Married at First Sight

"Grandpa, why are you asking my parents to look into River's background?" Romina questioned. "I'm not marrying him. There's no need to dig through his family tree."

She added, "You're not thinking River and I will actually end up together, are you? Sure, I admit he's a decent guy, but we don't get along. His Yantail and our Lafond family are business rivals. I'll arrange two blind dates for him every day this month. I'm sure can take care of his 'life event.' If I match him with someone, I'll be his matchmaker-and the thankyou gift better be two major business deals."

Romina looked pleased with her plan.

Old Mr. Lafond replied, "Do you really think River's that easy to deal with? He agreed to those blind dates, but only on the condition that you go with him each time and treat him to dinner. So, basically, you're dining with him every day for a month. Who knows what kind of rumors that'll spark?"

Romina said confidently, "I've got a mouth. If people get the wrong idea, I'll just clear it up." Her grandfather gave her a look. "And how exactly are you going to explain that? That you molested him and, to make up for it, you're finding him a girlfriend?"

Romina was at a loss for words. Old Mr. Lafond continued, "You've been sparring with River for years. You know him well. Doesn't it strike you as odd how quickly he gave in this time? That kind of compromise means he's planning something— or worse, he's already set a trap, and you've walked right into it by signing that agreement."

Romina exclaimed, "Grandpa, if you had concerns, why didn't you stop me from signing it?"

"Because I didn't have proof," he said calmly. "It was all just speculation. What could I say? River's terms made sense. Now, imagine if you'd refused and he really insisted that you take responsibility-what would you have done? Would you marry him or not?"

Again, Romina had no response.

After a moment, she muttered, "Grandpa, I think you're overthinking it. He called Sister Seren to witness and said I should be responsible for him—I think he was just trying to annoy and disgust me. He doesn't actually want to marry me. If I really tried to be responsible, he'd probably run for his life. He wouldn't even sleep soundly, afraid I'd murder him in his sleep."

Old Mr. Lafond was quiet for a while, then said, "I have to admit, I admire River. Romina, have you ever considered the possibility that he might actually have a thing for you? And maybe—just maybe you're interested in him too?"

"No way. Absolutely not. There's no chance he likes me," she shot back. "He's just doing all this to get under my skin."noveldrama

Donovan interjected, "Grandpa, no need to talk to Romina about this. She and River have been competing for years. Even if there's something between them, they wouldn't know it themselves."

"I'm not clueless," Romina retorted. "I'm smart, okay? I might not be dating anyone now, but I've been in a relationship before. Back in college."

Donovan snorted. "That half-month fling? Please. You got bored in two weeks.

I've lost count of how many guys tried chasing after you. Didn't work out for any of them."

Romina mumbled, "I may not have eaten pork, but I've seen pigs walk. I know what love looks like. I've seen it all around me I get it."