Love and Lust in Contract Marriage

Chapter 7

“Have you decided?” Kate asked as soon as she sat herself down in Liam’s office. He had purposely followed the man into his room after their morning meeting was over.

“Why in such a hurry?” Liam asked back. He took off the black coat he was wearing, draped it over the back of the chair, then turned to look at Kate, sitting proudly there.

Silence for a moment. I didn’t know what Kate thought until she asked about something they had just discussed two days ago. Is it easy to make the decision to get married?

However, Kate clearly knew what she wanted. Quickly get what is rightfully his. One year? He just wanted to shorten it.

“The sooner, the better,” Kate replied calmly. Eventually, their marriage will happen. So, why think so long?

Liam looked at Kate in disbelief. Was it that easy for him to get married? It hadn’t been long since Kate turned down the man she was betrothed to. Then, now he is eager to get married? Liam really didn’t understand the woman’s way of thinking.

Liam threw his body a little roughly into his work chair. “You think it’s easy to decide to get married?” he grumbled. It’s hard for ordinary people, let alone him? Imagine his monotonous future with only one woman, namely Kate.

“We don’t need to have a party. Just legalize it—if that’s what you’re thinking.”

Liam gently massaged the bridge of his throbbing nose at how stubborn Kate was. “That’s not the problem,” he argued. Well, that wasn’t the center of his anxiety—he didn’t even mind it. Whether a party is held or not, the point remains one. They are married. Right? “I’m thinking about our married life later if that really happens.”

Then, silence. They were both lost in their own thoughts.

“I just learned that a playboy like you can be scared too.” The sentence has an accusatory tone and, simultaneously, a satire.

“Precisely because of that,” Liam said quickly. “The thing we playboys fear the most is marriage. We can’t imagine having to live forever with just one woman. In my case, that woman is you, Kate.” He explained his version of the most plausible reason to Kate. “Loyalty is difficult for us to do,” he added at the end of his explanation.

Silence. Again. This time, Liam hopes Kate realizes that marriage can’t be forced.

“Ten percent.”

“Huh?” Liam responded to Kate’s short words like a confused person.

“I will give ten percent of my shares to you after our child is born,” Kate repeated, adding additional information to clarify her point.

Liam’s brow furrowed. Child? He did not receive any information regarding it. “I don’t understand, Kate. Child?” He expressed his confusion.

A long sigh escaped Kate’s lips. Yes, his father said nothing about the child in the marriage offer he made to Liam the other day. So, all Liam knows is that they got married. Just that. However, that’s not the primary goal.

Kate took a deep breath. Apparently, that part really had to be done—explaining the agreement between him and his father. After all, one day, Liam will surely find out. After all, it was all for the smooth running of his plans. Remember the motto; The sooner, the better.

“Father and I agreed. Within a year, I have to get married, then get pregnant so that dad will give me his shares.” Short and clear, Kate said.

“In other words, you’re going to replace Howard at the helm of this company?”

“Yes, Liam.”

Liam leaned forward, then put his hands together on the table. “Interesting,” he commented curtly.

“So how? You agree?” Kate was getting impatient, waiting for Liam’s reaction.

Liam rested his chin on his hands. His brain was still processing the information he had just got and thinking about the woman’s offer. As it turns out, this is the reason for Kate’s acceptance of marriage. Kate, who previously snickered, refused to get married, turned enthusiastic, and was even forced to get married immediately. Apparently, indeed, there is a shrimp behind the rock.

“Twenty percent.” He bid on Kate’s proposal.

“Ten percent. No compromise, Liam.”

“Twenty percent.” Liam remains adamant in his stance. “I have a big job to do, Kate, in our marriage.”

Kate fell silent. He thought about Liam’s words. “Okay. Fifteen percent or I’ll find someone else,” he finally said, though he still didn’t agree with Liam’s request. “Don’t test your luck, Liam.” He gave an ominous warning.

Liam rubbed under his chin. His mind worked, weighing Kate’s offer. Tempting, indeed. Fifteen percent is not a small amount, considering that Whitelaw Corp. is a family company that only releases ten percent of its shares to the public. The rest? Of course, it was in the hands of the Whitelaw, with Howard at the top.

Okay. This time, he had to choose. Let go of this golden opportunity or stick to a lifestyle that, if you think about it, will eventually become boring too. And oh, let’s not forget the regrets that come with refusing Kate’s good intentions.

“When are we getting married?” The question indirectly became his approval of Kate’s plan and offer.

Kate smiled contentedly. One problem he has managed to solve. “Soon,” he replied with relief filling his heart.

Liam’s mind went back to thinking. Indeed, he had already decided to follow Kate’s plan. Nevertheless, he needed some time to really absorb it all. And prepare yourself and your heart, of course. “Give me a month.” Tired, he bid Kate’s decision. Understandably, he is a businessman. So, he had to ensure he wasn’t harmed in their deal.

Kate frowned. “Why wait a month?” Kate was getting annoyed with him. Liam is too convoluted. Why not just go ahead? Married, then produce offspring. Didn’t the man agree?

“Well-“ Liam paused on purpose “-I need some time to enjoy my freedom before being stuck with you forever.”

Liam told you, didn’t he? Loyalty was a tough thing to do. However, that doesn’t mean he can’t do it. He is capable. Very capable. Only he alone chose not to take that path. After years of forgetting him, he is now forced to return. His soul, which was already free, had to return home.

“Stay cool. We will divorce once our child is born, and I will get my share.”

Liam smiled sadly. Kate’s last sentence, for some reason, made her heart feel like it was sliced. Although he is a playboy who likes to play with women, he never underestimates a marriage relationship. This bond should be maintained as much as possible and not be toyed with. And Kate’s attitude had clearly underestimated him.

“So.” He said the words in ambiguous along with the mixed contents of his mind. Should he be happy to hear Kate’s statement that her freedom is forever unharmed and will return? Or was he disappointed that their principles—about marriage—were contradicting each other?