Arranged Bride

KELLAN P.O.V

I lifted my head from my laptop at the sound of the knock on my door. “Come in," I called to the person on the other side.

“Sir, madam said to remind you that your guests will arrive in the next fifteen minutes."

“Ok," I answered dismissing her.

The happiness oozing from my mother since she started making the arrangements for the dinner with the Brookes is just as bright as a sunny day could be.

Shaking my head at the reminder of why this dinner is not only an inconvenience but a match-making dinner.

Dad had dropped the bomb as if the marriage agreement was just normal but my parents had married for love.

It still came as shocking despite being aware of it for the past years, but then the Brookes had only Brian and I am no man's guy. I am not gay.

The frustration I felt at the news of a sudden adoption was unexplainable.

I still did not vividly understand why they would want to go to such an extent. Their company was doing well, and even if it was not, the marriage was not a necessity; the two families go a long way further than that.

My parents were already exchanging pleasantries with them as I came down the stairs, I nodded at Brian.

Brian and I have been childhood friends, Sparks of the longtime relationship between both families. Only close relatives and friends know how deep we go. I can explain the little twink of his eyes just like how he understands a simple nod of mine.

I watched as I slowly sat on a chair with my legs crossed as Mom pulled the newly adopted daughter of the Brookes into a bear hug. Dressed in a front-slitted gown that showed her long legs and had long dark hair, she no doubt pulled in that bun. Despite the dress-up, one could have easily guessed how young she is.

“Hi”, she greeted meekly, now she sounded like a little girl, too.

I can feel her staring at me for a while now; what is it with women staring? Not only ladies stare now, but girls do too.

Ready to give her the stern eye raise at her staring.

“Your son is so handsome,” she suddenly blurted out.

I couldn't help but look at her just as everyone here had pretty done at her outburst.

Great, she is a talker too, a nice pair with Mom and Eva.

I couldn't help but grin at her as her blue eyes met my dark orbs across the table, and I quickly composed myself, not wanting to pass the wrong signal that found her amusing.

Dinner has been going smoother, otherwise, with Mom and Eva doing most of the storytelling and including everyone in their conversations.

Then my dearest mother, who had taken on herself to play the role of matchmaking, had suggested I give her dear Olivia a tour of my company.

I watched her sputter the juice she was drinking her cheeks becoming red against her white skin probably from the embarrassment of Mom's Suggestion

Trying to reply as calmly as I could, I told her that only professionals are allowed in the building.

Not wanting to think about what reasons she will have to come there and the distraction that might cause my workers.

“Excuse me, I have to discuss business with Brian,” I said, walking out of the dining room. Brian followed immediately.

At the balcony, I took another sip of my whiskey, and looked at Brian; we gazed at each other for a few seconds before I broke the silence.

“Speak," Brian said softly.” What do you think of her?" He asked.

“What do I think?" I repeated his words.

“She is immature, too young, has no life experiences, and too small too." I began.“Wait. How old is she?”

“She's eighteen,” he answered.

“She is damn too young and.......” raking my hands through my already messy dark brown hair I breathe out again.

“Does she know?" I asked, and there was a pause

“What the heck?" I shouted out of frustration.

“You mean no one told her about the marriage? Great,” I muttered sarcastically.

“My dad will inform her soon, he's waiting for the perfect time,” he said. “When are you going to tell Sharon about this?” Brian asked the question that had been bothering me since I heard about this marriage arrangement. “She's probably unaware of that because Mom's PR team is working extra to keep Livia from the public.”

“She's still in Europe at the moment. I don't know how she's going to take the news,” I said, covering my face with my palm.

“You have to tell her and break things off with her before the wedding commences,” he continued.

“It's not that easy you know.” I glanced at him with disbelief. “Sharon and I go way back, I can't just let a stranger take her place in my life.”

“So what do you plan to do?” He cocked an eyebrow. “Continue seeing her while being married to Olivia?”

“I don't know.” I turned away from him when I noticed he was getting upset by my response.

Olivia was still his sister by registration; I didn't expect them to be okay with me having intentions to cheat on her. But I love Sharon and I wasn't ready to give her up that easily.

“You have just two options, it's either you find a way to get out of this marriage or break things with Sharon. You can't have both.” He turned and walked back inside, leaving me with a big dilemma