After two days,
I call Grace as my father instructed me to pick her up for the wedding ring purchase.I can’t believe I’m willingly entering this marriage contract. However, to teach the lesson to Grace, I have to do this.“Hello.”As she answers the call, I state, “Grace, it’s Steve. Dad wants me to pick you up to buy our wedding rings. After my meeting, be ready to go.”Grace’s response is unexpectedly defensive, “What do you mean by ‘after your meeting’? Tell me the time, and I’ll check my schedule.”I remember my dad mentioning she’s a fashion influencer, so I think she can easily take time out.“You make blogs, right? You can take out time; it’s just a ring shopping.”Her voice sharpens in response. “My work is more difficult than yours. Don’t you dare comment on it?”I try to explain, “I was not demeaning your work, Grace. I meant you work from home; you can do that any time.”She gets more offended. “You won’t understand the challenges of my work. You don't know about social media. Go see my followers and comments. People die for me. I work hard, not like you who just boss around sitting in his dad’s office. Huh!”A frown appears on my face, listening to her words.“What the fuck... Are…”“What happened? Got the taste of your own medicine, Mr. soon-to-be to be husband?” I can bet she must be smirking right now.Whatever! It’s futile to argue with her.So I take a deep breath, trying to keep the conversation on track. “Grace, I didn’t mean to undermine your work. I appreciate the effort you put into it. Let’s not argue; we have to buy the rings, and that’s the focus.”“Okay! I will inform you whenever I get time.”Before I can respond, she cuts the call abruptly.Shaking my head, I decide to check her I*******m profile, wondering if her online presence is as significant as she claims.As I scroll through her profile on I*******m, I’m impressed and amazed at the sheer number of followers she has.The engagement on her posts is remarkable, and the comments section is flooded with adoration. I must say, her influence in the fashion world is undeniable.I come across some of her blog posts and videos, finding them intriguing and creative.However, as I delve deeper, I stumble upon a video that catches me off guard. It’s a casual vlog, and there’s a moment where she laughs genuinely.I find myself unexpectedly drawn to her laughter, forgetting she’s the reason for my current frustrations.But then, in one particular video, she captures my attention in a way I hadn’t expected. Her beauty, the way she carries herself—it’s captivating.However, I make myself remember I can’t fall for her charm and beauty again. She is definitely a great fashion influencer, but she has no kindness in her, and I can’t let myself fall for her.It’s all because of her, I’m ending up marrying someone I don’t even like, and she’s completely turned my life upside down.The realization hits me, and I think, “Why am I even stalking her?”I quickly close the I*******m, reminding myself of the purpose—this contract marriage is a plan to teach Grace a lesson.A few hours later, after my meeting, I text her, leaving my office.Me: I’m on my way to pick you up.After a few minutes, when I sit in the car’s backseat, staring out of the window, my phone dings.I receive a reply from her.Grace: I’m finishing up some work. Let me know when you’re outside.Upon reaching her place, I text her again.Me: I’m outside.Grace: I’ll take some time. Wait for me.Why do I feel like she’ll deliberately make me wait?I type the message, irked.Me: Whenever you’re ready, just come out.Unexpectedly, she comes out of her mansion within five minutes. I thought she would make me wait longer.Anyway, she looks flawless, as if she just stepped out of a photoshoot.As she approaches the car, my driver opens the door for her.She asks after settling inside, “Is it necessary for us to do this? I mean, can’t you just pick something you like? It’s just a contract, right?”I respond, “You put us into this, Grace. So yes, we have to make it look real for our fathers.”“Fine!” She shifts her gaze to the window as the driver starts the car.Upon reaching the jewellery store, we step inside, and the owner of that store approaches us. “Welcome mam, welcome, sir. Please come.”He gestures to a store worker, instructing them to show us their best ring designs.As he shows us some rings, Grace shouts at him, “Why on earth are you showing us these outdated designs? Can’t you bring out something more in line with the current trends?”The worker looks a bit taken aback, and stammers, “I-I’m so-sorry, mam. Let me show you more designs.”As he presents a more modern design, she examines it, clearly dissatisfied.“This is better, but still not up to the mark. Don’t you have anything more stylish?” she demands, her tone sharp.This Girl! I’m regretting visiting here with her.I intervene, “Grace, let’s be kind. He’s just doing his job.” I keep my tone calm because I don’t want to make the scene here.She shoots me a glare. “I don’t care. This is my wedding ring, after all. It has to be perfect. I have a reputation.”The worker, although visibly uncomfortable, brings out a few more options. She examines each one with a critical eye, making it clear she won’t settle for anything less than perfection.I wonder how I’m going to spend three months with this woman.