MARRIAGE OF CONVENIENCE
Mr. Graham, could I have a word with you? In the doorway of the office appeared the fair-haired head of Charlotte. The usually moody and rather loud young woman was suspiciously calm and polite.
What is it? The man tore himself away from the computer, glancing darkly at his stepdaughter.
I have a big favour to ask you. Charlotte didnt wait for her stepfather to invite her in. She strolled boldly across the threshold, shut the door behind her, and took a seat opposite the bemused man.
Im not giving you a pay rise! Mr. Graham declared sternly, as if he already knew why Charlotte had come. Dont bother asking. You hardly manage your duties as it is. Youre always late, you miss every deadline and let everyone down. He had often spoken to his stepdaughter about her lack of responsibility. Graham didnt care for the way Charlotte constantly clashed with staff and schemed against colleagues she didnt get on with.
For some months now, the company director had considered letting her go, but hed never quite had the heart. Charlotte was the daughter of the woman he had loved most in the world. Hed met Elizabeth fifteen years ago. Theyd married and lived happily until, two years ago, Elizabeth lost her battle with cancer. Now, Mr. Graham pitied his difficult stepdaughter she reminded him so much of his beloved wife.
I understood that ages ago. Charlotte huffed. But Ive come to talk to you about something quite different.
Oh? Mr. Graham raised an eyebrow and leaned forward, interest piqued.
Mr. Graham Charlottes voice turned plaintive. You know how hard its been for me since Mum died? She was the only person in my life who truly loved and supported me…
And yet you constantly wore her out, didnt you? Mr. Graham scowled. He remembered well the dynamic between Elizabeth and her daughter. His wife had truly loved Charlotte, but shed always been headstrong, always getting into trouble, and her mother had worried herself sick. So why are you telling me this? You angling for sympathy? Come on, out with it, Ive got work to do.
Charlotte shifted awkwardly in her seat, at last plucking up the courage to ask. Would it be possible for you to help me out financially? I want to try my hand at business, but I need money for a course.
No, said Mr. Graham flatly. With your attitude, youre not cut out for business you wont even finish the course. I mustve told you a hundred times: Charlotte, its time to start acting like an adult. But you carry on just as you always have.
I promise you, if you help me with this start-up Ill change, I swear! Im sick of drifting around like this. I just want to live like everyone else work, build a career, get married, have children…
Mr. Graham snorted, watching her with a new level of scrutiny. So, have you found someone, then? Is there a boyfriend?
No, nothing like that, Charlotte waved a dismissive hand. If Id found a partner, I wouldnt be sitting here, would I? Everythings easier with someone at your side.
Thats truebut partners come in all shapes and sizes. As he tapped his fingers on the desk, Mr. Graham looked as though he wanted to say something but hesitated. Actually, I have a proposition for you. One that would make your life a lot more comfortable.
A proposition? Charlotte repeated, astonished, with no idea what her stepfather might have in mind.
Ill give you the money, on one condition. Mr. Graham flashed a mysterious smile, reclining in his chair.
What condition? Charlottes nerves were stretched tight. She couldnt begin to imagine what he might ask.
Marry me, and youll have everything you could ever wish for. After dropping this extraordinary suggestion, Mr. Graham folded his hands together and gave Charlotte a business-like look.
Marry you? At first, Charlotte was stunned. Then she burst out laughing, convinced it was a joke. Honestly, Mr. Graham! You cant joke like that with your own stepdaughter.
Who says Im joking? His tone hardened. He fixed her with a look that made it clear he wasnt playing around. Yes, theres an age gap between us, but were both grown-ups. We could be happy together.
Happy? Youre old enough to be my father! Why would you want me? Charlottes cheeks flushed. Mr. Graham was forty-five, youthful and well-groomed, but she couldnt take his proposal seriously. Besides, he had plenty of other eligible women circling himwhy her?
You know Im about to expand the business and sign a deal with that big firm? Reading her unspoken question, Mr. Graham explained himself. They insist on working only with married partnersthey say family people seem more reliable and trustworthy.
Thats all well and good, but why me? Why not marry someone else?
For one, weve known each other for years, and you know how I loved your mother. For another, I trust you not to run around blabbing that its a sham marriage. And you need the money. If you agree, Ill set you up in business. Mr. Graham spoke as if they were negotiating a contract.
You mean a marriage in name only? No relationship? Charlottes anger softened.
Purely a formality. So, what do you think? He watched her closely.
Ill need to think about it.
Go ahead, replied Mr. Graham, nodding toward the door.
After she left, he had a twinge of doubt. He knew only too well how unpredictable Charlotte could be. She might agree in an instant, then bolt on the wedding day. But it was too late to turn back now.
Charlotte had never really thought of her stepfather as a man. Nor as a father, really hed never actually adopted her and theyd always kept their distance. They barely spoke.
But something shifted inside her after that conversation. Suddenly, she started seeing Mr. Graham differently. He was attractive, charismatic, andmost importantlywealthy.
In the end, Charlotte accepted his proposal. They agreed to marry in name only and live completely separate lives.
After the registry office, Mr. Graham kept his promise: he gifted her a spacious flat, gave her the money to invest in a business, paid her course fees, and took care of all her expenses.
Charlotte likewise fulfilled her side of the bargainshe accompanied him to business events, acting the part of the gracious wife, appearing the picture of happiness.
Her reckless lifestyle behind her, Charlotte began to settle down. She noticed new qualities in Mr. Graham: intelligence, generosity, and kindness. Even their business trips together became enjoyable, and she found herself less and less eager to part company with him. For the first time, she understood why her mother had loved this man.
Not once did she regret her choice during that year.
A year later, the couplewho had never actually lived togetherdecided to divorce. The business deal was done, and there was no further need to keep up appearances. But by then, their relationship had changed. Graham no longer saw Charlotte as just his troublesome stepdaughter, and Charlotte was growing used to the man she had once thoroughly disliked.
Thank you. I think youll be absolutely fine on your own now, said Graham. As promised, Im setting you free.
Are you sure you want a divorce? Charlotte asked quietly, standing beside him outside the registry office.
Dont you? He looked down at her and saw, to his surprise, genuine regret in her eyes.
I I dont, Charlotte admitted honestly.
I dont either, Mr. Graham smiled, pulling her close. But if you stay my wifeit must be for real.
Id like that.
They never walked into the registry office. They changed their minds right there on the steps.
