Marriage For A Business

Carmen cleared her throat. “Mister Monteiro, there’s something I need to talk to you about,” she began.

Romero’s eyes glinted, his face wary. “What now?”

Carmen bit her lip, steeling herself. “It’s about…the business. Mister Pablo is worried. He thinks–”

“Don’t bother me with this,” Romero snapped, cutting her off. “I already told him to handle it.”

“But, sir, Mister Pablo is only your PA, it’s hard for him to exercise as much authority as you. Your father trusted him, and he’s doing his best to keep things together. But your presence there will matter more,” Carmen said, not backing down.

Romero gripped the armrest of the wheelchair, his eyes burning fanatically at Carmen. “It’s not your place, young lady. Stay out of it,” he rumbled, a rude response.

Carmen’s eyes fixed on him, not shaken by his response. “I am involved, Mister Monteiro. You need to stop pushing people away. You can’t keep doing this.”

Romero’s cheeks furrowed, his eyes peered at her. “You have no idea what you’re talking about. Just be quiet.”

“I do know, sir. I know you’re hurting, but that doesn’t mean you can throw everything away. I also know you’re angry because you lost your family, and you’re shutting the world out. But that’s not going to fix anything either. You’re alive, and you have the chance to recover, but you’re wasting it. They are people who care about you, who depend on you–”

“And you think you’re one of those people?” Romero’s patience finally cracked. “You think I’m happy I’m alive when my family is gone?” his voice trembled slightly from the pain he felt.

His vulnerability stunned Carmen. For a long moment, she stood in silence, staring at him. Romero’s breathing was heavy, his eyes fixated on her with a mixture of anger and something else; something softer, buried deep beneath his iciness. Finally, he looked away.

“Mister Romero, you survived for a reason. I don’t know why, but I do know that your family wouldn’t want you to give up,” Carmen said quietly.

“Just stay out of it,” Romero muttered.

Carmen nodded even though he couldn’t see her. Without another word, she gathered her supplies and left the room, leaving Romero with his thoughts.

Romero sat alone in his wheelchair after Carmen left the room, staring blankly at the window. Her words lingered in the air like a quiet echo. He had been furious at her for mentioning his personal life, for bringing up what she must have overheard from the discussion he and Pablo had the night before.

But now, thinking deeper about it, the rage began to dissolve into something else; contemplation. Carmen had a point. The pressure of keeping the Monteiro legacy isn’t a child’s play, and it wasn’t something he could ignore any longer.

Romero realized his family business, everything his father had worked for, was slipping through his fingers, and the burden of grief had only made things worse. Perhaps there’s a reason he’s alive just as Carmen said. But what can he do when he’s still confined to this wheelchair? Who will listen to a man who they assume to be weak because of his temporary state?

Romero groaned in frustration. He had to do something. Anything to save KRM. And Carmen… he couldn’t help but think how relentless she had been with him. She had stayed by his side despite his harshness, treating his wounds both physically and emotionally, without hesitation. There was something about her that struck him; a strength that he knew he needed but had been too proud to admit.

The door swung open, disrupting Romero’s thoughts. Carmen walked in with his breakfast. “Breakfast is here, sir,” Carmen said, setting the tray down and began pouring his coffee.

Romero studied her, the way her hands moved with grace, and her face set in quiet diligence. It was at that moment that he knew she was exactly what he needed.

“Carmen,” Romero called her name for the first time ever since she'd been working for him.

Carmen glanced at him briefly, surprised by not just the way her name sounded in his mouth, but the sudden seriousness in his tone. “Yes, Mister Monteiro?”

Romero straightened, clearing his throat, his eyes locking onto hers. “You love to meddle, don’t you?” he asked, watching her expression carefully.

Carmen tilted her head, unsure of where the question was headed. “I don’t understand what you mean, sir. If it’s because of what–”

Romero held up a hand, silencing her. “I want you to meddle in my family business on my behalf,” he said, his tone more of an order than a request.

Carmen set the coffee pot down slowly, her eyes widening in confusion. “Me? How? What are you talking about, sir?”

Romero leaned forward, his face undeciphered. “You’re no use to me in this house. Go and make yourself useful in my company. You’re going to represent me. You’ll be the face of the Monteiro name in business. But for anyone to take you seriously, you’ll need more than just a title as my caregiver,” he paused, leaning in further. “So, I’m offering you a deal. A million dollars in exchange for a contractual marriage.”

Carmen’s breath hitched. “What?”

Romero’s eyes were unflinching. “I need someone relentless, someone who won’t back down under pressure. You’ve proven that to me. But to wield authority in my place, you’ll need the Monteiro name attached to yours,” he said casually.

Carmen stared at him in disbelief. “You can’t be serious, sir,” she said, her voice almost a whisper.

Romero raised an eyebrow. “I don’t waste my time with jokes, Carmen. And even if I were, it wouldn’t be with you,” he replied harshly. “You’d represent the Monteiro name in public, attend the business meetings, handle the shareholders and partners. In return, you’ll have the money, and more importantly, you’ll be helping me save the legacy of this family. It’ll be a marriage on paper, nothing more,” Romero continued.

