Marriage with a Fixed Price 2: Marriage with a Fixed Price, #2

By jojo0609

After the tragic loss of his mother, Igor was forsaken both emotionally and physically by his father and grandfather. Closest to neglect, they banished him overseas, where he was left to fend for himself. Years later, he was called back home from abroad by his father, only to find that his cold-hearted family was conspiring to pawn him off in matrimony to a Moretti playboy, purely for profits.

Igor's rage washed through him like a consuming wildfire. Ever since he was a mere lad of fifteen, they'd shrugged off their responsibilities toward him. Yet now, when faced with a pressing predicament, they conveniently remembered their forgotten son.

Gazing upon the heartless faces of his family, Igor resolved to flee. As fate would have it, he found himself face-to-face with the Moretti family patriarch, Enrico Moretti, who had come to announce the proposal. In a last bid to mock the situation, Igor turned the engagement on its head.

"Are you here to marry me off to a young Moretti or do you propose for your own?" Igor asked, shocking everyone in the room.

"And what if I propose for myself?" Enrico answered smoothly, going along with Igor's game, never once losing his cool.

Igor had believed it was all a farce. But when he decided to leave, he found that Enrico was serious. Suddenly, he found himself entangled in a web woven by this man.

The tantalizing question remained: what could have possibly prompted this powerful, domineering figure to lend Igor his aid?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Noveltoon
• Release date: Jan 31, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224328482

Book preview

Marriage with a Fixed Price

Capítulo 71

After analyzing everyone in that way, Xavier took a step forward and introduced him to everyone.

This is Mr. Igor Rossi, the designer responsible for this project.

The six employees in the room looked at each other with consternation and remained silent.

Xavier was afraid that Igor would cause some trouble based on what he had overheard in the discussion, so he used work as an excuse.

Everyone, get ready. We will have a meeting in the conference room in five minutes. Mr. Igor, I will take you to an independent office with a good view.

Igor looked at the team, comprised of three men and three women, and noticed that the man closest to the door still held a certain contempt, assuming it was him who had made those comments.

He thought about what he would do and decided not to say anything for now. He simply gave a slight smile, looked at the man, and started following Xavier.

In terms of appearance, Igor stood out. That day, he had pulled his hair back, leaving only a few strands falling on his face, and his appearance caught the attention of the women.

This man looks handsome.

It seems that being assigned to this team wasn't so bad after all.

Seeing that the women in the team were enchanted by Igor, he turned his back and continued the insults he had made earlier.

You can clearly see how many more people can sell themselves in order to get a position.

No one in the room said anything after he spoke. They were all silent, looking towards the door. The man who uttered those words felt a chill down his spine and turned slowly to see Igor standing at the door.

Igor, who had left, decided to return to that room just in time to hear what he said. He took a few more steps until he was in front of the man, looked at his name on the badge, and asked a question.

Explain to me, what do you mean by selling yourself to get a position?

His question was clear, but the coercion hidden in his words, beneath all that calmness, made them even more frightened.

The man was a little embarrassed by the situation but responded nonetheless.

Mr. I apologize! I didn't mean that and...

Then what did you mean? he asked again.

Seeing that the man didn't know what to say, Igor took his identification card and carefully looked at the information on it.

Eight years of service and you have only managed to be a team member? So, if you can't secure another position, is it because you are incompetent? Or because you have nowhere to sell yourself?

The man seemed indignant with what he said, responding to Igor's words.

Mr. Igor, I would like to apologize to you for what I just said, but... don't rely too much on your status.

Although he apologized, he still held that same thoughts and didn't think he had said anything wrong. He believed that since Igor had just arrived and already become the leader of the team, his thoughts were clearly not wrong. He clearly believed that Igor had used some resources to get there.

So, you can gossip behind my back and I can't confront you?

Igor tapped the card on his hand and then brought it to the man's face, lightly tapping his chin.

How can you be so shameless?

He felt a numbness where Igor touched his identification and became even more irritated. He raised his hand, wanting to attack Igor. Just as he was about to throw a punch, he was held back by the intern.

What do you think you're doing? Apologize to Mr. Igor immediately.

Apologize? Why should I? I've already apologized, and he didn't accept it, he gathered his strength and spoke to him, If you can, kick me out of this team. I don't mind staying here.

His cousin was the deputy director of the investment department, and he had his many years of experience, so he didn't think this would go very far.

