Married at First Sight

"Okay, okay! I won't say another word," Donovan backed off quickly. "You get back

to work, and I'll go handle my next client."

He stood and left before she could say anything else.

Romina, still irritated, silently cursed River a hundred times over.

Meanwhile, River sneezed loudly-no doubt thanks to Romina cursing him in her

head.

Unlike Romina, River was in a great mood.

He held a morning meeting, handled a stack of important documents, and then

headed out to meet a client. His secretary accompanied him.

After wrapping up the meeting and seeing the client off, it was already 11:30 a.m.

-just thirty minutes until lunch.

River didn't feel like heading back to the office, so he told his secretary to return

on her own. He drove straight to Eaglioncile Hotel.

As luck would have it, he ran into Donovan right as the latter was escorting a

client out.

Their eyes met briefly. Donovan stayed professional, sending off his client without

acknowledging River. But as he turned back, River casually walked up and

followed him into the hotel.

"What brings President York to our humble hotel today?" Donovan asked.

River grinned. "It's a beautiful day-clear skies, no wind. I drop by Eaglioncile

Hotel now and then. The last time I came, it was to the café. You remember,

Romina called me 'husband." Donovan stopped and turned to look at him. "River,

you've got no shame. You know exactly why she said that."

"I don't know anything. All I know is she called me 'husband.' If she says I'm her

husband, it's only right I play the part. There's a flower shop nearby, right?

Romina's not big on flowers- too impractical-but maybe I'll get her a bouquet

made of cash. Something she'd actually like. Think I still have time?"

Donovan replied dryly, "River, I'm not your brother. Call me Mr. Lafond, please."

River just chuckled. "Sooner or later, we'll be family. Might as well get used to it.noveldrama

What's the harm in calling you brother now?"

Without responding, Donovan led the way into the hotel and headed straight for

the café.

"Come on. Let's have a proper chat," he said.

"Sure thing."

River followed him, though his mind was still on the bouquet of money he planned

to give Romina.

Donovan glanced at him. "Can't you wait until after lunch to deliver your little

money bouquet? Don't forget-Romina arranged a blind date for you today. She's

playing matchmaker." River was usually sharp, but right now, he was completely

clueless. It hadn't even occurred to him to send the bouquet to her office.

"Thanks for the reminder, Brother," River said. "But I'm worried Romina won't

accept it."

"If she doesn't want it, you'll just give up?" Donovan asked.

"Not a chance," River said. "If I decide to give it, I'll give it. No matter what."

They talked as they walked and eventually reached the café on the first floor.

It was nearing lunchtime, so the place wasn't too crowded yet. However, the

private rooms were already booked up.

The café would get busier in the afternoon.

They chose a table by the window and sat down.

After placing their orders, they waited for their coffee.

When it arrived, Donovan didn't waste any time. He cut right to the point.

"River, be honest with me-do you like my sister?"

River casually stirred his coffee with a spoon, his expression unreadable.

Donovan continued, "Don't lie to me. I'm a man too, and I can tell. The way you've

been looking at her lately-it's different."