Contract Marriage: I’ve Always Loved You

Jace’s P. O. V.

After waiting for what felt like an eternity, at night, I finally receive a message from her when I lie down to sleep.

Unknown: Hey, Jace!

Me: Are you the piano girl?

I inquire to confirm.

Unknown: Yes, the piano girl.

She replies with a laughing emoji.

Me: So it’s yes from your side to have something more than what happened last night?

After not receiving any response from her, I text her.

Me: Stop blushing and answer me.

Unknown: How do you come to know that I’m blushing?

I grin, replying to her.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Me: I just know.

Unknown: I’m impressed.

Me: Anyway, you didn’t answer me.

Unknown: If I didn’t want it, I wouldn’t have messaged you.

She sends a blushing emoji, causing me to smile.

Me: I was certain you would message.

Unknown: How?

Me: Because you didn’t stop me last night, and the way you reacted to the kiss and my commands. Everything was telling me you wanted me as much as I wanted you.

Unknown: Why do you want me, Jace? I’m not that attractive! You’re so tall and handsome. I’m so tiny and chubby.

Me: You’re cute and innocent! Don’t underestimate yourself. You’re perfect just the way you are.

I answer her with honesty.

Unknown: Do you really think this? Because you’re the first person who said this to me.

Me: Yes. Anyway, I just realised that I don’t know your name.

Unknown: Zara.

Me: Beautiful name, just like you.

I immediately add her number to my contact list.

Zara: Thank you!!

Me: Can we meet tomorrow, Zara?

Zara: Sure!!

Me: I want to know more about you; in fact, I want to know everything about you.

Zara: I also want to know about you, Jace. So tomorrow at the restaurant where we bumped into each other?

Me: Done! Can’t wait to meet you again.

Zara: Me too!!

Steve’s P. O. V.

Grace’s car comes to a stop at a lounge, and she steps out without noticing me following her. I emerge from the car, unbuttoning my coat as I enter.

Inside, I spot her sitting at the bar counter, already indulging in drinks.

I heave a sigh of relief, murmuring, “thank god I followed her.”

I take a seat far enough, where she can’t see me and I can keep an eye on her actions.

My gaze remains fixed on her as she sips her drink. It reminds me of the day I first saw her, the day we made out. Little did I know she would become my wife, and that I would despise her so much.

My life has changed completely since she entered it.

After finishing her drink, she heads to the dance floor. She dances, swaying her body, and I’m drawn to her captivating dance moves.

She returns to the bar counter for more drinks.

This girl is insane! She is consuming alcohol so freely in an unfamiliar city.

My anxiety grows when she returns to the dance floor and starts dancing with a man, losing control.

Anger courses through me, and I clutch the glass in my hand, shooting daggers at them. The man dances with her, pulling her closer to himself, taking advantage of her drunk state.

She’s my wife. I can’t let her get close to anyone else, no matter the reason.

After slamming the glass on the table, I rise from the stool and stride toward them. I grasp her arms from behind before turning her to face me in a fit of rage. She looks at me with a shocked expression.

“What the fuck are you doing here, Steve?” She yells over the loud music.

I reply in a furious tone, “Cut the crap! What are you doing with this guy?” I pull her closer, my eyes burning with anger.

My unexpected arrival and anger catch her off guard. She tries to pull her arm away from my grip but fails.

“Steve, let go of me!” She demands, her voice laced with defiance.

The man she was dancing with eyes me warily, unsure of the situation. I’m not going to let some stranger get too close to my wife, no matter how our relationship is.

“Why are you behaving like this?” She retorts, trying to free herself from my grasp. “I’m just having fun. You’ve been nothing but a pain in my ass since this honeymoon started!”

I bring my face closer to hers, our noses almost touching. “I may not be happy about this situation, but you’re still my wife.”

She scoffs, her breath brushing against my face. “Wife? Don’t forget that you’re my temporary husband.”

My grip on her arm tightens as frustration boils within me. “You’re coming with me. I can’t let you dance with strangers, getting wasted.”

“Just fuck off, Steve. I won’t come with you.” She pushes me away with full strength.

“I’ll also see how you won’t come with me.” I hoist her onto my shoulder, her body dangling over my back.

I ignore her resistance and the people’s surprised gazes around us. She kicks and protests, but I maintain a firm grip on her.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” She screams, pounding my back with her fists.

I march out of the lounge with her on my shoulder, and I can hear people talking and whispering. I pay no attention to them, my focus entirely on getting her back to the hotel.

We reach the parking area, and I set her down.

Without giving her a chance to speak, I grasp her arms and make myself clear to her. “Listen! You are Steve Grey’s wife and the daughter-in-law of our family in front of everyone. If the media or someone finds out what my wife is doing with an unknown guy, what happens to my reputation? Tell me.”

“I don’t care about your family’s reputation, Steve. I’m here to enjoy, so I’ll do that.” She retorts.

As expected, I receive this response from her. What else can I expect from a selfish girl like her? She only thinks about herself.

“If you have forgotten, let me remind you. It was mentioned in our contract that nobody will interfere in each other’s life. But you are breaking the rule.” She reminds me about the contract, intensifying my anger.

“Fuck your contract, Grace. What is mentioned in your contract doesn’t matter to me. You won’t come close or sleep with any man for three months.”

She snaps back, “You can’t control me, Steve. I’ll do whatever I want.”

Her defiance only fuels my anger. She’s playing with fire, and it’s time I make her understand who’s in control here.

I step closer to her, my voice dangerously low. “Grace, I’m not asking. I’m telling you I won’t tolerate your behaviour. This isn’t just about my reputation; it’s about yours too. We’re in this together, like it or not.”

She remains stubborn, refusing to back down. “Well, Steve, prepare to be disappointed because I won’t follow your orders.”

I suddenly sense someone watching us, and when I turn, I see one of my father’s men lurking behind a car.

I can’t believe Dad has sent someone all the way to Paris to keep tabs on us.

“Dad, give us some space,” I mutter to myself, irked.

What if he informs my father about our heated argument?

Without further thought, I act impulsively and press my lips against hers, pinning her body against the car. She’s taken aback by the unexpectedness of the kiss.