Alessia thought for a while, "Can I at least think about it?" But her words hung in the air, met with only silence.
He stood up, his tall frame towering over her, and repeated, "I'm not taking no as an answer."
He dropped his business card on the table. "Whenever you're ready, give me a call."
He turned and walked out, the door closing behind him with a soft click.
Alessia's mind reeled as she stared at the business card with Marco Antonio's name on it. Contract marriage? Was she really considering this? She thought about her mother's medical bills, the financial struggles, and the uncertainty of her future.
As she weighed her options, Alessia's thoughts drifted to Marco Antonio's words: "I'm not taking no as an answer." A shiver ran down her spine. What kind of man was he? What kind of life would she lead as his wife?
With a sense of trepidation, Alessia picked up her phone and dialed the number on the card. It rang a few times before Marco Antonio's deep voice answered.
"Alessia," he said, his tone confident. "I've been expecting your call."
"Mr. Antonio," Alessia replied, trying to sound calm. "I've been thinking about our... proposal."
"And?" he prompted, his voice low and smooth.
Alessia took a deep breath. "I'm willing to discuss the terms of the contract marriage. But I have conditions."
There was a pause on the other end of the line. "I'm listening," Marco Antonio said finally.
"First, I want to ensure my mother's medical care is covered, regardless of the outcome of our marriage," Alessia said, her voice firm.
"Agreed," Marco Antonio replied without hesitation. "Her care will be taken care of. What else?"
Alessia thought for a moment, considering her next move. "I want a clause that allows me to leave the marriage after a certain period, say two years, without any repercussions or obligations."
Marco Antonio's response was measured. "I'll consider it. But I expect something in return. What else do you propose?"
Alessia's mind raced as she thought about the implications. "I want financial independence during the marriage. A separate account, access to funds without needing your approval."
The line was silent for a moment before Marco Antonio spoke. "I'll arrange for a generous allowance. But let's discuss the details in person. Meet me at the Palazzo estate tomorrow at 3 PM."
Alessia's heart skipped a beat. "I'll be there."
"Good," Marco Antonio said. "I'll have the contract draft ready. We'll finalize the terms then."
The line went dead, leaving Alessia staring at her phone, wondering what she'd just agreed to.
Alessia arrived at the Palazzo estate, the grandeur of the building intimidating her. She was greeted by Marco himself, who led her to a lavish study.
"Let's get down to business," Marco said, his eyes locked on hers. "The contract draft is ready. Let's review the terms."
As they sat down, Alessia scanned the document, her eyes widening at the clauses. "This says I have to stay married for at least three years?"
Marco leaned back in his chair. "That's non-negotiable. I need a wife, not a temporary arrangement."
Alessia's eyes flashed. "And what about the allowance? You said generous, but this amount is barely enough to cover my mother's medical bills."
Marco's expression remained calm. "The allowance is more than sufficient. You'll learn to manage it."
The argument continued, with both sides pushing their limits. Finally, after hours of negotiation, they reached a compromise. The contract was signed, and Alessia felt a sense of relief mixed with trepidation.
"Now, let's discuss the wedding details," Marco said, a hint of a smile on his face.
Alessia's heart sank. She hadn't thought about the wedding itself. "What kind of wedding are you planning?"
Marco's smile grew wider. "A grand one, fitting for the Antonio name. We'll discuss the specifics with my planner. You'll need to be ready in two weeks."
Alessia's eyes widened in shock. Two weeks? She hadn't expected that.