Love by Contract

First Wifely Duty

I was so tired, I had been on my feet all day long; exchanging unpleasant vows at the altar with Brendan, and receiving guests at the wedding reception which looked more like a political campaign.

Although the wedding ceremony was not as dramatic today as the other day, but it was horrible.

Apart from glancing at Brendan's face enough to see that his lips were still swollen, I deliberately avoided looking at his face.

The exchange of the vows was nothing to write home about, the church almost empty, with just few persons in attendant. Probably the people were still afraid of what happened the last time.

The priest, although not looking himself, conducted the ceremony anyways.

"Will you take Brendan Wilcox as your lawfully wedded husband, to love and to cherish, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?". The priest had asked me.

"I do". I had replied, as I avoided Brendan's hard stare.

"Brendan, will you take Keisha Cole as your lawfully wedded wife, to love and to cherish, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?". The priest had asked Brendan.

And his question was followed by a disheartening silence until the priest repeated the question again.

"Mr Brendan, will you take miss Keisha Cole as your lawfully wedded wife, to love and to cherish, in sickness and in health, till death do you part....?!". The priest was still saying when Brendan sparted out a swear

"Fuck...!". Brendan swore aloud to everybody's surprise and priest moved in to correct him.

"Mr Brendan, this is a church, a holy place. Such languages are not allowed here please".

Even the Mafia lord didn't take Brendan's action lightly, as he gave him a nudge on his elbow to behave himself, or.....

"Can we just go ahead and get this s**t over and done with? There isn't any reason for all these vows you know; they are fake!". Brendan yelled at the priest.

"Brendan??". Roni growled, and I became afraid, and feared that the incident of the other day was about to repeat itself.

"The priest is still waiting for your response". Roni reminded Brendan. More like commanded him though.

"I do". Brendan then said, nonchalantly. And in a hurry.

And Roni clapped, and soon every body present joined him. And that wrapped up the wedding ceremony.

The reception was not any different, I was practically a lone bride. And I stood all through just to impress the guests and cover up for Brendan's attitude.

Although I had put in alot of hard work to make everybody feel everything was okay. But the lapses remained visible.

With the event of the day over, and I got back into my room, I felt really exhausted.

All I needed right then was a shower and a very good sleep to rejuvenate.

I had already eaten something at the reception, even though it was just a little bite of the wedding cake which Brendan practically threw at me when it was time for the couple to feed themselves.

I felt okay, and full with it. And was determined to go to bed with that.

Stepping out refreshed after the shower, I went straight to bed and immediately slept off.

The following morning was Sunday. And the visiting day at St Louis hospital. And I decided to visit my grandfather, and spend the whole day with him.

I got off the bed, and picked a nice outfit from the closet to wear that day. I layer it out on the bed, and went to have my bath.

When I finally finished bathing and dressing up, a knock came at the door. And I knew immediately that it would be chief maid servant Kim.

"Come in, the door is open". I said. And just as I presumed, it was the chief maid servant Kim.

"Good morning Mrs Brendan Wilcox, how was your night rest?". She greeted me with a smile.

Mrs Brendan Wilcox?

Then it dawned on me that I am now married to Brendan, and as such, must adopt his full name.

"Good morning chief maid servant Kim, how was your night too?". I replied her, forcing a smile too.

"My night was fine, having witnessed young master Brendan legally married now. I am happy for you two.". Chief maid servant Kim beamed happily.

I smiled at her excitement.

"Today is your first day together as a couple, and you will have to be the one to cook breakfast for Brendan and for yoursrlf". Chief maid servant Kim said to my amazement.

What? Cook breakfast for Brendan?

I couldn't bring myself to believe what I heard.

"Don't worry Mrs Keisha, the other maids will assist you in the kitchen. And I will be there too, so you don't have to worry about anything". Chief maid servant Kim said to me.

She had mistook my sudden expression to mean that I can't cook.

"No,.. I didn't mean to.... ". I was trying to clear her misconception but on the other hand, I decided to play along with her.

After all, there was no point proving to them that I can cook; I don't have any plan of cooking for Brendan for the 30 days this marriage wpuld last. So, I might as well cook rubbish, and make him detaste me.

"Okay, I will cook breakfast for us". I said to Chief maid servant Kim.

And happily, the chief maid servant Kim led me into the kitchen, where the other maids were already with all the items to cook breakfast ready.

Needless to talk about the beautiful, large and airy kitchen, with the most expensive kitchen equipments and utensils I have ever seen.

It was just as beautiful, and tastefully furnished like the mansion is.

Quickly, without wasting anymore time, I swing into action.

It was a bacon egg rolls and bagel, with hot dog stew. My favourite actually, but today, I was going to make it so tasteless and horrible.

Just like Brendan had made my day yesterday.

"You don't have to worry, I can handle it all myself". I said to the maids who had also swung into action as soon as they saw me come into the kitchen to cook.

They reluctantly stepped aside, leaving me to cook the food all by myself, but didn't leave the kitchen.

I swung into action, and took out the bacon from the refrigerator to heat up, and the bagel too. And hastily prepared the hot dog stew.

Aside choosing to make a tasteless and horrible breakfast that morning, I need to hurry up and go visit my grandfather. And I also need to stop by at the mini mart to get some fruits and vegetables for him.

And some flowers and gift cards too.

Soon the breakfast was ready, and I excused myself to skip breakfast so as to hurry up and meet up with the visiting period at the hospital.

And the maids took over the setting of the table for breakfast. And I totally avoided Brendan that morning.