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Chapter 24
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2024-10-18 11:30:10Related chapters
Contract and Marriage Chapter 25
Sarina's POV:"Who are you calling?" I asked Maximus."Do I have another wife?" Maximus replied with his own question.He hadn't even called me by an endearment, yet he was undeniably possessive about the title he used.I didn't answer. I simply took a deep breath before stepping closer to him."You used to do this by yourself," I said as I began to fix his tie."It feels better when my beautiful wife does it for me," he replied.I looked at him, sensing a teasing undertone. I shook my head, choosing not to take his words seriously."You don't seem to believe me.""I don't, and flattery doesn't work on me either," I said, tugging his necktie to finish straightening it. "There, all done—"I couldn't finish my sentence because he kissed me. With kisses like his, I couldn't help but kiss him back."Believe me, you're beautiful," he said once our passionate kiss ended."I've known that for a while now," I replied with feigned bravado, even though I didn't truly feel special.I
Last Updated : 2024-10-18Contract and Marriage Chapter 26
Sarina's POV:"I wish you had told me first, Mom, before deciding to come," I said as I picked them up in Coreville."I just visited, and you already missed me?" I teased."Oh, dear, if we'd told you, you would've just told us not to come. It's better as a surprise—no excuses. I've been wanting to come for a while now to see how you're living here in Ventalis. It's hard not knowing, especially since you're living alone," my mom replied."And I want to personally thank your boss for lending us the money to pay off my debt," my dad added as we got into the taxi I had booked."We've already thanked him enough, Dad. I thanked him, and now you want to thank him again?""Don't be like that. You know it was a huge help for us," my mom scolded.Maximus was at the office, and I had spent all last night convincing him not to tell my parents about us just yet. We agreed that he would act as though, after his successful surgery, he asked me to live with him to help care for him as he recove
Last Updated : 2024-10-18Contract and Marriage Chapter 27
Sarina's POV:I stepped out of Maximus' room after he finished wiping me down, something I always loved him doing for me. He wasn't the type of partner to just leave after being intimate.I felt cared for and couldn't help but admire him. Maybe that's why so many women were drawn to him, as he had once mentioned, often asking for a second round."Did you find what your boss was looking for?" my mom asked."No, Ms. Martina," Maximus replied, following me without me even noticing. "Maybe Lisa put it aside.""Lisa?" my dad asked, just stepping out of the kitchen."Yes, Mr. Dean. She helps us around the house, but right now, she's with her daughter-in-law, who just gave birth. As such, she's not here at the moment," Maximus replied.He then sat beside me, placing his laptop on his lap and opening it. What was this fellow thinking, chatting with my parents like that?"Well, it's good you have company here. You won't get bored when your boss is at work," my mom remarked."I'm not re
Last Updated : 2024-10-18Contract and Marriage Chapter 28
Sarina's POV:"Mom, I can take care of myself," I interjected."Just make sure you don't go wandering around if Jason's not with you, okay?" my mom pleaded."He's in our hometown, remember?" I reminded them."He texted me yesterday, dear. He got a condo here in Ventalis. He's staying here now," my dad suddenly announced, shocking me.I had no idea he had made that decision.Why? What was he thinking, moving here, when he knew that his father, Roger Castro, was grooming him to take over once his term as governor ended?"Well, there's no problem with that, Ms. Martina and Mr. Dean. If Jason's trustworthy, I don't mind. As long as Sarina knows her way back home," Maximus said calmly."Thank you, Maximus. We're really glad you're her boss. We were worried she'd end up working for some snobby rich person who might look down on her. She's got a sharp tongue, and she'd definitely talk back if she were treated poorly," my mom said."That's true," my husband, the pervert, agreed, makin
Last Updated : 2024-10-18Contract and Marriage Chapter 29
Sarina's POV:Maximus and I quickly composed ourselves, and I felt my face flush with embarrassment. I had no idea what to do as my husband remained silent."Get dressed, Sarina, and we'll talk," my mom said sternly. She seemed angry, so I attempted to explain myself."Mom, let me—""I said get dressed!" she yelled, making me nod in agreement."You too, Maximus. Clean yourself up," she added, directing her words at the man standing quietly beside me."Yes, Ms. Martina," Maximus replied.He gently pulled me toward our room, and once we were presentable, we returned."You're so stubborn!" I whispered as soon as we stepped into our bedroom. "We wouldn't have gotten caught if you'd just waited until they were asleep! You and your impulsive urges.""Quiet, Sarina, and get dressed. Your parents are waiting," he said, gathering his clothes and handing mine to me. We both dressed quickly."I didn't expect you to do something like this, Sarina," my dad said, his disappointment weighin
Last Updated : 2024-10-18Contract and Marriage Chapter 30
Sarina's POV:"Yes, Mom, managing the company isn't easy, so he really needs to focus on that right now," I chimed in, trying to make the situation sound more believable."Quiet, Sarina! I wasn't talking to you," my mom snapped, still clearly upset."Mom, Dad, I promise to take care of and love my wife. Once everything is settled at the company, we'll discuss the wedding. For now, I ask for your understanding and trust," Maximus said, taking a deep breath.My parents turned their attention to me, and I could still feel their lingering disappointment. I didn't blame them but hoped they'd stop bringing up Jason, especially in front of Maximus."There's nothing we can do now. What's important is that you're married and not living immorally. I've never wanted any of my children to live the way some young people do today. "I'm not judging them, but I feel more at ease knowing my children are in good hands, married to someone they're committed to," my dad said, his words heavy with co
