Rian Musk walked into the conference room, his eyes scanning the space until they landed on Alex. She was already seated, her back straight and her eyes fixed on him.
"Mr.Rian," she said, her voice cool.
"Miss Alex," he replied, his voice equally detached.
They had met several times before, discussing the potential partnership between their companies. But now, they were being forced to marry each other by their families.
As they sat down, Rian couldn't help but feel a sense of resentment. He didn't want to be tied down to anyone, let alone someone as stubborn and strong-willed as Alex.
But he also couldn't deny the spark of attraction he felt whenever she was near. It was infuriating, really.
"So," Alex said, her voice breaking the silence. "I suppose we should discuss the details of our...arrangement."
Rian nodded, his eyes locked on hers. "Yes. I suppose we should."
As they began to discuss the terms of their marriage, Rian found himself growing more and more frustrated. Alex was being stubborn and unyielding, refusing to compromise on even the smallest details.
"I don't understand why you're being so difficult, Alex," Rian said, his voice rising. "This is just a business arrangement. Can't we just make it work?"
Alex's eyes flashed with anger. "You think this is just a business arrangement?" she said, her voice cold. "You think marrying me is just about securing a partnership?"
Rian shrugged. "Isn't it?"
Alex's expression turned icy. "No, it's not. This is about our families, and their expectations. This is about duty, and obligation."
Rian raised an eyebrow. "And what about love?" he asked, his voice sarcastic. "Does that factor into this arrangement at all?"
Alex's eyes narrowed. "Love is not relevant here," she said, her voice firm. "This is about business, and family. That's all."
Rian snorted. "Well, that's just great," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "I'm so excited to be entering into a loveless marriage with a woman who clearly can't stand me."
Alex's expression turned cold. "I don't have to stand you, Rian," she said, her voice icy. "I just have to marry you."
Rian's eyes locked onto hers, and for a moment, they just stared at each other. The tension between them was palpable.
And then, Rian stood up, his chair scraping against the floor. "I think we've discussed enough for today," he said, his voice cold. "I'll have my lawyers draw up the papers. We can finalize the details later."
Alex nodded, her expression still icy. "Fine."
As Rian walked out of the conference room, he couldn't help but feel a sense of frustration. He was trapped in this loveless marriage, and he didn't know how to escape.
But as he looked back at Alex, he saw something in her eyes that gave him pause. It was a glimmer of uncertainty, a hint of vulnerability that she quickly covered up.
And Rian couldn't help but wonder what was really going on behind Alex's tough exterior.