Love and Lust in Contract Marriage

Chapter 12

Negotiating with her father, Kate is not without trying. He had done everything he could to persuade Howard to rethink his decision, and to grant his request; no weddings. The result? Nothing. His father was smart enough to rush in and stop him even before what he was about to say had left his lips. Well, it's not surprising considering that trait he also has. Stubborn and determined.

He could be angry. All the plans that have been laid out neatly had to disband. Not entirely, indeed. However, still the wedding party will make a difference in his life later. He wanted everything to be quiet and hidden. But, presumably, Howard disagreed with him. The wedding ceremony must take place. Point.

So, with a heavy heart he complied with his father's wishes. And with the same feeling he went to the boutique that the other day Howard told him via message. With Liam, of course. Who else?

"Good Afternoon, Mr. Ortiz and Miss Whitelaw,” said a boutique employee in a black uniform. Yes, Kate and Liam do come in the afternoon after their office work is done. Of course, by informing them of their arrival beforehand.

"Evening," Liam replied excitedly. Meanwhile, Kate only replied with a faint smile.

"Come follow me." He continued, then walked ahead of them deeper into the two-story building.

Kate was just about to step foot to follow the young woman when she saw Liam already walking ahead with an enthusiastic face. Instantly, she grabbed the man's arm to stop his impulsive actions; seduce the woman. Oh, it doesn't take a genius to see that disgusting intent in the twinkle in Liam's eyes. "Watch your behavior," he warned.

Unexpectedly, Liam actually smiled when he saw the change in Kate's possessive attitude. “Sure, Love. To me, you are still number one.” And a light kiss landed on Kate's right cheek.

Anyone who knew Kate would know how she reacted to this kind of treatment. Protest? Angry? It was better than watching him go berserk. I do not know what will be the fate of the man.

Wait. Hadn't Liam done something similar, even worse? Kiss Kate on the lips. But, Liam is still okay, right? Moreover, their relationship status actually rose to become husband and wife. Does that mean Kate's threat was just a bluff? Confusing.

"Hi, Kate." Greetings that have managed to silence all of Kate's protests. Derived from Joanna, the designer and owner of the boutique the couple is currently visiting.

Kate let go of the link with Liam to then walk over to Joanna and hug her. "So good to see you," he said, clearly showing their closeness.

Joanna is a handful of people who can be close to Kate. Their age difference is only five years, with Joanna being older than Kate, so their relationship does not stop at being a seller and a buyer. They form close friends because they are compatible in many ways.

"I didn't expect you to actually get married." Joanna commented upon seeing Kate's arrival with her fiancé. Kate taking a man's arm… She wouldn't have believed it if she hadn't witnessed it with her own eyes. He thought she would still show her refusal to be with the man who she guessed was the result of an arranged marriage for Howard.

"I didn't expect to actually get married either." Kate imitated Joanna's sentence by giving a little change there.

“Hey, be happy! It's your choice.” The brown bernetra woman responded to Kate's words. Yes, Kate had told him everything about the arranged marriage her father had planned to all the men she had met. And most recently, finally, he announced his, well, sudden wedding agenda. As an exception, he did not reveal the reasons behind his marriage, whether it was an agreement with his father or Liam.

Liam walked slowly approached the two beautiful women. Both have almost the same body shape with almost the same height. The difference is, Kate's skin is paler than Joanna's exotic skin. Their facial structure is also different. Kate's looks tend to be typical of English women who look elegant and mature, while Joanna has a typical Spanish face that is full of mature and sexy impressions.

"So, you are Liam." Joanna said when Liam got in front of her. "I'm Joanna, Kate's friend," he continued, starting to introduce himself. He gave a helping hand as a form of his intention to get acquainted with Liam.

Liam shook Joanna's hand, then said, "Liam." One word came to Liam's mind. Beautiful. Joanna's 'different' face exuded the woman's beauty even more. "You're beautiful." The compliment escaped his lips. Apparently, Liam hasn't completely given up his habit of seducing women others, mainly done directly in front of his future wife. How brave, indeed.

Joanna could only laugh. He had heard Liam's temperament from Kate and a bit of the story from Howard when the old man had visited him a few days ago. However, he will never be tempted because there is already someone special in his heart and life. "Thank you, Liam. But, I'm already taken. I'm a married woman," he replied, choosing to think Liam's compliment was just a joke.

Liam pretended to be disappointed to hear that answer. "That means I'm late to know you." He served Joanna's jokes. "Hopefully you and your little family are happy." The prayer is tucked in the continuation of the sentence.

"Thank you." Joanna gave her last smile to end their brief introduction. "Then shall we go?"

Liam nods in agreement at Joanna's suggestion. Then, he and Kate followed behind the woman to look at her clothing collection.

"You should have come earlier so I could specifically design your wedding dress." Joanna commented on the sidelines of her activities to choose some clothes that were suitable for her two customers. He took several sets of suits for Liam, stuck them briefly on the man's well-built body, and then he hung them on the walk-in rack which helps his mobility.

"I want to be like that. But you know how Kate wants to be.” Liam chimed in. He imitated Joanna's activities by hanging his choice of clothes on the rack.

"Yeah, I know. So, I was shocked to hear about your marriage. Are you serious?

Liam paused to think about the answer to that question. The question sentence, even though it came out in a light tone, clearly indicated curiosity about his decision to marry Kate. For a moment he hesitated. How far does Joanna know the story behind their marriage? What answer should he give?

“Yes, I am.” Liam answered with confidence in his voice and the look in his eyes. He didn't want outsiders, who cared so much about Kate, to worry about what her fate would be. Yes, he would not have the heart to allow it. He could even lie as long as their worries disappeared.

A wide smile tugged at Joanna's lips. He looks at Liam hopefully and relieved as he says “Then please take care of Kate for me. She may look tough on the outside, but is actually very fragile at heart. Don't hurt him. And please, make Kate happy."