A Marriage of Convenience (1)

Penelope could feel her heart pounding against her chest as she made her way to the groom's room to find Raven Hendrix. She surmised that it would be pointless to convince the Montgomery family to change the bride at the last minute, and only Raven Hendrix could decide whom he was going to marry in the end. 

She checked her phone and was surprised to see a short message from Melody asking her for forgiveness. 

'I'm sorry, Penny. I can't marry him. I'm going to elope with Oscar. Please tell Mom I can't do it.' 

Penelope slowed down and abruptly stopped. It wasn't like she didn't understand her younger sister, but Melody should know the consequences of her actions would directly affect their family. 

When she reached the room, Penelope stood outside the door and took a deep breath while holding her beige-colored dress. If her younger sister ran away before the wedding, it would surely cause a massive scandal for their family. In order to avoid such a disgrace, she knew she had to act quickly. 

Penelope knocked on the door twice, and it didn't take long before she heard a response. 

"Enter." 

As she pushed open the door, Penelope found Raven Hendrix standing by the window, his back turned towards her. The room was adorned with opulent furnishings, starkly contrasting the turmoil brewing within her. She then noticed a man standing near Raven Hendrix, whom she assumed was his personal assistant. 

"Mr. Hendrix," she called out, her voice trembling slightly. "May I have a word with you?" 

The man slightly turned his head and looked at her over his shoulder. Nothing on his face could tell Penelope what mood he was in at that moment. 

"Ms. Dimitriou, what brings you here?" He answered before fully facing her. 

Penelope swallowed a lump in her throat as she took in his appearance. Raven Hendrix was leaning casually against the window, his piercing gray eyes fixed on her. His perfectly styled dark hair fell effortlessly over his forehead, adding to his already striking presence. Despite the tension in the room, there was a calm confidence in his demeanor that both unnerved and intrigued Penelope. 

"I apologize for intruding, Mr. Hendrix," Penelope began, her voice steadier now. "But there's something urgent we need to discuss." 

Raven raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable.

"Go on," he urged. 

Penelope hesitated for a moment, gathering her thoughts before speaking.

"It's about the wedding," she finally blurted out. "I'm afraid there's been a complication." 

The personal assistant exchanged a quick glance with Raven before excusing himself from the room, leaving Penelope and Raven alone. 

Raven crossed his arms over his chest, studying Penelope intently. His eyes seemed to see right through her, making her feel exposed and vulnerable in his presence. 

Raven's deep, commanding voice echoed through the quiet room as he leaned closer to Penelope, his piercing gaze fixed on her. She couldn't help but feel a flutter of nerves at his proximity. 

"What sort of complication?" he asked, his voice low and smooth like velvet. 

Penelope's heart raced as she mustered up the courage to speak. Her eyes fell to the floor, unable to meet his intense stare. She had a feeling Raven Hendrix was already aware that his bride had run away, and she was surprised at how calm he was given their situation. 

"It's... it's about the bride," she confessed, her voice trembling slightly. "She's gone missing." 

A flicker of surprise crossed Raven's face before it was quickly replaced with a cool, calculating expression. His sharp gaze bore into her, studying her every move. 

"Missing?" he repeated incredulously, his jaw tightening as he processed this startling information. 

Penelope nodded, her palms sweating with anxiety as she watched Raven consider the implications of such a scandal for their families. 

"I came to talk about the wedding," she continued, her voice wavering. "I know it's highly unorthodox, but I have a proposal that could potentially save both of our families from disgrace." 

Raven arched an eyebrow, his features unreadable. But there was a glimmer of curiosity in his dark eyes. 

"Go on," he said, his tone neutral yet demanding. 

Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Penelope straightened her spine and plunged ahead. 

"My sister has run off with another man, leaving us in a dire situation," she explained urgently. "If you were to agree to marry me instead, we could present a united front to our families and save our reputations." 

Silence hung heavy in the air as Raven studied her thoughtfully. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he spoke. 

"Are you proposing a marriage of convenience, Miss Dimitriou?" His words were careful and deliberate. 

Penelope met his gaze head-on, her determination shining through her fear. She knew this was a drastic solution to the chaos that had unfolded, but she also understood the importance of upholding their families' reputations. 

"Yes, Mr. Hendrix," she replied firmly. "A marriage of convenience for the greater good of our families." 

Raven's lips quirked up into a small, almost imperceptible smile—a rare display of emotion from the typically stoic man. 

"Very well, Miss Dimitriou. Let us proceed with this arrangement," he said before gently tilting her chin to meet his gaze. "But you better not regret this." 

Penelope felt a wave of relief wash over her at Raven's acceptance of her proposal. She knew this union may not be based on love, but she was willing to do whatever it took to protect her family. 

Penelope stood tall with a newfound sense of determination and met Raven's intense stare with unwavering resolve. 

"I won't regret it, Mr. Hendrix," she vowed. "I promise to do whatever it takes to make this arrangement work for both of us." 

Raven's smile widened ever so slightly as he nodded in approval. 

"Then let us not waste any time," he said, standing up straight and offering her his arm. "The guests are already arriving for the wedding, and we have a lot to prepare."