Married at First Sight

Maddox asked with interest, "What's going on? Did River come looking to settle scores? He wants you to take responsibility or something? Romina, are you heading out now? Tell me where, I'll head over-this'll be my chance to get that dinner you owe me."

Romina replied, "I'm just about to head out. You said you were busy, so I figured I'd skip dinner with you today. I'm going shopping-to buy River ten new sets of clothes. I got his suit all messy last night, and now he's demanding I compensate him with ten new outfits. Maddox, why do I feel like you're enjoying this-you sound like you're just here for the drama."

Maddox chuckled, "I am enjoying the show, but I'm definitely not gloating. Romina, you and I-we're not going to become lovers or a married couple, but we're still friends. We trust each other. And friends care about each other-I care

about you."

Romina said, "We went on a blind date and were thinking about building

something. Now River's thrown himself into the middle of this, and that makes him your love rival. But you're not even mad. You just seem entertained."

"Are the melons that sweet, or are you just not interested in me?"

Maddox smiled. "What you feel about me is what I feel about you. We're on the same page. Don't make fun of me when you're just a few steps ahead. Besides, River's not exactly a love rival. Honestly, I kind of admire him. I'd like to be friends with him—I just don't know if he'd be open to it."

Romina responded flatly, "I doubt he wants to be friends with you."

Maddox laughed, thinking back to River's cold attitude the night before. "Probably because he thinks you and I are a real couple. So he sees me as competition and doesn't want anything to do with me. But once he realizes you and I are just friends—and that there's no plan to link our families through marriage—I think he'll change his mind. Maybe he won't see me as a threat anymore. Honestly, I wanted to drive you home last night. You weren't clinging to River. If I'd insisted, I could've taken you home-but River wouldn't let me. He said you were drunk and mentally unstable and was afraid I'd do something to you. So he rushed over and insisted on taking you home himself.

Romina, why are you still going on blind dates? You've already got a guardian angel watching over you-you just haven't realized it yet. And he's better than me. He's a better match for you, too."

Romina was speechless.

So many people thought she and River were a couple.

It was bizarre. They were supposed to be mortal enemies—so how could others see anything romantic between them?

She said, "Okay, I'll head to Eaglioncile Hotel. If you can make it, great. Dinner's on me. We'll talk more then. I'll go shopping for those clothes first, so I might not get there right away."

Maddox said, "It'll probably take me an hour to get there, so yeah, go shopping first. Don't forget to buy him ten shirts to match those suits-and ten new ties while you're at it. The whole look matters. You women have better taste. Us guys —honestly—we're just winging it. I've seen River wear the same style every day. He doesn't even change things up. A few new combos would make a difference." Romina grumbled, "He's not my man. Why should I be the one matching his outfits?"noveldrama

"Sure, sure. See you in an hour."