My life had always been properly charted out in front of me. The college and family business. I had a lot of women in my life but I always knew none of them were serious relationships. I hated the fact that women flocked either for money or sex or sometimes both. But then, I too wanted no emotional baggage as my sole concentration was on work.

Regina surely surprised me as she popped at my home that evening. I knew she would definitely try to convince me about the wedding. As anticipated, she was ready for a contract marriage. She wanted name, money, and stability and I indeed have my own needs. She even had the 'Cancer Card' on her sleeve. Deceptively, she went to my home and talked to my mother. I know my mother; she will never fall into the sweet talks of Regina but I hated the fact that Regina thought she could manipulate me.

Isn't it what I want? A contract marriage right now which will solve the problems for the time being. Why complicate then? What was the need to convince Amelia when Regina was all ready? Regina knows the drill. She knows the expectations. She might ease into the new life more comfortably than Amelia. But Regina would be like a trophy wife. She won't understand a word about my work, my passion for business, and how deeply my family is rooted in my mind.

The past few months have been tough on my personal life. I have never been so unsure and edgy about myself. I surely don't love Amelia. Not yet. Why did I add that 'yet'? Do I want to? Maybe or maybe not. I like her. That sheer innocence, that mischievousness, that care and affection, that lack of cunningness, that she is not needy, that she doesn't care for my money, and that she speaks her mind

I've been thinking for a long time. Shall I ask her for a contract marriage? A business deal? She's a suitable girl. It's weird but I do like her. Two weeks away from her surely taught me how much I missed her.

I laughed out loud when I came to know that she has kept my name as 'Mr. Grumpy'. Not a bad name eh? Especially given the fact that I am a bit grumpy. Not always though.

Mother has always been a soft spot for me. The pillar of my strength. She was the tread which tied our family together for years. It hurts me that once a healthy and kind woman, she is now in the shadow of her own self, thin, weary and tired. Today, as I explained about her condition to Amelia, I felt at peace. It was so easy to talk to her and then, I sort of proposed her. I've been contemplating for some time now and I did decide for it though this was not the exact situation I pictured.

She was thunderstruck, with her mouth forming a perfect 'O'. All I wanted to do was to kiss those tempting lips. I thought she'll refuse then and there. I wanted to give her some time and asked her for a dinner date. I would like to sit and talk to her. True it was a business deal but all the details need not be divulged.

I decided to have the dinner date in my penthouse itself. This way, we'll have all the privacy and time we need. I don't want any news leaking out. I've already instructed Martin to pick her from her apartment at 8. There's still a lot of time.

Just then my mobile beeped. It was a message from her

'I'm sorry Mr. Holden but my answer is a NO. You need not pick me up at 8. Sorry!'

Now that I had known Amelia for a while, didn't I expect this, partly. It would take all my courage to convince her on why I need this so badly. Deep in my mind, my respect for Amelia, the woman, increased by a gallon. But still, I wanted her to agree.

Fuck!