CHAPTER FOUR: Contract Marriage

ARIEL'S POV 

Engross in watching television when a news report suddenly claim, "I’m Alexander Mayfair's fiancée, and we’re getting married soon." 

"What in the world is this? Who’s the monkey spreading such bizarre rumors? Are they crazy?" I exclaim.

Emilia, hearing my outburst from the kitchen, hurries into the living room, inquiring about what happened, and I point at the television. As we listen, there's a knock on the door. Fearing it might be reporters, I quickly dash inside the room and lock the door. However, Emilia's voice calls out to me to come back, indicating it is someone else. I return downstairs to find an elderly man in a black suit standing there, introduce himself as Julius on behalf of the Mayfair family. Offering him a seat, he begins to narrate the history of the Mayfair family, which brings me nothing but boredom.

It’s quite well-known that they’re the wealthiest family in the whole world, so I wonder why this introduction is necessary again. But I’m taken aback when I hear him suggest, "Marry Alexander Mayfair for just a year." Without hesitation, I interrupt him.

“Wait…what…what did you just say? Why do I have to do that? Do you even know what I’ve been through because of him? I lost everything because of him, and now you want me to marry him again?" I thunder in a loud voice, and I can even see the man flinching in fear.

"I’m very sorry for what happened to you, but I believe this is the best option for you to recover your damaged image. It's just a fake marriage; you don't have anything to lose and might gain something out of it. According to my findings, I heard your family has sent you away because of the issue at hand, and you've even lost your job. Please, think about it and make a wise decision because you can recover everything back with this marriage,” he says and drops a card on the table. I pick it up only to see the invite to my wedding.

“The wedding is in two days," Julius adds, catching me off guard with the news that the wedding date has already been set without my knowledge.

I glance at Emily, who whispers to me that the decision’s mine to make, and I should choose what feels right for me. After much contemplation, I realize that I’ve lost so much, and perhaps going along with this plan could help me reclaim what I have lost. It’s not as if I have any other options. So, I agree to the deal. Julius then produces a document for me to sign, which includes clauses about confidentiality and an agreement to divorce Alex immediately after one year. I sign it, despite noticing some small print at the end of the document. It is difficult to read, but I trust it won't be anything negative, so I scrub it off.

After outlining the wedding plans and giving me a black card to get anything I want for the wedding, Julius eventually departs.

"I can't believe you're marrying that handsome guy! Congratulations, darling," Emilia exclaims, enveloping me in a tight hug.

“Can you just stop this, that guy is definitely bad news. There’s nothing good about him,” I say, releasing a soft sigh, hoping that everything will turn out for the best. “ I really wonder what my family would say if they heard about this.

“ Of course they will be happy. trust me, they will soon apologize to you.” Emelia assures me which I hope it comes to pass. 

She pick up the black card and kiss it, “ I wonder what Caroline will say if she sees this.”

“ Trust me, she will run mad” we both laugh as I'm already picturing her expression if I show her this card because Caroline likes anything with money. Well…. who exactly in this world that does not like money? 

I continue watching the news while Emelia rushes back to the kitchen to check on what she is cooking. 

“ I really hope I won't regret this decision I just made,” I mutter, hoping for the best.

********* WEDDING DAY*********

"I can't believe I'm wearing a wedding dress again when it hasn't been long since I left my ex-husband-to-be on the altar," I lament.

"I think there's a significant difference this time," Caroline chimes in, and Jessica asks her to explain.

"The groom, the best lady who happens to be me now and not Emelia, and the scent of money that fills everywhere," Caroline exclaim, taking a deep breath as if she's breathing in money, causing us all to burst into laughter.

She likes anything money and I remember how she almost bought the entire boutique out when we went to get the wedding material. I don't actually do much as the Mayfair family had everything prepared while I need to go through with the wedding.

I haven't heard anything from my family, not even a single call. It's really disappointing that none of them are here with me.

"I'm confident this will turn out well as long as I play my part and he does his thing, I do mine, and no one has to step on anyone's toes," I reassure myself.

Just then, my parents, follow by my grandma and sisters, enter the room, overwhelming me with emotions. I quickly stand up and rush to greet my mom and envelop her in a tight hug.

"I'm very sorry," we both say at the same time, and then she insists that she should be the one apologizing to me.

She then shares that Celine had informed her about what had transpired, leaving me surprised by her confession. Just then, Celine enters the room and drops to her knees.

"Ariel, I am deeply sorry. It’s never my intention to hurt you, but the truth is, Aiden raped me and threatened me to keep quiet or else he would harm me or you. I was terrified and felt like I had no other choice but to hide it from you. I wanted to stop, but he kept threatening me," she explains, tears streaming down her face.

“I already knew she would do this, that's her nature from the beginning. Husband snatchers!!!” Laura mocks, and I try very hard to hold back my laughter while mom cautions her.

Despite her emotional plea, I can't shake the feeling that she is trying to deceive me with her lies. The giggling and moaning I had heard don't align with someone who is being forced, yet she claims Aiden had coerced her. I know she has another agenda, but I decide to play along for now.

"Oh my God! Why didn't you tell me sooner? How could you have gone through something like that all alone?" I feign concern as I embrace her, not wanting my parents to be distressed by our apparent discord.

After our embrace, we decide to capture some moments with pictures.

"You don't actually believe all that, do you?" Emilia questions, to which I simply offer a small smile.

We take pictures before I walk down the aisle with my father once again. As Alex takes my hand, I can't help but admire his handsome face, which shows no smile at all, then I also decides to keep a stern face to tell him that I’m also not happy with this marriage.

Not sure of the outcome of this alliance, we exchange vows, and this time, I confidently say, "Yes, I do," instead of the previously hesitant "no."

We’re declared husband and wife, and it’s time for the much-anticipated kiss. I’m certain we’ll share a passionate kiss for a while, as I can't wait to feel his lips on mine.

I close my eyes gently, pout my lips, and anticipate Alex initiating the first move, but instead, I feel a light peck on my forehead.

What the fuck…

Surprised by the lack of a passionate and romantic kiss, I wonder why he has chosen a simple peck. It's not that we have never shared such gestures, but I just can't recall the last time, and I then remember his words, “not my type,” and this makes me angrier for no reason.

"I think it would be better if you at least fake a smile," Alex whispers to me. I raise my head, glaring at him, but he only flashes a fake smile, revealing deceit beneath his handsome face.

As the wedding proceedings come to an end, we pose for another picture with his family. Well, it seems he also has a larger number of members because they just keep coming and coming, and I think we’ll spend ages taking pictures.

"Can you two move closer? It would be more romantic if the groom wrapped his hand around the bride and smiled a little happier," the photographer suggests, hinting that he too senses the unhappiness in our marriage.

Alex moves closer, wrapping his hand around my waist and giving a smile, but it seems more like a grin. I just want it to end quickly, feeling exhausted. Then my parents join us for pictures, followed by my friends, including Jessica, whom I’m glad could make it this time unlike the last wedding.

"Tell your friend not to touch me," Alex mutters.

"Seriously, do you want them to know you're a jerk? Just endure it; it’ll soon be over," I advise, noticing his discomfort as Caroline wraps her hand around his. I can't help but chuckle, knowing he's burning with anger.

As we take pictures with the guests, a man approaches Alex, whispers something in his ear, and they depart together.

I can't hear what he whispered to Alex clearly but I definitely heard him saying something like someone is here.

"But who is he?" I wonder.