6. My Own Serve Man

Marriage contract agreement?

Asleena had to say that Benny was crazy. He didn't expect Benny to make a deal like this if he didn't want to agree to their arranged marriage.

"You don't agree, why bother giving me this marriage contract agreement?" asked an irritated Asleena.

In contrast to Asleena, Benny immediately shrugged his shoulders. No guilt, objection, or anything like that.

"I don't know. I think, even if I don't approve, I don't completely reject or want to cancel." Benny gave an explanation so relaxed. "After all, it's fair for both of us, right? We both need this marriage."

Asleena was well aware of what was implied behind Benny's words. Both of them need it, meaning that Benny also needs something from him so he doesn't want to refuse their marriage.

So, what does Benny need from someone like him?

"What do you want?" Asleena asked.

Benny shoved a piece of meat that had just been cut into his mouth. "Don't ask that if you don't want to give it to me now."

Suddenly Asleena's cynical laughter was heard. "If I can give it, I will give it."

The movement of Benny's hand which was cutting the meat then stopped. While chewing, Benny's sharp gaze fell on Asleena.

It really gave Asleena the creeps.

"Really? Then, I urgently need to take charge of the biggest housing development project my company is about to undertake. But my grandpa said the project will be passed on to someone else if we don't get married."

Asleena suddenly flinched, having nothing to say in response. He thought that if Benny's needs were limited to cooperation or whatever, maybe Asleena could provide it.

But if this ... Asleena thought this was Benny's personal business with his grandfather.

"Would you like to ask my grandfather to give me the project?" Benny challenged Asleena, it was clear from the look on his face.

Asleena was nervous. Of course. He had been acting like that before, and now he didn't even know what to do.

"It's so hard," Asleena complained in a near whisper. "You didn't say your needs were your personal business."

Benny immediately laughed mockingly at Asleena. "I knew it! Why do you act as if you can give me what I need?"

Asleena's rough breath was heard. So annoying. Benny knows very well how to embarrass someone even if not in front of an audience.

"That means, there is no other way, Miss Zwetta," answered Benny.

"What?" Asleena was surprised to hear Benny say her nickname. "Zwetta?"

"I prefer to call you by that name," Benny answered lightly.

Asleena couldn't hold back her giggles. "You really are weird," he replied. "I'm increasingly unsure about marrying you. How do I deal with someone like you?"

Benny smirked. "I'm also not sure to face a woman like you," he replied, not to be outdone. "After all, we're not going to live in the same house. You can read in the contract agreement."

Asleena's brows furrowed. Don't live in one house?

Because her curiosity couldn't be restrained anymore, Asleena immediately opened the brown document envelope. A piece of paper was taken out showing the title "MARRIAGE CONTRACT AGREEMENT" at the top. In all capital letters and bold letters.

Asleena's eyes dropped down to read some of the caption. However, he was attracted by one of the terms of the agreement.

"The woman and the man will live in different apartments. As a form of accountability, the man will give the woman an apartment unit next to the man's apartment?"

Benny nodded his head while Asleena read the caption. While Asleena immediately looked up, looked at Benny as if asking for an explanation of the meaning of that sentence.

"There's nothing wrong," said Benny who seemed to understand the expression on Asleena's face.

Asleena laughed sarcastically. "Oh my god…" he paused for a second, then shook his head. "Wait, what would your family think if you were to give me the apartment next door to yours?"

"You understand that thing called a play?" Benny asked back.

Asleena looked confused. What kind of play?

"If my family or someone from your family comes, then we will pretend to live in the same apartment." Benny explained.

"Likewise if the people who come are your friends, my friends..."

"So, indirectly you're telling me to move from my apartment to my apartment?" Asleena asked.

Benny snapped his fingers. "Exactly. If you're smart like this, I don't have to bother explaining at length."

"Wow!" Asleena immediately leaned her back against the back of the chair. He clapped briefly. "Why am I the only party that has to protect your good name?"

"Our good name," corrected Benny.

"No, just your good name. You made me sign a contract agreement, now you're telling me to go back and forth?" Asleena protested for the umpteenth time.

Benny exhaled roughly while straightening his body. From the look on his face, Benny showed his embarrassment in facing Asleena who kept protesting him.

Then Benny put his hands on top of each other, then sat leaning towards Asleena. Benny's eyes darted directly into Asleena's pupils, giving firmness.

"If you don't want to, it's fine for you to stay in your apartment. Then our marriage will be finished, maybe even before you get what you want from me."

***

Asleena couldn't think of the deal she and Benny had made a few hours ago.

After Benny said his last sentence, which sounded like a subtle threat, the man immediately left. Yes, leaving Asleena who hasn't had the chance to protest yet. As if not wanting to know what he was thinking.

"Argh. Why do you have to ask me to marry him?!" Asleena grumbled very quietly.

The strains of jazz music in the mini cafe room sounded even more depressing. Asleena accidentally left the restaurant after Benny left her. Now, Asleena didn't know who to turn to to talk about her problems.

"Excuse me, Miss."

Asleena's head shot up after someone approached her cafe table. The serving man bowed to him, a little afraid to say something.

"Yes?" Asleena immediately straightened up like nothing was wrong.

The serving man was silent for a few seconds. Asleena noticed the doubt on the servant boy's face.

"Just talk about it, it's fine. I'm not someone dangerous."

"You've been here for two hours and only ordered two lattes. We have a two-hour waiting list for each guest."

Asleena was surprised to get a warning like this. He did make reservations, but he was completely unaware of the conditions for each guest.

Asleena checked the watch on her wrist and was surprised. "Gosh! I didn't realize I'd been here two hours. I'm sorry."

The servant boy was about to say something when Asleena was also getting ready to leave. But someone's voice stopped them both.

"Wait, extend the time for Miss Asleena's guest."

Asleena immediately turned her head to the side. This time, a well-dressed, formal-looking man—like the appearance of an office worker—stood between Asleena and the male waiter.

"Oh..." The male servant was confused for a few seconds. "In that case, you can come to our special cafe reception desk. There you can extend the time at an additional cost."

This foreign man who had just arrived nodded firmly. "I took care of that just now. So let me and Miss Asleena talk."

The servant man bowed. Without saying anything, he then stepped away from Asleena's presence. Meanwhile, this man who looked like an office worker turned around to face Asleena, bowed.

Asleena was confused. Why did it feel like everyone was bowing to him?

"Greetings, Miss Asleena. I'm sorry I just arrived."

Asleena's raised index finger pointed at this strange man. "Who are you?"

"I am Roger, Master Joshua's special subordinate, and will now serve you, Miss."

Asleena's eyebrows shot up in disbelief as her eyes widened in surprise.

"What?!"