Chapter One: A Paper Marriage
1270 Words
Autumn in Lavender Hill was supposed to be cool and cozy but this year’s October heat made it feel like summer refused to leave. The sun was barely up, yet the warmth already settled in the place like an uninvited guest.
Fatelyn Reyes stood in the tiny kitchen of her sister’s apartment, flipping pancakes for everyone and brewing coffee.
The scent filled the place, but it didn’t make her feel any better.
She glanced at the clock.
It was almost 7 in the morning so she packed up a small breakfast for her niece, left it on the counter and then tiptoed back silently to the shared room to grab her bag.
Inside it was a folder with her birth certificate and a few forms she printed last night.
She was leaving.
Not forever—but long enough to breathe.
Fatelyn wasn’t supposed to hear it. But last night, she stood quietly outside her sister’s bedroom and caught every word of her brother-in-law’s irritated voice.
“From now on, we’re splitting house obligations. I mean everything—rent, bills, groceries and the car loan. For food, your sister should pay more. A thousand dollars a month? That’s nothing because she’s freeloading at this point.”
Freeloading.
That word burned more than the heat outside. Fatelyn had worked hard for her quiet life—running a small flower shop near the church, selling handmade croquets and souvenirs online, doing everything just to help them.
She wasn’t rich but she made enough. She just didn’t flaunt it.
She even gave her sister two thousand dollars every month—told her to keep five hundred and say she was only giving three hundred to her husband. But it still wasn’t enough, apparently.
So now, she had to leave. But she needed a plan—one that would keep her sister from worrying.
That’s when the strange offer from Grandma Emily came to mind.
Fatelyn had saved the old lady from being hit by a delivery truck outside the flower shop two months ago. Since then, the sweet and thoughtful Grandma kept visiting the shop to bring fruits and chat like they were old friends.
Then last week, she offered her something unexpected— a husband.
Who?
Her grandson.
Sebastian Quinn.
“He’s thirty-two and still single. I guess it's because he doesn't have time for games and tricks. He's too serious for the unknown future that's lying up ahead,” Grandma Emily said while sipping a cup of chamomile tea. “But he’s good. Responsible. Trustworthy. Tall. Handsome. Quiet but kind-hearted.”
Fatelyn thought it was just a joke.
But after last night?
Maybe it wasn’t such a bad idea.
So here she was, standing in front of Lavender Hill City Hall before the clock struck 9 a.m. Clutching her personal documents and wondering if she’d really lost her mind.
Suddenly, a voice called out behind her.
“Fatelyn!”
She turned and saw Grandma Emily waving as she stepped out of a modest black mercedes.
Beside her was a tall man in a simple white polo and black slacks. Looking so cold and emotionless but she must say that he's unbelievably handsome, almost above average. Thanks to his grandmother's genes.
That had to be Sebastian.
Fatelyn walked over while trying to hide the nervousness within her.
“Good morning, Grandma...” she greeted.
“Morning, darling,” the old lady smiled at her sweetly. “This is my grandson, Sebastian. He might look grumpy now but he’s just shy as a snail.”
Fatelyn turned to him.
At first, she expected someone plain and too boring but Sebastian was...sharp and something. His jawline, the way he carried himself, his cool gaze that looked like it could read right through you— he was definitely not what she imagined.
“Hi! I’m Fatelyn Reyes,” she said before offering her hand to meet the man she'll be wedded with.
Sebastian just glanced at her hand and shook it briefly. His voice was low and calm. “Sebastian.”
They stood there awkwardly for a second without saying anything to each other.
“I know this is all sudden,” Grandma Emily broke the silence. “But you’re both adults. You want out of your situation, Fatelyn and Sebastian needs someone to keep my daughter from setting him up for a date every time.”
Fatelyn gave a small laugh at what she heard.
“Sounds fair, Grandma.”
Then, Sebastian checked his watch. “Let’s get this over with. I have a meeting at eleven.”
He turned toward the building without waiting for a response from them.
Grandma Emily smiled warmly at her. “He means well. Go on, darling. I’ll wait out here and afterward you can move into that apartment he bought downtown. It’s cozy and quiet. I know it's perfect for a fresh start for the both of you.”
Fatelyn took a deep breath and followed Sebastian inside.
The City Hall was nearly empty this early with only a few employees getting started with their day. The air inside the premises was cool and smelled faintly of old paper.
As they stood in line, Sebastian finally spoke again. “You can still back out. Just because my grandmother insists doesn’t mean you have to go through with this.”
Fatelyn looked at him.
“Do you want to back out?” she asked.
He paused for a while then replied, “Honestly? Yes. But I also need a solution to a different kind of problem.”
That answer made her nod several times. “Same here."
He raised a brow.
“I’m not here for love, Sebastian. I just need a clean break from my sister’s place and this solves that problem.”
He nodded slowly. “Then we’re on the same page.”
Both of them filled out the forms in silence, handed in their IDs and documents.
And after the civil officer asked a few basic questions, it was done.
Just like that, Fatelyn Reyes became Fatelyn Quinn.
They stepped out silently of the building now legally married but still practically strangers.
Grandma Emily clapped her hands together with a gentle smile, looking so happy for the both of them for an unknown reason.
“Look at you two. Married and still alive.”
Sebastian looked like he wanted to disappear while she stayed silent.
“I’m going back home and you kids talk things through. Fatelyn, you’ll find your keys in the envelope I gave you earlier. The apartment’s already furnished. Just needs your belongings and whatever else you bring.”
Fatelyn thanked her and watched the old lady walk back to her car.
When they were alone, Sebastian finally offered her a ride.
“I’m fine,” she said. “I’ll take a cab.”
He nodded before pulling out his phone. “If you need anything...text me. I don’t do calls unless it’s urgent.”
“Noted.”
He handed her a small card. It had his number, a neat list of emergency contacts and the Wi-Fi password for the apartment.
“This feels like I just signed a lease. Isn't it funny?" she said with a controlled laughter.
He nodded. “Technically, you signed a marriage certificate.”
And before he turned to leave, she asked, “Why didn’t you want to do this, really?”
He stopped. “Because marriage is supposed to mean something. Not just paperwork.”
“Then maybe we can still give it meaning,” she said gently, not sure why she said it at all.
- Writer
