BILLION TO ONE: The Contract Marriage (ENGLISH)

3

****10 YEARS AGO***

***FLASHBACK***

“And our Miss Bernadotte 2011 is – Sloane Enrique!!!”

“I won? Oh my gosh! I won? Ahhh!!” I exclaimed with a piercing cry expressing my emotion. I did not even surmise the possibility to take part in a pageant, definitely not winning one. I didn’t really want to participate because I didn’t have the confidence and I was skeptical about it as this is not my thing.

“Ahhhhhh!!!! Congratulations!!!!!! You did it!!” Becky got on the stage and gave me a hug and so did my parents. My grandfather was the one taking the pictures. “You nailed it! Best in swimsuit, best in gown, best in talent and miss popularity!! How much did you pay to win this competition?” She cheerfully poked fun at me. Thank God no one could hear us. I would never ever involve money for anything, and I would not trade-off my righteousness because of it.

“Everyone, if you could all clear the stage as our new Miss Bernadotte will take her first walk.” The emcee announced and everyone got off the stage. I still couldn’t believe this, it’s like a fantasy story and I am the princess. I have the biggest crown on my head, tons of sashes and bouquet of flowers. Everyone’s cheering for me. It was one of the best days of my life as my whole family was with me to celebrate this moment.

I was already well-liked before I even crowned as Miss Bernadotte. I was the top student in my year level, and the student council president. The Institute of Bernadotte is the finest and most expensive high school in the country. But I know I am only popular because my family contributed a lot for the renovation of the school.

My existence in school became more salient after I crowned Miss Bernadotte 2011. Everyone wanted to be my friend. They displayed a friendly and pleasant manner towards me, except for this one boy in my class. He’s quiet, timid and didn’t want to blend in with other students. I would be the same way if they always make fun of me. Most students ragged on the puny, it just happened he’s one of them. Not only because he’s feeble but also because of his physical appearance.

One day, I saw these kids harassing him and obliging him to buy them lunch while getting hold of his things. He wasn’t saying anything nor complaining about it, he was letting them do what they were doing, but then they got physical and pushed him off the corner. That’s when I stepped in, and because I was well-liked, they were delighted to talk to me, thinking I would take their side. “It’d be nice if you stop bullying other students who deserve to be treated the way you want to be treated.” I said, while taking all his things back. “I will make this my number one priority for my next agenda.”

“Why do you even care? He’s a loser, he doesn’t belong in this school. Look at him and look at you!! He doesn’t deserve to breathe the same air as we do.” The bigwig complained and protested before leaving with the rest of the students.

I handed this boy’s things back to him and he wasn’t saying anything. “I am sorry about that. As the president of the student council, it’s my job to fight against bullying.” I smiled at him, but he just took off. “You’re welcome!” I yelled at him, and he just ran away.

That boy missed few days of school but then when he returned the following week, he already had his braces off. He had a haircut, but he still had his glasses but not as thick and big as they were before. I was in the cafeteria when he walked up to me and gave me a book The Wrinkle in Time. “I want to thank you and apologize as well for running away. I am not used to having a normal conversation with someone like you.” He said showing nervousness and lack of confidence.

I smiled at him and offered a handshake to address his apology. “I am Sloane, but you can call me Anne.” He gaped at my hand in amusement and refused to take it, so I just gave him a hug instead, which made him more discomfited than he already was. He was flabbergasted and I felt his body jiggle a bit. “Hey, it’s okay, I don’t bite.” He was staring at me as if he passed out with eyes open. “Uhm, this is the part where you tell me your name.” I winked at him, and he scratched the back of his head. We were in the same class, but I don’t really know everyone, and I am so bad with names.

“I am Tanner, Tanner Hargreaves.” He timidly responded. And that’s how our friendship spawned. He was a year older than me, but we were both in the same year level. I was 15 and he was 16. A lot of my friends were against my friendship with Tanner, not because of his looks, but because he’s not popular. They all think I deserve someone popular like Alec Persson.

It was the Halloween party in school, and I dressed up as Harley Quinn, while Tanner dressed up as Joker. It was the best Halloween party I’ve ever been to. I didn’t ponder him as the romantic type but before the party started, he brought me to the music room, and I’ve discovered a lot of things about him, including his knack in music.

“Where are we? We’re going to get in trouble if we get caught!” I whispered to him as I was trying to not make a sound, also making sure not to stagger because he had me blindfolded.

