Complicated Bliss

Chapter 3

Mabel Mariano waited outside the grand gates of Williams Smith's estate, her nerves getting tense by the minute, as the clock continued to tick steadily. She had been waiting outside for about an hour and her patience was wearing thin.

She felt the cool breeze caressing her skin as she tugged at the hem of her blouse, but something more than the wind unnerved her. As she waited for a meeting that was supposed to discuss their marriage contract, she felt alienated and unimportant, abandoned at the gates.

Anger erupted within her. Even though she had completely rearranged her schedule for this meeting, Williams did not appear to be able to show her some consideration for her time. When her phone buzzed in her hand, she quickly peered at the screen to see that Williams had sent her another message. When she opened it, it was empty. He couldn't even bother to even send a suitable message.

She opened her eyes to turn away, but was startled out of her reverie by a voice.

The security guy approached her and yelled, "Miss Mariano?" There was a faint hint of apology in his eyes, but not enough to quench her annoyance.

"You can come in now." He said, gesturing for her to follow.

Mabel hesitantly and slowly followed him into the estate. She was immediately struck by the living room's opulence—the pricey artwork on the walls and the immaculate furniture exuded riches, yet the entire space felt cold and lifeless, much like its owner.

Footsteps echoed from across the room, and she looked up to see Williams, dressed casually in his pajamas, his demeanor nonchalant. The half-empty bed behind him served as a sharp reminder of what, or rather, who, had taken up his time before she arrived. A condom wrapper lay carelessly discarded on the floor, and Mabel's insides twisted as she heard a faint sound of laughter—female laughter, that is.

Undoubtedly taken aback, Williams muttered something to the woman as he quickly shoved her out of the room and swore under his breath before returning his focus to Mabel. He was obviously annoyed, but she could see the underlying contempt in his eyes.

He glanced at Samuel, his security, who was standing tensely by the door.

"One more person will be dismissed today," Williams said coldly, his voice dripping with venom. "How many times have I told you? No one should bring anyone in when I’m busy."

Samuel nodded, his tone respectful as he replied, "Sorry, sir."

Williams gave Mabel his undivided attention, his countenance unreadable. Anger and loathing surged in her stomach, but she pushed herself to stay calm. Even though it hurt much more than she had imagined seeing him with another lady, this was a business deal after all.

“So?” Mabel spoke with a piercing tone, her frustration palpable in every word. Why did you make me wait so long?" With a slight backward step, she clenched her fingers around her handbag, prepared to step out.

Before she could fully turn, Samuel stepped forward and grabbed her arm, pulling her back into place. His grip was firm, almost too tight.

"Where do you think you're going to?" His tone was powerful and low.

Mabel yanked her arm free and narrowed her eyes at Williams. She erupted in a fit of rage and spat, "You are 45 minutes late."

Williams remained unfazed. Rather, he approached her with deliberate, unhurried steps and balled fists at his sides. Mabel wondered half-assuredly if he was going to attack her, but he stopped short of her and shut his eyes, showing signs of temper control.

"Listen," he said, his voice a deadly low rumble. "I don’t have time for arguments. Unlike you, Mabel, I have responsibilities." His eyes were cold, piercing into hers. "This is a business deal. Let’s just get it over with."

Though Mabel forced herself to stop talking by biting the inside of her cheek, her fury was still simmering beneath the surface.

"Just to be clear, I am not idle," she shot back, her tone acerbic and aggressive.

Williams cast a mocking glance at the time and shook his head.

"Less than eight minutes into this meeting, and we’re already at each other’s throats." His voice was almost delighted in its mockery. "It’s obvious we can’t stand being in the same room."

Mabel refused to back down and crossed her arms, keeping her gaze fixed on his.

"We get married next Saturday," Williams said, seeming uninterested, as if it were a minor point. "We'll now sign the contract. Thanks to me, your father's business won't go bankrupt."

His words struck her as if they were a slap, and the room seemed heavy with his pronouncement.

"Mabel, what more do you need from me?" He advanced with a snarl. "Your father has no other hope than me. Recognize it."

Mabel's hands were gripped at her sides, and she was about to scream. She detested him for placing her in this predicament.

She spoke a barely audible "Fine."

Her gut knotted as she thumbed over the contract that Williams had just handed her. It seemed like a harsh, choking chain wrapping around her neck with each clause, tying her to him.

The terms were cruel and clinical:

Mr. Williams Smith and Miss Mable Mariano will be lawfully united in marriage.

The contract should not be disclosed to anyone by Miss Mabel Mariano.

Personal relations should only take place when mutually decided for s****l relations.

The list went on and on, each clause colder than the previous one.

Mabel’s hand trembled as she signed the document, each stroke of the pen feeling like she was signing away her soul.

Williams's voice pierced her thoughts like a dagger when she was finished.

He snarled, "Do not expect anything from me." This is only an agreement. I will never love you. Mabel, we are not soulmates. We're not meant for each other."

His comments were like fresh wounds, piercing her severely. Even though she was aware that it would be transactional and cold, hearing him put it so plainly made the fact all the more terrible.

Without another word, Mabel stormed past him, slamming the door behind her. She wasn’t a person to him—just an object, tied to him by papers instead of love.