Chapter 7: Cancelled Engagement

Back at the Plaza Hotel, Riley's mouth hung wide open as she thought deeply. Then, she asked, "Why can't you just fix your engagement with Leni Eros?"

Adrian's eyes narrowed. He responded, "I'm afraid the engagement is irreparable."

"Did - did you try to reason with Miss Leni Eros?" Riley inquired.

"You would not really understand until you meet her. Our engagement is off, and that's final. Now, I need a wife," Adrian said.

Riley gasped. She responded, "I - I don't think it's a good idea, Adrian. I'm pretty traumatized right now -"

"I'm not Brian, Riley. I am a different person - a different man," Adrian responded. "And, as you suggested, this will be some sort of contractual marriage, where expectations are set beforehand."

Riley gulped. She looked at Clint, hoping to get some help, but of course, he did not. So, instead, she said to Adrian, "But we don't love each other -"

"You married for love. How did that turn out?" Adrian pointed out. "Love can betray you... But I won't."

Rile