Igor took a step back and spoke to Xavier.

According to company rules, what can we do about this man's behavior?

Normally in more serious circumstances, a person will be suspended for about a week.

And when a person slanders, offends, and tries to attack a teammate? he insisted, because he wasn't satisfied.

In that case, the company may unilaterally terminate the contract.

Igor gave a slight smile and looked at that employee.

Very well. Since you insist on leaving this group, I insist on you leaving this company, he looked at him, seeing that he was surprised, I will make it clear for you to understand, I will hire a lawyer to sue you on my behalf, for slander and defamation, and for affecting my reputation.

Igor crossed his arms and continued to speak.

The cameras in this room and in the corridor captured everything, imagine what will happen to you?

Igor quickly made some information clear to those who were still in the room.

I don't need to show off my strength to you or prove whether I have influence in this company or with Enrico, so I'll put it this way, anyone who is not willing to work in this team can leave immediately, but those who really want to stay, we will have a meeting in ten minutes.

Igor looked at everyone in an authoritative manner, then turned his back, returning to the room designated for him. Only when he walked away did people breathe a sigh of relief, except of course, the man who had the altercation with Igor.

Capítulo 72

Igor walked into the office and finally showed how angry he was. His two hands slammed on the desk as he looked from side to side, pondering over the man's words.

You're lucky we're in the company, otherwise I would have broken your face.

He knew the real reason he was in that place and in front of those people, but it was obvious that many would think he was only using the fact that he shared a bed with Enrico to get what he wanted. He didn't want to give that man what he deserved, being in Enrico's company, he didn't want to bring him any trouble in any way.

In the room where the employees had stayed, the atmosphere was still tense and heavy. Xavier said a few words to the man who insulted Igor.

It would be best if you presented a resignation letter. You've crossed the line this time and there's nothing I can do. I suggest you don't insist, because if the president finds out about what happened here and the words you said, it will be worse.

What? Are you really going to insist on this? He's just an incompetent who...

Are you going to continue with this? How can he be incompetent when our team was put together this morning and he already has the design ready? He has been more competent than you, who sat around doing nothing.

Xavier moved closer to him, speaking sternly.

Don't rely on your connections in this company because Mr. Igor ends up being more important than you. I see the confusion in your eyes, let me explain. What kind of shit was that you said? Mistress? Getting things through the bed and selling your ass? You brought this upon yourself.

He looked at the others in the room, finishing his explanation.

Mr. Igor is Mr. Enrico's husband. Do you really think he didn't hear everything that was said in this room? Do you think he doesn't have the right to fire you and get angry?

The expression on everyone's face was one of surprise when Xavier said that. Some sat down while others put their hand to their mouth and head.

The man thought he was dealing with someone ordinary but didn't expect to be confronting the owner of the company's husband. He thought for a few seconds about going after Igor and apologizing but figured it would be useless.

So, write your resignation letter, gather your things, and leave the company immediately.

The man seemed to turn pale when he heard what Xavier said. He realized there was no going back, so he simply left the office. Xavier pressed his eyebrows together, not imagining that a commotion like that would arise with Igor's arrival at the company.

I will repeat what Mr. Igor said, if you don't want to be part of this group, leave immediately so that the same thing that happened to him doesn't happen to you. But if you're staying, wait in the conference room. I will check on the situation. I hope you all be mindful of your words from now on.

Xavier left the office and went to Igor's room. He knocked on the door and when he entered, Igor was sitting in front of the computer. Seeing that Igor's expression was unpleasant, he tried to remedy the situation.

Mr. Igor, don't get upset about what just happened. I've already fired him...

What do you think about this investment project? he interrupted, still looking at the computer.

I hope it's successful. I will communicate better with the team. Everyone is capable and the final result will not disappoint...

Alright, I was just casually asking, he interrupted once again. It's not your responsibility to check if an investment project can be profitable or not.

Igor started to regret agreeing to help the Leone family after hearing what they said before he entered that room. That project could potentially bring more harm than profit to Enrico, and he felt apprehensive.

Xavier, you're in charge of this project. The design has been finalized and the physical prototype will be delivered to you and the Leone family. So, you will handle the contacts and connections.

Igor clicked a few more times, moved some important files to a folder, and then to a pen drive, handing it to him afterward.

Here contains the information for my part of the project, if you need anything you can contact me.