“Grace, let’s not make a scene. Choose something you like, and we can move forward.” I try to explain to her.She scoffs, “Why are you so concerned about how I behave? It’s not like we’re an actual couple.”I take a deep breath. “Grace, you’re wasting everyone’s time here. A few minutes back, you weren’t even interested in it.”She declares, “So, choose my ring yourself. I’m leaving.”Clutching my hands to control my anger, I watch her walk away, leaving me with the store worker.It seems she was deliberately creating a scene here, punishing me for bringing her here to buy the rings.I can’t believe I agreed to this marriage contract.After a moment, I select a pair of rings that seem decent enough.I leave the jewellery store, and I notice Grace waiting near the entrance. As I approach her, I notice a cigarette between her fingers.She smirks, taking a puff. “So you’re done with the rings?”Already frustrated with her behaviour inside, I snatch the cigarette from her hand and hurl it on the ground.“You’re becoming my wife, so behave, Grace.” I assert, pressing the cigarette stub with my shoe in anger.She glares at me. “I won’t listen to you. And you don’t dare to snatch my cigarette like this again.”Despite my anger, I hold my composure and respond, “Fine. Let’s just get through this without more unnecessary drama.”Without exchanging a word, we head back to the car.The drive back is silent, I wonder how I’ll survive three months of this contract marriage. It’s becoming clear that teaching Grace a lesson won’t be as easy as I thought.***Over the next few days, as the preparations for the wedding began, I observe Grace and notice the way she manipulates situations and twists words to suit her agenda.I know I have to stay one step ahead of her. I can’t let her control me or our marriage.Finally, a week passes, and the day of our wedding arrives. I never thought that I would ever marry like this, life is seriously unpredictable.Grace’s P.O.V.I sit in front of the mirror in a white wedding gown, getting ready for my marriage. The hairstylist finishes my hair, and the makeup artist puts the final touches on my face, and through a gesture of my hand, I ask them to leave.As they exit, my childhood best friend, Elsa, steps inside. She lives in London and came to New York this morning after I informed her yesterday about my marriage contract with Steve Grey.“Grace, why are you coming into this marriage contract?” She asks, marching towards me.I explain, “You know, Elsa, I can’t spend my entire life with one man, and I don’t believe in forever and love. So I came with this plan for Dad’s sake.”She shakes her head in disbelief. “You’re unbelievable, Grace.”“And you know why did I choose Steve for this?” As I ask her with a smirk on my face, her eyes glint with curiosity.“Is there any story behind this?”I nod. “Yes, babes. Steve is my enemy. He insulted me in front of many people in the cafe. When I learned D
As I stand at the altar, waiting for Grace to enter, my mind is filled with thoughts about the drastic change in my life. I never thought I would find myself in a situation like this, but now that I’m here, I’m ready to face it head-on.Finally, the doors swing open, and she walks down the aisle with her father and a smug smile on her face. She thinks she’s won already, but little does she know, this is just the beginning.Anyone can be captivated by her stunning face, the enchanting sparkle in her eyes, and her captivating smile, oblivious to the darkness that hides within her. I also made the mistake of being enticed by her outward beauty.“Well, Steve, I must say she is quite hot.” As Mike whispers in my ear, I glare at him.I pass a fake smile to Grace when she stands in front of me. Her presence already suffocates me.The ceremony proceeds, and we exchange our vows. I speak the words, but deep down, I know they hold no real meaning.As we exchange rings, I make a silent promise t
The next morning, I wake up and see the rays of sunlight breaking through the curtains.As the thoughts of last night’s fight flood into my mind, I wonder how Grace has spent the entire night on the other side of the glass door.I open the curtains, unlock the door, and enter the balcony to find her sitting on the couch, her angry expression now replaced with exhaustion.It seems she doesn’t sleep the entire night.“Consider this a lesson. This marriage is going to be a lot tougher than you might have expected.” I state coolly before returning to the room.She steps in front of me, her defiance still present in her eyes. “I’m not one to back down from a challenge, Steve. And I’ll make sure you pay for the last night.”“Oh! I’m so afraid of you, Mrs Grey.” I scoff before walking to the bathroom to get fresh.However, she blocks my path to the bathroom with a determined look in her eyes.I meet her gaze with a raised eyebrow. “What do you want, Grace?”She maintains her defiant look. “Y
