The head of their families pushed them together for the sake of Amber's grandfather company. Gray sees it as a good business deal, but he could care less he had to marry Amber. For who he has known all of his life. When the ink on the paper dries they go there separate ways. Forward to 8 years later, and her grandfather company is saved. Amber gets engaged to Sting who she has dated for a 3 years, but has known him since they were teens. When Gray sees her for the first time in years. He is shocked to see her transformation. Amber has always been a tomboy and wasn't seen in Gray's eyes. Seeing her now, might change his mind. OCAmber x Gray.
Now the story...
Out of all the things that could have happen, this was it. Not in her wildest dreams did she figure that being paired up with him would be good. Of how dire the situation was, Amber was compel to do it. The love she has for her Grandfather and the company made her choice. Her brother now runs it, but the troubles over stock market and their holdings prompt this action. She wanted the company to be legacy to be past down for generations to come.
On this rainy day as she makes her way to the top floor, of the the company that he runs. His father admired her Grandfather. With both heads of the family considering this alternative, there will be no backing out of it. The deal will be done once her name is sign on the marriage certificate.
40 floors up and it felt like the elevator wasn't going very fast. This all had to be done today and she was busy with other things. One she had to train in a few horses and get ready to head for College. The next stage was set for her to attended Veterinary College. From a small age she has loved animals. Naturally this is where her career life will take her and she has been out of high school for the last 3 years. It was about time Amber started doing something with her life. Being around the home ranch wasn't getting her anywhere. Yes, she worked with the horses. Ride and train them, watch new foals born. Deal with selling and buying different breads. That was only the start of her background, needed something else to carry her forward.
What her Grandfather asked her to do, was a little orthodox, but he said it was a deal and nothing more that. Given the rocky road her and Gray had through out their lives. This was something she had to take with the grain of salt. As the numbers slowed down, she wanted this to end quickly.
Stepping out of the elevator and seeing no secretary at her desk. That means that Juiva was in his office. The women was nice and all and kindly spoke to her if Amber was summon by him. Making her way over to his close door, she could hear voices inside. Raise her hand to knock on the door but stop midway when she heard her name.
"Amber should be here soon, Gray."
"If she doesn't cause harm to other people first. That women is klutz. Can't tell you how many times I have gotten hurt because she is absentminded."
"I don't find her that way?"
"You don't know her like I do. Since we are kids, she cause nothing but destruction in her wake. I remember one time Amber was up a ladder and I told her to come down. Well she fell right on top of me. Thought for sure I broken my back."
"Ouch, she wasn't graceful?"
"She is not graceful at all. Hell look at what she wears all the time, overalls and a plated shirt. The girl looks like a hillbilly and acts like a tomboy."
"She helps out at both ranches right?"
"Her family and ours. Grew up with all men, no women to show her womanly ways."
"What of her mother?"
"Died giving birth to her."
"That is to sad, can't imagine losing my own mother. Amber didn't get to see her face or had her hold her. What of her dad?"
"Took off to parts unknown. He is drunk anyways, comes back for money and goes again. Started acted like that when Clare died."
"Her mother?"
"Yeah, I was two at the time. Don't remember much."
"If she was raise by men, she seams fine."
"Like I said, she acts like a tomboy. No little tea parties she had, always got dirty playing in the mud. Her Grandfather didn't do her any favours by letting her play with boys. Even her style of clothing and hair are boyish. Clothes that don't fit her right and hair to short. Such a ugly duckling."
"That is not a nice thing to say Gray. Knowing how long you have known her."
"It's true. If she had one girlfriend in among the boys, maybe her feminine side would come through."
"If that where true, would you go for her?"
"No way, not in a million years. Why would I want too anyways. Besides I have you to keep me warm at night."
"Oh Gray cut that out we are the office."
"Give me a kiss."
"Why should I you are going to be married."
"Juiva I told you before. It's a business deal. I am not going to be married married."
"Why does it have to be you and not Lyon?"
"I agree with what my father said. It's good businesses opportunity on both parties. Emerging them together for a short while. When they see their profits goes up, then we split. Lyon doesn't have the knack for numbers like I do. That is why he runs the ranch and I am here."
"Gray you are going to be married to her."
"I am not going over this with you again. Amber is nothing, just someone to close this deal, that is all. Alright?"
"If you say so."