You won't personally lead this project?

My specialization is in design, I can't and shouldn't get involved in other areas that I have no experience in. In this case, you all have more experience than me, just tell those who stayed behind to do their best and not regret it later.

Xavier thanked him and left the room. Igor got up and looked out the glass window, sighing once again, feeling that this project would still give him some headaches.

In the blink of an eye, it had already been a month since Enrico had been out of the country. Igor had visited the company a few times to check on the progress of the project, but he also focused on his own projects and the nightclub that was almost ready to be inaugurated.

On that day, Igor was even more impatient at the airport. Enrico was due to arrive and he was anxious to see his husband again. When he saw the wheelchair gliding, his heart skipped a beat, just like Enrico's when he saw Igor standing there with a bouquet of roses in his hand.

What are you doing here?

I haven't seen my husband in a month, can't I come pick him up in person?

You can, but you shouldn't go through the trouble.

Igor handed him the flowers, leaned in as he always did, and spoke.

It's not trouble at all, in fact, I want you to go somewhere with me tonight. I know you might be tired, but will you accompany me to a candlelit dinner?

Enrico couldn't hide his smile in public this time, he nodded and Igor felt excited that he had accepted his request.

Capítulo 73

Igor took the initiative to push the wheelchair to the car. Peterson, Enrico's security guard, started to move towards his boss, but was stopped by Nathaniel.

Can't you see that they want to be alone?

Aren't we going with the patriarch? he asked, confused.

We're going in separate cars.

Even though neither Igor nor Enrico had explicitly mentioned being in a true relationship, Nathaniel had already noticed a change in his boss. It was not just the calls made and received from Igor during his trip.

But what if Mr. Enrico gets into trouble? he asked, still afraid.

We'll be right behind, what could possibly happen? Nathaniel looked at that expression and mocked him. You follow the patriarch so closely, when do you think they would have a moment of privacy?

Peterson blushed slightly and walked to the other car with their luggage. Nathaniel followed him.

Meng, don't be like that, I was just joking.

Igor helped Enrico get into the car, closed the door, and fastened his seatbelt. As soon as Igor got in, he didn't immediately put on his seatbelt. He leaned towards Enrico, holding his face, and kissed him.

I missed you, he said as he let go of his lips.

I missed you too, Enrico replied, looking into his eyes with his usual seriousness.

Where are we going?

I found a great restaurant, I wanted to take you there.

Igor didn't give much detail about where they were going. He fastened his seatbelt and left the airport. He wanted to know how Enrico's treatment had gone, so he brought up the subject.

What are the results of the treatment this time?

It went well, we made progress. But I may need surgery for it to be more effective.

I'm sure it will go well. I'll be by your side whether you decide to have the surgery or not.

Enrico thanked him, but still seemed serious. He looked at Igor and sighed, unnoticed by the other.

They arrived and sat near the window at a French restaurant with live performances. Igor chose the wine and raised his glass, speaking to Enrico.

I want to make a toast of gratitude.

Gratitude? Enrico didn't understand. Why are you thanking me?

Igor could be vengeful when provoked, but he was also someone who knew how to be grateful for what people did for him.

You helped me escape from my family's home, you protected me at that banquet. I...

You don't need to thank me. Even without me, I know you would've handled things, Enrico interrupted his gratitude.

Do you really think I'm capable?

Yes, I know you're capable of doing many things without me.

Enrico's usual coldness seemed to have been replaced by warm words. They chose their food from the menu and waited for their dishes. Amidst Igor's excitement, Enrico spoke casually.

Since you love eating fish so much, why don't you learn to cook this dish?

Actually, I'm afraid of blowing up your kitchen. They both smiled at what he said, but Igor knew well what he was or wasn't capable of.

As they waited for their dishes to be served, they chatted casually. Suddenly, a melody came from a piano on the nearby stage.

Igor immediately turned his gaze in that direction. On the stage, a pianist was accompanied by a young man dressed in white, who began playing the violin in a mesmerizing manner, with a soft light on his head.

Igor didn't look away, revealing a trace of nostalgia.

That seems to be the 'Memorial Song', he said, still looking at the stage.

Even though Enrico knew that Igor came from a family of musicians, he asked him a question.

Have you studied anything related to music before?

When my mother was alive, she taught me and my brother, Igor answered, looking at Enrico.

