Edward couldn’t blink when he picked up Chloe at her house this morning. She completely hypnotized him for a few seconds. Wrapped in a black dress, his future wife looked so graceful. Her brown hair was left flowing, adding an elegant impression to anyone who saw her.
As previously informed, today was the schedule for the CEO relocation. As a prospective wife, Chloe’s presence was highly anticipated. That’s why Edward purposely picked her up to go together to the Quantum Corporation building in the heart of London.
“You look really beautiful.”
The expression of admiration slipped easily from Edward’s lips before they got into the car. After all, Chloe was a creation of God, perfect in his eyes.
“No need to exaggerate,” Chloe replied. “I’m sure you say these words to every woman you date.”
A big grin appeared on Edward’s handsome face.
“Oh, Chloe. How long will you keep suspecting me?” he asked. “You should be proud. Among all the women I’ve dated, you’re the only one I’m marrying.”
Chloe snorted. Instead of opening the car door, she glared at her conversational partner. “So, I should feel proud to be your fiancée?”
“If you were a normal woman, you should be proud. Besides, I don’t need to show off my strengths to you anymore, do I?”
“You…” Chloe restrained her words. She took a deep breath repeatedly to control her emotions. “Do you consider me an abnormal woman?”
Edward shrugged his shoulders simultaneously.
“Whatever you think of yourself is up to you. But in my eyes, you’re the only woman who deserves to stand by my side.”
Edward approached Chloe, opened the car door, and invited her to get in. Without wasting time, they set off for the Quantum building.
Nicholas, Edward’s personal assistant, greeted them promptly upon their arrival. He led them to the convention hall on the fifth floor.
Entering the room, camera flashes immediately bombarded Edward and Chloe. The public had been intrigued by rumors of Edward soon ending his bachelor days.
Everyone knew who Edward was. He had been seen dating several famous actresses in England. This time, they were extremely curious and wondered who had won the heart of “the most handsome man” in the UK.
After shaking hands with some board members and major shareholders, Edward and Chloe took their seats. Across from them was Alexander, ready to start the meeting.
“Thank you to all the board members and shareholders of Quantum for attending this important meeting,” Alexander began his speech. “It’s an honor for me to lead this meeting today, witnessing the transfer of the CEO position from Mr. Morinno Aldevaro, who decided to retire early, to Mr. Sebastian Eduardo Martin.”
The journalists took their positions again to get the best pictures of Alexander. The spotlight was on the middle-aged man who was still standing at the podium, leading the meeting.
“As we all know, Mr. Edward is deserving of this CEO position. Considering his highly productive and competent performance in the past year. His dedication has been nothing short of remarkable. Therefore, on behalf of all the directors and shareholders, I hereby announce that as of today, Sebastian Eduardo Martin is the new CEO of Quantum.”
Applause and cheers erupted when Edward walked to the podium. The tall man shook hands with the outgoing CEO before being invited to give a short speech.
“It is an honor for me to hold this position. As everyone knows, Quantum is a rapidly growing multinational construction company. I am confident that under my leadership, Quantum will continue to progress. We are ready to compete and become the only company capable of collaborating with other giant investors.”
Everyone clapped again, especially when Edward politely waved his hand, inviting Chloe to join him.
“On this important day,” he continued, “I will also introduce the future wife who will accompany me. Allow me to present Chloe Hazel Arley, the daughter of Mr. Dylan Arley. This woman is not only my future wife but also the person who will support me in achieving even greater success for Quantum Corporation.”
Camera flashes struck again, capturing Chloe from various angles. It was certain that tomorrow’s headlines would be filled with news about the two of them.
“Miss Chloe, how do you feel about being the future wife of Quantum Corporation’s sole heir?”
“Has your relationship been established for a long time?”
“Rumors say that the two of you are intentionally arranged for a business marriage.”
“Mr. Edward, are you sure that Miss Chloe will be the last woman to stand by your side? Considering the many women who have been your partners.”
“Mr. Edward, so when will your wedding take place? Or is this all just a setup?”
The journalists bombarded Edward and Chloe with so many questions. Everyone seemed enthusiastic to hear their answers.
As they looked into each other’s eyes, silently deciding who should respond first, it was decided that Chloe would take the attention of the media.
“Edward and I have known each other for a long time. It’s not difficult for both of us to be in a relationship. And I am very confident that after becoming his wife, all the support I provide can have a very positive effect.”
Chloe smiled faintly afterward, maintaining her composure in front of everyone waiting for her response. Edward did the same.
“As for our wedding schedule, the sacred day will take place two weeks from now. And you all need to know, this is not a business marriage or a setup as the gossipers are speculating out there. We are just like any normal couple who love each other.”
Edward turned to Chloe, gently lifting her chin and unexpectedly giving her a deep kiss. Everyone was stunned. The moment was not wasted as the cameramen hurriedly captured the scene.
Chloe froze instantly, her face blushing. A mixture of surprise and embarrassment. After breaking the kiss, Edward took the microphone again and spoke.
“I think that’s enough for today’s welcome. I also hope that all of you will attend our wedding party later.”
Edward then took Chloe’s wrist. Surrounded by many bodyguards, he left the convention hall, ignoring the media personnel who were chasing for more explanations.
****
“You’re absolutely crazy!” Chloe couldn’t contain her emotions as they were now in the car together.
