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CHAPTER 15
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2024-11-27 17:02:50Related chapters
The Contract Bride CHAPTER 16
The air crackled with a nervous energy that was palpable even in the quiet of their living room. Damon paced back and forth, his hands clenched into fists, his brow furrowed in a perpetual frown. Soirye, seated on the couch, watched him with a mixture of amusement and exasperation."Damon, please stop pacing," she said, her voice laced with a hint of weariness. "You're making me dizzy."He stopped abruptly, his gaze meeting hers with a mixture of desperation and pleading. "I can't help it, Soirye. My grandparents are coming tomorrow, and I need to make sure everything is perfect.""Perfect for what?" she asked, her voice dry. "A staged performance?"Damon winced, his eyes dropping to the floor. "It's not like that, Soirye. I just want them to see us happy. To see that we're still together, that we're still a family."Soirye sighed, her heart sinking. Damon's grandparents, Lolo and Lola, were the epitome of traditional values. They had always been supportive of their grandson, but they
Last Updated : 2024-11-27The Contract Bride CHAPTER 17
The sterile white walls of the lawyer's office seemed to amplify the tension that crackled between them. Damon, his face etched with a mixture of anger and frustration, slammed his fist on the table, the sound echoing through the room."Soirye, you're being unreasonable," he said, his voice laced with a barely contained rage. "You're asking for the impossible. A divorce, half my assets, and now this? What more do you want?"Soirye met his gaze, her eyes unwavering, her voice calm but firm. "I don't want your money, Damon. I don't want your assets. I want something far more valuable.""What could possibly be more valuable than half my fortune?" he scoffed, his voice dripping with sarcasm."My dignity," she said, her voice low but powerful. "My self-respect. You've already ruined my life, Damon. So much that even a divorce and a part of your trillions won't do."He stared at her, his anger momentarily replaced by a flicker of confusion. "What are you talking about, Soirye?""I'm talking
Last Updated : 2024-11-27The Contract Bride CHAPTER 18
The sleek, minimalist apartment, with its floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic city views, felt like a cage. Soirye, pacing the living room, her hands clenched into fists, felt a surge of frustration. She had promised herself, had promised Damon, that she would never let him back into her home. Never again would she allow him to taint the space that had been her sanctuary, her haven.But now, she was breaking that promise. She had no choice.The interview, the one she had forced upon him, was scheduled for tomorrow. She had carefully crafted the questions, the narrative, the entire scenario, to expose his lies, his manipulations, his betrayals. It was a chance to reclaim her story, to reclaim her power, to finally break free from the shackles of his control.But it was also a dangerous game. The media, ever hungry for a juicy story, would be circling like sharks. They knew about the divorce, about the scandal, about the billions at stake. If they discovered that Damon and Soirye wer
Last Updated : 2024-11-27The Contract Bride CHAPTER 19
The silence of the house was deafening, a stark contrast to the usual cacophony of her life. Soirye, normally a whirlwind of activity, found herself rooted to the spot, her gaze fixed on the imposing stack of boxes that had just arrived. Damon's things.He hadn't shown up for work today, a fact that didn't surprise her. He was probably holed up in his penthouse, stewing in the aftermath of the interview, the truth of his actions laid bare for the world to see. But his absence, instead of bringing her a sense of relief, filled her with a strange emptiness.She had arranged for his things to be delivered to her house, a decision she had made in a moment of impulsive defiance, a desperate attempt to regain some semblance of control in the chaotic aftermath of their separation. She had promised herself, had promised him, that she would never allow him back into her life, never again would she let him taint her sanctuary. But now, she was breaking that promise, allowing him back into her s
Last Updated : 2024-11-27The Contract Bride CHAPTER 20
The morning light, filtering through the sheer curtains, painted the room in a soft, ethereal glow. Soirye, still groggy from sleep, opened her eyes, her gaze falling on the unfamiliar sight of Damon's clothes draped over the back of a chair. His cologne, a scent she had once found so intoxicating, now filled the air with a bittersweet reminder of their shared past.She sat up, her heart pounding in her chest, a wave of disorientation washing over her. It had been years since she had woken up to the presence of another person in her home, years since she had felt the weight of another's presence, the subtle shift in the atmosphere, the unspoken understanding of shared space.She had always been a solitary creature, content in her own company, her world a carefully curated space of independence and self-sufficiency. The apartment, her sanctuary, her haven, had been a reflection of her own spirit, a space where she could be herself, unburdened by the expectations and demands of others.
