A Marriage of Convenience: When Irina’s Unexpected Proposal Leads to an Unconventional Arrangement w…

A MARRIAGE OF CONVENIENCE

James, may I have a word? In the doorway appeared the fair-haired head of Emily. Usually fussy and rather loud, today my stepdaughter seemed suspiciously polite and calm.

What is it now? I tore my eyes from my laptop and glanced at her from beneath my brow.

Its a big favour I need Emily didnt wait to be invited in; she marched in, closed the door gently behind her and sat down opposite me, her eyes hopeful.

If youve come to ask for a pay rise, dont bother! I said firmly, feeling as if Id read her mind. Its out of the question! Youre absolutely failing at your job. Youre always late, miss every deadline, letting me and everyone else down Id had words with her more than once about her lack of responsibility. I disliked how Emily constantly clashed with staff and plotted against colleagues she couldn’t get along with.

For months Id been meaning to let her go, but I never found the nerve. Emily was the daughter of the woman I once loved, and that alone held me back. I met Margaret fifteen years ago. We married and had many happy years together until she was diagnosed with cancer. She died two years back, and since then, Emilywho resembled her mother so muchhad become someone I pitied rather than disciplined.

Ive given up on a pay rise ages ago, Emily huffed. This is about something else entirely.

What is it then? I raised an eyebrow and leaned forward, intrigued.

James Her voice took on a plaintive note. You know how hard its been for me since Mum passed away? She was the only one who ever truly loved and supported me

And so you spent your days tormenting her, did you? I frowned. I remembered all too well what their relationship had been. Margaret adored her daughter, but Emily always ran wildcausing her mother no end of anxiety. Is there a point to this? Lets not beat around the bush. Ive got plenty of work to do.

Anxiously shifting on her seat, Emily hesitated before finally blurting out her request. James, could you help me out? Financially, I mean. I want to start my own business, but I need some money to take a course first.

No, I cut her off flatly. You can barely manage your current job, let alone study or run a business! How many times have I told you: Emily, time to grow up! But youre still the same difficult person you were as a teen.

I promise, if you help me start up, Ill change. Honestly! Im sick of being lost. I want a normal life: to have a job, build a career, settle down, get married, have kids

Hm. I gave a sceptical sniff, peered at her, suddenly feeling uneasy. Have you met someone? Is there a boyfriend?

Of course not! she waved her hand, looking annoyed. If I did, I wouldnt be asking. Its always easier with a partner.

Youre not wrong there Partners do help, but its not always rosy My fingers drummed on the table. I was clearly working up to something. Look, I might have an offer that could give you the start you want.

An offer? Emily looked puzzled, unsure what I was getting at.

Ill give you the moneyon one condition. I allowed myself a small, curious smile, settling back in my chair.

What condition? Emily tensed. Even in her wildest dreams she hadnt guessed what I was about to propose.

Marry me, and youll have everything youve ever wanted, I announced. Hands clasped before me, I shot her the sort of look reserved for a business negotiation.

Marry you? Emily froze, appalledbefore bursting out laughing. Oh, come off it, James! Who makes jokes like that to their stepdaughter?

What makes you think Im joking? My tone sharpened. I shot her a stern look and she instantly realised I was serious. Despite the age gap, were both adults. We could both benefit from this.

Benefit? James, youre old enough to be my father. Why me? Emily flushed hotly. I was forty-five but kept myself in shape, not that it made it any less oddor easier for her to grasp why Id ask out of nowhere, especially given the many suitable women in my circle.

You do know I plan to expand my company, right? Seal the deal with that large London corporation? I saw her face go blank, so I decided to spell it out. Their deal requires I be married, apparently. They trust married men more. Its just how they operate.

And so you pick me out of all women in England?

First, weve known each other for years. You know how much I loved your mother. Second, I trust you wouldnt blab that its all for show. Finally, you need the money. Marry me, and Ill give you your own business. My tone was all business, as if she were a new investor, not my stepdaughter.

So, a pretend marriage? No strings, no funny business? Emilys anger morphed to calculation.

Purely for appearances. Well? Are you in or not? I demanded.

Ill need to think about it.

Do. I nodded towards the door.

Once she left, I did wonder if Id completely lost the plot, roping her into this scheme. Emily was as unpredictable as they comeit was more than likely shed agree, only to pull out at the last minute. But the offer was out. No turning back now.

Truth be told, Emily had never thought of me as father or manI never officially adopted her, and we had always kept our distance. Now, something shifted. She started to find me interesting, even attractive, and above all, I was wealthy.

Eventually, she agreed. We arranged to get the paperwork done, but made it clear wed live separately and keep things formal.

After the registry office, I immediately fulfilled my side of the bargain: I bought her a spacious flat, gave her investment money, paid for her business course, and took care of whatever else she needed.

For her part, Emily never shirked her end. She attended every meeting as my devoted wife, dressed the part, played happy couples with me in public.

Once the marriage certificate was inked, Emily dropped her reckless ways. She grew steadier, looked at me anewsaw the intelligence, kindness, and generosity her mother had loved. With every business trip we took together, part of her was less eager to go home.

A year passed, and not once did Emily regret it.

In time, with the business deal sealed and my ambitions secured, we discussed a divorce. The contract was signed and the companys faith in me solidified; I no longer needed the façade of domestic bliss. Yet by then, my relationship with Emily had transformed. I started seeing her as a capable adult; she, in turn, grew fond of the man she once despised.

Thank you. I think youre ready to go it alone, I said when the moment finally arrived. As promised, Im giving you your freedom.

Do you really want a divorce? Emily surprised me, standing by my side outside the registry office.

Dont you? I met her gaze and saw a flash of real regret in her eyes.

I dont, she admitted plainly.

Nor do I, I answered, serious now, pulling her closer. But if were to stay married, it has to be for real.

I want that, she replied.

We never did go inside to file for divorce. At the registry office, we changed our minds, turned round and walked awaytogether.