Marriage contract agreement?

Asleena had to say that Benny was crazy. He didn't expect Benny to make a deal like this if he didn't want to agree to their arranged marriage.

"You don't agree, why bother giving me this marriage contract agreement?" asked an irritated Asleena.

In contrast to Asleena, Benny immediately shrugged his shoulders. No guilt, objection, or anything like that.

"I don't know. I think, even if I don't approve, I don't completely reject or want to cancel." Benny gave an explanation so relaxed. "After all, it's fair for both of us, right? We both need this marriage."

Asleena was well aware of what was implied behind Benny's words. Both of them need it, meaning that Benny also needs something from him so he doesn't want to refuse their marriage.

So, what does Benny need from someone like him?

"What do you want?" Asleena asked.

Benny shoved a piece of meat that had just been cut into his mouth. "Don't ask that if you don't want to give it to me now."

Suddenly Asleena's cynical laughter was heard. "If I can give it, I will give it."

The movement of Benny's hand which was cutting the meat then stopped. While chewing, Benny's sharp gaze fell on Asleena.

It really gave Asleena the creeps.

"Really? Then, I urgently need to take charge of the biggest housing development project my company is about to undertake. But my grandpa said the project will be passed on to someone else if we don't get married."

Asleena suddenly flinched, having nothing to say in response. He thought that if Benny's needs were limited to cooperation or whatever, maybe Asleena could provide it.

But if this ... Asleena thought this was Benny's personal business with his grandfather.

"Would you like to ask my grandfather to give me the project?" Benny challenged Asleena, it was clear from the look on his face.

Asleena was nervous. Of course. He had been acting like that before, and now he didn't even know what to do.

"It's so hard," Asleena complained in a near whisper. "You didn't say your needs were your personal business."

Benny immediately laughed mockingly at Asleena. "I knew it! Why do you act as if you can give me what I need?"

Asleena's rough breath was heard. So annoying. Benny knows very well how to embarrass someone even if not in front of an audience.

"That means, there is no other way, Miss Zwetta," answered Benny.

"What?" Asleena was surprised to hear Benny say her nickname. "Zwetta?"

"I prefer to call you by that name," Benny answered lightly.

Asleena couldn't hold back her giggles. "You really are weird," he replied. "I'm increasingly unsure about marrying you. How do I deal with someone like you?"

Benny smirked. "I'm also not sure to face a woman like you," he replied, not to be outdone. "After all, we're not going to live in the same house. You can read in the contract agreement."

Asleena's brows furrowed. Don't live in one house?

Because her curiosity couldn't be restrained anymore, Asleena immediately opened the brown document envelope. A piece of paper was taken out showing the title "MARRIAGE CONTRACT AGREEMENT" at the top. In all capital letters and bold letters.

Asleena's eyes dropped down to read some of the caption. However, he was attracted by one of the terms of the agreement.

"The woman and the man will live in different apartments. As a form of accountability, the man will give the woman an apartment unit next to the man's apartment?"

Benny nodded his head while Asleena read the caption. While Asleena immediately looked up, looked at Benny as if asking for an explanation of the meaning of that sentence.

"There's nothing wrong," said Benny who seemed to understand the expression on Asleena's face.

Asleena laughed sarcastically. "Oh my god…" he paused for a second, then shook his head. "Wait, what would your family think if you were to give me the apartment next door to yours?"

"You understand that thing called a play?" Benny asked back.

Asleena looked confused. What kind of play?

"If my family or someone from your family comes, then we will pretend to live in the same apartment." Benny explained.

"Likewise if the people who come are your friends, my friends..."

"So, indirectly you're telling me to move from my apartment to my apartment?" Asleena asked.

Benny snapped his fingers. "Exactly. If you're smart like this, I don't have to bother explaining at length."

"Wow!" Asleena immediately leaned her back against the back of the chair. He clapped briefly. "Why am I the only party that has to protect your good name?"

"Our good name," corrected Benny.

"No, just your good name. You made me sign a contract agreement, now you're telling me to go back and forth?" Asleena protested for the umpteenth time.

Benny exhaled roughly while straightening his body. From the look on his face, Benny showed his embarrassment in facing Asleena who kept protesting him.

Then Benny put his hands on top of each other, then sat leaning towards Asleena. Benny's eyes darted directly into Asleena's pupils, giving firmness.

"If you don't want to, it's fine for you to stay in your apartment. Then our marriage will be finished, maybe even before you get what you want from me."

***

Asleena couldn't think of the deal she and Benny had made a few hours ago.

