"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."

Roger's car stopped in front of Halmey's house. Asleena checked the watch on her wrist, it was already eight in the evening. How could Asleena and Roger who just talked about how tomorrow was planned to spend hours like this?

"The day goes too fast," Asleena muttered as she sighed softly.

In the driver's seat, Roger was still holding the steering wheel. His forefinger tapped as he kept his gaze fixed forward.

"Ah, thank you, Roger. It seems that your invitation to move from place to place made us both not realize the time," Asleena continued again after making sure that nothing in her sling bag was left behind.

Only then did Roger turn his gaze to Asleena. He nodded his head.

"Yes, that is my job. Is Miss Asleena uncomfortable after I move around?" Roger asked, trying to be sure.

Asleena shook her head quickly. "No, I didn't mean that. After all you already paid for my food," he replied, giving a smile arc at the end of the sentence. "Next time, I'll treat you to some food too. We should have time for that."

Roger suddenly laughed at Asleena's words and at the same time witnessed Asleena's clumsy demeanor. Even so, Roger only nodded again formally. After all, Asleena was still someone who held a rank above her.

"I'm going in. Oh, you want to meet my aunt? I doubt you don't know her." Asleena didn't really expect Roger to enter Halmey's house.

Now, it's really tiring.

"No need, Miss Asleena. I didn't want to disturb your rest," Roger replied as if he understood what Asleena wanted.

On the other hand, Asleena secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He gave a small smile as he nodded goodbye, then Asleena got out of Roger's car.

Roger's car did not leave the driveway before Asleena had actually entered the grounds. When Asleena was standing in front of the house, she waved at Roger's car until she was answered with a horn.

There was silence after Roger's car engine was no longer heard. Roger's car was already out of sight. Asleena just wanted to open the door, but suddenly this door was opened from inside the house.

"Asleena!" Halmey's figure appeared who immediately slipped out of the door. Halmey held Asleena's arm until Asleena was startled. "Where have you been? Who did you go with just now?!"

Asleena was still flabbergasted for a few seconds from the shock. He didn't understand at all why Halmey's face and the way he spoke sounded frantic.

As if something worrying was going on.

"What's wrong, Miss?" Asleena asked in an almost low voice.

Halmey glanced back at the inside of the house, then turned back to Asleena.

"You...should have known that he was coming. Why didn't you tell—"

"Is Asleena here yet?" Suddenly someone's voice interrupted Halmey and Asleena's conversation. The door opened, Benny's figure appeared showing a firm jaw line and a sharp gaze.

Of course Asleena couldn't help being shocked. He couldn't believe that Benny was in his house, tonight, without a purpose and no notification to him!

"You?" Asleena pointed at Benny without hesitation.

Halmey immediately lowered Asleena's finger from Benny's face. The woman, for some reason, even smiled awkwardly at Benny as if apologizing. Very weird.

"Yes, I came to your house, but apparently you weren't home. I have been waiting for you for three hours to cancel an important meeting at the office."

Truly, Asleena had no idea what she had done wrong until Benny showed disapproval. Wasn't Benny the one who suddenly left him at the restaurant earlier? Then why did Benny show up at his house again, and now he's angry with Asleena?

"Why are you looking at me with a face like that?" Asleena asked, protesting back. "You were the one who left me at the restaurant earlier. Then, now, why are you suddenly here?"

"Asleena," Halmey says in a soft hiss. "Don't say that to Benny. He's worried about you."

Asleena didn't want to take Halmey's words too seriously. After all, why is Halmey even more inclined towards Benny?

"I came back about twenty minutes after I left the restaurant. I called your cellphone but it was off," Benny explained in a calm voice and face. That was in stark contrast to Benny's attitude a few hours ago at the restaurant.

Finally Asleena couldn't hold back her cynical laugh. Just about to answer, Halmey already cut in first.

"How about we talk inside? It's late. Asleena also just got home." Halmey gave Asleena a head nod, inviting her into the house.

With piercing eyes on Benny, Asleena stepped right in. Passing Benny, who whether intentionally or not even smiled a little. This annoying guy was actually making fun of her!

Asleena was now sitting on the couch and putting down her sling bag. Halmey didn't sit in the living room because it gave space for Asleena and Benny to talk alone.

"So why did you even come here?" asked Asleena who immediately pointed at Benny.

Benny was silent for a moment. During that time, he just sat back while putting one leg on the other thigh. Benny's eyes fixed straight on Asleena with a small smile—a very, very pretentious one.

"Did you just come with another man?" Benny asked back.

"It's none of your business," Asleena replied.

"That's of course my business since you're going to marry me."

Hearing that, Asleena laughed sarcastically. "Are you going to say that you forbade me to go out with other men?"

"Are there any men who don't forbid their girlfriends from going out with other men?"

"Are you my lover?" Gotcha! Asleena immediately smirked after asking her question. He was really irritated by Benny's pretentiousness.

Benny couldn't answer Asleena's last question. As a result, Benny looks awkward. But that only lasted a few moments.

"It's true that I'm not your girlfriend, but I'm going to be your husband. Listen..." Benny paused for a split second as his sitting position leaned slightly forward. "Asleena, you can't make anyone doubt our marriage. If you—"

"Yes, yes. You'd say, 'If you go out with another man, how will those who know we're married feel like?' That's it, right?" Asleena could already guess.

Benny was silent for a few moments, again. He just realized that he was dealing with a stubborn woman.

"Why can't you be compromised?" complained Benny, shaking his head.

Asleena just shrugged her shoulders, indifferent. "I can. But you have too many rules. I just..."

Benny's eyebrows shot up as Asleena's words suddenly stopped.

"What?"

"Just..." Asleena considered whether she should tell the truth or not. "The point is, you don't need to forbid me from going out with the guy I went with just now. He's an important person. There's no way—"

"All right, all right. Let's just say I forgive you tonight." Benny was not in the mood to continue the debate any longer. "But this is a serious warning from me if you go out with other men."

"Wow!" Asleena laughed and looked away in annoyance. "Other men? What do you think I look like?"

Benny didn't answer. But at that time, her eyes glanced inadvertently towards the road leading to a deeper room in this house. There was a silhouette of a person standing behind the wall, as if trying to hear their conversation.

Without Benny asking, he already suspected that Asleena's aunt was eavesdropping on their conversation. For some reason, since the meeting a few hours ago, from the woman's attitude, Benny felt a very strange feeling.

Then Benny straightened his sitting position without moving his gaze from where the silhouette was.

"Okay. Because I really love you..." Benny deliberately raised his tone. He stood up from his seat and walked over to Asleena.

'What's wrong with him?' Asleena thought as she noticed Benny's movement.

Suddenly Benny sat beside Asleena and embraced her without warning. At that moment, she was so surprised, Asleena almost struggled away and punched her.

Luckily, Benny swiftly held Asleena's hand. Then the man pulled Asleena closer and now wrapped his arms around Asleena's waist.

"Ssstt. Don't resist this time, please. I realized that your aunt was eavesdropping on our conversation," Benny whispered right in Asleena's ear.

Asleena tensed. He didn't know what the reason for his heartbeat reaction was now. Was it because of Benny's voice that felt as if it was tickling his ear, the notification that his aunt was eavesdropping on the conversation—that was a strange thing, or the closeness between him and Benny now.

"Somehow I feel there is something odd about your aunt," whispered Benny again.

Unlucky. Why does Benny's voice sound sensual?

"Can we pretend we love each other now? We don't know what your aunt's intentions are," Benny continued as his grip on Asleena's waist tightened.

Asleena's whole body froze and she didn't know why Benny sounded so sexy now.