The driver pulls up at the City Hall. He opens my door for me. “Madam, please.”
Okay… this would need time to get used to.
We enter the building and about half an hour later we come out as a married couple. Wow! Can one get married this fast? I had no idea!
Without any expression, Kayden walks back to the car. There’s no doubt that my new husband is so handsome that he could incur the indignation of all gods and men. That face with its tall nose, and deep, calm eyes could infatuate anyone. Under his lush hair, his face was pale and clear but devoid of femininity. His lean figure carried an irresistible allure with it.
He turns around and monotonously says, “I’ve already informed my family that there won’t be a wedding.”
“That would be best. It’s supposed to be a secret marriage. I don’t want things to blow up either,” I said.
He scoffed. “After all, if someone were to find out, the method you used, you would only be more embarrassed.”
“Hey… I told you it was an accident and you said you wouldn’t bring it up again. We signed an agreement just now!” I glare at him.
He pursed his lips looking somewhat guilty as he apologizes. “Sorry. I apologize. We signed the agreement and I’m not supposed to mention it again. I was just being impulsive. But you must know I’m not marrying you out of my free will. I have someone I love.”
I can sense the sincerity in his voice and felt somewhat sorry for him. After all, he was suddenly forced into a marriage with a total stranger, and moreover, it was my mistake.
“It’s alright. I can understand. We just got married and we still have to live together in the future. Adjusting to each other is unavoidable.”
“Yes. I’ll get used to it as soon as possible. I hope that you’ll do as the contract terms say.”
“Don’t worry. I’m a professional actress. I’ll take our contract seriously; I’ll act like I’m in love with you in front of your family and play my role well. I also hope that you can follow the contract. This is a fake marriage. Let’s not have any physical contact.”
“Of course. But just so you know we’ll have to live together and in the same room so that no one gets a whiff of this contract marriage.”
“Sure. I said that I would cooperate as long as you don’t interfere with my life.”
“Don’t worry. I’ve never been interested in uncultured and ill-mannered women like you.” Kayden said while his eyes swept over my face.
“Well perfect. Even I’m not interested in men who are just brute and have no skills in bed.”
Seeing his handsome face cloud over with anger I felt somewhat satisfied but soon I realized calling out his bed behavior casually was uncalled for. But I hold my ground. “What… I was just telling the truth and anyway you criticized me first.” I glare at him
“Alright, I’m sorry. It was my fault. I shouldn’t have said it,”
“Apology accepted. I won’t touch you again anyway, so I won’t mention your skills anymore.”
He looks like he’s resisting the urge to throw me out of the car. “I won’t interfere in your life. You can do what you want, have your privacy, and make friends. I won’t ask about it as long as it doesn’t compromise my reputation.”
“Don’t worry. I have professional ethics. Since I’m married to you, I won’t casually get involved in scandals with other men. We’ll be divorcing soon anyway; I can tolerate this for at least these few years.”
“Okay. It’s a deal.”
“Deal.”
Although married we aren’t anything but strangers. As if he has completed a mission, Kayden didn’t spare me a glace again, and instead turning his head he gestured everyone to follow. I realized now there he roams with an entourage of bodyguards with him. Is he that important a figure… or he just likes to squander money on such measly things I don’t know?
But he might be something big seeing that he’s our Governor’s brother. Plus his younger brother is Kai.
I followed him through the downtown area and into a compound.
There was a three-story villa in the courtyard. The person standing there smiled at me. He looked in his fifties with glasses and white hair neatly tied back with clothes that looked more expensive than hers. His hands were folded and his head was bowed as he said respectfully, “Welcome Madam. My name is Aiden Jones. I’m the butler of this house.”
“Oh.” Dazed, I look inside. The courtyard was wide and spacious with a long and straight road leading in. A lush-green field stretched into the distance. This place was so big that she could not see where it ended.
Kayden looks at me. “You’ll be staying here with me from now on.”
“Oh, you’ll be staying here too?”
“Of course. Are you planning to live separately when we just got married?”
“No, I’m just confirming,”
“My parents don’t usually come over. You can command the servants as you wish. If you don’t like the interior design, feel free to tell Mr. Jones. You can change whatever you want as long as you don’t touch my bedroom and study room.”
How rude would that be! “No, I’m okay.”
