MARRIAGE OF CONVENIENCE
Mr. Thompson, do you have a moment? A head of soft blonde hair appeared in the doorway of the office. Emilyalways temperamental and a little too loudnow seemed suspiciously polite and composed.
What is it? The man tore his gaze away from the computer, peering over his glasses at his stepdaughter.
I have a favour to ask. Emily didnt wait for her stepfather to invite her inside. She boldly crossed the threshold, shut the door behind her, and sat down opposite the thoroughly bewildered man.
Im not giving you a pay rise! Mr. Thompson declared firmly, almost as though he anticipated the very request she might bring. Dont bother asking. Youre barely managing to do your job as it is. Youre always late and miss deadlines, leaving me and everyone else in the lurch. He had raised this with Emily time and again. He disliked her constant disputes with staff, and her fondness for office gossipespecially against colleagues she didnt get on with.
For months now, the head of the company had considered sacking his obstinate stepdaughter, but couldnt bring himself to do it. Emily was the daughter of the woman he had loved most. Fifteen years ago, hed met Helen, fallen in love, married her, and they were happy, right up until Helen was diagnosed with cancer. She passed away two years ago, and now Mr. Thompson pitied his difficult stepdaughter, who so reminded him of his late wife.
I gave up on a pay rise ages ago, Emily snorted, unimpressed. Actually, I came about something else entirely.
Go on, what is it? Mr. Thompson raised an eyebrow, leaning forward with interest.
Mr. Thompson Emilys voice wavered, you know how hard its been for me since Mum died? She was the only person who ever really loved me, who backed me up, no matter what
And thats why you wore her down so much, is it? the man frowned, recalling only too well the fraught relationship Emily had with her mother. Helen did love her daughter, but Emily had always been unruly, leaving her mother anxious and on edge. Is there a reason youre telling me all this? Dont try to play for sympathyIm busy, just get to the point.
Emily squirmed nervously in her chair. I was wondering is there any way you could help me out financially? I want to try my hand at business, but Ill need money for training.
No, he said flatly. With your attitude to work, you wouldnt last five minutes, never mind graduate from a course. Ive told you a hundred times, Emily, its time to grow up. But youre the same difficult teenager as ever.
I promise, if you help me get this business started, Ill change. Honestly, Im tired of drifting. I want to be like everyone elsework properly, build a career, settle down, get married, have kids
Hm. Mr. Thompson gave a sceptical sniff, glancing at his stepdaughter in a way that seemed almost searching. Have you got someone, then? You seeing anyone?
No, not at all. Emily dismissed the idea with a wave. If I did, I wouldnt be here now. Its always easier to get on in life if youve got a partner.
Youre right there though not all partners are helpful. Mr. Thompson began drumming his fingers on the desk, as if bracing himself to say something. Actually, Ive got a proposal for you that could set you up very nicely.
A proposal? Emily echoed, taken aback. She had no clue where this conversation was heading.
Ill give you the moneybut on one condition, he replied, leaning back with a mysterious smile.
And whats that? Emily tensed. Even in her worst dreams she had never guessed what her stepfather was about to suggest.
Marry me, and you can have everything youve ever wanted. Saying it aloud, he laced his hands together and eyed her gravely.
Marry you?! At first, Emily stared, stunned, then, thinking it must be a joke, burst out laughing. Oh, come on, Mr. Thompson! You cant joke about things like that with your stepdaughter!
Who said Im joking? The look on his face wiped the smile from hers. Emily realised he was deadly serious. Yes, theres quite an age gap between us, but were both adults, and it could work. Why not?
Work? Youre old enough to be my father! Why would you want to marry me? Emily flared defensively. Mr. Thompson was forty-five; he looked youthful and was always well turned out, but she couldnt fathom his motives, especially when there were always plenty of women his age around him.
You must know I want to expand the business and sign a contract with a major company? He saw the unspoken question on her face and hurried to explain. Its a company requirement that Im marriedapparently family men appear more settled and trustworthy in business.
But why me? Why not marry someone else?
For one thing, weve known each other for yearsyou know how devoted I was to your mother. Plus, you wouldnt expose our arrangement as a sham to all and sundry. Lastly, I know you need money. Marry me, and Ill give you your own business. He spoke to Emily not with affection, but like a negotiator brokering a deal.
Youre talking about a paper marriage? No actual relationship? Emilys ire softened into curiosity.
Purely in name. Nothing more. Wellwill you do it? His tone was firm.
I need to think about it.
Take your time. Mr. Thompson nodded towards the door.
Once Emily had gone, the businessman allowed himself a moment of regret over this risky idea. He knew better than anyone how difficult she could beshe might well agree to be his wife, then bolt just before the wedding. But it was too late to back out.
Emily had never thought of her stepfather as a man, but neither did she see him as a father. Hed never formally adopted her, and theyd always kept respectfully distant, rarely speaking unless they had to.
But now, something had shifted. After their conversation, Emily realised just how attractive and charismatic Mr. Thompson wasnot to mention, wealthy.
In the end, Emily agreed to the proposal. They settled on simply registering their marriageno strings attached, and no living together.
Straight after the wedding, Mr. Thompson made good on his promise: he gave his new wife a spacious flat, handed her funds for her business venture, paid for her studies, and made sure she wanted for nothing.
Emily, for her part, didnt shirk her duties. She attended business meetings with her husband and played the part of a happy wife.
Marriage changed her. Emily let go of her reckless ways; she matured, and her view of Mr. Thompson altered completely. Now she saw an intelligent, kind, and generous mansomeone she actually enjoyed spending time with, someone who became harder to leave with every trip. For the first time, she understood what her mother had loved about him.
Not once in a year did Emily regret her decision.
After a year, the pairwhod never actually lived togetherdecided to divorce. Mr. Thompson had secured his contract, and saw no need for the charade. But by now, their feelings had changed. Emily was no longer just a troublesome girl to him; he had started to care more deeply. And she, surprisingly, had grown used to this man shed once barely tolerated.
Thank you, said Mr. Thompson, standing with her outside the registry office. You can stand on your own two feet now, just as I promised.
Are you sure you want a divorce? Emily asked suddenly, looking up at him.
Do you? He watched her, seeing real regret in her eyes.
No, she replied honestly.
Neither do I, he said, drawing her into an embrace. But if you stay my wife, it has to be for real.
Id like that, Emily smiled.
They never did sign the divorce papersthey decided, right at the registry office steps, to stay together after all.