His gaze remained fixed in the direction of the stage as Igor continued his story.

Marcelo learned the cello and I learned the violin. On our seventh birthday, she gave us each an instrument. My violin was white, with my initials written on it.

Enrico could feel the sadness in Igor's voice.

"Where is your instrument? Did you leave it at the Rossi family's house?

"No, it's already broken. I left it behind when I was sent abroad, I was also adjusting to life away, so I didn't have time.

For Enrico, it was clear from the sadness in Igor's eyes when he talked about that subject that he was hiding some facts. The truth was that Igor took his violin, several times during the night he would hold the instrument and remember how his mother and brother taught him.

It was not easy for him, especially when one day he came back to the dormitory and discovered that some of his classmates had broken his violin into pieces, mocking him for being an abandoned foreigner.

It was the first time he fought, and he also got beaten up badly. With his face bruised from the beating, he embraced the broken violin and finally realized that he was alone.

He realized that his mother was dead, his brother was far away, and his father had a new family. He was no longer the son of a family that could live carefree, they couldn't protect him and he could only rely on himself.

Capítulo 74

Enrico could see that Igor was getting trapped in his emotions and that they were bringing him sadness, so he tried to pull him out of that melancholy.

What are you thinking about? Enrico asked.

Igor snapped back to reality, using his smile to cover up his true emotions.

I was thinking that it's a shame I gave up on the violin halfway through. I could have gone further, like Marcelo, Igor said, looking at his husband's beautiful face, feeling his melancholy dissipate slightly.

Otherwise, I could have gone up on stage and played a song, making you my audience, Igor smiled as he always did.

Even though Enrico was used to Igor's playful remarks, he thought about the lonely look that Igor had while lost in his thoughts, and he responded.

If you still enjoy it, you can learn at any time. Whether your performance is good or bad, I can be your audience in the future.

Enrico's words made Igor's heart feel joyful. He smiled genuinely, stood up, and announced.

So get ready, I'm going up on stage to give you a little demonstration.

During the break between songs, Igor persuaded the musician who was performing to let him play. The instrument was handed over to him, and he thanked the musician for his kindness.

The musician stepped down from the stage, and Igor positioned himself, searching for Enrico's gaze. Their eyes met, and it felt like everything around them became quiet, leaving only the two of them there.

Igor closed his eyes for a few seconds, remembered his proper posture, and gently plucked the first note.

On that simple stage, with only a strip of light illuminating the performer, it reflected on Igor's disheveled hair, making him even more splendid.

His slender fingers pressed against the strings and played the bow, even if he paused the melody due to forgetting a note, everything was leaving Enrico mesmerized.

Enrico seemed like an enchanted hunter, unable to blink in the face of that performance, and his breath became warm as he watched Igor.

The possessiveness that already resided in Enrico's heart seemed to grow even more in that moment and continued until Igor stopped playing.

Igor ceased playing and opened his eyes, still searching for Enrico's gaze as if hoping for some approval.

Enrico could not contain his smile or his applause for Igor, which made Igor happy to see. It had been many years since Igor played, and the melody he played was the one he remembered the most, but he couldn't avoid making a few mistakes.

The musician went back up on stage, and Igor returned his violin and thanked him once again.

Thank you for lending me your instrument.

You're welcome. Your music is excellent.

Igor was surprised by the compliment coming from him and tried to contest.

Excellent? My performance was inconsistent just now.

But there's love in your melody, my ears are sure of it, Enrico's compliment went even further. And besides, you're very handsome.

Once again, Igor was surprised. He caught a glimpse of something in the corner of his eye and in the next second, he generously showed his smile.

Thank you, I also enjoyed your performance.

The young man blushed a little in the face of that smile but responded to Igor's request.

Could I have your contact information? If you want to learn, I can teach you.

Just as the young man finished speaking, the response came, but it was not from Igor.

He can't give you his contact information. The young man turned and met Enrico's cold gaze, as he sat with his hands crossed on top of his legs, causing the man to feel afraid.

Igor looked at his husband, who had that usual expression that frightened people, and couldn't help but smile at the situation. He walked around the guy and went to Enrico's side.

I'm sorry, but it seems my husband got jealous.

Igor had mentioned wanting to play that melody for a special person but hadn't said who that person was, and he understood who the man was referring to.

"I apologize, I guess I was being imprudent. You seem