Contract Of Love And Sacrifice

Chapter 4

As their eyes locked for a moment longer, the silence was broken by the beep of Adrian's phone. He glanced down, a slight furrow forming between his brows, and then answered the call. Everyone in the room went still, watching him.

"Hello, Mr. Adrian, I'd like the interview to take place in an hour. Thank you," the doctor said, his voice crisp and direct. Adrian's expression tightened as he processed the information, and then the call ended abruptly.

“What?” Adrian exclaimed, eyes widening in shock. Both he and Maria hurried out the door, tension etched on their faces.

They arrived at the hospital in no time, breathless and flustered. The doctor watched them, noting the rapid rise and fall of their chests and the anxious glances they exchanged. “You both look anxious. Is everything okay?” the doctor asked, his gaze sharp and probing.

Adrian and Maria nodded quickly, forcing smiles. “We’re fine,” they said in unison, trying to mask their unease.

“I’m sorry for informing you about the interview so suddenly,” the doctor began, his expression sincere but firm. “If it’s not done today, we’ll have to schedule it for the next 21 days.”

Adrian and Maria exchanged nervous glances, their tension evident in their furrowed brows and tight lips. "No, doctor, we can do it now," Adrian said, his voice steady but betraying a hint of urgency.

“The reason for this interview,” the doctor continued, glancing at the files in his hand, “is because many couples enter into arranged marriages illegally under dire circumstances.” He looked up, his eyes sharp and assessing. “It looks like you just registered your marriage recently.”

Adrian’s jaw tightened, and Maria’s fingers fidgeted nervously with the hem of her shirt. They both nodded, their faces betraying their anxiety as the doctor’s scrutiny weighed heavily on them.

“Can I ask you some questions?” the doctor inquired. They nodded, giving their permission.

The doctor scanned the file. “It shows here that Maria was a widow with a child before you met her. Is that correct?”

“Yes, Ethan,” Adrian replied, his voice steady.

“And you have a good relationship with him too?” the doctor probed, watching Adrian closely.

Adrian hesitated, his eyes darting to Maria before he stammered, “Yes, yes, we’re very cool. He’s a very nice boy.”

Maria’s eyes widened in surprise at Adrian’s response, her expression a mix of shock and disbelief. The doctor noted the tension, his gaze shifting between them, sensing there was more beneath the surface.

"You'll need to submit more documents to prove that you two have really dated. We'll meet again when you bring the rest," he concluded, standing up. "And bring the child, Ethan, to our next meeting. I have some questions for him," he added, leaving Maria and Adrian in shock.

As they left the office, Adrian's frustration boiled over. "Why does he need to see the child? Doesn't he have better things to do?" he yelled, then quickly realized he had to control his attitude to avoid raising the doctor's suspicions.

"Let's have a meeting with Ethan at 6 pm. You need to persuade him. Nothing can go wrong now; we've come too far," Adrian said, losing his patience.

"I'll try my best, but I can't promise anything. My son already dislikes you. It will be difficult," Maria replied, her voice weary.

"See you at six. I'll text you the location," Adrian said as he walked out, leaving Maria behind.

************

Maria arrived at the restaurant early. The place exudes luxury, and she sat beside Ethan as they waited for Adrian. Appetizers were served, and Ethan's eyes widened at the grand presentation. "Mom, it looks like today is a special day," he said, smiling at his mother, who returned his smile warmly.

"Ethan, I need to tell you something," Maria began softly. "I have a boyfriend, and I'd like you to meet him." Before she could finish, Adrian walked in and sat beside them, his presence as commanding as ever.

“I hope I’m not late?” Adrian asked, trying to adjust his seat. Ethan leaned in, pulling his mom’s ear closer. “Is this man really your boyfriend?” he whispered, his eyes wide with disbelief. Maria nodded.

Adrian forced a smile, his eyes trying to meet Ethan’s. “Uhm, Ethan, what would you like to have?” he asked, his voice strained but kind. Ethan stayed silent, staring at the table. “Pizza? Shawarma?” Adrian offered again, but Ethan didn’t respond. Suddenly, Ethan jumped up and dashed out of the building.

“Ethan, stop!” Maria yelled, running after him. Adrian slammed his fist on the table, his frustration boiling over. “That little brat,” he muttered, loud enough for nearby diners to hear. “She really needs to teach him some manners,” he added, storming out of the restaurant.

Adrian tried everything to get closer to Ethan. He took them to amusement parks, hoping the rides would break the ice. He arranged horse riding trips, thinking the adventure might help. But each time, Ethan's cold stare and tight lips shut Adrian out.

During the roller coaster ride, Adrian's hopeful eyes darted to Ethan, who only looked away. On the horse, Adrian forced a smile, but Ethan's sullen face made it clear he wasn't interested. Each rejection deepened the lines of frustration on Adrian’s forehead. He clenched his jaw, feeling his plans slipping away. Ethan’s refusal to accept him as a new father stung deeply, and Adrian’s anger simmered, making him feel like he was losing everything he had worked for.

*****

Maria arrived at work with Ethan, her mind on the weekend grocery shopping as she pulled out a list of needed items. Ethan reached into his pocket, his fingers closing around a crumpled photo of Adrian and Maria. He had taken it from her closet, his eyes narrowing with anger as he stared at it.

The memory of their first meeting at the hospital flashed through his mind, the way Adrian had humiliated his mother. His face tightened with anger, and he started down the stairs, each step heavy with emotion.

Adrian noticed Ethan and decided to follow, trying to maintain a friendly demeanor. He approached cautiously, hoping to find a way to talk to Ethan and make things right.

“Why do you dislike me so much?” Adrian asked, moving slowly behind Ethan.

Ethan’s jaw clenched, his eyes filled with anger. “You’re a bad man. I hate you. I can never take you as my father,” he said, his voice trembling with frustration. He furiously tried to cut Adrian out of the picture in his hand, his fingers shaking with annoyance. As he finally exited the building, his steps quickened, Adrian following closely behind.

Ethan’s pace turned into a run, and he hurled the picture away, desperate to avoid further confrontation. Maria, noticing his abrupt departure, rushed out of the restaurant. She saw the discarded picture lying on the ground and Adrian standing there, his hands raised helplessly as if to stop Ethan.

Before Maria could speak, a sleek black car that had been parked nearby caught her attention. The door opened, and a beautiful woman stepped out, her movements graceful and deliberate. She walked directly to Adrian, her expression a mix of irritation and determination. “Seems you've been ignoring my calls,” she said.

Adrian’s eyes widened in shock. “Betty? What is she doing here? When did she arrive?” he thought, his mind racing as he stared at her in disbelief.

She moved closer, taking off her glasses to get a better look at the picture. Her eyes widened in astonishment just as Maria quickly snatched the paper from the ground, leaving the woman looking suspicious.

“What’s going on, Adrian? Is that you in the picture?” she asked, her voice laced with confusion. Maria, clutching the paper, felt a surge of questions flooding her mind "I hope Ethan hasn't ruined the plan," "But who could the lady be?” Maria whispered.