He stops in his tracks and looks at me with a distant gaze. The way he is casually leaning against the corner of the table was also elegant. Maybe people with good looks looked good doing anything.
He was doing something with his wallet. His slender fingers looked like they were definitely suited to play the piano.
“Mr. Jones will take you around the house,” he said. “I hope you get used to your surroundings soon.”
Mr. Jones quickly gave me a tour of the house. There were an alarmingly large number of rooms. The maids’ quarters were outside, the kitchen was in the back, the living room was in the front, and the bedroom was upstairs. She felt that she would definitely lose her way if she went around alone.
The Wilsons were doing well in their business but this was a whole new level of rich. I turn to Mr. Jones. “Is this Kayden’s house?”
“Yes, Madam, and from now on this is your house too.”
“Wow, he seems pretty wealthy.”
“Yes he is…” he looks somewhat suspiciously at me and then smiled kindly. “Although Sir seems difficult to get along with, he is a good person. You’ll get used to him eventually.”
I purse my lips and nod. He shows me my room and leaves after bowing his head. I felt awkward that a man twice as old as me is bowing his head but maybe that’s what happens in rich families.
I open the walnut-colored double doors to the bedroom. Immediately, I was faced with a half-naked Kayden as he stood beside what I assumed was the bathroom door.
His lean, honey-colored body appeared more attractive after his recent shower. His muscles were symmetrically balanced on his chest and arms, giving him the perfect V-shaped body. The lines below his hip were also….
What the hell are you thinking… he’s naked!
The white towel is loosely wrapped around his hips that it seems it would fall any minute. I shout in surprise. “S-Sorry!” and ran out of the room closing the door with a loud thud.
I stand against the door with my hands on my chest as I feel my heart beating furiously. Unannounced, Kayden’s naked body reappears in my mind.
This man is really too attractive; his body is so perfect that I almost had a nosebleed. But it was just an accident. Even if he’s my husband, it’s just a contract marriage.
Pov: KaydenEven though I did nothing productive for the whole day except for getting married, I feel exhausted. I decide to take a quick shower before going to the study to resume work. Work seems never-ending.The water running over my body makes me relax a little. I wrap a towel around my waist and come out.Suddenly, the door of my bedroom opened and Zara was standing there unwelcomed. She looks at me with wide eyes and turns beet red before closing the door.I frown. For a moment, I regretted agreeing to my family’s demands so easily. I liked women who are elegant, poised, and dignified with proper manners and etiquette. Just like Monica. But now, I’m married to someone who doesn’t even knock on the door before entering all because of a ridiculous reason.I’m not compatible with her, but this woman is now my lawful wife.I put on some clothes and opened the door, still a little cool about the situation earlier. She was standing outside. “Do you still want to come in?”She froze i
Pov: ZaraI opened my eyes to the unfamiliar surroundings. It took a few minutes to remember that I am married now. I look around.Where is my husband?I jump out of the bed. Everything on the couch is neatly kept as if there was no one who slept there last night. But he is nowhere to be found.I leave the room and go to the dining room. The maid bowed her head from the side. Wow, they should really stop doing this. Feels like I’m in a 90s Asian drama.“Madam, I’ll lead you to where sir is having breakfast.”As I arrive, I saw Kayden bathed in sunlight. I walk over with light footsteps. His emotionless expression immediately lowered the temperature by a few degrees.His well-defined body appeared even more upright in a suit. He looks leaner with clothes on and muscular with clothes off.What the hell is wrong with you Zara? Stop it!“Hi. Good morning.” I walk over to greet him.He, however, simply raised his eyebrows and looked at me once, and lowered his head again to read his newspa
Soon, the car stopped in front of a luxury store. The moment we stepped in, Kayden swept his gaze all over the store while a saleswoman was following him looking all smitten as if she’ll melt soon. “Give me all the clothes in her size.” The saleswoman got flustered and her eyes lit up at what he said. Then she looks at me, bows her head, and follows the orders given as she quickly ushers me inside. I was a little dumbstruck. Is this how the rich shop? The saleswoman wrapped me into a beautiful skirt, while I tried each piece one by one. She assisted me enthusiastically. Kayden was sitting on the sofa on the side, elegantly sipping his coffee and reading a business magazine. Although I politely declined, this was a scene I’d never seen before. So I silently and shamelessly went around the store to look at everything. I’m pretty sure my eyes were as big as Harry Potter’s glasses. After looking at this I think what I used to have, were not really clothes. But suddenly when I rais