Last Updated : 2024-10-18Contract and Marriage Chapter 31
Maximus' POV:It had been three days since Sarina's parents returned to the countryside, but their lingering approval of Jason and concern for him were hard to shake from my mind.Knowing they trusted that man to look after Sarina while she was here felt like a knife twisting in my chest.They didn't know I was already married to their daughter, and that made it worse.I couldn't forget how quickly Sarina denied liking me when her father asked her. That hurt deeply, especially because I was falling for her.However, I couldn't bring myself to admit it, not now—not when I was certain she had no feelings for me. Pride held me back, even though my heart ached to tell her.The small, teasing moments between us as a married couple meant the world to me. I cherished them, especially when her cheeks flushed, as if she still wasn't accustomed to being so close to me—even after months of being wrapped in each other’s arms.Even if Sarina didn't fancy me, there was one thing I knew: she e
Last Updated : 2024-12-09Contract and Marriage Chapter 32
Maximus' POV:"What if Sarina tells them that we just have a contract?" I asked."Do you think she would tell her parents, especially the real reason she agreed?" Aries retorted.I considered his point."One reason I think Sarina doesn't want to tell her parents about your marriage is that it will be easier for her to separate from you when the time comes," Aries speculated.He then encouraged me, "So take advantage of that, Mr. Salonga. If you need to go to Canes to get closer to her family, that's even better."That way, it will spread through their town that she's already married. Jason will lose hope of getting back together with her, even after your contract ends.""That was a long explanation, but thanks, Aries. You're truly a friend," I said, grinning.I realized he had a point. Ultimately, the decision to divorce my wife was mine to make.It had also been Aries who had suggested I marry Sarina if I was truly falling for her.I knew my actions were risky, but I was hea
Last Updated : 2024-12-09
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Contract and Marriage Chapter 110
Sarina's POV:"How could you be so handsome?" Ruth asked Chase.Chase sat beside her in the living room, happily chatting with Ruth.I watched them. Though Ruth still held anger toward me, I couldn't help but feel happy seeing how much she doted on Chase.I hadn't expected her to accept him so warmly, despite Maximus and Gerald's assurances that she would.Even though Ruth still seethed at the sight of me, I could no longer stay angry with her.Perhaps it was time to try to understand her better, especially now that I knew she was one of the people who loved my son.I texted Maximus about his grandmother's arrival.He called, but I declined—didn't want Ruth to think I was tattling on her.Thus, Maximus and I texted instead."Daddy, handsome," Chase said, delighting Ruth even more. Her smile seemed about to split her face in two.Ruth stayed for lunch, happily feeding Chase herself.I noticed Lisa glance at me, aware of how poorly Ruth had treated me in the past.I shrugged
Contract and Marriage Chapter 109
Sarina's POV:The last I heard about Ralph was that the police were holding him in custody.Now, Mariano was here because he believed my life as Bella might be in danger and that my fake husband could be involved in my disappearance as Sarina.As I recalled the memories of my awakening, I looked at Chase, happily playing with Jerome.I smiled, noticing how much he had changed since we arrived in Pearlisia.I was grateful that Maximus, not that beast Ralph, turned out to be Chase's real father. It was also confirmed that the medicine I had unknowingly taken had affected Chase's brain development.Fortunately, as long as he continued his medication and therapy, there was a good chance he would develop normally.I wished for nothing more than the end of this family chaos. I wanted Ralph caught and imprisoned, so he could no longer threaten me or Chase.Most of all, I wanted Maximus' grandmother to find peace with us, so Maximus, my true husband, could finally be happy.I once ask
Contract and Marriage Chapter 108
Sarina's POV:I cried nonstop, sweat, snot, and tears streaming down my face as I shielded Chase with my body. He cried too.I felt Ralph kneel before me, so I curled in tighter to protect our child.I felt his hand on my head and braced for more abuse.To my surprise, he stroked my hair instead and, through his tears, said, "I'm sorry. I'm really sorry, babe…"I looked up at him, and our eyes met.I saw remorse, sadness, and pity—maybe for me and our child."I'm really sorry. I don't know what came over me…" He continued, gently lifting my head.I feared he was pretending, that he would suddenly let go or slam my head onto the floor.The thought frightened me, and he noticed it."Please, babe, don't be scared. I'm sorry. This won't happen again," he said.He helped me sit up, and we both turned to look at Chase when he started crying again."I'm sorry, my son, if I scared you," he said, then picked him up.After that, he helped me stand and practically carried me to our b
Contract and Marriage Chapter 107
