The contract we signed in hate

Chapter 5

The chandeliers hung from the ceiling, their white light spilling across the walls and reflecting on the marble floor

The air smelled of expensive cologne and wine

Reporters lined the walls beyond the velvet rope, phones up, recorders out. Camera shutters clicked in low bursts

Whispers drifted among groups of people

Manson sat in the second row, tapping his fingers on the armrest

Mira sat with her back straight and legs crossed, waiting in anticipation

On the stage stood a podium, and behind it was the Vale Industries logo

Click. Click

Cameras flashed at the elites walking in as ushers led them to their reserved seats

"I hope Mr. Vale attends"

"It’s the first time I’ll meet him in person"

A lady behind Mira whispered to her companion

The other nodded in agreement

The whispers continued

In the silence, the back door lock clicked

Every head turned, the double doors pushed open slowly, all eyes fixed on the empty entrance, waiting

Then both stepped in

Darian wore a black suit with a burgundy shirt, top buttons undone and no tie

Jea wore an ivory gown, so soft it moved with the rhythm of her steps, hair down, a clutch in her left hand, her right palm resting on Darian’s arm

They ascended the five stairs, their steps perfectly aligned

Camera shutters fired like the sound of heavy rain on the roof

The entire crowd gasped

Mira’s eyes widened, her mind went blank.

Eyes followed them as they walked down the aisle to the front. Jea took her seat while Darian mounted the podium

"Vale Industries is pleased to announce an alliance with Donnis Group."

The crowd gasped, cameras flashed.

He continued

"And this is not limited to the company alone, Jea Donnis—"

Mira’s breath caught in her throat. "Apart from the company, what else could there be?" she thought.

"Jea Donnis is now part of the Vale family, as my lawfully wedded wife"

He finished the statement and extended his hand toward Jea

Jea smiled and rose from her seat, walking with elegance as she reached for his hand.

"No"

"This can’t be"

Mira shook her head in disbelief, her heart pounding faster than usual

She clenched the edge of her dress

"When did this happen?"

"When did you meet?"

The press asked, avoiding loaded questions like,

"Are you truly in love or is this just a show?"

They would be barred for daring to ask Darian Vale that

So they all acted pleased

The crowd covered their mouths

"So Miss Jea sought help from Darian"

"She’s so blessed to have met him in person and made him agree to marry her"

Two ladies blushed

Then someone beside them added,

"Miss Jea is also trending in the business world"

"It’s a match made in heaven"

She chuckled

Darian and Jea stood a while longer for the media to take photos. Then Darian placed his hand on Jea’s waist, pulled her closer, and leaned in a bit

"Smile"

"The entire world is watching"

"We have to give them a perfect image"

He whispered

Mira rose, eyes fixed on Jea, then she looked away and walked out of the hall

She reached the parking lot, breath heavy She dumped her bag on the car hood and ran a hand through her hair, pacing back and forth

"This can’t be"

"No"

"No"

She said, then slammed her fist on the car

"I made sure this wasn’t possible"

"How did it... When... Why didn’t I see it?"

"No. It’s not true"

She shook her head in disbelief

"I’ve spent my whole life losing to her Walking in her shadow. I can’t lose this to her too. I can’t lose Darian."

"He’s mine, and mine alone"

She screamed, then took a deep breath to calm herself

"You have to think, Mira"

"What do you do?"

She faced the car, placed her hand on it for support, her mind racing and eyes flickering

"Didn’t wait for the closing remarks?"

Jea’s voice came from behind her, echoing

Mira snapped to attention, took a deep breath, brushed her hair, put on a smile, and turned to Jea

"Oh!"

She exclaimed.

"My bad"

"Should have"

She chuckled, placing a hand on her chest like she regretted it.

Jea kept her gaze on her

Then Mira recovered quickly

"How could I forget"

"Congratulations on your big win"

She said, with a smile on her face and a lump in her chest

Jea’s lips curved

"Win?"

"It’s my marriage, Mira"

"Not a battlefield"

She said calmly

"Or is that how you see it?"

Jea asked

Mira shook her head quickly

"No, just..."

"Your big day"

She tried covering up

"You don’t look as pleased as you sound,"

Jea said, letting the fake smile stay on her face.

Mira’s smile faded for a second before returning

"Do I have a reason not to?"

She asked

Jea’s smile widened as she turned to leave

"Uhm—"

Mira stopped her

"Can’t seem to find Mr. Vale. Your husband"

"Thought he’d tag along. You two just got married"

She said

Jea paused, turned to her, one brow raised

"Peeking into my married life already?"

She asked

The words felt like a stab to Mira. "She’s claiming him already." Her fists balled into a fists, her knuckles turning white

"Nooo"

"Just thought it’d be nice to say hello"

"You know, family"

Mira explained, trying hard to control the rage inside her

"Hope so"

Jea turned away

Just then Darian walked in. Without glancing at Mira, he went straight to the car, opened the door for Jea, and she got in.

They had to pretend to be the nicest couple.

Once their car was out of sight, Mira leaned against the front of her car, arms crossed.

"Guess I know exactly what to do"

"Just do what I did 15 years ago"

"Let’s see how long it lasts"

She said, a smug look spreading across her face.