Ziva slid into the car, grateful for the escape. "Thanks for the ride, Stellan. I really appreciate it."
Stellan nodded, his eyes on the road. "No problem. What's going on with you and Bryan?"
Ziva's expression turned guarded. "Just an old acquaintance. Nothing to worry about."
As Ziva and Stellan continued their ride, the car hit a pothole, and Ziva's briefcase flew open, papers spilling out. She lunged to gather them, accidentally knocking over her bag, which landed on Stellan's lap.
In the chaos, Ziva's hair brushed against Stellan's face, and he suddenly let out a pained gasp. "Ah, sorry about that," Ziva said, quickly pulling back.
Stellan's face was red, and he was... sneezing uncontrollably.
Ziva looked at him in concern. "Stellan, are you okay?"
Stellan nodded, still sneezing, and handed her a handkerchief from his pocket. "I'm... fine. Just... allergies."
The driver pulled over, and Stellan quickly got out, still sneezing violently. Ziva followed, concern etched on her face.
"Stellan, maybe you should sit down," Ziva said, but Stellan waved her off.
"I'll be fine. Just... need some air."
As they stood there, Ziva couldn't help but wonder what was going on with Stellan. She'd never seen him like this before.
"Let's get out of here," Stellan said, his voice still a bit strained. "We can discuss the Thompson account at the office tomorrow."
Ziva nodded, and they drove in silence to her place. As she stepped out of the car, and thanked him again
After thirty minutes, Stellan stepped out of the car and onto the driveway of his villa, the warm glow of the setting sun cast a golden light on the lush greenery surrounding the estate.
The sound of gentle fountains and chirping birds filled the air, creating a serene ambiance.
His employees, dressed in crisp uniforms, stood at attention, their faces adorned with warm smiles.
"Welcome home, sir!" they chorused, their voices echoing through the evening air.
Stellan nodded in acknowledgment, his expression calm and composed. "Good evening, everyone. How was your day?"
The head of security, a tall, imposing figure, stepped forward. "All quiet, sir. Your schedule for tomorrow is already set. You've got a meeting with the finance team at 9 am."
Stellan nodded, his eyes scanning the surroundings. "Good. I'll review the reports tonight. You can all take the rest of the evening off."
The employees dispersed, their footsteps fading into the distance as they returned to their duties. Stellan watched them for a moment before turning to enter his villa.
As he stepped into the grand foyer, the cool air enveloped him, a welcome respite from the warmth outside. He walked to his study, his footsteps echoing off the marble floor.
Once inside, Stellan let out a deep breath, feeling the tension of the day melt away. He walked to the window, gazing out at the breathtaking view of the city skyline.
His mind began to wander, his thoughts about the incident of what actually happen.
Stellan's thoughts is interrupted by the sound of his phone buzzing. He looks at the screen and sees his dad's name flashing. He takes a deep breath, preparing himself for the conversation.
"Hello, Father," Stellan answers, his voice calm and composed.
"Stellan, my boy, I need to talk to you about something important," his dad says, his voice firm but with a hint of warmth. "I've arranged for you to meet Ziva this weekend at our estate. I think it's time you settled down and take on more responsibilities."
Stellan's grip on the phone tightens, his mind racing with thoughts of Ziva and the life he wants for himself. "Father, I—"
"I expect you to be there, Stellan," his dad interrupts, his tone firm. "We'll discuss the details later. Just be there."
The line goes dead, and Stellan is left staring at his phone, wondering what he has gotten himself into.
The morning shined brightly in the clear blue sky, Stellan stood tall, his expression neutral, as he faced Ziva in the conference room. The tension between them was palpable, and he couldn't help but notice the way her eyes sparkled in the morning light.
"Ziva," he said, his voice firm but polite. "My father told me about the... arrangement."
Ziva's expression was a mix of surprise and understanding. "Stellan, I—"
"This doesn't have to be awkward," Stellan interrupted, his tone firm. "We can make this work. For our families' sake."
Ziva nodded, her eyes searching his face. "You're okay with this?"
Stellan's jaw clenched, but he forced a smile. "I'll do what's expected of me."
The air was thick with unspoken emotions as they stood there, the weight of their families' expectations hanging in the balance.
The tension between them was palpable as they stood there, the unspoken emotions swirling like a storm. Ziva's eyes searched Stellan's face, trying to read his thoughts, but his expression was a mask, revealing nothing.
"We should probably discuss the details," Stellan said finally, his voice breaking the silence. "Our families will expect us to make an appearance together. I'll have my assistant send over a schedule."
Ziva nodded, her expression neutral. "Sounds like a plan."
As they parted ways, Stellan couldn't shake the feeling that he was walking into a trap. A trap of his father making. He had to marry Ziva, but could he bring himself to be with her, knowing his body reacted so strongly to women.
The thought sent a shiver down his spine. He needed to get his allergies under control, but more importantly, he needed to get his feelings sorted out.
After the busy days at work, Stellan and Ziva arrived at the luxurious estate, the weekend getaway arranged by Stellan's father. The tension between them was palpable as they stepped out of the car.
Ziva turned to Stellan, a hint of nervousness in her voice. "So, what's the plan for the weekend?"
Stellan's expression was neutral. "I think our fathers have already planned everything. We'll just follow the schedule."
As they entered the estate, they were greeted by the staff, who showed them to their rooms. The rooms were adjacent, with a connecting door.
Ziva raised an eyebrow. "I guess our fathers are optimistic."
To their surprise their parents both came, Stellan knew they this was his dad arrangement by bringing the parents together too.
The evening began with a formal dinner, Stellan's father and Ziva's parents joining them at the estate. The conversation was stifled, with Stellan and Ziva exchanging polite smiles and little else.