Sarina's POV:Our life together was going well, and I had grown comfortable with him. I was happy, especially as the time to give birth approached.Ralph took such thorough care of me that he wouldn't let me do anything around the house.Everything would have been perfect, and I wouldn't have worried about a thing, if not for one nagging issue.According to my credentials, I was born in Los Burnham and had even studied there.But if that were true, why did I know how to speak Pearlisian?I didn't consider myself particularly smart or gifted—I believed my abilities were quite ordinary. Because of this, part of me doubted my past.Naturally, I didn't dare ask Ralph about it, afraid he might get upset, so I kept it to myself.I was content, and so was Ralph. He cared for me deeply, though I also sensed his possessiveness. He didn't allow me to go out on my own. I always had to be with him.I didn't really mind, but even when I stayed in the yard and talked to a passing neighbor,
Contract and Marriage Chapter 106
Sarina's POV:I laughed at Maximus. It became clear why he had been so irritated when he saw me with Jason—it was because Jason had been my ex-boyfriend, first love, and childhood sweetheart.I also learned that Jason's family was wealthy, but his parents approved of me, just as my parents had approved of him.I remembered asking Maximus whether my parents disliked him. He had said they probably didn't, adding that they loved me deeply and would always support whatever made me happy.-The next day, Maximus had to leave, so it was just me and Chase at home.I was happy he had someone to play with, Jerome, who had helped a lot in his development.I sat by the poolside, reading while keeping an eye on Chase and Jerome as they played. Lisa had asked her daughter-in-law, Rachel, for help, so I offered to look after the children myself.We had also hired a nanny for Chase, who was supposed to arrive later, according to Aries.Maximus had gone with Mariano to his office, though I kn
Contract and Marriage Chapter 105
Maximus' POV:I couldn't settle down.I had been happy that Sarina remembered something about us, but why had the timing been so off? Why was it that whenever she teased me, I always ended up at her mercy?I knew she hadn't recalled anything about Jason, but I still couldn't help feeling jealous. Even if she couldn't remember Jason, it didn't change the fact that he had been her first love.When she stepped out of our room earlier, I wanted to follow her. Something felt off, even though she had kissed me willingly just moments before.After that, it seemed our way of talking had changed.No, I couldn't let this happen. I wanted the cheerful, teasing Sarina back, even if she did rile me up sometimes.She had been in the bathroom, taking a shower, and I made sure to go first.I didn't want her to go straight to sleep, leaving us no chance to talk. I didn't want the night—or even a single day—to pass with her feeling any resentment toward me, not even a small sulk.I hadn't taken
Contract and Marriage Chapter 104
Sarina's POV:I had just returned from the restroom, leaving Maximus and our son with Chase's pediatrician to hear the doctor's update on our child's development. Now, I was completely certain—Maximus was Chase's father.The joy on his face when Aries handed him the results and some paperwork to complete was beyond what even the greatest artist could capture.As I approached Gerald's office to meet my husband and son, a man suddenly approached me."Hi, Bella, right?" he said.I frowned, trying to recall if I knew him."Oh, you don't remember me? I have a pretty ordinary face, so I can't blame you," he added, scratching the back of his head. "We bumped into each other once when I was out jogging. I think you were on your way to work.""Ah, yes, I remember you now. What was your name again?" I asked, feeling embarrassed for not recalling his name when he clearly remembered mine. Though, 'Bella' hadn't really been my true name."Jason. Jason Castro," he replied."What brought
Contract and Marriage Chapter 103
Maximus' POV:It was a relief Mariano was here. I felt nervous and scared for my wife and child.I immediately called Aries to inform him I couldn't make it to the office for now. If anything urgent came up, I asked him to send it to the condo.I didn't want to leave my wife and son alone, especially with only Lisa there to look after them. If something happened, they wouldn't be able to do much.I also asked Aries to check the hospital's security footage for the man Sarina had mentioned, but he couldn't track him further after leaving his spot.As Mariano wanted, we finally told Sarina everything about Ralph, the man she had once believed was her husband.She was deeply shocked and terrified when Mariano showed her photos of the real wife of that criminal, whose body had been found.The real Bella Drinx's body had been discovered in their backyard in Las Islas. Mariano had never stopped searching for answers regarding Sarina's disappearance, always on the lookout for cases invo
Contract and Marriage Chapter 102
Bella's POV:Mariano joined us back at the condo, and from my observations, it seemed he had something he wanted to discuss—something I couldn't quite figure out.Lisa greeted us. She had become a temporary nanny for Chase, which meant she hadn't been going home.When we moved into the new house Maximus had built, she and her husband would live with us, according to Maximus' wishes."Come on, Mr. Chase. Let's change your clothes," Lisa said, taking Chase from me.My child understood Pearlisian because I spoke it to him whenever the shameless Ralph Drinx wasn’t around—a man who was neither my real husband nor Chase’s father.I headed straight to our bedroom to change into something more comfortable, then rejoined them.Both men sat across from each other on the couch, and I naturally sat beside my husband."Were you discussing something important?" I asked, not taking my eyes off Maximus.I didn't want him to hide anything from me, especially if it involved me or our son."We