“Don’t worry, it won’t take long. Now, you can take your blindfold off.” He said and I quickly took it off with great enthusiasm.

“Tanner, what’s the meaning of this?” I was blown away with the set up. There were tons of rose petals on the floor and candles in a heart shape and I was standing in the middle of it. He was on the stage holding a guitar. “Stop! If you make any noise, we’re doomed!” I hysterically warned him, but he didn’t seem to care at all.

“Anne, this one is for you.” He pointed at me then winked and with just that I felt the butterflies in my stomach. He started strumming and I couldn’t hide the excitement in my heart.

I'm running out of ways to make you see

He’s singing Just Say Yes by Snow Patrol. It feels like I’m watching them live as he really sounded like the lead singer Gareth Lightbody. If you know him, if not just google the man.

I want you to stay here beside me

 I won't be okay and I won't pretend I am

So just tell me today and take my hand

Please take my hand

Please take my hand

Please take my hand

Please take my hand

I never paid attention about his looks since I’ve known him, I am not that type of person. But tonight, he’s so attractive, I think he’s the most good-looking guy I’ve seen so far. His stern face while singing and his mesmerizing voice just blown me off the roof.

Just say yes

Just say there's nothing holding you back

It's not a test, nor a trick of the mind

Only love

He stopped singing but he was still playing the guitar. He walked up to me with a huge smile on his face. “Anne, you’re my princess without the shining armor. You added meaning to my life, and I’ve never felt this way before. I know I am no match to your looks and popularity, but I’ll promise you, I will be here for you to love you and stand by you. So, Anne, please take my hand and just say yes.” Then he took my hand. “Will you be my girl?”

For a split second the whole world broke off, and I just savored the moment, unconsciously saying yes to him. I was 15, my parents wouldn’t be happy about this but who cares. He gives me butterflies in my stomach. “Yes! Yes!!” He quickly put the guitar down and ran to me. He hugged me tight and picked me up then he started spinning around. “No, stop! You’re going to make me dizzy!” I added and we couldn’t be more happy.

***END OF FLASHBACK***

“You better listen to me, and I am going to only say this once.” He held me against the wall, and I couldn’t move. His face was too close to mine. How did he become like this? The sweet, shy, and conservative boy whom I dated turned into this annoying, arrogant jerk.

“No, you listen to me! I am not going to put up with your game! I am going to tell your grandmother the truth!!!” I turned my back on him and faced the wall, but I still could feel his breath on my neck which reminded me of an intimate sentiment. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes, telling my inner self to take-it-easy.

“I don’t know if you have a family, but my grandmother is the only one I have. She’s already committed to this, and I don’t want to upset her.” He suddenly turned into this loving grandson, and I could totally relate to him because of my grandfather. Wait, did he say the only one he has? I wonder what happened to his parents. He still had a complete family when we dated, well, that was 10 years ago, a lot could happen in ten years. I wanted to ask about them, but I know he’s just going to tell me to mind my own business.

He walked away from me and finally I was able to breathe again. I turned around to look at him and he was sitting on the couch. His eyebrows were wrinkled and his rubbing both of his hands together contemplating about something significant. “I wouldn’t do this if I had any choice, but – why were you even in the Holiday Spark? Of all women in there, why you? I could’ve proposed to at least someone decent.” He complained.

I walked up to him, and I kicked his leg with all my strength. “Decent? FYI, you would never find someone as decent as me! And even if you’re the last man in the whole universe, I would not marry you and I would never ever give you my virginity!” My eyes widened from hearing myself say that. I awkwardly looked away then he started laughing.

“You don’t have to tell me you’re a virgin, it’s so – so – obvious .” He said in between his laughs. “I wouldn’t want you anyway. You look older than my grandma.” Now he’s being an absolute jerk. He’s holding his stomach while hitting the back of the couch. “I feel bad for you, you wouldn’t know what pleasure means if you don’t – explore.”

“I don’t need to take lessons from someone who looks like a human version of a period cramps.” I said aiming to trash-talk him by being sarcastic, but he didn’t get it. It will make sense to talk to him if he knows the meaning of comprehensible rationale.

“I don’t know what that means but do me a favor.” He folded his arms over his chest. “When you look in the mirror, say hi to the old lady in there for me, would you?” I gave him a mocking giggle and that didn’t make him happy.

