Married At First Glance: I Am Not Ugly

“Marissa has nothing to do with it, Anderson. It’s just a different perspective,” Alexander replied, as he took a sip of his ginger tea.

Anderson raised an eyebrow,

“Different perspective, you say? Well, whatever it is, if it keeps up, I’m sure your staff will appreciate the change.”

Alexander sipped his coffee. “Let’s not get carried away. It’s a one-time thing. I have more important matters to focus on.”

Anderson chuckled. “Of course, the business comes first.”

“Hmm-mm if you say so.”

Alex drops his cup on the table.

“Do you know that Marissa woke up early this morning after I told her that I had an early meeting with some client and prepared breakfast for me?”

“She woke up very early to prepare breakfast for you?!” a surprise look on Anderson’s face.

Alexander nodded.

“I honestly was surprised and part of me wasn’t expecting that she would go through all the trouble to do that. I mean we were not like a real couple…. we are just a fake couple so that I could secure a contract and then we break up after everything. So I actually didn’t expect that.”

“Wow….. I’m shocked, Alex.” Anderson dropped his cup as well.

“She woke up to prepare you breakfast. See I told you needed someone like Marissa in your life. I mean there’s something about her that I like and I feel she would be a good fit for you, Alexander.”

Alex waved his hands.

“Let’s not go there, Anderson. You and I know that everything is fake and will end in three months time.

And besides, I’m with Jessie. I love Jessie and she loves me….”

Anderson rolled his eyes.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah…. Jessie this, Jessie that. Look man, as a friend…. a lady who chooses her career over you, isn’t worth calling a girlfriend and potential wife material.

I mean…. has Jessie ever prepared breakfast for you before…?” Anderson asked looking at Alexander to get an answer.

“Well….. um…. she’s….. busy… that’s why…” he stammered, knowing that Anderson was kind of right.

Anderson leaned back in his chair.

“That’s what I’m talking about, Alexander. You deserve someone who cares, someone who’s there for you, like Marissa.

She’s shown some thoughtfulness recently.”

Alexander was getting annoyed with the conversation.

“We’re not going there, Anderson. Marissa is just a business partner, nothing more.”

“Alright, alright, I’ll drop it for now. Just keep your eyes open, my friend. Love and happiness can be where you least expect it.”

Alexander waved him off, returning to their discussion about the legal matters. Deep down, he couldn’t help but think about the unexpected turn his life had taken and the growing connection he felt with Marissa.

Was he falling for her? He thought to himself.

But immediately waved it off, that it was just a feeling of appreciation for what Marissa did and nothing more was involved in her action.

“Jessie called me this morning.”

“Oh… really? Let me guess… her business trip would take longer than she expected?” Anderson said, obviously not surprised by the news.

“How did you know?” Alex asked.

“Dude…. dah! That’s the type of person Jessie is. She would always choose work over you.

I’m praying that one day you’d realize before you decide to put all your heart and mind inside a relationship that wouldn’t last.”

Alexander sighed. “I know she’s dedicated to her career, but we love each other. It’s just the circumstances we’re in right now. We can work through it.”

Anderson raised an eyebrow. “If you say so, Alexander. Just remember, life is short, and it’s best spent with someone who appreciates and supports you.”

Alexander knew his friend had a point, but he wasn’t ready to face the truth about his relationship with Jessie. For now, he had a business to run and a fake marriage to maintain.

“Let’s just stop talking about this and discuss the most pressing matter.”

Anderson lifted his hands as a surrender gesture.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

“If you say so, Alexander. Just know that I only want the best for you as a friend and as your lawyer.”

Alex nodded.

“Yeah…. I heard you.”

“I’ll be leaving the office by 2pm so that I can prepare myself for the wedding at the mansion.

But I think I would have to cancel my meeting by 3pm with my team and schedule it for tomorrow so that we can get this done with.

The trip to see the company and sign that contract is next week…. and I want everything to be set by then.”

Anderson nodded.

“Is your suit ready?”

Alexander glanced at his calendar. “The suit should be ready by 1pm. I have a fitting scheduled by 2pm so from there I should head to the mansion.”

“Good. We want everything to go smoothly at the mansion, and your appearance plays a part in that.”

Alexander nodded. “I understand the importance, Anderson. Everything will be ready on time.”

Alexander returned to his seat and placed a call to his secretary calling her to his office.

Alexander’s secretary, Sarah, picked up the call. “Mr. Alexander, how can I assist you?”

“Sarah, please come to my office. I need you to help me with something,” he requested.

“Of course, Mr. Alexander. I’ll be right there.”

Within a few minutes, Sarah walked into his office and closed the door behind her and walked to Alexander’s table.

“How may I be of assistance sir?”

Alexander looked up at Sarah and said, “I need you to move the meeting for 3pm to tomorrow.

I have an important appointment later today so I won’t be around for the meeting so, cancel it.”

Sarah nodded in understanding. “Certainly, Mr. Alexander. I’ll do that right away.”

“I also need you to schedule a meeting with the company for that contract we’ve been waiting for.

I plan to travel there next week Monday to get it, so book an appointment with them.”

Sarah jotted down his requests. “Understood, Mr. Alexander. I’ll handle it and keep you updated with any developments.”