Carmen took a step back, her mind reeling. “You…want me to marry you? For money? For your business?”

Romero nodded. “You got it right.”

Carmen shook her head. “I don’t mean to be disrespectful, sir, but that’s insane.”

Romero leaned back in his wheelchair, his eyes narrowing. “Insane? How is this great offer insane? By the way, you said you wanted to help me. I’m offering you a way. A million dollars, Carmen. Many would kill to have such an offer. Think about what the money could do for you. Your life will change, and you won’t have to keep doing this pathetic job. You’d be helping me and yourself in the process.”

Carmen’s heart pounded, anger flickering behind her calm face. “I want to help you, Mister Monteiro, but not like this. I’m not for sale,” she almost yelled.

Romero’s cheeks furrowed, clearly displeased by Carmen’s response. “You think you’re better than this? You think there’s another way? If you really wanted to help, you’d understand this is the only solution right now. Otherwise, you’re just wasting your time with me.”

Carmen’s chest tightened with indignation. “That’s manipulation, Mister Monteiro. I care about you, but you’re not going to guilt me into this. A marriage for a business? That’s ridiculous,” she said.

Romero’s lips curled into a bitter smile. “Ridiculous? Or necessary? Go on, then. Keep wasting your time hovering around me. But don’t tell me later that you wished you could’ve done something when it’s too late. I really thought you wanted to help, but it looks like you were only blabbing. You always acted tough, but you aren’t,” he uttered, sighing softly.

Carmen’s hands balled into fists at her sides. “Tough? Mister Monteiro, you’ve made it impossible to help you without losing yourself in the process. You’ve been distant, cold, and now you’re asking me to jump into a loveless marriage with you? I don’t know what kind of person you think I am, but I won’t be part of this,” she said, turning on her heel, and marched toward the door, her heart heaving with both anger and disbelief.

“This is just business. Nothing personal. I’ll give you a little time to think about it. You’ll come to realize it’s the only way to heal me,” Romero’s voice cut through the air one last time, cold and sharp.

Carmen paused at the door, her back to him, her entire body rigid with tension. “There’s always another way, Mister Romero,” she muttered before leaving the room without another word, slamming the door behind her.

Romero sat there in the deafening silence, his face hard as stone. He had no doubt Carmen would think over his proposal. Everyone had a price, even if they didn’t want to admit it.

Carmen raced down the hallway, bitterness crept into her face. Her vision blurred with anger, she nearly collided with one of the maids, who quickly stepped aside with a startled gasp.

“Sorry,” Carmen muttered hastily, barely aware of the encounter, her mind entirely consumed by the outrageous proposal Romero had just laid out. She needed air, space, anything to calm the infuriation she felt inside her.

Carmen rushed outside, her feet carrying her to the garden, where the scent of flowers did little to ease her fury. Her hands shook as she pulled out her phone, scrolling through her contacts until she landed on Mariana’s name. Without hesitation, she hit call.

“Hey, Carmi! What’s up?” Mariana answered on the second ring.

Carmen didn’t waste any time. “You’ll never believe what Mister Monteiro just proposed,” she said, her voice laced with frustration.

“What? Tell me about it,” Mariana’s voice instantly became concerned.

Carmen took a deep breath, trying remain calm. “He offered me a million dollars to marry him. A business marriage. No love, no real relationship. Just me as a placeholder for his company’s sake until he recovers.”

There was a pause at the other end. “Well… did you say yes?” Mariana spoke again, her tone unexpectedly calm.

Carmen blinked, stunned. “What? Of course not! You expected me to say yes to something so ridiculous?”

“Carmi, think about it. It’s not about love. You’re not marrying for romance. It’s just a business transaction. A million dollars, Carmi. That could solve a lot of problems.”

Carmen’s stomach churned. “I’m not marrying him just because of the money, Mari. He’s cold, distant, and he doesn’t care about anyone but himself. How could I possibly tie myself to someone like that?” she demanded.

“This isn’t about feelings. It’s about survival. Remember Diego? He needs that kidney transplant, Carmi. You need money, fast. I know it sounds crazy, but maybe this is your only chance to save him,” Mariana said softly, trying to reason with her.

Carmen’s heart sank at the mention of Diego, her brother, her reason for fighting so hard. She bit her lip, conflicted. “I know, Mari, but–”

“But nothing,” Mariana cut her off gently. “You don’t have time to play the moral high ground. This isn’t a real marriage, Carmi. It’s a business deal. You can walk away when it’s over, and you’ll have the money to save Diego. That’s all that matters right now.”

Carmen closed her eyes. “I don’t know, Mariana. It just feels…so wrong,” she said.

“Sometimes, doing the right thing doesn’t feel right at the moment. I know it’s hard, but just think about it. For Diego’s sake,” Mariana replied.

Carmen was silent, letting her friend’s words sink in. She couldn’t argue with the logic, but her heart still rebelled against the idea. Finally, she shook her head.

“I can’t do this,” Carmen mumbled, ending the call abruptly before Mariana could say a word.