Marry Me Again Please??

In a world where love is a luxury and marriage a mere business arrangement, Alice Montero finds herself entangled in a web of convenience with her high school crush, the formidable Landon Mikaelson. But when a contract surfaces, threatening to end their union after just a year, Alice must confront the cold truth: can she thaw the heart of a man who sees her as nothing more than a business partner, or is she destined to be just another clause in his calculated life plan?

Marry Me Again Please??

In a world where love is a luxury and marriage a mere business arrangement, Alice Montero finds herself entangled in a web of convenience with her high school crush, the formidable Landon Mikaelson. But when a contract surfaces, threatening to end their union after just a year, Alice must confront the cold truth: can she thaw the heart of a man who sees her as nothing more than a business partner, or is she destined to be just another clause in his calculated life plan?

Alice Montero sighed deeply, closing her journal and slipping her pen into her faded jeans pocket. She headed for the door, acutely aware of the murmurs and stares that followed her. The news of her engagement to Landon Mikaelson had leaked, and now, every eye seemed to bore into her.

"F**k it!" A sound of irritation escaped her lips as her stubborn car refused to ignite. She grabbed a pack of cigarettes, pulling one out. The next headlines, she was sure, would scream about her unsuitability as Landon's future wife due to her 'addiction'. She snorted; she only smoked when frustrated, and since agreeing to marry Landon, frustration had been a constant companion.

"You know there's a garage two blocks away from here," an emo-looking teenage boy offered, pointing. Alice waved him off, about to call for a pick-up when he interrupted. "I could fix your car here and right now if you want? You know I'm in need of cash, and you're Landon Mikaelson's wife to be, so..."

His voice trailed off, and Alice instantly knew his game. She was a millionaire herself, though few knew. Her relationship with Landon was an arrangement, not love, but she was happy enough—or so she thought. He was her high school crush, their families long-time friends, and he was her brother's best friend. The proposal had been appealing. His stand-offish attitude didn't bother her; who wouldn't want to marry their high school crush?

"Okay then, go ahead and fix the car, and then I'll pay." She finally said, gathering her thoughts. In a few days, she would be married, and that was something to look forward to, she mused, taking another puff of smoke.