Contract Marriage With My Rival

Chapter 2

Paula's POV.

"For how long now?" My Mum inquired and I placed a hand on my waist.

"Going to two and a half years now," I responded and she looked away.

"I still can't believe it. Everyone in this country knows you and Christian Cole are the greatest rivals ever, so how could you two be secret lovers now?" Mum questioned and I gulped.

"Exactly. They still fought over a business deal last week and it made headlines." My dad narrowed his eyes at me while I played with my fingers nervously.

"Why was I feeling like this man still had doubts and could see right through me?' I pondered, knowing I had to be more convincing.

"Well..., we had to be convincing so you guys wouldn't suspect our relationship. We aren't ready for such publicity yet." I laughed as I scratched the back of my head.

"But how are you so sure he loves you?" Mum asked and I waved my hand at her.

"Of course he does. He is always all over me whenever we are alone and admitted that he had always liked me but only picked fights with me to get my attention." I told them and immediately looked away from their faces, so they wouldn't see the deceit in my eyes.

Christian Cole would go crazy right now if he could hear all that I just said about him.

Liked me my foot. That bastard hated me more than he hated fries.

"Alright then. I will believe you." Dad said and I immediately turned to look at him, a smile dancing on my lips.

"Really?" I moved closer and noticed a smirk on his face that made me begin to sense this feeling of dread.

"Of course, but only on one condition." Dad placed his hand across his chest.

"Which is?" Mum questioned in my place while I began to feel hot for no reason in a room where the AC was on.

"Call him right now to confirm what you just told us," Dad said and my blood ran cold because I did not even have his bastard's number.

We were that much of an enemy.

"What?" I asked even though I heard him correctly and Dad chuckled, sending shivers down my spine.

"Call him and confirm our suspicions. You don't expect us to believe what you just said." Dad pointed out, and Mum nodded in agreement.

Saliva gathered in my mouth, and I gulped it down.

"My phone isn't with me." I lied and Dad smirked.

"Don't worry. I have his number on my phone." Dad brought out his cellphone from his pocket and began dialing Christian's number while I stood there with a racing heartbeat.

'Damn! I didn't plan for this. What would I do now?' I pondered in fright as I racked my head for any excuses I could give.

My dad doesn't tolerate lies, and I would be seriously punished if he found out that I lied. As a Mafia Lord, he doesn't take bullshit, even from his daughter.

Christian didn't pick up his phone during the first ring, and I almost breathed out a sigh of relief.

"Maybe he is busy? He did tell me he had some meetings this afternoon." I lied again and Dad cracked.

"Don't worry, I will try again. If he doesn't pick up, then I will call his assistant. He should at least have a clue if you guys have been close recently, even though he can't testify you two are dating." Dad told me and my hands shook.

Dad called Christian again and the bastard picked up this time.

"Mr. Baker, is everything alright? Did something happen to Paula?" Christian's husky voice lit the room and for some unknown reason, my heart skipped a beat.

'What was that? Was he worried about me?' I pondered in disbelief and didn't miss my parents exchanging a look of disbelief as well.

"Not at all. We just wanted to confirm something." Dad went straight to the point and I had to control myself from barging over and snatching the phone from him to slam against the wall.

That would only make things worse. I only had to hope and pray that things ended up in my favor.

"Sure," Christian said, giving Dad the go-ahead.

"Paula here, just told us you guys are in a secret relationship," Dad told him, and there was silence for a while.

Nobody spoke as beads of sweat gathered on my forehead, as I knew that Christian would say the truth to get me in trouble. He had been my rival for years and would do anything to put me down.

"Hello?" Mum frowned, looking at me while Dad glared, fury raising his eyes. I knew I was doomed because it seemed this old man already knew the truth. I let out a sigh, about to give up when;

"So she told you guys?" Christian spoke up, though it seemed more like a question and my jaw dropped.

All colors drained from Mum's face while Dad froze.

"So it's true?" He whispered in shock.

"Yes, Dad. Can I call you dad now since we will soon be in-laws?" Christian laughed and my Dad jolted, hurriedly cutting the call.

I stood there, stunned, trying to comprehend everything that just happened.

I mean, did Christian Cole just play along with me for once in his life? Instead of sabotaging me, he actually lied as well, despite not knowing what was going on?

I knew I should be grateful but a shiver ran down my spine instead. Something didn't feel right. I wasn't gonna take this as kindness because Christian was another devil.

'Or was he trying to make me indebted to him?' I wondered as I shook my head sideways.

"I can't believe this. So you two are truly in love." Mum commented while Dad just kept staring at me, making me uncomfortable.

"What? You already proved that I am not lying. It means this wedding is cancelled right?" I questioned and he nodded, relaxing against the sofa as he wrapped Mum in his arms.

My heart soared in happiness as I licked my lower lip.

"Thank you. I shall take my leave now." I smiled and was about to turn around when Dad stopped me.

"Wait!"

"What?" I asked and he placed a hand on his forehead.

"You need to bring Christian here so we can plan for your wedding." He answered and I went pale.