After leaving the convention hall and visiting the boardroom, Edward chose to take Chloe along. They had a scheduled meeting with the fashion designers who would prepare the wedding attire.
“Why do you have to be so reckless? Are you angry that I kissed you? Instead of being angry, you should get used to me kissing you all the time.”
“You!” She exclaimed again, exasperated by Edward’s nonchalant attitude. “In case you forgot, I’m not officially your wife yet. Don’t go touching me whenever you please, especially in public like earlier!”
Edward chuckled softly, amused by what Chloe had just said. Slowly, he leaned closer to her and whispered, “So… I can only touch you in private, far from the reach of the public eye?”
Chloe took a deep breath. Tired of arguing with Edward, she replied, “I’ve told you already. You have to get used to it. After we get married, I’ll let you do more than that.”
Edward could see surprise mixed with irritation in Chloe’s eyes after hearing her own words. It made him chuckle, and he couldn’t help but laugh.
“Don’t think that after we get married, you can do whatever you want to me. Besides, don’t dream that we’ll be together forever,” she retorted.
Trying to stay calm, Edward gave her a faint smile and responded, “So, you think you’ll divorce me someday?”
“Do you think I want to live with you for the rest of my life? Don’t dream, Edward Martin! Just so you know, I agreed to this arranged marriage because I didn’t want to disappoint my father.”
Without breaking eye contact with Chloe’s golden-brown eyes, Edward leaned his face closer.
“I’ll make this game easier for you. If I fail to make you fall in love with me within three months, I’ll be the one filing for divorce.”
Chloe’s eyes widened. She couldn’t believe Edward’s way of thinking. But wasn’t this an interesting offer? She wouldn’t have to waste too much time being that man’s wife.
“Okay… I can’t wait for that moment. Waiting to see how you’ll give up because you can’t conquer my heart.”
***
Edward observed how busy the fashion designers were, measuring and sketching the wedding gowns they wanted for the upcoming wedding. In his eyes, he could see Chloe, who ‘supposedly’ was not interested in this sacred event, being the busiest one. She was giving specific instructions to the designers about how she wanted the dress to be.
“I want a touch of glitter on the chest area. I also want to wear a small crown. Perhaps my hair can be slightly curled for an elegant look during the event.”
The designers nodded, carefully noting each of Chloe’s requests. Once done, they turned to Edward to determine the style of his suit.
The two of them spent quite a long time at the boutique. After everything was settled, Edward didn’t immediately take Chloe home. He invited his future wife to visit his parents’ house first.
“My mother wants to meet and invite you. So I ask for your kind willingness to accept her invitation.”
Chloe nodded slightly, indicating her agreement. Then, ten minutes later, they both arrived at the grand Martin family residence. Liliana was already there, specifically welcoming the arrival of the two of them.
“Oh my God… Edward, Chloe.” Liliana outstretched her arms, giving hugs in turn to her child and future daughter-in-law. “I am so happy to see both of you.”
Chloe smiled politely.
“Nice to meet you too, Auntie Lili. I hope you’re always well.”
Liliana nodded and then asked Chloe to sit beside her.
“Of course. Auntie is very healthy and happy. Especially since Edward will marry you soon. Auntie has heard all about you from Uncle Alex. We are so glad to have you as his partner in crime.” Liliana’s gaze shifted to Edward.
“Oh, Mama.” Edward exclaimed. “Don’t embarrass me in front of my future wife.”
In the midst of their conversation, Aunt Sisilia, who was the household assistant at the Martin residence, appeared. The middle-aged woman walked slowly, carrying a tray of drinks.
Carefully, Sisilia served the drinks. When it was time to offer a drink to Chloe, her facial expression changed. She was so startled that she accidentally dropped the cup she was holding.
The floor instantly became wet. Edward, who saw the incident, immediately got up from his seat. He promptly helped Aunt Sisilia clean up, picking up the fallen cup and placing it back on the tray.
“Aunt, are you okay?”
The middle-aged woman nodded.
“I apologize, Sir.”
This caught Chloe’s attention. In her mind, she wondered with curiosity.
Why is Edward so concerned about his assistant?
Or is he always this kind to everyone?
Chloe shook her head, dismissing any positive thoughts about the man.
Forget it, even if Edward is nice to anyone, I don’t care.
But it didn’t stop there. After helping the household assistant clean up the spilled drink, Edward also helped carry the tray with the cracked cup to the pantry. He even engaged in a conversation with Aunt Sisilia.
“Is everything okay, Aunt?”
Sisilia nodded. Regret was clearly evident on her face.
“I’m truly sorry, Sir Edward. I didn’t mean to-”
“No need to worry, Aunt. Everything’s fine. If no one is hurt, I’ll excuse myself to go back to Mama.”
Before Edward could take a step, Sisilia called out.
“Sir Edward…”
He turned around.
“What is it, Aunt? Is there something you want to say?”
“It’s actually not important. I apologize if I’m being forward, but if you don’t mind me asking, who is the woman out front?”
Edward’s eyebrows almost knitted together.
“The woman out front?” he repeated. Then he nodded. “Oh, the one with Mama? That’s Chloe, my future wife.”
“Your future wife, Sir?”
Edward confidently nodded.
“Yes, the woman I’m marrying in two weeks. Why do you ask, Aunt?”
Sisilia shook her head quickly. Without saying goodbye, the middle-aged woman left, leaving Edward confused by his household assistant’s behavior.