Chapter 4

The kiss lasted for what felt like an eternity, neither of them wanting to break away. Just as Gael's kiss was getting deeper, Kim suddenly pulled away. "Wait a minute," she said, smiling mischievously. "I thought you were getting married to Elma?"

Gael looked surprised and a little embarrassed as he replied "It's not what it looks like. It's complicated."

Gael smiled and pulled her close, kissing her again passionately. Kim pulled away again, and looked into Gael's eyes. "I do want to know what's going on though," she said softly. "I need to know everything."

Gael adjusted his clothes and looked at Kim, "We should go back to the dining room," he said. "Just keep it cool, okay? I'll tell you everything later."

"Okay," she said, trying to compose herself. "I'll keep my cool. 

As Gael and Kim walked back into the dining room, Gael could feel the tension in the air. He knew that he needed to explain things to Elma and clear up any confusion.

He walked over to Elma and apologized for keeping her waiting and for any distractions that may have occurred. "I'm sorry, Elma," he said. "Can I speak with you upstairs for a moment?"

Elma looked at him with a mix of confusion and uncomfort. "Of course," she said, standing up from the table.

Gael turned to his mother and Kim, "I'll be right back, I need to speak with Elma."

His mother nodded and Kim gave him an understanding look as he and Elma left the dining room and headed upstairs.

As they walked up the stairs, Gael turned to Elma and said "She's just an ex-girlfriend and she doesn't know about our contract marriage," Gael said.

Before he could say anything more, Elma cut him off. "Gael, there's no need for you to explain anything. I already know that our marriage is just a contract. We have nothing together," Elma said, her voice calm but firm.

"Yeah, sure." Gael responded.

"I need to get going, it was nice meeting your mom, even if I know she doesn't like me" she said, looking up at him.

"Nah, she'll get used to it, at least it's just for the meantime and no one needs to know." Gael responded reassuringly.

"I'll walk you out," he offered, but Elma shook her head.

"No, it's okay. I can see myself out," she said, before turning and walking downstairs.

But Gael shook his head. "No, let me call my driver. He'll drop you off," he said, reaching for his phone.

Elma hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Thank you," she said, feeling a small sense of relief.

                            **********

Elma woke up to the sound of Chloe, her best friend, bustling around her room. She blinked blearily, trying to shake off the grogginess of sleep.

"Come on Elma, wake up! It's your wedding day!" Chloe exclaimed, pulling back the curtains to let the sunlight flood into the room.

Elma sat up in bed, rubbing her eyes. "Wait, what? My wedding day? But it's only been two weeks since we signed the contract," she said, still trying to process what was happening.

"Yesss, it's happening so fast." Chloe said, helping Elma out of bed.

"Alright, let's get ready. The car to take you to your new mansion is downstairs," Chloe said, pulling out a beautiful white wedding dress from the closet.

Elma got ready in a daze, still trying to process what was happening. As she was about to leave, Chloe hugged her tight. "I'm so happy for you Elma, you deserve all the happiness in the world," she said with a smile.

Elma forced a smile and left the house, feeling a mix of emotions. She was marrying a billionaire, but it was just a contract marriage. She had no idea what the future held for her and Gael, but she knew that she had no choice but to go through with it. As she got into the car, she took a deep breath and prepared herself for her wedding day.

As Chloe and Elma pulled up to Gael's grand mansion, Elma felt a knot form in her stomach. She couldn't believe she was about to marry a man she didn't love, all for the sake of money. She had never imagined that her wedding day would be like this.

Chloe could sense Elma's hesitance as they both got out of the car and made their way inside. "Come on, Elma," Chloe said, "let's get you ready. You'll look beautiful in that dress."

Elma reluctantly followed Chloe upstairs to the room where she would be getting ready. She couldn't help but feel a sense of dread as she stared at herself in the mirror, wearing her white, beautiful wedding dress. She didn't want to do this, but she knew she had to.

As Chloe helped her with her hair and makeup, Elma couldn't stop thinking about the night she had been abused. She remembered her innocence being taken away from her, and the anger and determination she felt to find the person responsible.

Chloe could see the turmoil in Elma's eyes and she knew she had to do something to lift her spirits. 

"I know this isn't what you wanted, but think of all the good that will come from this marriage."

Elma took a deep breath and braced herself for the ceremony. She knew that she had to make the best of this situation, no matter how she felt.

As she walked down the aisle, she felt a sense of determination and strength. She knew that the marriage would give her the funds she needed to find the person who had taken her innocence and make them pay, but for now, she would put on a brave face and go through with the wedding.

Elma stood at the altar, staring blankly ahead as the minister pronounced them husband and wife. Her heart was pounding in her chest as she struggled to process the reality of the moment. 

She had been so focused on making it to this point, that she hadn't stopped to think about what it would actually feel like to be married, even if it was for just two years.

As the minister called for them to share a kiss, Elma's mind suddenly went blank. She saw flashes of the night she was abused in front of her, memories she had tried so hard to forget, and her body began to shake.

She could feel Gael's gaze on her, but she couldn't bring herself to look at him. Her mind was racing as she tried to hold back the tears that were threatening to spill over.

She hasn't gotten close to any man for 5 years, the thought of kissing her new husband was overwhelming.

Gael called her name softly, trying to bring her back to the present moment. She looked at him in his eyes, and saw the concern etched on his face. 

"Can I kiss you?" he whispered, his voice barely audible over the sound of her racing heart.

Elma stared back at him, her eyes filled with fear and uncertainty. She wanted to say yes, but she couldn't bring herself to do it. Instead, she whispered "I'm sorry," before turning and running out of the church, her white wedding dress trailing behind her.

She couldn't shake off the memories of the past. Instead, she turned and ran as she fled the church, leaving her new husband and the confused guests behind.

As she ran, she could hear the guests calling out to her, but she didn't stop. She needed to get away, to be alone, to try to make sense of the overwhelming emotions she was feeling.