The party venue looks so enchanting with the gentle glow of soft lights and the lively chatter of people.Grace and I put on a facade, pretending to be a couple deeply in love, as per the expectations of my clients. She plays her part well, her smiles and gestures seemingly genuine.Our act is convincing enough that even my clients, oblivious to the complexities of our relationship, buy into it.As we walk through the crowd, Grace’s hand fits seamlessly into mine, the touch sending unexpected shivers down my spine. This woman is the only one who makes me feel like this.I wish we would be a really happily married couple.Her acting skills surprise me as she effortlessly engages in conversations, laughs at the right moments, and even rests her hand on my arm when required. It’s an act, but to the onlookers, we appear to be the picture-perfect couple.We approach a group of clients, and one of them begins the conversation, “Steve, Grace, you two make such a stunning couple! How long hav
After a week,I’m taken aback to see Grace cooking in the kitchen because I have never seen this scenario before.“What’s the matter? Today seems like a day for surprises.” I quip, leaning against the kitchen counter, watching Grace skilfully move around with pots and pans.“Today, your father is returning, so I just want to welcome him with his favourite lunch.” She tells me with a smile.“I didn’t know you have this hidden talent. I’m impressed,” I admit, a genuine smile forming.She glances at me. “Well, there are many things you don’t know about me, Mr. Grey.”However, a doubt lingers in my mind. Is she doing this genuinely to welcome my father, or does she want to keep him on her side?I pull out my thoughts when she hisses in pain.Fuck! She accidentally cuts her finger while cutting the salad.I rush to her side, her finger slightly bleeding from the cut. Concern fills my eyes as I take her injured hand gently.“Careful, Grace. Let me see,” I say, examining the cut on her finge
Steve’s P.O.V.Days pass by, and despite my attempts to deny any emotional attachment, I'm well aware that strong feelings for her have taken root deep within me.Now it’s only a week remaining of our contract marriage, and it kills me because I want to keep her forever in my life. However, I know our relationship is meant to end one day. Grace and I, we’ve different personalities, and we’ll always clash with each other, so it’s better for both of us to be part away after a week.In these months of our contract marriage, I have also come to know that Grace has a good heart which she hides from the world. I want to know everything about her but control myself because I don’t want to come close to her as it’ll hurt me more when she leaves.After dinner, we come to the terrace for a walk, but like always, we end fucking each other. I just can’t resist her. She’s the first woman who has such a powerful hold over me, making me lose control.I ram into her with vigour, her hands pinned on t
I wake up the next morning with the pain in my back because of sleeping in an uncomfortable position last night. It was harder than I thought to sleep without Grace by my side.I sit up on the sofa, stretching my body, and then lock my gaze on Grace’s sleeping form.As our separation time is coming closer, something is breaking inside me. No matter how much I dislike her behaviour, I still have developed feelings for her in these months.However, I know it’s good for both of us to get separated because we’re not each other’s type. Therefore, for the remaining one week of our contract marriage, I’ll try to maintain my distance from her.Grace’s P.O.V.I wake up, rubbing my eyes and find the sofa empty. I think Steve has already left for the office.Sleeping alone on the bed last night was indeed a struggle. Steve said right, we’ve grown accustomed to each other, and it’s best for us to stay away from each other from now onwards.Then my attention diverts as my phone rings. It’s a call
I sit at the bar counter with Jace and Mike, having my drink.“Grace will be out of my life in a few days. I should be happy, but I don’t know why it’s hurting me.” I share with them what’s going on in my head.Jace raises an eyebrow, taking a sip of his drink. “Steve, these things are never simple. You’ve spent a considerable amount of time with Grace, and feelings, whether you want them or not, tend to get messy.”Mike adds, “And you can’t control how you feel, man. It’s okay to be conflicted.”I swirl the drink in my glass, contemplating their words. “I just need to focus on getting through these last days of our contract without more complications.”As I take a sip of my drink, I wonder if our paths will cross again after our contract ends. Despite the complications, there’s a part of me that’s reluctant to let her go.Jace pats my shoulder, giving me a smile. “Whatever happens, Steve, we’ve got your back.”***I reach the club where I dropped Grace off a few hours ago. I have alr
In the evening, as I enter my mansion after a long day at the office, Grace greets me with a playful smile.“You did great last night? Let’s do it one more time.” She teases with a mischievous grin.I glance at her, my frustration growing. “Grace, we need to stop this. It was a mistake, and we can’t keep repeating it.”She raises an eyebrow, a smirk playing on her lips. “Oh, come on, Steve. Don’t act like you didn’t enjoy it. Or are you afraid of your wild side?” She moves closer to me, guiding her finger down my face sexily.I clench my fists and resist the urge to react, reminding myself to stay in control. “Grace, it’s not about enjoying it. We’re getting divorced, and we should focus on that.”Although I want to kiss her, I push her away because I can’t let her come close to me.She chuckles, pushing the boundaries. “Should I invite another man from my one-night stand, Steve? Maybe that will awaken your wild side once more.” She gives me a mischievous wink.Her words strike a nerv
In the evening,Exhausted but relieved, Grace and I enter the room, both aware that this will be our last night of the contract marriage. There’s a mixture of emotions swirling within me—relief from the false accusations and sadness that our paths will soon diverge.“So, tomorrow our paths will be separated,” I remark, breaking the silence.She looks at me, a playful glint in her eyes. “Well, Mr. Grey, since it’s our last night as a married couple, why don’t we make it memorable?”I raise an eyebrow, curious about her suggestion. “Memorable? What do you have in mind?”She winks at me, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. “How about we have sex as Mr. and Mrs. Grey for the last time?”“Sure, why not?” I agree because I really want to make the last moment with Grace, my wife, unforgettable.She chuckles, clearly surprised by my easy agreement. “I can’t believe you agreed to this so easily, Steve.”I just stare at her. What should I do, Grace? I want this day to last long, want time
After a few months,Eight months and seventeen days have passed since I last saw, touched, and felt Grace’s presence. Each day, the ache of missing her has deepened, and not a single moment has gone by without longing for her.I remain oblivious to her whereabouts and well-being because when my father informed Grace’s father about our contract marriage; he cast her out of his house.She even stopped posting her blogs. Every day, I offer silent prayers, hoping she’s safe and that our paths will cross again.If fate allows our paths to cross once more, I’m determined not to let her slip away and to make things work between us.Yeah. This time, I’m willing to take a few extra steps because being apart from her for eight months made me realise where I went wrong. In a relationship, it’s not always about giving 50-50. It can be 60-40 or even 70-30. What really matters is who we are and where we both stand. That’s what counts in the end.I have come to London for a business project, and my