Gerald paused briefly before answering.
"He was informed this morning."
Kaia's gaze didn't shift.
Gerald added calmly,
"Both he and his father are on their way. We'll be having lunch together."
A slight pause.
"You should speak to him… before you leave."
Kaia frowned slightly.
"…Where are we going?"
Gerald stiffened for just a moment.
Then slowly, he slid a document across the desk.
"You will be living together for the next three months before the wedding," he said.
"To get to know each other."
A pause.
"I know you two didn't get along as children… but this is important."
Kaia picked up the contract.
Her eyes scanned the pages carefully.
Then—
"…Is this supposed to be a fake marriage?" she asked.
"…Just for benefits?"
Gerald froze.
Actually froze.
It took him a moment to recover.
"Baby girl," he said softly, "all I want is for you to be happy."
Kaia didn't look up.
"I know what kind of person Lucian is," he continued.
"You may not always agree with him… but he is responsible."
Responsible?
Kaia resisted the urge to roll her eyes.
That man is an ice block…
Has anyone even seen him smile?
She flipped another page.
Paused.
"…It says here I'm taking over the company after the wedding."
She looked up sharply.
"Dad, we agreed you'd wait at least two years before retiring."
Then—
another line caught her attention.
"…And why do I have to work at Lucian's company before the wedding?"
Gerald sighed.
"…Mi amor…"
"I know what we agreed."
A small smile appeared on his face.
"But your mother has already started planning our travels."
He shook his head lightly.
"I don't want to disappoint her again."
Then, more firmly:
"Lucian's company is the best in the region. You'll learn a lot there."
A pause.
Then, casually—
"And it's… convenient."
Kaia narrowed her eyes.
"…Convenient for what?"
Gerald coughed lightly.
"…For you to grow closer."
Kaia wanted to explode.
She really did.
But there were guests downstairs.
So instead—
she inhaled slowly.
Exhaled.
"…Fine," she said.
"…I'm
Just then, the nanny knocked lightly.
"President Blackwood and Young Master Blackwood have arrived."
Kaia shot her father a look.
Then stood.
"…Of course they have."
From the staircase—
Kaia saw him.
Lucian Blackwood.
Perfect posture.
Impeccable suit.
Not a single crease.
Annoying.
But… undeniably handsome.
As she reached the living room:
"Hello, Uncle Jake."
A slight nod.
"…Lucian."
Lucian returned it.
"…Kaia."
Simple.
Neutral.
Behind them—
the two mothers were practically glowing.
Whispering.
Giggling.
Kaia internally sighed.
High school behavior… really?
"Kaia," Cynthia said brightly,
"Why don't you take Lucian outside? Maybe show him around?"
A pause.
"Or your room."
Kaia: (○_○)
This woman…
"…Come," Kaia said flatly, already turning.
Lucian followed without question.
They walked in silence.
Kaia motioned to the maid.
"Lilly, refreshments."
Then took a seat at the stone table.
Lucian sat across from her.
Still quiet.
Kaia studied him.
Then asked:
"…What do you think about the contract?"
Lucian didn't hesitate.
"…Necessary."
Kaia nearly lost it.
Necessary?
That's it??
She inhaled slowly.
Counted to ten.
"…Where will we be staying?" she asked.
"My apartment… or yours?"
Lucian answered immediately.
"…Mine."
Then, after a beat—
"…It's closer to the company."
Kaia leaned back slightly.
And just like that—
she ran out of things to say.
The dining table was… tense.
Not outwardly.
But underneath—
everything felt staged.
The parents spoke easily.
Business.
Travel.
Old stories.
Kaia barely listened.
Lucian spoke when necessary.
Precise.
Measured.
At one point—
Grace smiled brightly.
"So, when are you two moving in together?"
Kaia choked on her water.
Lucian didn't react.
"…Tomorrow," he said calmly.
Silence.
Kaia turned slowly.
"…Excuse me?"
Lucian met her gaze.
"…It is efficient."
The parents beamed.
Kaia smiled.
But it wasn't sweet.
"…Of course it is," she said.
And under the table—
her foot tapped once.
A warning.
Lucian noticed.
And for a split second—
there was something almost like amusement in his eyes.
Almost.