Last Updated : 2024-11-27The Contract Bride CHAPTER 21
The air in the living room was thick with a strange mix of anticipation and tension. Soirye, perched on the edge of the couch, watched Damon with a mixture of amusement and exasperation. He was pacing, his hands clasped behind his back, his brow furrowed in a perpetual frown. His movements were agitated, his eyes darting around the room, as if he were waiting for something, or someone, to jump out at him.It was the night before his grandparents, Lolo and Lola, were due to arrive. They were coming for a week-long visit, a visit that Damon had been dreading for months. His grandparents, the epitome of traditional values, held a deep reverence for the sanctity of marriage. The thought of them seeing Damon and Soirye living separately, their marriage in shambles, was a nightmare he was desperately trying to avoid.So, he had decided to stage a performance, a carefully orchestrated charade, to convince his grandparents that their marriage was still intact, that their love was still strong
Last Updated : 2024-11-27The Contract Bride CHAPTER 22
The morning sun streamed through the windows, painting the living room in a warm, golden light. Soirye, perched on the couch, a mug of coffee warming her hands, watched Damon with a mixture of amusement and exasperation. He was sprawled on the floor, engrossed in a video game, his concentration so intense that he seemed oblivious to the world around him."Damon, you're a grown man," she said, her voice laced with a hint of mock disapproval. "You're acting like a teenager."He glanced up, his eyes narrowed in a playful challenge. "So, what? You're saying I'm not allowed to have fun?""Fun?" she scoffed, her lips curling into a smirk. "That's what you call this? This mindless, repetitive, pixelated torture?"He laughed, a deep, booming sound that echoed through the room. "It's called relaxation, Soirye. It's called stress relief. It's called a break from the monotony of your boring, predictable life."She rolled her eyes, her smile widening. "Boring, predictable? You're the one who's st
Last Updated : 2024-11-27The Contract Bride CHAPTER 23
The air in the house was thick with a suffocating sweetness. Lolo and Lola, Damon's grandparents, beamed with pride as they watched their grandson and his wife interact. They were oblivious to the underlying tension, the unspoken animosity, the carefully constructed facade that masked the reality of their fractured relationship.Damon, ever the charmer, was on his best behavior. He showered his grandparents with attention, his smiles wide and genuine, his laughter booming and infectious. He was the perfect grandson, the dutiful son, the devoted husband. He was playing a role, a role that was necessary, a role that was painful.Soirye, ever the actress, played her part with equal conviction. She was the perfect wife, the loving daughter-in-law, the gracious hostess. She smiled warmly, her eyes sparkling with a feigned affection, her voice soft and reassuring. She was playing a role, a role that was necessary, a role that was exhausting.They were a team, a united front, a family. But t
Last Updated : 2024-11-27
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The Contract Bride CHAPTER 72
1 year later… DAMON'S P. O. VThe air hung heavy with the scent of lilies and the damp earth of the cemetery. I placed the basket of flowers, a vibrant splash of color against the grey headstones, in front of the grave. "It's been almost a year. I'm still missing you. I still miss you…” I whispered, my voice hoarse with unshed tears.I stood there, staring at the inscription, my mind a jumbled mess of grief and guilt. I should have been beside her sooner. I should have been beside her every day, holding her hand, telling her how much I loved her. But I was lost in my own world, oblivious to the pain she must have felt in her final days.I turned away, my eyes searching the horizon, as if looking for someone who was no longer there. The sun, a pale disc behind the clouds, cast long shadows across the cemetery, making the world feel even more desolate.Suddenly, a pair of arms wrapped around me from behind, a familiar warmth radiating through my body."Damon," a voice, soft as a whisp
