Married Again

CHAPTER 6

My phone almost dropped from my hands.

“What!” I exclaimed in disbelief.

“Are you okay?” He sounded concerned.

“Of course, I'm not okay. Why would you think I'll be okay after listening to a joke like that?” My eyes were bulging out of their sockets in shock.

“Emily, it's not a joke.”

“It is, Phillip. It has to be.”

“I'm serious, Emily. And it's a condition.”

“A condition for what? Are you mocking me?” I wondered what he meant by “it's a condition”.

Phillip sighed deeply on the other end of the line, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "Emily, I'm not mocking you. Why would you think I'm mocking you?”

I took a deep breath. I didn't understand what he meant by wanting to marry me and the condition, too.

"Okay, Phillip, I'm listening.”

"Alright. This is going to sound complicated, but the truth is I really do need to get married.”

I was silent for a moment, processing his words. This was absurd.

“I get that you need to get married, fine. But it doesn't have to be me. You can get a nice girl, date her and you both will get married. End of story.”

"I know it sounds crazy, Emily, but think about it. You're in a tough spot too. Ethan has taken everything from you, and this marriage would ensure you get the support and protection you need while you rebuild your life. Plus, it would be a marriage of convenience, strictly business. We can outline the terms in a contract."

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. It was too much to take in all at once. "Phillip, I need time to think about this. It's a lot to process."

"I understand, Emily. Take all the time you need. But please consider it seriously. This could be mutually beneficial. We both need something right now, and this could provide it. Let's meet tomorrow and discuss the details if you're open to it."

"Fine. I'll think about it, and we'll talk tomorrow."

“But remember it's a condition to the help I'll render you regarding your divorce and alimony.”

I hung up the phone without saying another word, my mind racing. This day had taken such a bizarre turn. From dealing with the fraudulent marriage agreement to now contemplating an even more strange proposal, my life had suddenly become a whirlwind of confusion. Here I was in the afternoon thinking I was free.

I decided to take a walk to clear my head. The evening air was cool and refreshing, a stark contrast to the turmoil of emotions raging inside me. As I strolled through the quiet streets, I thought about Phillip's proposal. It was unconventional, to say the least, but he wasn't wrong about my current situation. Ethan had left me in an unstable position, and any form of stability was tempting.

Back at home, I made myself a cup of tea and settled into my favorite chair, staring at the business card Phillip had given me. The logical part of my mind kept insisting that this was madness, but another part couldn't help but see the benefits. I was still deep in thought when I realized it was late and I needed to get some sleep.

The next morning, I woke up with a sense of determination. I decided to meet Phillip and hear him out. This wasn't a decision to be made lightly, but I owed it to myself to explore every option.

I arrived at his office and was greeted by the receptionist. I found my way to Phillip's office.

Phillip was already waiting, looking as composed and confident as ever. "Good morning, Emily," he greeted me with a warm smile. "Thank you for coming."

"Good morning, Phillip," I replied, taking a seat opposite him. "I've thought about what you said, and I'm willing to listen to the details of your proposal."

"Thank you, Emily. I appreciate your openness. We would maintain separate lives as much as possible, with minimal personal involvement. You only need to act as my wife so I'd escape my mum and sister. They always pester me to get married. At the end of one year, we would divorce.

"It’s a straightforward arrangement," he explained further. "You would receive financial support throughout the year, and upon our divorce, you'd be granted a substantial settlement. In return, I would be able to maintain control of my life without listening to shouts here and there for me to get married.”

His eyes were pleading but I could see he was trying his best to maintain his composure.

My mind was spinning. "This is... a lot to take in. But I can see the benefits for both of us."

“I believe it could be the solution we both need."

I took a deep breath and nodded. "Alright, Phillip. Let's do this. But let's make sure we stay true to the agreement.”

“Sure. Absolutely.” He extended his hand for a shake, but I think he realised I'm not one of his clients in the legal world then he withdrew it. “You'll have to meet my mother, too. I hope that's fine by you.”

“It's alright”, I said, even though I didn't feel comfortable about it. “Is this weekend okay?”

“Yes, it is.”

I left his office after we'd both agreed. I couldn't process the chaotic situation until the weekend.

He came out to welcome me at the gate and he led me inside. I met his mother – a beautiful middle-aged woman. We exchanged pleasantries and the introduction was done by Phillip. I had to leave because the unease almost made me puke.

As I left the grand mansion, Phillip's mother's disapproving gaze still weighed heavily on my shoulders. Her sharp words echoed in my mind, laced with disdain and doubt about my intentions.

"She's not the right choice, Phillip," she had said, her voice cold. "Think carefully about what you're doing."

I glanced at Phillip, who walked beside me, his jaw set in determination. Although he had reassured me, I couldn't forget his mother's stare while we were in the house.

This arrangement was complicated enough without familial disapproval. I just hoped we could weather this storm together.