Pov: KaydenI never did anything on a whim, ever. But listening to Zara talk about how she never had nice clothes somehow bothered me more than it should.I don’t know what designer shop my driver took us to but all are trained specifically to make my family’s life easy. So I’m sure his judgment couldn’t be wrong.I told the saleswoman who was staring at me more than she should pack all the clothes they had of Zara’s size. She took Zara inside the changing room while I sat on the sofa reading about a recent technology released by Volkens.However, Zara came out wrapped in a jade-green skirt looking all sensual and beautiful with a hint of cuteness. Her long and slender legs were on display.The saleswoman was showering her with praise while I couldn’t take my eyes off her. It was undeniable that she looked good in the dress.Although she usually looked sloppy and uncultured, right now she appeared graceful and full of feminine charm.I could not help but steal two more glances. When I
Pov: ZaraAll hot and bothered, I get out of the car and run for my life from this brute. Seriously, it’s dangerous to be good-looking.I had merely taken a few steps when I saw an unfamiliar woman standing by the door. She was an elegant beauty and instantly brought the words ‘well-bred’ to mind.I freeze when I hear Kayden’s voice from behind calling her, “Monica…”I understood that she was Kayden’s girlfriend. So this is the kind of woman he likes!Her long hair was swaying in the wind, her beautiful face brightened when she saw Kayden. She was clothed in a white, suited jacket with a gray dress underneath. She looks bright, intelligent, graceful, and generous.I halt for a moment, unsure about what to do. I obviously look silly standing there. Kayden came beside her. They both look like a perfect match. She’s obviously stylish unlike me.The woman Monica turns around to see me and lifts her delicate chin in arrogance before turning her attention to Kayden.The situation was kinda
The next day, I went to the company, when Yvette called me. She told me that I was selected for the audition as a third female lead. I was so elated.“I really thank the company for giving me this opportunity.”Yvette smiles. “This is the result of your hard work. Enjoy it and make it worthwhile. I hope you do your best. It’s one of the most important roles.”I nod my head in understanding. Although I feel happy, I also don’t know how they gave me the opportunity to audition for such an important role.Yvette gave me a meaningful look. “To be honest I didn’t have high hopes for you, but since you have the opportunity let’s do our best.”I am already accustomed to these kinds of auditions. I specifically put on a short blue dress and primp myself. Feeling the adrenaline rush, I was waiting at the venue.“Next, Zara Wilson.”I step forward and stand on the stage. The director and staff were going through what seems my portfolio. He looks up and stares at me for a good minute before look
Pov: KaydenI leave Zara standing there and return to the guest room. Putting down my folder I hold onto the table in an attempt to calm myself down.However, what happened earlier just kept playing in my mind and it made me feel… irritated.As I breathe deeply to calm myself down, I hear my phone ringing. The caller Id showed it is Monica.“Hello? Monica?”“Hey, Kay. Can you come over to my house for a bit? I’m alone. I have something to talk to you about.”“Why? What happened?”“Just come over. I want to talk to you in person.”“Okay.” I hang up and move out.I could not guess what is it that she wants to tell me. I know she’s a little petty and moody, she’s always been. I’ve always given in to her.I arrive at her place in no time. She lived alone and her place always made me feel comfortable.When I enter, I see Monica seated in her living room. She is clearly engulfed in melancholy, looking a little lonely.I sigh and walk to her. “Monica, why did you call me here?”She raises he
Pov: ZaraThe next day, I did not see Kayden when I woke up in the morning. I asked a maid where he is and she answered that he did not sleep very well so he left early in the morning.This man is obviously uncomfortable living with me. Why insist on doing so? Maybe it’s the power of love. To protect his love, he can tolerate anything.I feel pity for Kayden.But the next few days, Kayden did not come back at all. Is it because Monica had said something that affected him, which is why he isn’t returning?If that’s the case, it’s probably a good thing. Even I’m not that comfortable living with a man.But why do I feel slightly uneasy?When I picture him with Monica I feel odd, a little gloomy I guess? What’s wrong with me?Maybe it’s because of Monica. She’s an unpleasant thing to think about anyway.Filming of television series is going to begin soon and I have to play the role of Estelle, an upright yet evil woman. The story is based on a novel that was insanely popular during its re