My Mr. Perfect, Imperfect [Perfect Series, Book 1]

Chapter 13: The Agreement

Once the day brightened, Sapphire went to the library to pick up some new books for Gabby. He’s just 18, and would go to grade 12th grade in a couple of weeks.

Going through the arranged books on the shelves, Sapphire’s index finger got stuck to one. Mr. Stephen Alejandro titled it ‘The Genesis of Business and Partnership’.

Going through the book, she turned to the back page and saw his passport-sized photograph. She went through the write-up too, but couldn’t understand anything.

‘Do you know me? Have we even met?’ Sapphire pondered, then glanced at his picture. ‘Why would you change your will and ask me to marry your grandson, of all people in the world?’ A soft scoff escaped her breath as she returned the book back into its space.

Just then, a tall, handsome young guy walked towards her. He had perfect, defined jaws and black short hair that fitted him so well.

“Big sis!” He called onto Sapphire from behind.

“Oh, my darling!” She jerked with so much joy and walked to give him a hug. “How do you know I’m here?”

“Come on, sis! You come to the library every Saturday morning. I know you so well.” He smiled.

“Umm... you’re looking so gorgeous in this outfit. Why didn’t you wear dark shades and a face-cap?”

“I’m not famous enough to do that, Sis. No one recognizes me perhaps. I’m still as cute as always.” He scratched the back of his neck, trying to explain to her.

“Stop spewing rubbish!” She hit him gently. “You’re Gabbie, the latest actor in town! You’re definitely famous, you just don’t know it. Don’t you know you’re all over the internet now? Please, try to wear dark shades as often as possible, okay?”

“Okay sis.” He replied to her and smiled. “You’re the only one that thinks I’m famous. How’s Sparkle Drama Club doing?”

“Well, fine. We just missed you since you stopped coming. It’s been a while, hope no problem?” he quirked an eyebrow at her.

“No, nothing exactly. These days, I’m just so occupied.” A memory of Jade blew through her as she explained. “Come on, take these books.” She handed it over to him.

“Wow! Are these all mine?!” He asked excitedly.

“Yes, darling.” She hit him hard on this arm this time. “Keep it low, idiot.” She rolled her eyes at him as he blushed.
“How’s preparation for your exams? Have you read all the books I bought for you last month?”

“Yes, sis.” He replied to her in a low voice.

“That’s great! Your external exams are coming up in six months. So, I guess you should be through with these by then. If you need explanations, just call me, okay?”

“Okay sis.” He replied to him as they walked out with smiley faces.

***

On Monday Morning...

Sapphire was in class when her phone beeped. It was a message from Jade.

Time: 2:00 p.m
Venue: Pink Hill’s Restaurant.

Reading his message was Sapphire let out a soft sigh. She was tired of all his meaningless meeting as usual. As if she should dial his contact and tell him she won’t be able to make it... But she endured.

***

After classes, Sapphire went to the hotel. It had white, bright lights hanged in a decorative way. Everything about the restaurant was pink; from the color of the building to the uniform worn by the workers.

“Where the heck is he?” she hissed as her eyes scanned through a couple of guests. Her eyes caught him in a distance as she walked to take a sit right next to him.

“Why do you have to call me out here today again?” A frown settled on her face. “I told you the last time. I really have nothing to do with you or BB Company. Deal with this mess with your grandfather, please. I don’t want to get involved!”

“That’s impossible, Sapphire. We’re in the same boat now, were tied together by my grandpa. I have no choice but to do what he wants. You have no choice, too.”

“Choice? With what?”

“Marriage! You have no choice than to marry me.”

Hearing him say this made Sapphire blushed, almost spilling the coffee in her mouth, but she covered it up in her palms.

“I thought you said that you wouldn’t go through with it! Didn’t you say you won’t marry me? Why are you luring me to marry you now?!” she whined like a child forced to eat a kind of weird food.

“Don’t you want to marry me, Sapphire?” Jade had seriousness in his eyes.

“Are you joking, right? My answer is no! NO!!” She took a sly look at him.

“Well, that’s a good thing. Thankfully, grandpa has backed off from the idea of we getting married. He said he would rewrite his will if the two of us consort with each other for real. At least, within six months.” He explained.

“Consort with one another?” She asked, contemplating over it. Interested. “So, what would be my gain?”

“I told you already. This is the best way for both of us to escape this mess. I barely got him to agree to this, as if!” Jade criticized.

“So, am I supposed to be thankful for that?”

“Are you saying you want to marry me, then?”

“Ummm....” She took a thoughtful stare at him with a bright smile across her natural pink lips. “I want to.”

Jade went dumbfounded as he froze up at the thought. It looked as if he didn’t hear her clearly. Looking at Sapphire, she had a wide smile on. A friendly smile, but Jade would consider it to be an evil one. Sometimes, people’s smile are more dangerous than their frown.

Sapphire happily took another sip of coffee from the mug in front of her. She looked so excited and for some reasons; she wanted to agree to whatever terms and conditions that came with the contact.

“This is not a joke, right?” Jade asked. Unsure of what he just heard.

She placed the mug back on the table and get an eyeful of him.
“You don’t need to glare at me like that! I don’t want to marry you either! But why do you keep asking me out?”

“He said that he’ll be okay with it even if we don’t get married. However, we must really date, as a man and a woman. We should go out often, talk and gist. The way actual couples do--“

“Excuse me! Wait!” Sapphire stopped him from saying more words.

“So, I’m going to be with you for how long? For the next six months?”

Jade nodded positively.

“I don’t know what your grandfather’s thoughts may be, but I have no intention of dating you, okay?!” She exaggerated on her last words and made it clear.