Contract Marriage

Chapter 3 : Formalities

Brad so at 9 o'clock there's Beverly who is from...

When did Ava come back? She used to wear glasses right and always had her head buried in books?

Umm yes that's Ava alright. Let's just start with Ava then shall we. She's a 26 year old triple major. Medicine, law and business. She was practicing criminal law for a couple of years at the family's firm then stopped and pursued her medical career. Brad I haven't finished and we're... You're walking towards her. Brad she's not someone that will entertain you if you don't know what you're talking about.

Chuckling Really now... Remind you of anyone?

Yes, you that's why I'm saying its dangerous. There only 3 chances with Ava. You can't ruin them.

Oh believe me I won't ruin anything. Emile is there what are little sisters for anyway.

Emile isn't expecting us to bombard her and the hostess of tonight. Please Brad... Anyway don't you hate her?

I'm not a fan of hers but hate is too strong a word.

Really you've always said that and to her face even. If now you walk up to her and start talking it's going to raise all sorts of suspicions.

Didn't you read the file you created. I have a shared interest as we're Co-founders of the Grey-Constance General hospital. How careless would it be to not make an effort.

Brad your really threading on thin ice. You know she's not like anyone you've ever dated. Or even ever associated with.

Of course boys I do my research....And what is life if not a challenge.

Before they can convince him otherwise. They were in front of Ava and Emile. Both women were dressed beautifully. The best of friends they've always had each others back and are like a part of each others family. The only problem being Bradley in their perfect world.

"Good evening Bradley. We're so glad you could make it". Emile utters with a death glare directed at him and his entourage of Toni and Bradley. They had a plan in place. They weren't to approach Ava before her speech.

Well I am part of the Constine Empire you know. It's about time I start looking at all the ventures we are involved in equally.

Could her brother do any more damage. Emile glances at Ava's questioningly raised eyebrow. She doesn't look impressed at all. She looks at Toni and Conrad who seem to be mirroring her horrified look. Great..how can we stop this from getting worse not that it could be, gauging from Ava's face.

"le mie bellissime nipotine" Awwww Gramps you always know just what to say.

"Gramps is just telling the truth". You both look gorgeous. Nonna looks at the girls beaming proudly. She then turns to the boys and brushes their suits declaring "i nostri bei nipoti".

Ohhhh gosh Nonna if these three are handsome then the others must be supermodels here.

This gets a laugh out of Ava. They all turn to her melodious laugh. It's as if the room has just brightened up.

"sì, a te che ridi," Toni says feigning getting offended.

"a te, chi altro," At you, who else?

"Ahhh et tu Ava" Where is your sweet innocence disappeared?" Toni places his hand over his heart as he speaks.

"It's alright your still a handsome eligible bachelor Toni", Ava consoles winking at him.

"That's my emotions you're playing with sweetheart", so ruthless you all are.

"You'd better believe it, anyway I've been summoned it's show time, have fun, mingle and please try the canapes catered courtesy of our lovely Nonna's restaurant. See you all later".

With that she waves and is escorted by her brother Christian onto the stage. She makes an inspiring speech about making healthcare affordable and it sees the auctions and donations break record earnings.

"I didn't realise you were all so close to the awe inspiring Dr Ava Luciano"

"We did all attend the same university and Ava and I were roommates. I really don't understand what you're problem is Bradley" huffs Emile.

"Bradley if you're going to live in the past I suggest pursuing someone else for your future wife. Leave Ava be she's independent, successful and strong. Accept her for who she is and court her accordingly". Gramps seethes.

We're all shocked. Gramps and Brad are as close as they get. His the first grandchild and heir to the Constine empire. They have always seen eye to eye. We may as well all be at the tennis, looking back and forth from one powerful magnate to the other.

"Why are you so protective of her Gramps, did you forget what she did? Conrad has to live with that bullet scar and she lives like a Princess not even a nail chipped".

"Brad it was a lot more complicated then that and believe me Ava did not walk away from that abduction unscathed. She's got her scars she lives with." Conrad says in a low voice.

Nonna's voice is comforting and sweet as she pats Brad and says "perché farlo ora, we have all built our bridges, let it go, it's about time".

Brad lowers his eyes and shakes his head. " It might be easy for all of you but I can't forget, she's a nerdy geek who had her head buried in books and didn't take notice of her surroundings getting her into that situation and dragging Conrad along with her."

"Enough Bradley! If she's the one you want to pursue, you have to be engaged in a week and married in three months!" Gramps orders.

We're all staring, there's a crackling tension and even the guests surrounding us can see and feel it.

Noone ever defies Gramps he's our "capofamiglia" Head of our family and we all do his bidding. In saying that he's a very fair and honest man. Made of the old School of ethics and morals.

There is a stare off and Bradley finally lowers his eyes. We all breathe a sigh of relief, just realising we were all holding our breaths.

Ava walks up realising instantly there's something very wrong with the Constines. They are as thick as thieves and Gramps runs a very very tight ship so this is very very worrying.

"Has everyone tried the canapes they are delicious Nonna, Belissimo" she gestures kissing her fingertips. This gets everyone laughing and the tension evaporates instantly.

She's already leading everyone away as Brad gains his composure and sees Toni's arms around Ava's shoulders gesturing something with his free hand. She seems to laugh and shake her head. An uncomfortable feeling creeps into him. He'll have to find out how they're all this close.

First, he's got to convince her to get engaged to him in a week. Convince a woman who only gives 3 chances to get engaged in a week, Challenging much!