Pretend

Malia’s P.O.V.

“What?” We’re sitting side by side, and my eyes are wide open as well as my mouth because of the shock.

“I mean, it’s just a pretend marriage, but you can reject it if you don’t want to.” He avoided my gaze and poured another glass of wine.

I scratched my head in confusion and asked, “You’re asking me to marry you, but it’ll be a fake marriage?

He nods his head. “You see, I am already the boss of my family, but the elders wanted me to have a family to secure the lineage and the power that we have.

Family, does he mean the mafia things?

“Okay? Why don’t you just look for a wife that won’t pretend instead of asking me to do it? And besides, isn’t it supposed to be that the girl you’re marrying should be on the same level as you?

Our eyes finally met. “Where did you learn such things?

“On the TV?” At least, that’s what I know.

He shook his head and said, “That’s not how it works.”

Oh, then, the one that I know has been wrong all this time?

“Then how is it supposed to be?

“As long as you want to marry that person, it’s good.”

Woah, “So, you guys aren’t as picky as I thought.”

He glared at me, and I just gave him a peace sign. “Kidding. But why do you choose me to enter the pretend marriage with you?” He can choose someone else; I know there would be a lot of girls who would want to marry him.

“You’re the most convenient.

His answer made me stop drinking. Is he serious?

“Wow, is that a compliment?” But he didn’t pay attention to what I said.

“I have to marry someone as soon as possible, and I need it to be with someone they don’t know so they wouldn’t have the chance to use you against me.”

“What do you mean?”

“Those old geezers wanted to use me as their puppet, and if I select a girl who’s in the same industry as us, the possibility of them joining hands and making everything to tame me is high.” He pours another glass, and he continues, “So I decided to choose the one that they don’t know and the one who’s not on their side."

“How sure are you that I won’t get on their side?” I wanted to tease him a bit.

That question seemed to shake him, but he smirked after a few seconds. “I’ll kill you if that happens.

I gulped. He’s glaring at me, but there’s still a hint of amusement in his eyes.

“You’re cruel, I hissed.

He laughed at my remark, “I am; that’s why I chose you, because an unaffiliated like you is easier to kill than those puppets.

Hmp. He’s basically threatening me right now, but I can’t see any danger in his words; the alcohol must’ve gotten to me already.

He poured me another glass and stared at me.

“So, what’s your answer?

I pretend to think, although the only thing that I can think of is how I am supposed to face those big shots.

“What am I supposed to do once we’re already married? And how would things flow for me and my brother?

He took his time explaining to me everything that I would do and everything that I had to know. So far, I guarantee that he’ll protect us in case something happens, as long as I don’t betray him.

“And it’ll only last for six months, because the elders would be forced to shut their mouths once I gained further influence. It’s just that they have more influence than I do right now, which is why they still run their mouths freely.

Hmm. “Okay, it’s bearable.” I received a laugh from him. “But what would happen if I got pregnant?” As he just explained, it would be a pretend marriage, but we'd still fulfill the duties of a couple, so it’s unavoidable to get pregnant.

“Do you want to get one?” He asks.

I immediately shook my head and said, “Of course not.” This is only a pretend marriage, and after months we’ll separate our ways. I don’t want to be a single mom or have a broken family.

“Then that’s good.”

“What would happen after those six months?

He tilted his head, saying, “You will live happily ever after with your brother.

Oh, thanks; I just wish that it’s not supposed to be in heaven, I joked. A hearty laugh filled the room.

“You’re funny, of course not. I’ll make sure that you and your brother have a great and comfortable life, just like what you wished for.

“Alright, alright. That’s good enough.” I was about to take a sip of wine when I suddenly remembered something. “Are we free to have lovers while we’re married?

His stare became intense for a second. “It’s your choice.” Then he proceeded to gulp his wine. “So, do you agree to marry me?”

I bit my lip.

Protection during and after the marriage, money, and lots of money because he’ll give me a salary while we’re married, and I am free to do whatever I want while he protects me and my brother.

It’s not that bad. I don’t even have to join him in his job; I just have to stand as his pretend wife for the people to see.

“Yup. Let’s do it.

“Great.” He handed me his hand, and I accepted it. “Great way to propose too, I said as we shook our hands.

He just laughed at what I said.

We continued drinking for half an hour before we finally decided to rest.

While laying on my bed, I can’t help but think of what I just did.

“I just want to have a guarantee that my brother will be treated without any problem."

But I know that it’s just one of the reasons for my decision. I wouldn’t lie if someone said that I just want to live a comfortable life. Yes. I want to experience that.

We’ve been mistreated ever since my father married another woman, and I’ve been doing whatever I can to live until now. That’s why there’s a part of me that wants to experience the comfortable and problem-free life that Callisto is offering.

And I didn’t agree just because of those reasons; from the time that I’ve been living with Callisto, he’s been good to me and my brother. It’s one of the reasons why I agreed with him. I wouldn’t agree if someone trashy proposed to me. Duh. 

“Ha... Another decision that I made. I don’t know what will happen to us from now on.

I just hope that we’ll finish the six months without any problems.