After a minute, Dad storms into my room, and then Grace enters, following him with a hint of evilness in her eyes.“What the hell, Steve? Grace is your wife now. Why are you giving her such harsh treatment?” As he rebukes me, I glare at Grace, who stands with a sly grin on her face.As he drifts his eyes toward her, she makes an innocent face in an instant.It’s clear that she’s manipulating my father with her emotional drama, and I despise how skilled she is at this game.I clench my fists, trying to contain my anger as my father continues to reprimand me. “Stop glaring at her, Steve, and answer me.”I take a deep breath, struggling to keep myself composed. “Dad, you don’t understand. Grace is not what she appears to be.”She chimes in with her sweetest tone, her eyes welling with fake tears. “I don’t know what Steve is talking about, Dad. I just want a chance to make this marriage work.”My father’s concern deepens as he turns to her. “Grace, my son can be difficult sometimes, but h
Steve’s P.O.V.Next morning,I wake up early, disturbed by the sound of Grace setting up a live video on Instagram.Annoyance flares up in me as I hear her greeting her fans. “Hey, everyone! It’s Grace, and welcome to my first Instagram Live after my wedding. I know you’ve been waiting for this, so before we dive into your questions, here’s a quick fashion tip for you. Always add a touch of confidence to your outfit. It’s the best accessory you can wear. Now, let’s get to your questions and comments.”Great, just what I need—my sleep getting disturbed because of her.The realization hits me—I’ll have to endure her Instagram sessions, and my peaceful mornings are officially a thing of the past.I walk out of bed, ready to express my irritation, but stop as I see her.She sits on the couch, putting a tripod on the table, the soft glow of morning light highlighting her natural beauty. I’m captivated.For a few seconds, I forget my annoyance as I watch her, absorbed in her live video. Her
As the evening approaches, we’re on the private jet, seated side by side but worlds apart. Paris is a city of romance, and I think of how ironic it is to go there with Grace.As the air hostess brings the wrong drink for her, Grace rebukes her, raising my anger. “What the hell? Didn’t I make myself clear to you to bring red wine for me? You all are so useless-“I can’t bear her behaviour any longer and interject.“Shut up, Grace.” I snap, my tone harsh and final.“Please, I don’t want your lecture again, Mr Grey.” She retorts in annoyance before turning her attention back to the air hostess.“Now, why are you still standing here? Go bring my drink,” she orders with no regard for basic courtesy, and the air hostess leaves after bowing to her.“You can’t behave like this with her, Grace.” I chide her.She rolls her eyes. “Why? Is she your girlfriend?”“Shut up.” I mutter, increasingly frustrated by her antics.“I’ll shut up if you stop lecturing me all the time.” She folds her arms acro
Jace’s P.O.V.After waiting for what felt like an eternity, at night, I finally receive a message from her when I lie down to sleep.Unknown: Hey, Jace!Me: Are you the piano girl?I inquire to confirm.Unknown: Yes, the piano girl.She replies with a laughing emoji.Me: So it’s yes from your side to have something more than what happened last night?After not receiving any response from her, I text her.Me: Stop blushing and answer me.Unknown: How do you come to know that I’m blushing?I grin, replying to her.Me: I just know.Unknown: I’m impressed.Me: Anyway, you didn’t answer me.Unknown: If I didn’t want it, I wouldn’t have messaged you.She sends a blushing emoji, causing me to smile.Me: I was certain you would message.Unknown: How?Me: Because you didn’t stop me last night, and the way you reacted to the kiss and my commands. Everything was telling me you wanted me as much as I wanted you.Unknown: Why do you want me, Jace? I’m not that attractive! You’re so tall and handso
The kiss is forceful, a collision of our anger and frustration. I can taste the alcohol on her lips.God! My hatred for her is profound, but I can’t deny that there is a magnetic pull in between us.For a moment, it feels like she might resist, but then I feel her surrender, her body relaxing against mine, her hands clutching my shirt. Our lips move in perfect sync, burning our bodies with desire.I just hate myself for feeling something for this woman, although it is just sexual.She suddenly pushes me away with a gasp, her eyes filled with confusion and anger.“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” She hisses, wiping her lips.“Grace, my father’s man is watching us, so just behave if you don’t want him to come to know about your true face.” As I whisper in her ear, her eyes widen in shock.I keep a watchful eye on my father’s man, who pretends not to be watching but is clearly keeping tabs on us. Our kiss seems to satisfy him, and he leaves, giving us some much-needed privacy.G