A MARRIAGE OF CONVENIENCE
Mr. Carter, could I have a word with you? A blonde head pokes around the office doorIsobel, with her usual air of mischief, is today unusually polite and composed.
What is it? John Carter turns from his computer, giving his stepdaughter a wary look from under his eyebrows.
I have a rather big favour to ask, Isobel doesnt wait for an invitation. She boldly crosses the threshold, shuts the door, and drops into the chair opposite John, who is still lost for words.
Im not giving you a pay rise! John says sternly, as if already anticipating her request. Dont even think about it. Frankly, youre terrible at your job! Always late, missing deadlines, leaving me and everyone else to pick up the pieces. Hes had this talk with Isobel before; hes well aware of her lack of responsibility, the way she quarrels with people in the office and makes a habit of stirring up trouble.
For months now, the director of the firm has been contemplating firing his troublesome stepdaughter. But John cant seem to go through with itIsobel, after all, is the daughter of his beloved wife. Fifteen years ago, he met Victoria, and the two married, living happily until cancer was discovered. She passed away two years ago, and now, looking at Isobel, who so closely resembles her mother, John can never quite bring himself to act on his threat.
Its nothing to do with my salary, Isobel snaps, an impatient frown creasing her forehead. Im here about something else entirely.
Go on then, what is it? John leans forward, eyebrow raised and curiosity piqued.
You know it was hard for me, after Mum died. Isobels tone goes plaintive. She was the only person in the world who ever loved me or genuinely had my back
And you drove her mad, didnt you? John interrupts, frowning. He remembers too well the fraught relationshipVictoria genuinely loved her wayward daughter, but Isobel was always impossible, making her mother anxious and worried. Why are you telling me all this? Trying to make me feel sorry for you? Get to the point, I have work to do.
Isobel shifts in her seat, struggling for words. Could you help me out financially? I want to try my hand at business, but I need money for a course.
No, John cuts her off. With your attitude, youll never manage business or even finish your course. How many times have I told you: Isobel, its time to grow up! Youre still as rebellious as ever.
I promise, if you help me set up, Ill turn things around. I swear! Im tired of this drifting, too. I want to live like everyone elseget a career, settle down, get married, have children
Hm. John sniffs sceptically, glancing oddly at his stepdaughter. Is there someone special then? A boyfriend?
No one! Isobel waves a dismissive hand. If I did, I wouldnt be sitting here, would I? Everythings easier with a partner.
Youre right there though partners come in all varieties, John drums his fingers on the desk, hesitating, as if mulling over whether to share whats really on his mind. I have a proposition for you, he finally says. Itll see you live quite comfortably.
A proposition? Isobel repeats, thrown by the odd direction of the conversation.
Im willing to give you the money. On one condition, John says with a mysterious smile, reclining in his chair.
What condition? she asks, tension in her voice. Even in her wildest dreams, Isobel never imagined what might come next.
Marry me, and youll have everything youve ever wanted. With that, John folds his hands, giving her a businesslike look.
Marry you?! For a moment, Isobel is too shocked to respond. Then, thinking it a joke, she bursts into laughter. Blimey, Mr. Carter! You cant be serious, marrying your own stepdaughter?
Who said Im joking? Johns tone hardens. He fixes her with a serious look, and she realises he means every word. We may have a bit of an age gap, but were both adults. We could be happy, you know.
Happy? You could be my father! Why on earth would you want to marry me? Isobel exclaims. John is forty-five, youthful and well-groomed, but she simply cant take him seriously as a suitor. She also cant understand whyamong all the eligible women around himher stepfather would pick her.
You must have heard Im about to expand the business and sign a deal with one of the biggest firms in London? Catching her silent question, John explains: Their rule is, I must be married. They think a family man is more stable and trustworthy.
But why me? Why not marry someone else?
For starters, weve known each other for years, and you know how much I loved your mother. Plus, I know you wouldnt go blabbing that the whole thing is a sham. And lets face it, you need the money. If you agree, Ill set you up with your own business, he says, sounding every bit the negotiator.
You mean a marriage in name only? No relationship? Isobels anger drains away.
Purely for show. So, what do you say? John asks, his voice firm.
Ill need to think about it.
Do., John replies, nodding her towards the door.
Closing it softly behind her, he second-guesses his own mad scheme. Hes always known Isobel is impulsive enough to agree, but might flee before the wedding bells ring. Still, hes committed. Theres no turning back now.
Isobel, for her own part, has never looked at John as anything but her mothers husband. He never formally adopted her, and theyve always kept a wary distance. Yet, after their conversation, something shifts inside her. She begins to see John differently: charismatic, attractiveeven more so for his wealth.
In the end, Isobel agrees. The plan: a civil ceremony, followed by separate lives.
As soon as the wedding is done, John keeps his promise. He gives Isobel a spacious flat in Chelsea, invests in her new business, pays for her course, and takes care of all her expenses. Isobel, in turn, never shirks her end of the bargain. She attends all Johns business events, playing the role of contented wife to the hilt.
Marriage quickly changes Isobels ways. The party girl disappears; she matures and begins to see John in an entirely new light. He reveals himself to be clever, warm, generousinteresting company, and after each business trip, she finds herself wanting less and less to go home alone. Only now does she realise why her mother loved this man.
A year on, Isobel hasnt regretted her decision for a moment.
After twelve months, with the business deal secured, John and Isobel agree to divorce, the necessity for their arrangement having vanished. But by now, their relationship has changed. John no longer sees his stepdaughter as immature and difficult, and Isobel has grown used to a man she could barely tolerate before.
Well, thank you, I think youre ready to go out on your own now, John says as they stand together outside the registry office.
Are you sure you want a divorce? Isobel suddenly asks, peering at him with newfound honesty.
Dont you? John studies her face, reading genuine regret in her expression.
No, I dont, she confesses.
Neither do I, John says softly, pulling her close and looking into her eyes with real seriousness. But if you stay, I want you to be my wife for real.
I want that too, Isobel breathes.
They never do step inside the registry office. At the very entrance, they both change their minds about divorce.
