The marriage bargain

Chapter 5

Elena laughed. “I think we have strict rules for this already. You don't touch me until I fall in love with you. What were you expecting? That I fall into bed with you on our first day of marriage?” Elena asked with a bit of frustration in her voice.

Logan looked at her and wondered how a sweet, loving woman could change with just the word s*x.

“Make no mistake, we have an agreement about this already, and if you want it written in a hard copy, then I will have my assistant draft and send it to you. Are we clear on that?”

Logan smiled and nodded. “There is no need for that. I understand everything, and we are cool.”

He then relaxed and watched as Elena walked out of sight.

Logan walked back to his truck with the certificate of marriage in his hands. He couldn't believe he was now married. Everything seems fast and genuine. He played his favorite song as he drove along the bush street. He got home as once again he met his door open. Logan frowned as he gripped the certificate in his hand.

He walked in and was surprised to see Marrisa once again. “What do you want?” Logan asked, dropping the file on the chair.

“I thought we agreed that you wouldn't come back here anymore.” Logan looked at her face. “Why shouldn't I? We are supposed to date, and if I don't come visiting, how are we supposed to get acquainted?” Marissa asked.

She then brought out a bouquet of flowers and some men’s clothing. “I bought all of this at the mall for you.”

Logan smiled, “I don't think I would be needing all of this. As you can see, I returned the last one that was brought to me.” Logan stood up and walked towards his fridge. He brought out a can of soda. “Do you want some?”

Marissa looked at him, “Wait? Don't tell me you returned all of that gift? The Gucci shoes and those designer shoes. Those worth tons of millions of dollars, and you returned it all?” Marissa exhaled sharply, not believing what Logan was saying.

“Oh, that reminds me. You said your mother and mine are friends, so my mother is inviting you to a dinner with us today.” Logan dropped a can in front of her. Marissa was about to utter a word when she heard a car sound in the garage. “She is here.” Logan said with a smile and ran out to meet her.

“Is Marrisa here? Did you send her my message?” Vanessa asked. “She is her mother.” Logan replied, grabbing her handbag from her. “You are here too,” Logan looked at Victoria, who was a year younger than he was.

Vanessa walked in and was surprised to see Marrisa’s cold attitude towards her. As they sat round the big table, Marrisa couldn't stop talking about how cheap Logan was. “I can't believe you trained your son like this. He is of low status and doesn't want to upgrade a bit. I wondered where he grew up from.”

Vanessa opened her mouth to talk, but then the only thing she could utter was, “Leave my son alone.”

Marrisa carried her handbag and walked out, promising never to return. She then wrote back and asked Logan not to call her line. “I never did. I wonder why you would tell me such.”

“You see that mother? That is the woman who you wanted me to marry.” Logan scoffed.

“She is saucy. She isn't wife material. I can't believe she had the gall to look at Mother and talk to her that way.” Victoria looked at Vanessa.

“Guess what, Mother?” Logan looked at Vanessa and back at Victoria. “You know I suck at guessing. Whatever you want to tell me, you can say it to my ears. I am listening.” Vanessa said, gulping down the wine in her hands while Victoria looked at Logan's face anxiously.

“I am married,” Logan said with an outburst. Vanessa dropped her wine cup and stared at his face. “Are you lying to me? Us.” Vanessa looked at her son. “You have got to be kidding me.” Victoria looked at Logan, who was smiling at them. Logan brought out the marriage certificate and showed it to his mother and sister. “Ah! You got married today.” Vanessa said with a glint of happiness.

“ Where is she?” She got up immediately and walked into Logan's room. “Why isn't she living with you?” Vanessa asked

“Um, you need to slow down, Mum. She is always busy with work, and she is here at the moment. But you will meet her soon.” Logan looked at Vanessa and back at Victoria. He could see the weird look on their faces, and he knew telling them their marriage was contracted marriage would break them.

“So tell me about this mystery wife of yours. Where did you both meet?” Vanessa asked, adjusting her spectacles.

“ We met in the army.” Logan said almost immediately, like he had been waiting for the question all along. “So, you both agreed to marry, huh?” Victoria asked with a suspicious look on her face. “Do you think I am making this up?” Logan looked at their faces. “You saw the marriage certificate, right? Why would I make something like this up?”

“Well, how come I have never met her once or twice?” Vanessa looked her son in the eyes.

“I told your mother; she is super busy with work, and she would come see you when she is less busy.“ I am glad that you have finally decided to be put in the family way. All I need to do now is relax and expect my grandchildren. You are going to have wine, right?” Vanessa asked

“Of course, mother, but it is too sudden. We need to plan our life and be ready when the time comes.” Logan replied. “I am happy for you.” Victoria and Vanessa said, staring up to hug Logan. “Bring her over for my forthcoming birthday. I would like to show off my daughter-in-law to my friends.”

“When?” Logan asked with his heart beating fast. He knew convincing Elena would be the toughest thing he had to do.