1 CHAPTER 1: DREAM COME TRUE

It was the best day of her life!

Jade could not contain her happiness while filing her fifteen days' vacation leave. She's been wanting to go on a vacation for the past few months but since they have a lot of work to do in the office, her request always gets rejected.

Go on hiking, paragliding, surfing and sunbathing…. She's been ogling to do sort of stuffs like that. She even thought of submitting her resignation letter just to have a break but she'll be ashamed at herself once the chairwoman learnt about her selfishness. She was able to work in a good company that pays well through the recommendation of Chairwoman Suzette, Marcus grandmother.

It's difficult to find a company that compensates well anyway. Also, working at the Enchanteur Chemicals as part of the human resource team is a way for her to see her long time crush, Marcus Yoseph Hanes, the sole heir of the said company. She may not have the chance to talk to him personally but she's already contented watching him from afar.

But the table of destiny suddenly flipped on her side. Who would have thought that she will be marrying the man of her dreams!

"Ayeeehhhh!" she giggled at the thought of seeing her beloved every single day. Same room, same bed, same dining table. She will be able to watch him eat his breakfast, lunch and dinner.

A happy family! She dreamily imagined. Kids running around the house…. a house filled with sweet laughter. Just pure innocence and happiness! She taps her chest as she smiles. You can do it Jade! She encourages herself.

"Day dreaming again?" Her best friend Jazmine who was working at the same office elbowed her side.

"Common Jaz, it's not a dream anymore. It's a dre---''

"A dream come true…" Jaz lazily uttered coupled with rolling eyes.

"Tsk!" The woman hissed but she hugged her tightly. "Do you know how happy I am that I can go crazy any minute now. Who would have thought that a mere orphan would marry such a handsome prince!" she giggled.

"Your exaggerating again." she tried breaking away from her tight hug then face the woman after. "I never thought that Cinderella stories could be real as well." she took her best friend's hand and caress it lovingly. "I'm happy for you."

"Thank you!" they both giggled happily.

"Before you start making noise again, make sure you have completed your work!" They heard a stern voice behind them. Even if they won't turn their heads, they already know who was speaking. It was their assistant manager who have a terrible personality and someone who dislike Jade so much.

"I don't know what you did to merit a favor from the higher ups but just so you know, things like this will never happen again, Miss Arria." Her creased brow emits her arrogance before she left the two.

They both looked at each other and laughed impishly. "I really think she needs a man!" Jaz taunted the old single woman.

Jade submitted her resignation as well as the reports she was tasked to do for the day. She shouldn't have any problem getting back to work after their wedding.

She looked at her old wristwatch, it's 3pm. She needs to dress up since she will be joining the Hanes for dinner tonight.

Meanwhile, the Chairwoman was signing some papers when her lawyer came inside the office.

"Are you really sure about this?" the old man furrowed his brow. "Is this the only way?"

"It's the best solution I could think of." The old woman chuckled but the old man sighed in defeat.

"I don't think this will solve anything though. Knowing your grandson, he will definitely do something. if not now then soon. Do you think it'll be fair for the woman?"

The old woman paused for a few seconds before flipping the next page. She was about to speak when the door to her office opened and Marcus, her grandson came in.

"Granny, you called for me?" he sat on the couch facing the lawyer.

"Yes." she stood up and went to sit opposite him. "Starting next week, you'll gonna take over the company while I recuperate." She handed the documents to him. "I'm not sure how long will it take me to recover but I'll be one call away if you need me."

"You should take your time in getting your strength back. Don't worry about the company, I'll take care of it."

"I'm not worried at all." the woman beamed. Her grandson is smart and competent so she's confident to hand the company over to him.

Marcus was about to leave the office when granny uttered something. "She'll be coming over for dinner. Come home early, okay?"

"Ehm." he nodded but he's obviously not happy about the idea, specially the wedding that will take place the day after tomorrow. Why does he have to marry a complete stranger for his old woman's sake?

He was in deep thought while heading back to his office. Why does his marriage to a particular woman matters in succeeding the company? What's so special about her? Anyway, his granny must have her reasons and he must adhere to it for the time being. However, he won't be obedient for so long. Since it's a marriage of convenience, might as well end it the soonest possible---Maybe after the old woman recuperate.

"So what are you going to do now?" The old man asked suzette whose eyes were still on the door.

"Guess I have to continue what I have started." She chuckled. "Aren't I a good actress? Ha-ha." she stood up and walk near the large window and gaze at the clear blue sky.

"It's the least thing I can do…." she mumbled while her mind drift to a certain memory of the past.