All Chapters of The Marriage Contract: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

**LIA** Drex and I stood anxiously behind the imposing dining hall doors. His father's words weren't to be taken lightly. Even Lena was inside that room! I couldn't help but wonder, why me? We exchanged frustrated glances as we waited for the outcome of this family discussion. My patience was wearing thin, and I couldn't stand the thought of talking to him, this so-called father-to-my-child who had run from his responsibilities like a coward. I glared at Drex, unable to contain my agitation. "Got anything to say to me?" My impatience slipped through my voice. His response was terse, "No." "Then quit staring!" I snapped, not bothering to hide my irritation. Drex muttered, "It's not like you didn't stare back." I scoffed, "Well, unlike someone, I didn't run away from the stare, I stared back." As the seconds ticked by, I couldn't help but seethe at the whole situation. I was eager for the door to open, revealing the fate of my dear Angel. Drex's voice cut through the tense air,

**LIA** *KNOCK! KNOCK!* The sound of a soft but persistent knock echoed through my room, followed by Lena's voice gently calling my name. "Lena, don't come in!" I shouted, my voice muffled by the tears that soaked my pillow. I just needed to be alone with my thoughts, to process the whirlwind of emotions that had engulfed my life. However, Lena disregarded my plea and entered the room with a quiet determination. "Hey," she said softly, approaching cautiously as if stepping on eggshells. She was trying to be the supportive cousin she had always been. I couldn't contain my frustration. "I told you not to come in!" I yelled and threw my pillow in her direction. "Lia, I'm really sorry," Lena said, settling beside me. "I thought I was doing what's best for you. What would you do when Angel asks for her dad in the future?" "That's my problem, not yours!" I retorted, pushing her away emotionally. I wanted to be alone in my misery. "Listen, I'm only trying to look out for you," Lena sa

**LIA** When we arrived at the hotel, we approached the receptionist to explain that we had a reservation for the VIP honeymoon suite. Upon entering the hotel room, I couldn't help but marvel at the opulence. It was the VIP honeymoon suite, after all, and the size was breathtaking. The room was like my entire apartment condensed into one space, and I was immediately drawn to explore every corner. The room featured a spacious sitting area with a large TV mounted on the wall. Behind the couch, there was another room, separated by glass sliding doors. The bed was enormous, and I was further impressed when I ventured into the bathroom. It was so vast that you could practically sleep in it. As I excitedly explored every nook and cranny, I occasionally glanced at Drex. He was already lounging on the couch, engrossed in his phone. My mood soured slightly as I observed his relaxed demeanor. I couldn't help but wonder whom he was texting and why he appeared so content. A surge of frustratio

**LIA** Having claimed my spot on the beach, I spread out my blanket, dropped my oversized bag filled with beach essentials, and removed the scarf around my waist and the net top. I let my hair cascade freely and packed away the extras. Sunscreen in hand, I lay on my back, sunglasses shielding my eyes. I began rubbing the lotion onto my arms when I heard a masculine voice break through my tranquility. "Hey, need help with that?" The voice belonged to a very handsome man. He had blond hair and hazel eyes, a combination that left me momentarily stunned. Why does he look so familiar? Without missing a beat, I raised my sunglasses and tucked them into my hair. This was too good an opportunity to pass up. "Very much yes!" I replied with a touch of excitement. He chuckled, and dimples formed on his face. My insides squealed with delight. He knelt beside me and arranged me to lie on my stomach, ready to apply the lotion for me. "Remember me?" he asked as he squeezed out a bit of lotion

**LIA** We had the TV on, while eating and chilling with our pizza and beer, which was the best combo by the way. We argued a bit before agreeing on what to watch. Which was by the way Miraculous, who’d argue on that. After laughing a lot at the show, which was mostly done by me, I glanced towards him, he was so focused on the cartoon so much that I doubt he’d notice me staring. Why does he have to be a jerk and still look so good? “Hungry?” he asked taking a slip of his beer, then squeezing the can signifying he was done with it. Hungry? What does he mean? I’m not hungry I just ate. He then turn to face me. “Lost now aren’t we? He asked chuckling. Is he already drunk? I mean, it’s only two cans. How weak is he? “What? I am not. Good night.” I said then stood up, was about making my way to the bedroom when my hand was grabbed and I was pulled back, and before I knew it I had landed on his lap sideways, I had to hold his neck for support, so I used one of my hand to. A bit of my