Sealed with a contract

Chapter 7

Austin's POV

I smiled with pride as I watched my father swagger off.

Jeannette told me how uncomfortable she felt, having to look her parents in the eye and lie to them about our contract marriage but not me.

I didn't feel an ounce of regrets in getting us hitched. There was no one to blame. It was simple arithmetic.

My father vowed that he'll never hand over the company to me even though I was his only child and heir unless I got married. I wonder who told my father that marriage was a yardstick to measure maturity or intelligence.

"Son! When you find a right woman who would help you in clearing your field, plant on it and make sure they are watered every evening. Be rest assured that you would forever come back to a home that is warm and a hot meal before you always",my father's voice rang in my head.

As cliche as it sounds,my father is a romantic. Apparently,his near perfect marriage with my mom,pushed him to think that.

He seems to forget that love found in the old days are nothing compared to the clout chasing we are blessed with now.

No one truly loves anyone, anymore. And if someone agrees to be with anyone, there are conditions for it,that must be beneficial to them.

So,I am happy my plan worked. My father wanted a wedding from me and I gave him just that. After all,it's consensuak and no one is going to get hurt or be at loose ends.

Our marriage is a timely one. One that would help us go through the different hurdles life has positioned before us. If we're smart enough,we can even be friends for the next two years.

I looked down on my wife who had a worried look on her face,as she kept staring down the hall way, anxiously.

"Is everything okay,my darling?",I asked, smiling inwardly at myself. I was going to be really good in this game.

"What? No... nothing. I thought I saw... you know what, never mind",she said to me with a sigh

"Okay then. Not to worry, right after this dance, we'll call it a night"I said, flashing her my brightest smile.

She nodded quietly and I held her closer,she rested her head on me and we moved to the rhythm of the soft tunes.

For some reason,I felt really comfortable holding Jeannette close to me. Infact,I enjoyed it. Who knows! After tonight,we may avoid each other alot.

As the music simmered down,I gestured for a microphone. It was a long period for the both of us and I didn't need to be told. Jeannette was as tired as I was and we both agreed that rest was definite.

"Good evening, Ladies and gentlemen! Our beautiful families and friends,we thank you all for coming to be a witness as we expressed our love and declared our vows to each other. We plead to be excused...", I said.

"Yeah right! Someone wants to have a divine taste of love tonight?", Greg,my goofy friend interrupted my rehearsed speech.

Immediately,his words rang in the hall,the whole room erupted in loud laughter. I paused,smiled lightly and saw my dad and Jeannette's dad slapping themselves jokingly as they laughed.

Of all my friends,Greg has always been the crazy one and talkative. He didn't care where he was or what occasion it was, my friend was sure to throw his jokes around.

"Thank you Greg. All I was about to say before my friend interrupted me,is that we'll be leaving but the party wouldn't stop. Enjoy every bits of the fun event, thank you for all the gifts. My wife and I are grateful and do have a lovely night. Cheers!",I ended.

There were loud whistles,screams and an ovation as I ended my speech. I looked down at Jeannette,who was smiling softly and I nodded at her.

We were led out of the room with some loud and upbeat music. Guests slapped my back playfully and the ladies hugged and cheered at Jeannette, congratulating us.

The chaffeur opened the door to a tinted Escalade and I helped Jeannette in before joining her. As soon as our back rested on the soft creamy leather seat that felt cold cause of the AC,we both breathed out in relief.

"Now that was an experience,I'll never forget",I muttered to myself.

"Without a doubt. I kept counting the time on my fingers. Glad it's over now", Jeannette said.

"Yes it is. I'm sure a dip in a tub of hot fragranced water and a glass of red wine would do the magic of relieving the stress",I said louder to her hearing.

"And a hot plate of chicken curry soup, pasta and vegetables would be the total package too", Jeannette answered.

With her response,I smiled. Maybe marrying her isn't exactly the worst thing on earth. I leaned back in my seat, staring out of the window to occupy my thoughts. This is a new beginning.

As soon as I alighted from the vehicle,I took fast steps to the door of my mansion. Then it struck me! I felt like I was forgetting someone. I shrugged nonchalantly and made to move but it struck me again.

I paused and began to scratch my head thoughtfully and then I remembered. I was a newly married man whose wife was in the car, trying to get out.

My face flushed with embarrassment and I turned slowly to face Jeannette who had a scowl on her face.

Damn! How could I forget that? Part of the agreement was that we'll live together in my mansion. She had argued that she could live in her apartment,but I disagreed because it would raise eyebrows on our marriage and I didn't want that.

My father would be furious and that would worsen matters for the both of us.

Shaking my head apologetically,I hurried to Jeannette in the car and bent down to push the large rolls of the dress out of the car,so she could walk out freely.

"I'm sorry. It slipped my mind",I pleaded softly.

"Slipped your mind? You're the one who's been smiling from ear to ear all through the wedding and just when we're out of sight,it slipped your mind. You deserve an Oscar, Austin Marl", Jeannette scolded after giving my shoulder a smack.

"Really? I already apologized. What more do you want from me?",I retorted in surprise.

"Now that you've asked that,I have a few in mind", Jeannette replied and immediately,I regretted asking her that.

That was how I found myself massaging her feet, shoulders and arms after she had her bath. She also made sure I didn't have my bath until I was done with her first.

My desired plan to dip myself in steamy water was dashed and instead,it was Jeannette that enjoyed that luxury.

It took her to prepare food before I got the chance to finally get crystal water on my heated skin. I moaned in pleasure at the feel of the water on my skin. It wasn't exactly as I envisioned but it was helpful.

After my bath,I wore a large,furry bathrobe over my naked body and walked to the kitchen. I'm sure Jeannette must have been done with the food cause the aroma filled my nostrils.

Like a good child,I sat on the chair waiting for a plate of yummy goodness. Jeannette dished a heavy portion of the meal for me and I delved right in.

"This is good,Jean",I said with my mouth full.