After Benny said his last sentence, which sounded like a subtle threat, the man immediately left. Yes, leaving Asleena who hasn't had the chance to protest yet. As if not wanting to know what he was thinking.

"Argh. Why do you have to ask me to marry him?!" Asleena grumbled very quietly.

The strains of jazz music in the mini cafe room sounded even more depressing. Asleena accidentally left the restaurant after Benny left her. Now, Asleena didn't know who to turn to to talk about her problems.

"Excuse me, Miss."

Asleena's head shot up after someone approached her cafe table. The serving man bowed to him, a little afraid to say something.

"Yes?" Asleena immediately straightened up like nothing was wrong.

The serving man was silent for a few seconds. Asleena noticed the doubt on the servant boy's face.

"Just talk about it, it's fine. I'm not someone dangerous."

"You've been here for two hours and only ordered two lattes. We have a two-hour waiting list for each guest."

Asleena was surprised to get a warning like this. He did make reservations, but he was completely unaware of the conditions for each guest.

Asleena checked the watch on her wrist and was surprised. "Gosh! I didn't realize I'd been here two hours. I'm sorry."

The servant boy was about to say something when Asleena was also getting ready to leave. But someone's voice stopped them both.

"Wait, extend the time for Miss Asleena's guest."

Asleena immediately turned her head to the side. This time, a well-dressed, formal-looking man—like the appearance of an office worker—stood between Asleena and the male waiter.

"Oh..." The male servant was confused for a few seconds. "In that case, you can come to our special cafe reception desk. There you can extend the time at an additional cost."

This foreign man who had just arrived nodded firmly. "I took care of that just now. So let me and Miss Asleena talk."

The servant man bowed. Without saying anything, he then stepped away from Asleena's presence. Meanwhile, this man who looked like an office worker turned around to face Asleena, bowed.

Asleena was confused. Why did it feel like everyone was bowing to him?

"Greetings, Miss Asleena. I'm sorry I just arrived."

Asleena's raised index finger pointed at this strange man. "Who are you?"

"I am Roger, Master Joshua's special subordinate, and will now serve you, Miss."

Asleena's eyebrows shot up in disbelief as her eyes widened in surprise.

"What?!"

"Ah..."

Feeling awkward, Aslena quickly fixed her hair again. Aslena immediately chuckled as if she didn't mind anything.

"Nothing," Aslena replied, pretending to brush her hair. "Just looking in the mirror. Why did auntie come suddenly?"

Halmey was amazed at Aslena's ridiculous sounding answer. However, not wanting to extend the topic, Halmey finally prepared to say something.

"Hey, like your father said about you having to get married..." Halmey broke off when he saw Aslena not seeming to listen. Then, Halmey took a deep breath. "Why does your face look so gloomy? Aren't you happy?"

Aslena didn't really want to say that planning to marry Benny was the worst idea. Because it was her father's idea, and Aslena would sound very rude if she thought her father was being ridiculous.

On the other hand Aslena also couldn't agree, even just nodding her head felt reluctant. Her eyes show a shock reaction.

"Aslena. This is a request from your father. You know, his request is very important for the safety of your family, right?" asked Halmey who sounded like he was trying to persuade Aslena.

"Yes, Auntie. I know there's no reason for me to refuse the marriage, but..."

When Aslena couldn't continue, Halmey grabbed one of her nephew's shoulders. Halmey's shady gaze stared straight into Aslena's beady eyes that radiated worry.

"You feel doubt because you don't know him?" Halmey said slightly softly, as if trying to guess how Aslena was feeling.

Finally Aslena nodded her head. She couldn't give any argue.

"Indeed... he is a foreigner, but not someone bad in my opinion." Halmey then walked to Aslena's right side and sat on the edge of the bed. "He is the CEO of the biggest property company in New York. You won't be miserable with him."

"I wouldn't be miserable if I didn't marry him, Auntie," Aslena said.

Being confused for a moment, Halmey didn't take long to understand what Aslena meant.

"Yes, your father owns a real estate company. But your father's company is under threat, Aslena. You need someone like—"

"Auntie, why should I marry someone I don't love?" Unable to contain herself, Aslena cut Halmey off. Her tone sounded irritated.

Halmey was slightly taken aback when Aslena cut him off in an irritated tone. Instantly, the look on Halmey's face, which was originally calm, became irritated. The lines of irritation from holding back the irritation on her face Aslena was well aware of.

After exhaling slowly, Halmey then said, "Aslena, you've grown up. Why are you still selfish?"