"I do, don't worry."
Standing there looking at the door and hearing it all. There have been times he has said something similar to her, but to hear him say that to someone else. Hearing his honest thoughts and feelings about her. It did hurt.
A hand was place on her shoulder and she turns around to see Lyon standing right next to her. When did he get here? Did he hear as well? "Sorry what my brother said." Shrugging her shoulders and trying to not show sadness in her face. "I'll talk to him."
"No point. He said what he said."
"Hey you two, why are you blocking the door? Is he not in?"
Both of them turn around to see her Grandfather, brothers, Gray's parents and Judge. This wasn't a formal Wedding. It was to be made to be done quickly. A few witness and Judge to over sea it all. There will be no white wedding dress or tuxedo. No wedding cake, guests, gifts and dancing. A simple meeting to merge her Grandfathers company with Slivers.
"He is in father."
"Then I suggest we all go in. Can't be standing around here all day."
Opening up Gray's door had Juiva leave his lap at lighting speed and round the corner of his desk to stand neatly beside it. Her face shown her embarrassment, seen the pink hue in her cheeks. To be caught in his office wasn't a proud moment she ever wanted. A lest when they have done it in his office, it has been after hours.
Stepping aside to let her peers proceed first into his office. Greeting them as they went by. Silver and Ur gave her a hug and a kiss on the cheek. Her brothers did the same and when it came to her Grandfather. Smiled as brightly as she could.
"Child are you aright?"
"Yes Grandfather. Today is a busy one. Rush right on over from the ranch."
"I see. I thought maybe you where having seconds thoughts?"
"I am doing this for you and your company Grandfather. I don't want it to see it go under and have many workers lose there jobs."
"We still have our Ranch that is still prospering."
"You created the company and Jellal is now the head of it."
"If it wasn't for my deadbeat son that should have taken over me."
"Makarov, Amber the Judge has to get back to work!"
"Coming Sliver." Turning his head to look back at his granddaughter and putting a hand on her arm. "I am so sorry, I had to put this onto your shoulders to bare. If there was a other way, I would go with that." Patting his hand with her other hand and giving him reassurance.
"It's alright Grandfather. Only until the company is out of the woods right?"
"Certainly. When we are, you don't need to be married no more."
"Then let me sign the paper and be on my way."
Walking into the office and approaching the desk. Wearing her outdoor boots that had laces, didn't realize they were undone. Her other foot steps on a lace and makes her tip over her feet. Nowhere to really go, she ends up crashing into Gray's desk. Her hands stretches out, pushes the papers off his desk and his laptop goes onto the floor.
"Not again! How clumsy can you be."
"Sorry, I'll clean it up."
"Don't touch anything! Juiva can you please."
"Yes sir!
"Why can't I have a free day from no incidents."
"Brother!"
"Gray!"
"Lyon, Mother don't take her side. It will make matters worse."
"Then can both parties agree that we go forth with this?"
"Your right Judge Conbolt. Amber, Gray if you can step over here please."
"If she doesn't trip over anything else father."
Sighing and walking over to the Judge. He was holding a yellow envelope in his hands. It was the marriage certificate. This square little piece of paper is going to hold her name and with it she will have his or does she? Paper gets removed and place at the corner of Gray's desk. A pen comes out of his suit pocket and lays it on top.
"Do we need to exchange vows and rings?"
"There is no need for vows Judge just our signatures."
"So be it Gray. Is that alright with you Amber?"
"Yeah, lets get this over with. I still need to go back to the ranch before I go."
"No wonder you didn't choose to wear something else for this day."
"Sorry If my wardrobe has no pretty dresses. I am comfortable in these."
"You sign first then."
"Faster I am out of here then."
The room could feel the animosity between these two. Since they were small, they never really gotten along. Gray always shown his displeasure for her and Amber would either take it or give him a few jabs back. There was one or two times he would be sporting a black eye for his behaviour.
"The short version I will say. By the power that is vested in me. I pronounce you man and wife. Kiss the bride?"
"Not in this lifetime."
"I second that Judge. His lips where on hers moments ago." Sliver and Ur look towards Juiva and she was standing in the corner, they had no clue about their relationship until now. That doesn't surprise them at all. Their son has always been a ladies man and one time they caught him in bed with his music teacher. Sixteen years at the time and she was 27. That day she was fire from her job and all the tutors were male after that.
