"Let's make a deal together. That way I'll give you everything. Anything you want including the house and money. So, until this contract ends let's act normally like a married couple." Vegan, the girl was forced to marry by her father to the son of a wealthy CEO only because a business company that was afraid to stand on the verge of collapse and was trying to find support. Having no other choice, the two agreed with the caveat that the marriage was a sham and to be kept as a formality. "No. I'll make you love me someday, Val. I told you, I'm not happy with pretend marriage." Even though both of them are willing to get married for personal reasons, they must also remember to be professional in front of the public. That's why they both end up having to pretend to love each other a lot. Meeting too often can lead to mixed feelings. So, is it possible that they might actually fall in love?
Chapter 1 Business Proposal
There is nothing more disappointing than something that comes from love. Being set up. No matter who the person is, no matter how handsome or beautiful they are. As long as there isn't even a hint of love present between the two parties... it's a clear proof of love's imperfection.
Except for treasure. Something with such a high selling value could certainly change everything.
This was the first time in her entire life that the girl felt pain. Once she knew her life was determined by fate, she didn't mind at all. But when she grew up and knew that the path of fate could not be changed, it was sickening.
"Why is this so sudden? You didn't even ask for my consent first!" Vegan said in a loud tone, yelling at her mother without the slightest doubt that what she had just said was wrong. Fortunately, the room was soundproof. So, there was no one to hear.
In front of the girl, a woman looked very haughty, sitting at a desk that was almost full of documents, one of which was a marriage contract.
"Mom, don't keep quiet! Answer me quickly, Mom. Why did you do all this to me?!" The girl stood up immediately. Her left hand was clenched so tightly that several veins stood out. Her eyes were downcast, though her head was up. Her gaze was fixed on a piece of paper with someone's signature under the palm of the right hand that had kicked the table earlier.
A business proposal.
Marriage of James Lim and Vegan Reis.
A very, very annoying headline. Vegan... would never agree to it ever. How could she not, her mother was just using her child as a money-making tool, with several conditions and benefits clearly stated on the stamped contract.
"You ask why? It's because your mother and father won't be able to refuse Mr. James' request. You know yourself, right? They are a big company that might be able to increase the company's profits."
"Mom, is crazy! I haven't even graduated college yet and am at the stage of say almost a final year student. How can I postpone college because of marriage!? No! I refuse," Vegan replied firmly. "I don't want to sign there."
"Whatever you decide, but this final outcome was already planned by your father." The woman smiled.
"NO! DON'T EVER REFER TO HIM AS FATHER IN FRONT OF ME. BECAUSE THAT MAN IS... A MURDERER! HE KILLED MY BIOLOGICAL FATHER, HE WAS ONCE YOUR HUSBAND. BUT WHY? WHY DID YOU MARRY A MURDERER LIKE HIM?!"
"You're too young to understand all this, my son. Living in the city, in a place like this is not easy. You have to live well, or else... we'll be oppressed."
The girl immediately shook her head strongly. "I understand. Even without you telling me, I already realized. You just want the property, right? Because Father's company went bankrupt, she's the one who took over the highest position of the Cloth and Weaving company in the country. I understand, Mom."
The paper was immediately torn into tiny pieces. She stopped talking and really got her emotions out.
"And the reason you two set me up is because Mr. James' company is also ranked first in the world of fashion and modeling."
"Is that your analysis?" asked the woman with an overly calm look on her face. "Hmph, what a smartass."
"I'm a top-notch analyzer. That's why my guesses are never wrong. You... just want their money, right? Then kill them someday when you get rich? I'm not small enough to be fooled easily," Vegan explained, which managed to make his mother's face turn sour instantly. "That's why I went to law school. Because I hope... one day I want to give you the punishment you deserve. Regardless of class."
Without waiting for a long time, the paper that had originally turned into an irregular shape was immediately crumpled into a sphere like a paper ball that had been blistered and was no longer shaped. But strangely, Vegan's mother was silent. She didn't move from the spot or feel emotional about her daughter's actions.
"Hahaha, now hit me, mom! Because this child of yours has dared to destroy your business proposal." Vegan laughed sadly, staring emotionally at his mother who lit a cigarette.
"Why should I hit you? I'm not that easy to fool," she replied casually. She bent down slightly, searched for something in the desk drawer, and placed it on the desk.
Another document that was exactly the same as the one just now. "You see, that is the original file. And the one you just tore up is a fake."
The black folder was opened, at the very bottom, there was a red fingerprint that almost covered a name. "Vegan Reis," he muttered.
Suddenly the girl was shocked. "How did you get a fingerprint from my hand?"
Instead of answering, the woman laughed mockingly and looked away. "It's not a difficult thing to do. I can even get you to sign without you realizing it."
The girl was silent for a moment. "Perhaps... you got it while I was sleeping last night?"
"You think? Hahaha, never mind Vegan, just go along with what your parents have to say. After all, you're not enjoying yourself either. You'll also make a lot of money after marrying Mr. James daughter," she said with an innocent face.
"You know what? He's also a businessman. A deputy CEO in his father's branch company," the woman said, whispering softly as if she didn't want anyone to hear. "Ah, if you really insist on refusing this arranged marriage, you can just tell your father directly."
The woman momentarily glanced at the watch. "It's three o'clock in the afternoon. He should still be at his office."
Just refuse if you can. I'm sure Mas Gard will oppose your decision. You'll see.
Without saying much, Vegan immediately left his mother's office. He walked hurriedly to the parking lot so that he could quickly dart to another destination. He drove in silence. All the windows were closed tightly. There was no radio, CD, or anything else that could make noise.