Asleena was silent.

"It's not a matter of whether you marry someone you love or not. However, you are in charge of your father's company. Won't you do what he asks?"

However Aslena refused, she knew that in the end Halmey would still insist. After all, as an only child, it is appropriate to be the owner of the company after the father.

"Aslena, you have to listen to what I have to say..." then Halmey leaned her seat toward Aslena. "You must be responsible as your father's successor. Do you want your father's big company to go bankrupt?"

***

"So... you've also heard about our arranged marriage?"

Aslena ended up sitting across from Benny in a private room at a restaurant. To be honest, Aslena didn't know how to deal with a situation like this. Several hours ago, Halmey had urged him to meet Benny at a famous restaurant.

"Yes, and I can't agree on that at all," Aslena replied, ending with a rough sigh.

Benny was cutting his food steak. "Then, do you want to refuse? Or do something?"

"Enough. But I still end up here, in front of you." Aslena deliberately shows her annoyance to Benny. Even though Benny actually only responded by nodding his head while continuing to cut the steak.

"I will not refuse."

Asleena rolled her eyes. "How come? You're okay with it?" he asked, then laughed sarcastically. "My, was this bad idea from your grandpa to deliberately frame—"

Before Aslena finished her sentence, Benny suddenly put down the cutlery roughly. So that a sound like a slam instantly silenced Aslena.

"Don't just blame my grandfather. Your father also agrees," said Benny, making Aslena gulp down her saliva. "If you don't want to, don't continue with this. But you will definitely have to take the risk."

For a split second Aslena was silent. The sharp gaze that was highlighted from Benny's eyes had made his body as if locked. Why is Benny's aura so intimidating?

"You mean?" asked Aslena, just wanting to make sure whether Benny knew her intentions or not.

Wiping the corners of his lips on the right and left, Benny said, "I know you followed our arranged marriage for a reason. I don't know whatever it is. What is certain is that the reason is important and if you refuse this match, you are taking a big risk."

What is this? Why is Benny acting as if he knows everything?

Aslena burst out laughing. Just short. Before the look on his face changed to satirize Benny implicitly.

"How can you say that? Hey, you're a psychic?" sneered Aslena.

Benny frowned. He clearly knew Aslena trying to mocking him.

"No. You're ... too easy to read," replied Benny.

Aslena immediately stopped laughing, while Benny secretly smiled crookedly.

"Fine. Since we both don't really want this match, I'll give you a letter of agreement." Benny then held out an envelope of documents to Aslena, placed it in the middle of them, and held out the envelope of documents.

Aslena watched for a moment, doubtful and suspicious as to what the deal Benny had made had been. On the other hand Aslena was also curious. Is anything in this envelope a lucrative deal?

"Don't worry, nothing set you up," said Benny as if he understood Aslena's thoughts.

In the end Aslena was forced to remove the contents of the document envelope. Aslena took out a piece of paper and immediately read the caption at the top. Written in capital letters and bold.

'CONTRACT MARRIAGE AGREEMENT'

Aslena was of course shocked. What does contract marriage mean?!

"Wait. Who are you?" Asleena still couldn't believe what this man named Roger was saying.

Getting a suspicious look from Asleena didn't offend Roger. Roger curved a formal, polite smile.

"May I sit here? Let me explain something to Miss Asleena," Roger replied as he extended his palm to the chair opposite Asleena.

Asleena nodded her head. "Please, it's okay, just sit down," he said. Seeing that Roger had sat back down, Asleena straightened her back even more. "So Roger, what do you mean?"

"I understand that Miss Asleena must be surprised to hear my explanation. Here, I came because of Mr. Joshua's order," Roger said, trying to explain calmly.

"My father ordered you? When?"

"One week before the accident. It seems Mr. Joshua really believed that someone was intent on causing harm. So he asked me to come to you if something bad happened."

Asleena's heart throbbed painfully after Roger said that. Even though Asleena had read through Roger's will, she still felt shortness of breath for some reason.

"Ah... father already said that," Asleena muttered. "Are you going to be..."

Asleena stopped her words as she felt uncomfortable saying the next sentence. But Roger understood Asleena's meaning, so he nodded his head.

"Yes, I will be your underling, Miss Asleena."

Asleena should be pleased. This really feels like an impossibility. His life changed 180 degrees compared to before. Asleena still couldn't digest that someone suddenly came up to her and said that she would be her subordinate's assistant.

"But I don't have the money to pay you," Asleena complained while covering half her face, embarrassed.