"Amber!"
"Like I care Gray. Where do I sign?" Taking hold of the pen, the Judge shows her the place to put her name. Tells her to write her full name on the line. Then the pen gets past to Gray and he does the same. Stepping back from the desk and bumping into Lyon. It was Slivers and her Grandfather turn to sign as witness.
"Thanks. I will leave with these and get them into the system. Anything else?"
"I have one thing. I don't have to go by Fullbuster as my last name and stay as Fernandes?"
"Can have it or not, or even hyphenated if you desire."
"That is ok. I'll stay with Fernandes."
"I'll see myself out. Good day all."
The room stayed silent for a moment before her Grandfather spoke. "I guess congratulations are in order. Sliver, this partnership is going to do wonders for us." Walks over to him and shakes his hand. "Our boys will take us further ahead. Jellal, Gray lets see what you two can do." Shakes hands with the younger men and then he goes over to her. "Amber, I am happy you did this for the family."
"For you I did Grandfather. If that is all, I have to go."
"You are on your way then."
"Jellal agree to my leaving. I am heading to the airport in three hours."
"Child where are you going?"
Looking over to Ur and Sliver and having to tell them the news. Waited for the acceptance letter in the mail for weeks. When she received it, she jump for joy knowing she was going to the college of her choice. Best one in the state."
"I was going to tell you earlier, but I got into Veterinary College. I learn just last week, been busy packing."
Ur walks over to her and gives her a big hug. The older women has watch her grow up and can't be more proud of her. Watch her live with boys all of her life and saw her stand on her own two feet. What women advise she could give her, she always had her door open. "What amazing news. You are going to do great!" Sliver walks over them both and he gives her a peck on the cheek.
"Going to the best Veterinary Doctor I know. We can't wait for you to be back."
"In six years."
"Six!"
"Give or take.
"Make sure you call us and write to tell us of your adventures."
"Probably will tell more of her mishaps."
"Gray! Be more supportive. She is your wife now."
"Only on paper mother. There is no consummating of this marriage."
"Who would want to consummate with you. Thinking of doing anymore then that makes me gag."
"What do you know of sex? Look at you, no guy probably has never touch you."
"OK you two that is enough. Lets end this day on a joyous moment. Amber I'll see you off."
"Know need Lyon. I got this."
Going out of his office and heading for the elevator she was stop before pushing the button for down. "Wait you can't go yet." Rolling her eyes, thinking she was free from his banter. Want more does he have to say. "My mother made me buy these this morning. I see no point in wearing them. They have all insisted, that we do. For the sake of the deal."
"Do what?"
"Rings"
"Really?"
"We have NO say in it."
"Great, give it it to me." Pulling the rings out of his pants pocket, that was not even place into a box. Held them into his palm and she see which ones was the smaller one. Picks it up and places the gold band on her ring finger. Holds it up for him to see. Gray does the same, and he starts walking back to his office.
"Amber!"
"What now?"
"Good luck in school. Because with your two left feet you are going to need it."
"Asshole."
The button gets pushed and the doors get open. Steps right in side and hits the number 1. Goes over into the corner, and starts whipping her tears. "Married to him." Takes the ring that was on her finger and wanted to throw it away. What nightmare did she get herself into.
Closing the door to his office he looks at his family and hers. The deal was done and now they go back to their lives. "I have work to do and Jellal we can arrange a meeting for a other day." They all progress to leave the room with Juiva leading the way to the elevator. "Mr. Senior Fernandes a word first."
"Sure Gray." Waits for Jellal and Mystogan to leave the room and heads back into the office. To stand in front of the desk. "What is my boy?" Gray takes to his seat and pulls himself into his desk. Grabs for a pen and taps it on his calendar.
"I will be married to your granddaughter on paper only."
"Yes we all know that."
"This may inconvenience our lives for a bit, until your company is in control once more."
"I know that too. What is it your getting at Gray?"
"Amber has always cared for animals. The number of cats that have run around or dogs. Even brought home a baby bear she found at the ranch with a limp foot. The fool she was for bringing that home. All the scratches from that time."
"I remember. Gray what is this about?"
"As her paper husband. I want to pay for her college tuition all the years she will be attending. This is between the both of us. Does not go beyond those doors."
"Why Gray?"
"Because she will be out of my hair."