in my hands. His assistant was nowhere to be seen at her desk, so I walked on ahead and pushed open the door into the office. A step in, I came to a halt. My eyes slightly widened out of surprise as I stared at the person in front of Lucas desk now smiling.

"E-Ema." I stuttered, my voice losing its usual strength. Her smile broadened. How I missed that smile.

I watched her walk up to me.

"W-what are you... doing here?" I asked still a little bit surprise to see her. The last time I saw her was at the hospital. Truthfully, I have been trying my best to avoid this encounter. The fact I harbour feelings for my sister-in-law doesn't sound good at all. I understood I need to get rid of these feelings as quickly as possible but I've been trying my best. Now staring at Ema, I realised I wasn't doing a good job at that one assignment. A stronger reason why I need to marry Rockwell's daughter as quickly as possible.

Her smile faded as she pouts her lips to the side for a second before she sighs.

"Well, I came to have lunch with Lucas but he isn't here as of the moment and i've been waiting for him." she explained and I managed to nod before clearing my throat, trying to find my normal voice.

"Okay. I just needed to hand him this folder but like you said, he isn't here so I'll come back later." I told her before turning away to leave.

"Christian." She called as she quickly grabbed my arm to stop me from leaving. My heart raced really fast. I gulped down hard trying to control all my emotions at once before turning back to her. She let go of my arm.

I watched her sigh.

"Lately, i've been having this feeling that you're avoiding me. I'm not trying to ridicule you or tell you what to do. I just want to let you know that we're family and once upon a time, we were good friends. I hope the day comes when you can feel comfortable around me once more." She narrated and all I did was try my best not to look into her eyes. I stared anywhere else but into those eyes. Silence engulfed us for a minute before she spoke up once again.

"How are you doing? Lucas informed me of your decision to marry a woman you don't have any feelings for in order to save the family business."

I shifted my eyes to her then put up a brief smile.

"I'm fine. After all, this is for the best. Love isn't just for me."

"You really can't say that. Perhaps, this woman might just be the one for you." Ema stated enthusiastically but I gave a little snort. If only she had met this woman in particular. She was nothing like my type. Nothing like you. You've always been so innocent even your thoughts regarding people has always been so innocent.

I put up a simple smile as I stared at her. She smiled back.

"You should visit sometime soon with her. Junior and I would love to meet her." She added and I did nothing but nod in accordance.

Harieth

While seated in front of my dressing table, I stared at my reflection in the mirror as I wiped the make-up off my face that night. I sighed exhaustedly just after I was done. My eyes shifted to my phone on the dressing table. He really wasn't going to call. Fine, I'll do it. After all, I need his money.

Where did I keep his card?

I searched for it within the drawers and then found it. Quickly, I dialed the number then brought it close to my ear. It rang for a while before he picked it.

"Hello." His voice came through sounding a bit deeper and colder than directly having listened to it.

I took in a deep breath, sucking in all my pride.

"This is Harieth Gryffin. Your to-be wife. In plain English, your fiancée." I proclaimed clearly having no idea why I decided to state it all out in such a manner but the deed was already done.

There was silence on his part for a while that made me start to think he might have hung up on me. Oh, he better not dare.

"Hello. Hello, are you..."

"What do you want?" His voice suddenly came through. Great.

"What do I want!?" I repeated feeling a little annoyed at his choice of words.

"You walked out on me and demanded I call when I'm ready so... I'm ready."

"I don't think so. I haven't heard an apology from you."

Apology!?

"Why do you keep insisting on this? You know it's not..."

"Goodbye Miss Gryffin..."

"I'm sorry!" I exclaimed finally giving in. It made me so mad but the fact still remains that I need his money.

"Fine. I'm sorry that I kept you waiting. Happy?" I asked, hoping we could finally get pass this ridiculous situation and then take the next step.

"Wear something fancy. I'll pick you up by 6 p.m. tomorrow."

"Fancy? Where are we going... Hello?" I withdrew the phone away from my ear to take one look at it.

"Hello!?" I called louder in frustration as I brought it close to my ear once more.

"Damn it! How dare he hang the phone up on me!?" I asked quite fuming mad as I withdrew the phone away from my ear.

I stared at my reflection in the mirror. My brows now furrowed with contempt for the man I just spoke to. He dares talk about respect when he's showing me none of that. My hand on my lap folded into a fist.

"Fine. I'll bear these insults for now. Once we're married, he'll regret ever treating me with such disregard." I stated while still staring at my reflection.

Eventually, I let out a sigh.

Hi guys! I'm soooo sorry for the late update. 😭 I had a little trouble writing this chapter. To show how sorry I am, I uploaded the next chapter as well but that is up on inkitt for now. Please check it out right after reading this chapter. Love you guys. 😘
I'll try my best to update a little faster this time around.

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