Roger chuckled at the awkward Asleena. "Don't worry, Miss. Everything has been taken care of by Mr. Joshua. Besides, I don't mind if I don't get paid."

"How can it be?" Asleena immediately lifted her face and looked surprised. "I can't let you go unpaid."

"If only Miss Asleena knew what Mr. Joshua did for me, Miss would understand why I said that," answered Roger without the slightest hesitation. A reassuring smile curved across his face.

Asleena's position was completely indecisive. This all happened too suddenly. Even though he could not fully accept the sudden death of his parents.

Asleena took a deep breath and returned to support the right side of her face. He looked at the scenery outside the window.

11

"Roger, I'm really confused."

"Oh, do you want something to eat?" Roger instantly understood Asleena's daze.

"Yeah... I'm a little hungry—"

"Excuse me, here is the food you ordered."

Asleena immediately turned her head after hearing someone's words. How he was surprised to see a waiter carrying a tray containing two plates. The smell of grilled steak was so strong wafting from the two dishes on the tray.

"What is this..." Asleena was stunned. He did not feel ordered this.

"Thank you for the food," answered Roger while helping to arrange the plates placed by the waiter.

Asleena's confused gaze shifted to Roger. "Did you order all of this?" he asked.

Roger nodded his head without hesitation. "That's right, Miss. Actually I was worried that Miss had eaten. But coincidentally, it turns out that Miss hasn't eaten."

Asleena immediately let out a breath as her shoulders slumped limply. He really couldn't stop thinking. I don't know how he should respond. In all his life, no one had ever treated him this way.

"Wow, Roger ... you are very gentle." The compliment just slipped away so Asleena didn't expect it.

Roger just curved a sweet smile that made his eyes squint. He didn't find Asleena's compliment to be sarcastic or anything like that.

"Please eat, Miss."

"So, what exactly is the purpose of your coming? Is it just to let you know that you're becoming my assistant underling?" Asleena asked again when she was already holding a knife and fork.

On the other hand, Roger seemed to be contemplating how to explain. His hands were still busy cutting the steak for a few seconds. Then, Roger gave a long mutter.

"Not only for that, Miss. I also intend to come to tell you that you have to start working as CEO tomorrow," said Roger.

Asleena suddenly glared, almost choking. "Me? Starting work tomorrow?" he asked, and received a nod in response. "Wow. Roger, I'm not even prepared to take on the responsibilities of daddy's job. Now you're asking me to be CEO tomorrow?!"

Seemingly not minding Asleena's worries, Roger just nodded his head.

"Yes. Don't worry, Miss. I will help you to every detail." Roger gave a reassuring smile at the end of his sentence. However, that did not ease Asleena's worries in the least.

Asleena's rough sigh was heard. "How come..." Then, she combed her hair using her five fingers, looking resigned. "I only understand a little."

"But you have studied economics and business during your studies, right Miss?" he asked. "I'm quite amazed that Miss Asleena didn't realize, the scholarship you got from the Hudge Group company wasn't a scholarship."

"Yes, I just realized that now. Indirectly, the cost actually came from my father's money. But he acted on behalf of the company," Asleena answered between her angry faces.

Roger snapped his fingers. "That's right, that's right! Wow... Mr. Joshua is really good at acting."

"That's not the point now!" Asleena subconsciously raised her voice in a begrudging rage. It took Roger by surprise.

silence. Between Roger and Asleena, there was silence.

Asleena felt awkward for a moment because she realized that she had accidentally snapped. Meanwhile Roger was silent for a moment, dumbfounded.

"Sorry, I can't control myself. Did you see that just now? I just go out of control a lot, how can I become a CEO like my father?" Asleena asked.

"Mr. Joshua is not the CEO, Miss. But he is the owner. You will take over as CEO of Ornald later."

With a look of panic on her face, Asleena immediately leaned over to sit up. Her eyes looked at Roger so seriously.

"Is he okay with being replaced with me?" Asleena asked.

Roger realized Asleena was looking for an excuse not to take the position his Boss ordered him to take. However, Roger did not want to be swayed. So he shook his head calmly.

"Not at all. Mr. Ornald is indeed going to resign, that's why Miss Asleena is taking his place."

"I can't... wouldn't be fair to the employees—"

"This is Mr. Joshua's order, Miss. I can't dispute and change orders. So, no compromises." Roger was too firm in his sentence to give Asleena a warning.

There was no chance Asleena could persuade Roger anymore. The sentence that implied firmness made him unable to move on to say anything else.

Finally Asleena could only sigh resignedly.

"Alright, alright."