"Just because we're married, doesn't make us a real couple. Take it as a contract" He said in a business tone before leaving.
"Like I want to be with you" I muttered under my breath as my tears threatened to spill.
Natalie learns that she has been promised to the eldest son of the mighty and powerful Maxfields.
She has no choice but to accept reality and decides to proceed with the arranged marriage her parents and grandparents had fixed, long ago.
Little did she know that she would be treated as a contract wife.
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"You force your children to get married. Force them to fall in love as if they were key operated toys and now that they've fallen in love, you want to separate them?" Natalie questions, tears threatening to fall, her voice almost on the verge of breaking.
Natalie's POV"Natalie. At least eat your breakfast properly" Mom scolded as I stuffed a slice of bread with blueberry jam before running out of the front door.I woke up late and since I have to take a 20 minutes drive to my workplace, I couldn't waste time.I quickly call up one of my friend's cafe which is located on my way to the University that I work in to order my berry smoothie and a soft glazed donut.Yep, you heard me right. I work in a University as an Economics Professor.I was supposed to inherit Dad's company but then, I suddenly lost interest and earned my degree in Economics and went on to teach.Now, my younger twin brothers, Jared and Aaron are studying business to earn ownership.To start off with, I'm a happy go lucky girl. I'm the second eldest daughter of the whole Salvatore family. By second eldest, I mean my cousin is the eldest daughter.But I do take up more responsibilities than she does. Sh
I wake up with something I really hate.Swollen eyes.After taking a warm bath, I change into my outfit for the day.After a silent breakfast, I leave for the University.I'm sure Mom and Dad wanted to comfort me but they did not say a single thing neither did I."Good Morning, Miss" my students wished me in the hallway but I didn't wish back, instead I just nodded with a smile while putting my head down though I wore sunglasses.I did not want to look pathetic, at least not like this and not for a stupid reason.I make my way to my office room and sit down since I still have an hour before attending my first class.The Managing Director, Dr. Collins rushes into my room."Is there anything I can help you with, Sir?" I asked because he looked like he had seen a ghost."Yes, you need to help me with the refr
"Okay, Natalie. Go and start getting ready for tonight" Aunt Christina sent me off."It's just 1 in the afternoon. We're leaving in what? 5 hours. Don't worry. I won't take so much time in getting dressed" I assure her."Karina. We all want you to look your best" Aunt Veronica said after analyzing the situation."Natalie! We're getting late" Natasha came and pulled me away.We finally reach my room where Juli, Vinnie and Mary were already waiting for me."Now, go and take a shower" Natasha pushed me into the bathroom.I forcefully take a shower and return to find them all geared up.Juli applies a hint of nude eyeshadow, nude lipstick and mascara while I kept complaining about how much I hate makeup the whole time.Vinnie ties my hair in a sleek ponytail while Natasha and Mary helped me get into the dress, despite telling them that I could
"You?""What're you doing here?" He growled.Seeing the rage in his cold eyes, I trembled with fear. He had such a scary look."Wait, you guys know each other?" Natasha and Karen asked at the same time.By now, everyone went quiet and the atmosphere felt quite tensed up."Well, we did meet. He came to our University for a board meeting. I was with the Managing Director so he must've seen me" I quickly speak up."She was-" He spoke again.I didn't even know his full name."I'm Natalie Karina Salvatore" I extend my hand."Lorenzo James Maxfield" He shook my hand while giving me a suspicious face.Oh right. Mom texted me his name. I just remembered."Okay, you guys can have your space" Chris said, sounding more suspicious."
Lorenzo's POV"Lorenzo James Maxfield! How dare you raise your voice?" Dad's voice thundered making my younger siblings flinch while they ate their breakfast."Are you serious? How can you decide my marriage without my opinion?" I belted."Enzo, we're doing this for your good only. And it wasn't us who decided it either. Your marriage was fixed the moment you were born. Your grandparents took the decision and we couldn't go against their will. Can you?" Mom reasoned."You should've told me, at the least. It's not that I don't listen to you. But I can't marry at this age. People get drunk at this age and pass out at parties. Don't you think I deserve to enjoy a bit?" I said, and I sounded really pathetic when I did so."Then is there anybody who you have in mind? Anyone who can replace the girl you are promised to so that you can get out of this marriage?" Mom asked me.I had no answer. At all. I did have a lot of one night stands but I didn't
"You?""What're you doing here?"For a moment, I thought I got the wrong person."Wait, you guys know each other?" Karen and another girl asked at the same time.By now, everyone went quiet and the atmosphere felt quite tensed up."Well, we did meet. He came to our University for a board meeting. I was with the Managing Director so he must've seen me" The lady who was rude to me quickly speak up."She was-" I spoke up to tell everyone how I was treated."I'm Natalie Karina Salvatore" She extends my hand."Lorenzo James Maxfield" I shook her hand while giving her a suspicious look."Okay, you guys can have your space" another man in his early thirties said, sounding more suspicious."Don't worry, we won't disturb you. Anyway, a different room with se
Natalie's POV"Honey, the wedding date has been fixed" Mom informed me as she walked into my room with my Dad's sisters, my aunts.Juli, Natasha, Vinnie and Mary were all discussing about their dresses with me."Okay, Mom" I answered."Don't you want to know the date? Are you not curious?" Mom asked me, somewhat disappointed.Well, if you guys didn't plan my future without my consent, I'd actually be really excited."Umm... any date is fine, Mom" I smiled."When is the wedding taking place, Aunt Chloe?" Juli asked.Typical of her to be sweet enough."It's exactly 4 weeks away. The wedding will take place on the 30th of November" Mom said, sounding excited."That's fine" I commented before getting back to the sketch Natasha was making."So you guys can decide on the theme colour by tomorrow and inform me so that I can tell the wedding planner. She wants to come prepared too" Aunt Christina informed
He walks in, completely ignoring me so I quickly wipe my tears before waddling behind him."Oh, Enzo, why didn't you tell us that you were coming?" Karen asked, taking a bite of her lasagna."I finished work early so I thought I'd swing by" Lorenzo answered before giving everyone a big smile and taking a seat.Tony quickly sits next to Lorenzo while Evelyn sat on the other side of him.Tony was well aware that I wasn't comfortable enough to sit next to Lorenzo."Natalie, sit and have dinner" Chris offered, noticing the pissed look on my face.I quietly sit between Chris and Juli and have dinner.All through out the dinner, everyone bombards questions at Lorenzo and he answers them with patience.After dinner, we all head to the living room and sit while discussing more about the wedding."Hey, Lorenzo, let's head outside once. Y'know, a man to man talk" Chris said sounding serious.I was completely sure that Chris