The Contract Bride CHAPTER 71
DAMON'S P. O. VThe morning sun streamed through the window, painting stripes of gold across the bedroom floor. I stretched, a contented sigh escaping my lips. The night before, the night we had rediscovered each other, the night we had rekindled the flame of our love, felt like a dream. But the ache in my muscles, the lingering warmth in my heart, the contented smile on Winter's face as she slept beside me, were all too real.I slipped out of bed, careful not to disturb her. She looked so peaceful, so serene, her face illuminated by the soft morning light. I leaned down and kissed her forehead, the warmth of her skin sending a shiver down my spine."Good morning, My Soirye," I whispered, my voice husky with emotion. "I love you."She stirred, a sleepy smile gracing her lips. "Good morning, Damon," she murmured, her voice soft as a whisper. "I love you too."I lingered for a moment, savoring the warmth of her presence, the feeling of her hand in mine. But the scent of bacon wafting fr
The Contract Bride CHAPTER 70
DAMON'S P. O. VThe humid air of the Philippines clung to us like a second skin, a comforting embrace after the long flight. We were home, back in the place where our love story began, a place that held the echoes of our laughter and the whispers of our dreams. The house we rented was small, a modest bungalow perched on a hill overlooking the ocean. It wasn't fancy, but it was ours, a haven away from the world's chaos. The air was thick with the scent of salt and jasmine, a symphony of smells that filled me with a sense of peace I hadn't felt in years.I chose this small place over my mansion for so many reasons. Una na ro'n ang peace of mind ni Soirye. Especially when she said that she is not yet ready to face the paparazzi. Hindi pa s'ya handang bumalik sa mga mata ng publiko. And I want to keep it that way either. At least, hanggang sa gumaling lang s'ya. I also don't want her life to be feasted by media. Dahil baka lalo lang makasama sa kanya.Darkon, our son, was a whirlwind of
The Contract Bride CHAPTER 59
DAMON'S P. O. VJust like what I told Soirye—Winter—or whatever the hell she wants me to call her, I picked her up even before the clock strikes seven. The air hung heavy with the scent of dried leaves and aroma of coffee, the kind that clung to you like a nice memory. Soirye stood before me, her face pale under the harsh fluorescent lights of the café, her eyes wide and defiant. My hand, still tingling from the force of my grip, ached with the memory of her weight in my arms."You know," I began, my voice rough, "you could have just told me. No need for all this.""Told you what?" she countered, her voice a tight wire. "Told you I adopted someone's child and I am living with him now as if he was my own?""You know what I'm talking about," I said, my patience wearing thin. "That adopted kid you're saying. The one you've been hiding. Alam ko na akin s'ya.""He's not hidden. Do you have proof na tinago ko nga s'ya?" she said, her voice rising. "He's just... he's just my son.""Your son
The Contract Bride CHAPTER 58
DAMONVS P. O. VThe wind whipped through my hair, carrying the scent of salt and something else, something familiar. I stood on the cliff edge, the vast expanse of the ocean spread before me, a mesmerizing symphony of blue and white. It's been years. Five years, three months, and six days; to be exact. I am not into counting of days or what. But ever since she left, I just found myself counting every day that goes by. With a tiny hope burried within me that says someday, she'll be back. Hindi man ngayon, pero someday. Balang araw.As I stare at the scenery, despite its beauty, my gaze was drawn downwards, to a small figure tugging at my sleeve.A boy, maybe five years old, stood there, his face etched with worry. He wasn't crying, but his eyes, wide and pleading, spoke volumes. They were the same shade of gray as mine, the same worried crease between his brows. He also keep begging as he attain eye contact with me. And the moment it happened, my heart skipped a fucking beat."Why do
