Chapter 4

Belle's POV

My heart was beating heavily in my chest but I tried my best to show composure. I was about to make a very big decision, one that would change my life for the next six or eight months, so I needed all the composure I could gather.

Christian didn't say a word to acknowledge what I had said. He only leaned forward, enough to allow me take in his wonderful scent, and used the key card to open the door.

I didn't realize I had closed my eyes when he leaned in and immediately opened them to inspect the opened room. 

I walked slowly into the large suite, taking in the view of the beautiful room. Christian walked over to release the curtains and turn on the remaining lights, as if he needed a certain kind of caution around me.

When he was done with what I figured out to be his hotel ritual, he offered me a seat which I took. Then he sat opposite me, a serious look on his face.

"Yes Belle." he said.

I raised the folder up and went into business immediately, since he didn't want to exchange any pleasantries.

"This contract" I started. "How binding is it?"

"It was drafted by my lawyer. Everything you read is exactly what is going to happen. You can have a lawyer review it if you wish." He replied.

I shook my head. There was no need for that.

I had thought about his proposition carefully the previous night. Marrying him wouldn't be the worst thing in the world, as long as I will be saving my parent's house.

"What if you will need to do more before getting the company? Does it mean the contract clause will increase?" I asked.

"I don't understand." He replied. "Elaborate please."

"You said your father wants to know that you can take care of the business and personal family and that was the reason for the little clause in the inheritance. What if we divorce and he takes it back since you haven't fulfilled it?" I asked him.

"If you agree we will be registering the marriage first thing tomorrow and then fly to Arizona later in the day. I will clock 33 in two months time and that is when I will be taking over the company. Eight or nine more months is enough to show that I can take care of a family. After that, you leave and every other thing will be taken care of by me."

I nodded satisfied that I wouldn't have to carry on with the nonsense shenanigan for more than the stipulated time.

"And I'll be getting the documents of the settled loan and ownership of my house after that?" I asked just to be sure.

"You'll be getting every necessary document after that. Including the divorce certificates if you wanted."

I turned my eyes sharply at him, demanding an elaboration on what he meant.

"I mean, you might need to brag to your friends that you were once a Martin. It's a very big deal don't you think?" He asked.

I wanted to hit him, badly. But on the other hand, I realized I deserved everything I was getting from him. I mean, what was I expecting? If I were in his shoes, I would be angry too but at least, I would have asked for a reason why he did what he did and not treat him like he were trash.

I didn't say more to him or ask any other questions, I had been treated like a fool for quite enough time. I angrily took out the paper from the folder on the table. I signalled for a pen which he gave to me and with his eyes heavily on me, I signed the papers.

Yes, I signed the papers and I couldn't believe i did.

I stared at the red lipstick on my lips in front of the mirror as I prepared for the dinner Christian had organised for his family to meet me. I couldn't help but recall the threats I had received from his parents the day I left him. They would be very angry and surprised to see me back in his life and I was trying my best to prepare for their wrath.

Our marriage and move had happened in the twinkle of an eye. This was the fastest marriage I had ever seen, in fact we needed to be in the book of record breakers. Bernard had been my only guest at the wedding. He had tried everything in his power to stop me from making such a reckless decision but my parent's house was worth it. We were talking about just six months, I should be able to live with that.

My phone rang and I immediately answered.

"Are you ready?" Christian asked over the phone without offering any form of greeting.

"In few minutes time." I said and he hung up immediately.

Rude.

I thought to myself while going back to the business of dressing up. After my makeup, I found the dress Christian had sent to my room and inspected it with my hand. It was a beautiful blue dress, one I was sure to look mouthwatering in.

"He still has taste" I said out aloud.

Of course he would have taste. He was a handsome man and God knows how many women he must have gotten dresses and shoes for.

I shrugged off my thoughts, remembering that I was nothing special and did my job of looking perfect for the dinner. 

I walked over to the table and picked up the engagement and wedding ring Christian had purchased. He hadn't forgotten to put on his so I should not forget mine. I slipped both in the fourth finger of my left hand, the engagement ring going in first and the wedding ring on top. The pendant on the engagement ring glittered in the light and i nodded my head. I definitely looked like the wife of a rich man.

I walked out of the room and out of the house refusing to feed my curiosity of looking into Christian's room. I got into the car and Antonio; the driver allocated to me, put the car on motion.

"Good evening Antonio." I said and the surprised man in his early thirties looked at the rearview mirror to me.

"Good evening Madam" he replied.

"How far is the family house? I asked.

"Not very far Ma'am, we will arrive shortly." He replied and I nodded my head.

"It's a beautiful night, isn't it?" I asked and he offered me an awkward smile. 

I really needed to stop. Antonio wasn't the reason for my nerves, I shouldn't punish him with a baseless conversation.

We drove in silence till we got to the estate. I closed my eyes as the memory I had of running away in the rain flashed at me.

I informed Christian that I was outside the mansion and in few seconds, he was there to get me. He casted a look of approval at my appearance and took my hands.

"You know how they are." He started. "You don't need to say anything about the contract, I will do the talking. Just behave like someone in love with me." He said.

I nodded as we walked inside.

"My father will try to be stern, my mother nosy and as for Gabrielle, she'll show hatred for you, because... you know why" He said and I took a deep breath.

Of course, everyone was definitely still the same.

We walked through the hallway and the chattering of the pack got closer. When we got to the dinning room, Christian cleared his throat.

"Can I have your attention everyone?" He called. "The news I have is here."

Everyone turned to the door. Alexander, Lucy, Gabrielle and Michael; Gabrielle's father.

"This is Belle, you should remember her." He said, hands still holding mine tightly.

"She's my wife." He added.