Chapter 4

After our secret argument, here we are, still going through with this pointless wedding. A wedding where I have no idea what the outcome will be.

And now he's holding my hand to put the gold ring on my finger, matching the one I’m wearing.

A family heirloom with a ruby heart-shaped centerpiece. I couldn’t stop myself from frowning as he slowly slid the ring onto my finger.

Why would a simple guy like Nelson have an expensive heirloom ring like mine? My gaze shifted between his face and the ring.

“I want you to wear this ring as a token of my everlasting love and loyalty.”

He deliberately slowed down his words, flashing a strange smile and look, and then kissed my hand. He's such a show-off!

“Everlasting love and loyalty? His face!” I couldn’t stop my lips from twitching.

I wanted to tell the mayor, no need for all these words because we don't love each other.

But I couldn’t bring myself to do it, so here I am, putting the ring on his finger. “I want you to wear this ring as a sign of my love and devotion!”

As I said those words, my eyes narrowed in disdain. I felt the hairs on my neck stand. I couldn’t help rolling my eyes after putting the ring on him.

Why did we have to go through this process? We could’ve just signed the papers right away.

My family made me suffer. I can’t blame them, though, because I embarrassed them once when I didn’t show up for my previously arranged marriage.

Yeah, this is my second arranged marriage. The first one was with my childhood friend and best friend, Diego.

What a small world. It wasn’t planned that we’d meet again. Who would’ve thought, in our next encounter we’d end up getting tied to each other?

I turned when I heard Nelson’s quiet laugh. “Make sure to do that…”

“Do what?” I interrupted his words immediately.

The wedding isn’t even finished yet. The mayor is still speaking, finishing the ceremony.

“The eye-rolling thing... on our honeymoon!” He said it with a mischievous grin. My eyes narrowed even more.

“Your face! Go on a honeymoon by yourself!” I muttered with a smirk, and he awkwardly smiled.

“By the power vested in me, I pronounce you husband and wife,” the mayor said with a sweet smile.

The secretary’s eyes also sparkled, and she even clapped. So giddy!

But for me, it wasn’t excitement; it was dread! I couldn’t even smile because of the absurd things that came out of the mouth of my so-called husband.

“You may now kiss the bride!” The mayor gestured to me while smiling at Nelson.

He pretended to be shy, scratching his head. “Mayor, can we just do this on the honeymoon?” His silly question made the mayor and his secretary laugh. “It’s better if no one else is around. No interruptions. ” He bit his lower lip as he said that.

“It's up to you,” the mayor chuckled, then made us sign. “Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. De Vedra!”

We gave them sweet smiles in response, pretending to be in love and happy that we were married. We even put extra effort into our smiles until we left the office.

I don’t know where this game will take us.

“The show’s over; can you let go of my hand now?” I raised our joined hands.

But it seemed like he didn’t hear me; he didn’t answer. He just smiled, but the look he gave me was sharp.

I quickly pulled my hand away. Instead of letting go, his grip tightened. I stepped back and left the building first.

The wedding is over. My obligation to him is done. Now, I can do what I want. I’ll finally fulfill the condition for agreeing to this arranged marriage.

That condition is to work for Hector Laquesta’s company.

“Where are you going?!” Nelson asked, following me.

“What’s it to you?!” I snapped back without looking at him.

“I don’t care, Dorry!”

“If you don’t care, you shouldn’t have asked!”

I quickened my pace. I want to get away from him. We’re only married on paper, not in real life!

“Hey, Dorry!” He called out, annoyed.

He probably thinks he can intimidate me. He probably thinks now that he looks like a decent person, I’ll start respecting him!

No! That’s not going to happen. He’s one of those people I’ll never listen to or respect!

“Didn’t you get informed?!” He said, his voice raising. “This game isn’t over with the wedding, Dorry!”

I automatically stopped walking. I turned to look at him, glaring sharply.

He slowly walked closer, now serious, locking eyes with me. “Don’t forget that you’re my wife now!”

“Wife? Hey, Nelson. We’re only married on paper. So don’t use that word to threaten me!”

“Threaten you?” He chuckled faintly. “Yeah, we’re only married on paper, but that doesn’t mean you can just run away from me. It doesn’t mean you won’t fulfill your obligations to me!” He stressed each word.

“Obligations?! Are you crazy?” I asked, irritated.

It felt like all the blood rushed to my head. I could feel the heat rising within me.

He’s pushing me to the limit. “Hey, Nelson! I have no obligations to you. And don’t use that word to take advantage of me. You can’t force me into those so-called obligations. I know my rights as a woman!” I said, fuming.

His brow furrowed. He pretended not to understand what I was saying.

“What are you talking about, Dorry?” He laughed lightly, which only made me frown deeper.

“Playing dumb? You think I’ll fall for that?”

“Who said I’m trying to trick you?” He grinned mischievously, shaking his head.

“As far as I know, your family arranged our marriage. Why does it seem like you’re not informed?”

I furrowed my brow. “What are you talking about?”

My family didn’t say much. They just told me to show up for the wedding, fulfill my obligations, and then I could do whatever I wanted.

"Obligations,” I repeated in my head.

What obligations are they talking about? I never asked. I was too happy that they agreed to my condition.

“I wasn’t informed! I didn’t ask. What obligations are you talking about?” I snapped.

He smiled, then bit his lip. “You must eat a lot of sea squirts so we can have a baby right away!”