A Marriage of Convenience: When Irina’s Stepfather Offers an Unexpected Proposal to Save His Busines…

A MARRIAGE OF CONVENIENCE

Mr. Collins, could I have a word? A fair-haired head appeared in the doorway. Isabella, usually moody and excessively loud, sounded curiously polite and calm today.

What is it? The man looked up from his computer, his brow furrowed as he glanced at his stepdaughter.

I have a big favour to ask of you, Isabella didnt wait for her stepfathers invitation. She strode boldly into the study, closed the door behind her, and sat opposite the distinctly puzzled man.

Im not giving you a pay rise! Mr. Collins immediately declared, as if he already knew her intention. Dont even ask! Youre barely managing your current responsibilities as it is. Youre always late for work, missing deadlines, letting me and everyone else down. Her stepfather had already spoken to Isabella about her lack of responsibility more than once. He disliked her constant arguments with colleagues and the way she stirred up discord among her peers when things didnt go her way.

For months now, the head of the company had wanted to sack the quarrelsome young woman, but he never quite managed to go through with it. She was, after all, the daughter of his late beloved wife. Hed met Emma fifteen years ago and theyd married, living happily together until shed been diagnosed with cancer. She had passed away two years back, and since then hed found it hard not to pity this impulsive stepdaughter, who reminded him so painfully of his lost love.

Im already painfully aware of my pay situation, Isabella huffed. Im here for a completely different reason.

And what might that be? he raised an eyebrow, leaning forward with a glint of interest.

Mr. Collins She fidgeted in her chair, hesitating with her request. You know how hard its been for me since Mum died? She was the only one in the world who truly loved and supported me

And yet you were always driving her to despair, werent you? he cut in, frowning. He remembered only too well what Isabella and her mothers relationship had been like. Emma had truly loved her, but Isabella was wild and unmanageable, driving her mother to worry and heartbreak. Why are you telling me all this? Dont try playing for my sympathy. Just get to the point, Im busy.

Shifting in her seat, Isabella struggled to get the words out. Mr. Collins would you possibly be willing to help me out financially? I want to have a go at starting a business, but Ill need money for a course.

No, he stated flatly. With your attitude towards work, you wouldnt last a week in business, or even see a course through. Ive told you a hundred times, Issy, its time you grew up! Youre still behaving like a stroppy teenager.

I promise, if you help me with the start-up, Ill change. I swear it! Im honestly fed up with drifting through life. I want to work, build a career, settle down, get married, have kids like everyone else

Hmm, Mr. Collins made a sceptical sound, eyeing his stepdaughter curiously. Have you got someone? A boyfriend?

I wish! Isabella snorted. If I had, I wouldnt be here. Life always seems easier with a partner.

Youre right about that But not all partners are the same. He drummed his fingers on the desk, as if struggling to say something. Actually, Ive got a suggestion that could set you up nicely.

A suggestion? Isabella looked at him in surprise. She genuinely couldnt imagine what he was on about.

Ill give you the money, but only under one condition. Mr. Collins lips twisted into a mysterious smile as he leaned back in his chair.

What condition? Isabella tensed. Not in her wildest dreams had she guessed what her stepfather might suggest.

Marry me, and youll get everything youve ever wanted. The moment he uttered those bizarre words, he folded his hands and sent Isabella a businesslike look.

Marry you?! At first, Isabella was stunned then she burst out laughing, assuming it must be some kind of joke. Very funny, Mr. Collins! Dont you think thats a rather weird thing to joke about with your stepdaughter?

What makes you think Im joking? He shot her a stern glance, making it clear he was serious. We might have a sizeable age gap, but were both adults we could be happy together.

Happy? Youre old enough to be my father! Why would you want to marry me? Isabella was blushing now, indignant. Mr. Collins was forty-five, spry and well kept, but Isabella couldnt possibly take his offer seriously. Plus, plenty of respectable women showed interest in him why her?

Youre aware Im keen to expand my company and sign a contract with a major corporation? He saw her silent question and decided to explain. The contract requires that I must be married. Their rules. They consider settled family men more reliable and trustworthy.

Whats that got to do with me? Why not marry someone else?

First, weve known each other for years, and you know how much I cared for your mother. Second, I trust you not to blab about our arrangement. Third, I know you need the money. Marry me and Ill set you up with a business of your own. Mr. Collins spoke to Isabella more like a business associate than family.

You mean a paper marriage? Nostrings attached? She softened, her temper cooling.

Purely a marriage of convenience. So, yes or no? he pressed firmly.

I need to think.

Be my guest, Mr. Collins replied, nodding towards the door.

Shutting the door behind her, he regretted the whole harebrained scheme for a split second. He knew full well how unpredictable Isabella was. She might agree in a heartbeat, then bolt right before the wedding. But there was no turning back now.

Isabella had never thought of her stepfather as a man, nor seen him as a real father either. Hed never even formally adopted her. Theyd always kept their distance barely even spoken.

But now something inside her had shifted. For the first time, Isabella found herself looking at Mr. Collins differently. He was attractive and charismatic and most importantly, wealthy.

In the end, Isabella agreed. They decided to simply make it official on paper, but live separately.

Once the wedding was over, Mr. Collins wasted no time in keeping his promise. He gifted his new wife a spacious flat, supplied capital for her fledgling business, paid for her education, and made sure she wanted for nothing.

Isabella held up her end of the bargain, always accompanying her husband to business events, acting every bit the supportive wife.

Her wild days were soon behind her. Isabella matured and started seeing Mr. Collins in a new light. He was clever, generous, and protective she found herself enjoying his company, and with every business trip, felt less and less like leaving. Only now did she understand what her mother had seen in him.

A year on, not once did Isabella regret her decision.

After a year of not living together as man and wife, they agreed it was time to divorce. Mr. Collins had signed his crucial contract; the need for the model husband routine was gone. But by then, everything between them had changed. Mr. Collins no longer saw his stepdaughter as a reckless girl, and Isabella had grown fond of the man shed once been barely able to tolerate.

Thank you. I think youll be fine on your own now, Mr. Collins said quietly. As promised, youre free to go.

Are you sure you want a divorce? Isabella asked suddenly, standing with him on the steps of the registry office.

Dont you? He looked into her eyes and saw real regret.

I dont want to, Isabella admitted softly.

Nor do I, Mr. Collins replied, drawing her to him, meeting her gaze with steady seriousness. But if youre to stay my wife, it has to be for real.

I do, she breathed.

They never made it into the registry office. They changed their minds right at the door.