“Oh, darling, I’ve been called worse things by better men.” I never talk to anyone like this, but this guy is being an absolute jackass. He doesn’t deserve any respect in the world. The fact that he couldn’t remember me only showed that he never truly cared for me in the past. I wouldn’t let anyone talk me down into someone I am not.

“Are you trying to insult me?!” His face became serious as he started walking towards me.

“What? No, I am not insulting you. I am actually describing you.” I gave him a quick fake smile. He’s staring at me, and I wouldn’t let him notice the effect it is making.

“I am not stupid!” He responded with hatred burning in his eyes.

I was about to rebut when the door suddenly opened wide. “Oh, look at the two of you making up and getting cozy.” His grandmother popped up which was a good timing so we can end this nonsense. “So, what have you two decided?” She sounded so excited.

“Hi, this is just a misunderstanding.” I am nervous as hell because I am just talking to The Mrs. Hargreaves in the flesh, and I feel like she’d bury me alive if I lie to her. “The truth is – “ but she cut me off.

“Honestly, I didn’t expect my grandson to love someone like you – no offense.” And I hear Tanner laughed, they are indeed came from the same tree. “I mean, you two are the total opposite of each other.” She was so formal and sophisticated which made me have a second thought of telling her anything.

“That’s my point ma’am. Total opposites attract. That’s why I hope your grandson meet someone good-looking, well-mannered, and smart. Obviously apart from me because I wouldn’t – .” She gave me a deadly gaze. She got the point I was making, and I just closed my eyes waiting for her to scream at me, insult me, bad-mouth me, but she started laughing which I did not really expect.

“I like you. I’ve been waiting for karma to slap Tanner in the face, and then here you are.” I looked so confused and I couldn’t believe Tanner’s not even protesting. I looked at him and he was on his phone, of course. “Listen, I really thought Tanner only wants to inherit the whole Hargreaves properties.” She held my hand with both of hers. “But he hid the proposal from me, and I am sorry if I had you kidnapped, that’s the only way for me to meet my grandson’s fiancé. He never really introduced me to any of his girlfriends. I sometimes wonder if he really had any or they were all made up.” She paused for a while and looked at the huge wedding picture behind her. “I still remember the day his grandfather proposed to me, it was also unexpected. And I want you to know, that your status in life doesn’t matter, you are going to be a Hargreaves. Whatever Tanner has will also be yours. Okay?” She gave me a hug and it breaks my heart to see her genuine kindness being taken for granted by her own blood.

“Grandma don’t say things you don’t mean. She might believe you.” Finally, he decided to chitchat. “We are going to have a prenup.” I fell off my feet instantly after taking in what he stated. He was just insulting me not too long ago and now he’s talking about prenup? Does he have an amnesia or something? Or he just doesn’t really have a brain?

“Prenup? No, that’s not how it works. I know a person by just looking at them and I assure you grandson, she’s not after your money.” She cupped his face like a good grandmother she is and I gave him a see-that-look but he just rolled his eyes.

“Grandma, I’ll take care all of her financial needs once we’re married, I promise you.” My jaw dropped. Is he still talking about me? He didn’t even dare to gaze my way because he knew I’d kill him.

I really have to butt in. “Mrs. Hargreaves, I just want you to know that – “ I was going to tell her that I don’t want to marry her grandson when Tanner gave me a hug.

“Uhhh, look at you. And please, just call me grandma. You’re going to be my granddaughter very soon anyway.” And then she hugged the two of us. “You have to work on kids right away, you can start now.” Then she made that weird laugh again.

“Grandma let’s not pressure my fiancé. We’re saving that for our honeymoon, right babe?” He put his hand over my shoulder, and I elbowed his stomach. What fiancé is he talking about?

“WHAT? You two still haven’t had s*x yet?” Excitement and curiosity plastered all over her face and she was pleased to hear an inappropriate subject matter. “Oh, dear I salute you. I am so proud of my grandson and how he has become.” For a short second, her smile disappeared, and she looked like she’s about to cry.

“Grandma don’t embarrass me. I don’t want her to think I only want ‘that’.” He pulled me closer, but his grip was too tight for me to handle so I stepped on his foot.

“What the hell?” I murmured and looked at him, but she just motioned me to smile.

I don’t know what I am going to feel. But he sounded like he already agreed to marry me. What should I do? I wanted to protest, I wanted to leave, I wanted to say something, but I couldn’t. Because the idea of marrying him even if it’s just going to be an act shoots jitters to my body. Do I still have feelings for him after what he