Chapter 3

[Christopher’S POV]

Few week ago…

"Did you lay again?" my cousin Jared teasingly asked me. Jared Graham is my cousin, and among all my cousins, he is the closest to me.

"I always do, just like you. The only difference is that while you're having sex with other women, you call out Sherry's name," I retorted with a teasing tone. He gave me a lingering look, and my laughter intensified.

"How's your romantic escapade with your best friend's daughter? Don't you think she's too young for you?" I asked. I said it jokingly, but I was serious. I believe Jared has a strong impact on that girl.

Ever since his first wife cheated on him, Jared has been hot-headed and involved with various women. That's one more reason why I don't want to get married. However, my family and society have different views. If you don't have a spouse or children, even if you're wealthy and successful in your career, it feels like something is missing in your life. It's a twisted way of thinking that irritates me.

"I already have her under my care. Don't meddle with my love life. You better focus on yours because you'll surely be the subject of teasing again at the reunion tomorrow," he replied with a teasing grin. I let out an exasperated sigh.

What's the problem with my family and relatives that they're insisting I get married? Yes, I have a brother and a sister who are both married with one child each. Since I'm the eldest, they always insist that I should be the first to get married.

I am already forty-one years old, but I don't feel old. I'm enjoying my life, especially my career as the CEO of our corporation, the Campbell Real Estate Company. However, my father keeps insisting that if I don't get married, he'll give my position as CEO to my brother Christian. I've invested blood, sweat, and tears to further grow the company, so I won't allow it to just go to someone else, even if it's my brother.

But my father still holds the highest share in the company, so I can't defy his orders. Perhaps I'll find peace and security once the inheritance among us siblings is finalized.

"I'll find a way to deal with that. I'm getting fed up with their constant nagging to get married!" I replied in annoyance. He laughed at me again.

"I can introduce you to some ladies if you want. What's your type, anyway?" Jared asked with a sly smile. I rolled my eyes at him.

"I don't have any particular standards for women. For me, they're all the same. All they want from me is my good looks, money, and influence. They're all the same!" I downed the remaining contents of my glass. Jared looked at me as if amused.

"They are not the same, Chris. Maybe you haven't truly found someone who will touch your heart. And when you do, I tell you, you will worship her like a crazy teenager on his puppy love stage," he commented. I immediately shrugged him off.

"Don't compare me to you, Jared. I don't believe in love or anything like that. Love is only for the weak and those who want to indulge themselves with the idea. Look at my parents, their marriage was arranged, but still, they were able to live just fine. They even have us. So don't bother me with those meaningless things," I dismissed his words. But he chuckled softly and patted my shoulder.

"I don't know, Chris. Don't speak too soon," he said. "By the way, I'll be leaving. See you at the reunion tomorrow."

He stood up and bid goodbye. I nodded in acknowledgment.

"Okay. If I feel lazy, I might just skip it," I replied and took another sip of my drink.

"You know you can't do that! Better yet, start looking for someone to marry before your dad kicks you out of your company. Although, you have other businesses, so I'm sure you won't be broke if that happens," he teased.

"Idiot! I'm the only one inheriting our company. Go ahead, leave! You're ruining my night," I dismissed him. He just waved at me and laughed before finally leaving.

THE NEXT MORNING, I instructed my personal assistant, William, to find me a legitimate dating site where I could look for potential wives. I don't mind marrying a stranger as long as she doesn't have any diseases or a dark background.

"Noted, Sir. I'll do it now, and I will present the best choices later," he politely replied. There seemed to be excitement in his tone, which made me raise an eyebrow. I nodded and continued with my work.

I'm currently acquiring large properties that can be used for building a shopping mall. Everyone is interested in that location because it's a sure thing for any business endeavors.

After lunch, I found ten folders neatly arranged on my desk. It seemed like William did nothing else all morning but follow my orders.

I went through each profile. All of them were undoubtedly beautiful, but one caught my eye. I picked up the folder with the pretty face of a girl named Ariya Stewart. I liked how innocent she looked.

I checked her background. She had just graduated with a degree in interior design and was currently working at Lace's Homes. She was 22. My eyebrows raised. Still too young for me, but I liked her face. I hoped she had an incredible body too, but it didn't matter as long as she could bear a child for me.

She had beautiful round eyes and a heart-shaped face. Her lips were full and inviting. Just by looking at her, I could say she was the prettiest among all the candidates. I immediately called William on the intercom.

"Have you chosen someone, Sir?" he promptly asked. I nodded.

"I want this one. Make sure to contact her and present all our proposals. Did you say I was looking for a wife and not just a girlfriend?" I asked formally. He nodded.

"Yes, Sir! I provided full details for each one of them."

I nodded and smiled. I glanced at the picture of the woman again. "Contact her now and tell her that we will have the wedding ceremony ASAP," I ordered William. His lips quivered for a moment, but he quickly nodded.

"Okay, Sir! By the way, your dad called and mentioned that the reunion starts at 3 PM. He said you didn't answer his call, so he called me instead," he informed me.

Truth be told, I deliberately avoided answering my dad's call. I was nervous that he might set me up with someone.

I waved William off, and this time, I was smiling. Finally, they would stop pressuring me to get married. At least my future wife is so pretty.

"Fine. Go ahead, take care of that," I said casually.

An hour later, William returned to my office. I was about to leave for the reunion.

"Sir, she's demanding twenty million pesos as an advanced payment," he reported with a hesitant smile. I furrowed my brows.

"That's a lot, isn't it? And can't we talk in person first?" I asked, somewhat surprised. Or maybe that's just how things work, and I'm the one unaware?

"Sir, it's a take-it-or-leave-it deal. It seems many are interested in that woman," he replied, scratching his head.

I closed my eyes and sighed in frustration. Apparently, even getting a wife nowadays can be expensive.

But I am Christopher Campbell. I can't lose to anyone. I should be the one to get Ariya. Moreover, I'm not interested in choosing someone else. I think she's the best candidate for me.