The Contract Bride CHAPTER 57
Sumisilip ang liwanag ng umaga sa manipis na kurtina, nagpipinta ng malambot at mala-anghel na liwanag sa silid. Si Soirye, ang kanyang katawan ay mainit pa rin dahil sa init ng kumot, ay nag-inat nang marahan, ang kanyang tingin ay nahulog sa walang laman na espasyo sa tabi niya. Wala na si Damon, nasa baba na siya, malamang ay kinukumbinsi ang kanyang mga lolo’t lola gamit ang kanyang karaniwang init at pagmamahal. Nakaramdam siya ng isang pangungulila, isang pamilyar na sakit ng sama ng loob, isang paalala ng panlilinlang na kanilang ginagawa.Bumaba siya sa kama, ang kanyang mga paa ay malambot na humakbang sa malambot na karpet, ang kanyang isipan ay tumatakbo na sa mga pangyayari sa araw. Kailangan niyang ipagpatuloy ang panlilinlang, hindi bababa sa para sa kapakanan ng kanyang mga lolo’t lola, hindi bababa sa para sa kapakanan ng panlilinlang. Kailangan niyang magpanggap na siya ang mapagmahal na asawa, ang debotong kapareha, ang masayang babae. Ngunit ang totoo, pagod na siya
The Contract Bride CHAPTER 56
Ang hangin sa bahay ay mabigat sa amoy ng bagong lutong tinapay at umuusok na kape, isang nakakaaliw na amoy na pumuno sa kusina ng init at pakiramdam ng kasiyahan ng pamilya. Si Soirye, nakaupo sa mesa, ang kanyang likod ay tuwid at ang kanyang ngiti ay pilit, ay nakaramdam ng alon ng pagkabahala na dumaan sa kanya. Napapalibutan siya ng init ng pamilya, ng pagmamahal ng kanyang mga biyenan, at ng nakakaaliw na presensya ng tradisyon. Ngunit, siya ay tila hindi akma, parang bisita sa isang mundong hindi kanya.Si Damon, na palaging kaakit-akit, ay nasa kanyang pinakamagandang asal. Binuhusan niya ng atensyon ang kanyang mga lolo’t lola, ang kanyang mga ngiti ay malawak at tunay, ang kanyang tawanan ay malakas at nakakahawa. Siya ang perpektong apo, ang masunuring anak, ang debotong asawa. Naglalaro siya ng isang papel, isang papel na kinakailangan, isang papel na masakit.Si Soirye, na palaging isang aktres, ay ginampanan ang kanyang bahagi nang may parehong paninindigan. Siya ang pe
The Contract Bride CHAPTER 55
Nakakabingi ang katahimikan sa bahay, ang tanging tunog ay ang ritmo ng pagtiktik ng orasan sa pasilyo. Si Soirye, nakahiga sa kama, ang kanyang mga mata ay nakatingin sa kisame, ay nakaramdam ng isang alon ng pagkabalisa na dumaan sa kanya. Ang mga kumot, na malinis at malamig laban sa kanyang balat, ay tila kakaiba, ang amoy ng lavender ay isang malaking kaibahan sa karaniwang amoy ng kanyang sariling tahanan. Nasa kanyang sariling kama siya, sa kanyang sariling silid, ngunit nakaramdam siya ng kakaibang hindi pagiging komportable, na parang siya ay isang bisita sa isang ibang bansa.Ang totoo, siya ay isang bisita sa kanyang sariling tahanan. Si Damon, ang kanyang hiwalay na asawa, ay natutulog sa sopa sa sala, ilang hakbang lang ang layo, ang kanyang presensya ay isang patuloy na paalala ng kumplikadong web ng mga emosyon na nag-uugnay sa kanila. Nagbabahagi sila ng espasyo, ng bubong, ng bahay, ngunit magkaiba ang kanilang mundo.Sumang-ayon silang matulog sa iisang bahay, isang
The Contract Bride CHAPTER 54
Ang amoy ng bagong timplang kape ay pumuno sa hangin, isang nakakaaliw na amoy na tila tumatagos sa buong bahay. Si Soirye, nakasuot ng simpleng sundress, ang kanyang buhok ay nakapusod sa isang maluwag na ponytail, ay nakatayo sa kusina, ang kanyang likod ay nakaharap sa pintuan. Naghahanda siya ng almusal, ang kanyang mga galaw ay mabagal at sinadya, ang kanyang isipan ay abala sa panlilinlang na kanilang ginagawa.Ginugol niya ang nakaraang gabi sa kanyang kama, si Damon ay nasa sopa sa sala, isang maingat na inayos na pag-aayos na sinadya upang lokohin ang kanyang mga lolo’t lola, na naninirahan kasama nila sa susunod na dalawang linggo. Ang panlilinlang ay nakakapagod, ang pagkukunwari ay masakit, ngunit ito ay kinakailangan, hindi bababa sa ngayon. Hindi niya kayang isipin na ang kanyang sariling katotohanan, ang katotohanan ng kanilang basag na relasyon, ay sisira sa ideal na imahe ng kanyang mga lolo’t lola tungkol sa kanilang apo at sa kanyang asawa.Ang tunog ng mga yapak na
