Bounded

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐰𝐨

Alaïa's POV:

Standing still I believe he was Christian, Mr. and Mrs. Carter's son, so I was the first to speak up. "H-hello, it's a pleasure meeting you I'm Alaïa," I said pulling my hand to the front to shake his.

"Christian Carter," was all he said with his husky deep voice while shaking my hand.

"Come on in, here's the living room."

Returning back to where I was seated, I can sense his eyes fixed on me, scanning me from top to bottom. I shifted uncomfortably in my seat and he probably sensed that, so he lowered his gaze.

"Okay since Christian is here we can start having dinner, please come along," said my father politely, gesturing them to the dining room.

Everyone was seated in their place, my father was on the top of the table, my mother to his left, the Carters were seated to the right while I was seated next to my mother in front of Christian.

Dinner was served, during this time I was glancing at Christian secretly. Don't blame me, I mean he's handsome, he's got the looks, defined jawline, green hazel eyes, perfect lips, soft hair, and- Oh gosh I should stop rambling. He's the son of my father's business partners.

You may ask what's our family business, well we're a real estate firm, which means it's a firm that employs a team of real state agents who help facilitate a transaction between the buyers and sellers of property. My mom on the other hand, had a series of boutiques, and I run a few of hers too.

You can say we're one of the wealthiest families in America.

While I was eating silently, mom and Mrs. Carter were discussing the new fashion trends, dad and Mr. Carter were discussing business, whilst I and Christian were stealing glances making a few eye contacts in between.

Breaking our silence, dad cleared his throat and said, "Well Alaïa, of course you may be thinking why you're here with us today, but it's something related to our business and you."

I looked at him questionably as he continued, "We all know that Carters Empire is one of the most successful businesses in the world, and Christian is soon going to be the CEO...," he said hesitantly as my mother held his hand tightly.

"In order for that to happen, and according to our empire's rule, Christian must get settled down and married for the sake of both the company and his reputation," Mr. Carter continued what my father couldn't.

"I'm sorry to interfere and I don't want to seem impolite, but how is this related to me, may I ask?" I said questionably.

"As you knew, Greyson and I, have been highschool friends, do we know each other from a long time ago, and I don't trust anybody but him. Since you're his daughter, and due to the absence of a suitable woman in my son's life, we reached the following decision." Mr. Carter completed.

"We, well both your father and I, decided to merge both our businesses together as well as arrange a wedding between you and my son."

Well I sure wasn't looking at him while he was taking since my neck snapped swiftly towards him as I heard what he had said.

"D-dad? An arranged marriage? For the sake of your business? Didn't you think about me, what would I say?" I said as tears began to fill my eyes.

"Oh Jules, please I thought about it, hell I thought about everything you might say, I know this isn't easy for you. But please try to understand, our firm has been falling behind for quite a while, I tried everything, yet unfortunately nothing has worked," my father rambled.

I looked at him appalled, how could he do this to me, he was my backbone and role model, he knew if I was sad or happy by only looking in my eyes. And mom, how could she agree to this.

"Are you really going to marry me away to a man whom I don't know, and for me to be stuck in a loveless marriage just for you to revive your business and for him to become the CEO?"

"Oh darling, I'm sorry for all this, but who may know everything may workout... Samuel and I's marriage was the same, we had an arranged marriage, but we found our way though it. And now, as years pass, our love grows deep. Please think about it." Mrs. Carter added softly.

"And you Christian, don't you have anything to say? Are just going to sell your future away for some business and reputation?" I said in a low voice.

"God, as if I do have a choice I agreed to this for my own benefits, you'll have a few millions after our marriage, but that won't affect me. Oh and mom take the idea of loving each other from your head she's not even my type," Christian finally spoke eying me up and down.

I just sat there, chugging wine, thinking about how I'll be selling my life away to a cold hearted man. Watching all my dreams and plans fade away.

Couple of minutes of silence until I finally made my mind and announced.

"Okay, I agree. If that's what you want dad, then okay, but don't expect from me anything else. This is far enough. Oh and Christian keep your money to yourself I don't need it," was all that came out from my mouth.
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And that's the end of the second chapter🙌🏻 Are you liking the events so far?? How do you think Christian Alaïa's relationship will improve?