Five

At the civil affairs bureau,a lot of people were there to either register their marriage or do other things. As soon as they entered, all eyes turned to their direction. They were a perfect match. Noah was handsome and hot and was every woman's dream. Emily, as well, was a very pretty young girl with curvy shape that could make heads turn. 

"Wow! Look at that hot guy," one lady whispered to her friend. 

"Oh my gosh! He is smoking hot. I envy that girl," another said. 

"I will give anything to get into his bed," one said shamelessly.

They were whispering but it was loud enough for Emily to hear. Somewhere nearby, a couple were kissing. It was a normal sight and the workers and people around were not bothered. But Emily thought it wasn't supposed to be. 

"All these people admiring us. If only they knew it is a fake marriage," Emily thought

"Why are you standing there?" Noah asked interrupting her thoughts.

"Huh…"

"Let's go," he said and walked off. 

Go where? There were a lot of people who were there before them. She watched him walk to the front. She hastened up and followed behind him. 

"Ah! First Master Noah!" a voice said. 

Everyone gave way. A hush fell over them. He was a powerful ceo and was seldom seen. Most people had only seen him in pictures, magazines or on the news. Some ladies gawped at him despite having partners beside them. 

"Arrogant brute. He is using his influence here. He wants to be attended to first. What about other people who were here before him?" Emily said within. She hated the fact that he was using his influence to get things done without due process. He looked down on people and thought them trivial. 

With the marriage certificate in his hands, Noah left the civil affairs bureau with Emily. 

"Few hours ago, I was single and was soon to be Mrs Mason. Now, I am Mrs Harper."

As soon as they got into the car, Emily's phone rang. It was her boss. Emily had never been in her good books. She hated Emily because Emily was everything she wasn't. She was beautiful, shapey, smart and all. She made Emily do all the work. 

"Good evening ma," Emily greeted respectfully.

"Why were you absent without permission?" her boss, Linda asked.

"I am sorry ma. It was…" Emily apologized and tried to explain but Linda did not let her. 

"You are fired," Linda interrupted and ended the call. Tears welled up in her eyes. Fired? How? It was only today. A one time mistake. What will she do now? She won't be jobless. Noah opened his eyes which have been closed since they entered the car.

"The contract also made room for your employment," he said and closed his eyes again. Emily's heart leaped for joy. She had completely forgotten about that. 

"Thank you so much sir," she thanked him profusely.

The driver took a left turn and Emily's hair stood. Where were they going? The direction to her house was the right turn. She mustered courage and asked cautiously,

"Where are we going to please?"

The driver turned and answered, "We are going home, madam "

What? Home? He also called her madam. Wait. Was she going to live with him? Noah answered the question in her mind.

"We are married. There is no way you will live outside my villa," he said firmly giving no room for a counter opinion. 

It was a fake marriage.

"But…" she started.

"But what?" he asked frowning. He was accustomed to giving orders and having it done instantly without being disputed.

"I… I want to pick up some things from the house," she said quietly.

"No need. Everything will be replaced," came the reply.

"Please, I just need…" Emily protested. 

"Fine. Turn around and drop her off," Noah said in exasperation. 

"Thank you, but I can go from here," Emily declined the ride politely. 

Noah looked at her like he was going to murder her.

"Fine then. Get out."

The driver matched the brakes and the car came to a halt. 

"Thank you," Emily said and opened the door. 

"Once you are done, call me. I will send someone to come and pick you up," Noah said passing a well decorated contact card to her. 

****************************************************

Noah looked at the time and wondered what was keeping Emily and why she hasn't called. 

"Or does she have ulterior motives? I thought as much," he swore. 

"Where have you been all day? Where?" Olivia roared at poor Emily. 

"You want to ruin our chances, right? Do you want us to become a laughing stock? Do you not know that the Mason family can render us bankrupt in seconds and with a snap of their fingers, huh?? Do you?" Williams Grant, Emily's father joined in.

"Why must it always be me father?" Emily cried.

 "Why me? Why do I have to be the outcast here? I am your child too."

"Yes. A good for nothing one. A good for nothing child. That's what you are," Rose answered her question pointing her finger on her face. 

"You are being asked to be useful just this once. Marry into that family and stay out of ours. We won't bother you anymore. Just get married. Get married, Emily," Rose finished.

The door was kicked open and in came a furious Jayden.

"How dare you?" Jayden spat.

"Why will you defy my orders? You sent her to another's bed last night and you think you will all get away with it? I will take down the Grant family. I will send it to Hades," he threatened.

"Pardon us, Master Jayden. It was her who sneaked off into his bed last night. She is shameless," Rose lied.

"Yes. It was her," Olivia supported her daughter. 

Emily was too shocked to speak. How could they be lieing? 

"But don't worry. I will teach this unfilial daughter of mine a lesson. Kneel down right away and apologize to Master Jayden. Quick," Olivia ordered. 

Emily opened her mouth to protest.

"What is going on here?" a cold and domineering voice called fro

m the door. They turned to see who it was. 

Behold, it was…