The Challenge

Sophia's POV:

A long and deep sigh escaped through my lips as I checked my wristwatch for I don't know how many times. I've been sitting inside the coffee shop for almost forty-five minutes, but I still can't see even a glimpse of the person who texted me yesterday. Mr. Daniel Kelley, the CEO of Kelley International Corporation, my 'so-called' fiance and a husband to be three weeks from now.

He said he wants us to meet and to see me personally before they announce our engagement party next week. I agreed, so I cancelled my first practice appointment just to meet him.

Maybe you're confused about the engagement party. How can be two people get engaged without knowing each other, or without even seeing each other? Well, this is just a contractual marriage, so to be intimate with each other is not necessary. We only need to be in this marriage for one year and after that, we're going to go in our separate ways again.

"Ten minutes. No, five minutes. Five more minutes and if he still don't show up himself, I'm gonna leave and I won't also show myself until the engagement party." I muttered lowly while roaming my eyes inside the restaurant.

And to make myself busy while waiting for another minute, I put my earphones back and listen to my new downloaded dance music from my phone, as I continued to create new dance steps in my head.

I was already indulged with the music and enjoying the beat when I noticed that there's someone standing in front of me. I removed my earphones and looked up to see a tall and handsome man in a dark suit.

The first thing I've noticed was his eyes, they were cold and you can never see even a single emotion on it. It's as if I am looking to an emotionless man.

"Sophia."

My breath hitched with the sound of his voice, so cold yet so sexy. And the way he mentioned my name sends shivers down my spine.

"Yes. Are you Mr. Kelley?"

I asked and straightened my seat, as I looked directly into his eyes. He didn't answer me, instead he pulled the chair across my seat and suit himself comfortably without leaving his eyes on me. It's kinda odd and creepy but I hold my breath and fight the urge not to look away.

"Mr. Kelley, right?"

I asked again but like my first attempt, I still got no answer.

I was on the verge of asking if he's kinda deaf when he finally opened his mouth.

"Tell me, Sophia. How much money did my Mom offered you to accept this deal?"

I was taken aback with his question. I didn't expect him to ask me that. That was what they called NOT beating around the bush. Straightforward. Direct to the point and without even saying 'Hi', 'Hey' or whatever.

"What? I-I'm sorry?"

I asked to clarify what I heard.

"Come on, Sophia. I just wanna know how much money did my Mom offered you for this deal?"

I gulped at the way he's looking at me like I'm some kind of dirt.

"How did you know her and how did you ask her to choose you to portray this act?"

I chuckled sarcastically right after he finished his question.

"Excuse me, Mr. Kelley? But for your information, your mother didn't offer me even a single cent from your family's bank account!"

"So, what do you mean? You've just accepted this deal without anything in return? Oh, come on Ms. Sophia. I am a businessman and you can never fool me like what you did to my Mom!"

I formed my fists into a ball and tried to calm my raging nerves. How dare this man insulted me with his money? But instead of shouting and giving him a death glare, I smiled. A smile that I'm sure would get into his nerves.

"Is this your reason why you wanted to meet me, Mr. Daniel Kelley? Just to insult me and throw to my face that all I wanted was just your money."

"Why... isn't it your reason why you agreed with this? So, tell me how much do you need----"

"Then what? You're going to tell me to back out and cancel the deal?" I chuckled again while shaking my head. "Listen here, Daniel Kelley! Not all the things in this world has a price and can buy with your shining-shimmering cards, or by your precious money inside your pants!"

I bring my face closer to him and I didn't miss how he was surprised by my action.

"For once and for all, your Mom didn't offer me a single penny! In fact, she asked me for some help. To help his older son and portray as his wife for one year! And yes, I do have a reason for marrying you, but it's too far from money! So, just tell me directly if you don't want me to marry you and don't throw me insults and judgement! Or if you want, you can talk to your mother, because I wasn't the one who's insisting myself to this marriage!"

I stand up and get my bag from the table, but I remember something and I need this to tell him.

"Tsk.Tsk.Tsk. Daniel Kelley. Yeah, you're handsome, having broad shoulders, sexy and a perfect husband material for your looks..." his mouth ajar as his eyes widened a bit. "..but you know one thing I've realized? That how much of a good looking you are, it's the opposite of your attitude! It stinks! You need to shower more than three times a day for the whole year!"

I saw how he was taken aback with my last word, but I didn't wait for him to respond. I left him open-mouthed and walked my way towards the entrance of the coffee shop. I don't care what he thinks of me after this. If he doesn't want me to become his contractual wife, then fine. But I don't need his insults. I've suffered a lot of insults and judgements before, I don't want some additional this time.

When I reached my car, I let out a heavy sigh and a silent prayer when the rain started to pour outside. It's like raining cats and dogs and now blurring my windshield. I started the engine as I don't have a choice but to drive under this heavy rain. If I only knew that this would be the result of my almost one hour of waiting, I shouldn't have waited for him. No, I shouldn't have agreed to meet him.

What I said was true, yes I accepted the deal but it's not for money, but for his last name, his family name. I need to do it, 'cause I don't have any choice left in me when his mother offered the contract.