Chapter 3: The Contract Marriage
1132 Words
LIAM
Sitting at the back of my Rolls Royce Cullinan, I was scrolling through my phone when I got a text from my secretary.
[You have an appointment with Avery Sawyer by 9:10 AM.]
Taking a resolute sigh, I stared at the building then back to my phone, and I realised It wasn't worth it meeting with her.
“Tell Ann to come up with something,” I declared, “I don't want anything to do with her.”
Jacob had told me about her arrival and her business coming here. I thought about it, but still, I didn't buy the idea— it would only dig up buried secrets.
Just as I was about to leave, I remembered a personal folder I left. I pinched the bridge of my nose, running my hand down my face, and then I stepped out of the vehicle.
Walking into the building, I was welcomed like I hadn't just left some minutes ago, but it never got old.
I kept my face impassive, nodding at them, while I chatted with my secretary, and that ended when I bumped into a lady.
I looked at my suit jacket, excessive makeup all mashed on it, and I glared at her.
“What the– ?” I grunted, “Hell!” I continued inwardly.
Gritting my teeth, I listened to her incessant chattering. Besides, who the hell was she? And how daft could she be to step on my nerves? Does she want to end her life?
She looked up at me angrily, and our eyes locked. We stayed frozen at the spot, and my thoughts sank deep into me.
Her eyes, those bright blue eyes— it kept sending waves of memories through me, the ones I always tried to avoid.
How unlucky could I be to bump into her? I clenched my fists, trying to pull myself out of her intoxicating gaze but it was no use.
I pressed my teeth hard against themselves, desperate to escape the awkward encounter with her. I didn't want to wait any longer, so I shot her a withering look and abruptly walked away.
“W-wait” She called out, “I'm… I– I came to see you but your…”
She continued and I stood still, closing my eyes firmly as I backed her. I couldn't get enough of that voice. I remember when it was all I wanted to hear, but now, I loathed it.
“Miss Sawyer, Let's get over it,” I growled, continuing my pace to the elevator.
Standing in the Elevator with her wasn't as easy as I imagined, it felt like a never-ending thunderstorm of emotions, and I couldn't help but notice her subtle gazes at me.
I felt disoriented for a second because of the tension, but I kept my gaze firm and unyielding.
We finally left the elevator and the familiar scent of my office calmed my nerves, like a soothing balm to my wearying soul.
I sat at my desk, watching intently as she spoke about her father's company bankruptcy and all it meant to her, My chin resting steadily on my hands.
“That's why I want to propose a contract marriage with you, it's for a stipulated amount of time.” She declared, her confidence unwavering.
She continued, “Here are the documents, they have all the information you need to know.”
I leaned back into my seat, watching her eyes, always avoiding mine. I cleared my vocals and pulled the documents in.
Reading for a while, I raised an eyebrow and threw the papers at her.
“I'm not interested,” I growled, “If there's nothing else you have to say, then I think it's my cue to leave.”
Her jaws dropped and I smirked within, it felt good seeing her expression falter.
Her arms crossed, and she snapped, “You didn't even read through it!”
“I don't need to read it to know how stupid it is. What do I have to benefit from your silly contract?”
Her furrowed brows deepened and lines etched on her forehead. She paused and took a long inhale.
“It's because we both know you'd lose your inheritance and all the glory that came with it unless you get married before the month runs out.” She said, seizing her confident stance once again.
I arched my eyebrows, and my ego dropped. That was my family's secret, how did she know about it… of course, Jacob.
Heaving a long sigh, my smirk faded. I indeed needed a wife, fine. But I never mentioned wanting her, at the same time, she knew too much already.
My eyes formed into a slit, and my fingers drummed hard on the desk.
“Please stop being indecisive and say something!” She beckoned.
Me? Indecisive? “I was weighing my options, Miss Sawyer, and I've concluded.”
She looked expectantly, and I declared, “Six months, Miss Sawyer, six months.”
“And after which, the contract ends.” I growled, “Within that period, you'll have to live by one rule, and once you break it, the contract ends.”
“How hard could it possibly be?” She raised an eyebrow.
I held back my grin, “Act like my legal wife, but don't fall in love.”
“Is that it, the almighty rule?” She scoffed.
Ignoring her, I stared at my wristwatch, I had wasted enough time already. Keeping my gaze impassive, I continued, “My secretary will prepare it and send it to you.”
“One more thing,” I stated, “our wedding is in three days.”
I noticed her shoulders drop, as she nodded in agreement. She looked like she had gotten what she wanted, but there was something I couldn't place my fingers on.
She wouldn't run to her childhood bully for help, except she was moving blindly. Has she forgotten our past so soon? I hope it dawns on her soon enough.,
“Well, I guess it's a goodbye then?” She mumbled.
I nod, scrolling through my phone mindlessly as I wait for her to leave so I can pick up what I came for.
Turning my gaze to the door, a woman walked in dressed in a bright red dress, her porcelain skin glowing under the soft light, and her poise was at its peak.
Her smile was bright, complementing her red sultry lips, and her shape was like that from a magazine… and it was.
Ignoring Avery, she took graceful strides and closed the distance between us. “Hey handsome,” she said flirtatiously while sitting on my desk.
No one could ever do that except for my girlfriend, Rachel Raymond.
- Writer
