Chapter 4: The Contract

PEONY's POV

 

Luigi leaned forward, breaking the brief silence. "So, tell me, what kind of food do you enjoy?"

 

Should I ask him now about the job he'll give me? But he might think I'm rushing him. Ugh!

 

I glanced up, still a bit nervous. "Uh, I like Filipino dishes, sir... I mean, Luigi."

 

A small smile appeared on his face. "Good choice! Any favorites in particular?"

 

I hesitated for a moment before replying, "Adobo, sir. It's my go-to comfort food."

 

"Ah, a classic! Can't go wrong with adobo," he said, nodding approvingly. "I'll have to take you to a great local place that serves the best adobo in town."

 

Wow! Is he really serious? If so, I won't say no. I have a lot of favorite Filipino dishes, and it might take us until tomorrow if I go list them all one by one.

 

I smiled, feeling more at ease. "That sounds nice, Luigi. Thank you."

 

He leaned back again, studying me with a thoughtful expression. "You know, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable earlier. It's just that I don't want you to eat alone."

 

"I appreciate that, Luigi. I'll keep it in mind," I replied, genuinely grateful for his understanding.

 

As we continued our meal, the awkwardness melted away, replaced by a more relaxed atmosphere. It seemed like Luigi was making an effort to bridge the gap, and I found myself appreciating the unexpected turn of events.

 

After we finished eating, I thought he would leave since he had mentioned earlier that he didn't want me to eat alone and had joined me. However, even after we finished eating and cleaned up our dishes, he was still here. I want to ask him, but I'm afraid I might offend him.

 

Both of us remain quiet, seemingly waiting for the other to speak first. I hesitate to start a conversation since I have nothing to say. If he doesn't have any words either, he should leave, as I'm feeling uncomfortable.

 

Doesn't he want to converse with his friend? Why didn't he introduce him to me so I could leave the room without feeling trapped? I'm not complaining; I simply don't know what to do. I wish I could head to the garden or help out with cooking and cleaning.

 

Should I ask him now about the job he promised?

 

I was about to speak when he started, "Regarding the job..."

 

I couldn't contain my smile. This was the moment I had been waiting for!

 

"I've thought of a position for you. I know what I'm about to say might surprise you, so please try to stay composed," he said.

 

I nodded, my smile still evident.

 

After taking a deep breath, he continued, "Be my wife, Peony. Marry me."

 

My smile vanished immediately.

 

Huh? Did I hear correctly, or is there something wrong with my ears? He wants me to marry him? Is there even a job like that?

 

I let out a fake laugh to diffuse the tension in the room. Leaning back, I said, "Can you please repeat that? I think I heard it differently."

 

He sighed deeply. "I said, marry me."

 

Raising an eyebrow, I realized I hadn't misheard him. "Are you drunk? We didn't drink alcohol, did we?"

 

Instead of answering, he placed a paper on the table. I stared at it for a moment before picking it up. "What's this?" I asked.

 

"A contract. I know you're struggling financially. You need money, and I need a wife. We both understand the hefty hospital bill for your father. It's beneficial for both of us, don't you think?" He explained, crossing his arms.

 

I held the paper tightly, as if it might rip because of my frustration. "Did you conduct a background check? Who authorized you to do that?"

 

He gave a nonchalant shrug. "Isn't it standard procedure to do so when hiring someone? What if you had a criminal record?"

 

My jaw tightened in irritation, and I forcefully placed the paper on the table. "Keep your money to yourself! I don't want any money from you. And don't ever bring up my father!"

 

"Just calm down," he replied. "I didn't mention him to use him against you. I genuinely need a wife, Peony, and you fit the bill."

 

I raised an eyebrow in disbelief. "And how did I suddenly become the right fit for that role?"

 

He smiled. "Because I bought you. Have you forgotten? I don't want to waste my money, and you don't really need to love me. We're just going to pretend that we're in love."

 

I raised an eyebrow. "What do you think I am, an actress?"

 

He sighed. "You don't have to decide today, but I'll leave the contract with you. Read it and make your decision within a week." After those words, he stood up and exited the room.

 

Once the door closed behind him, my eyes drifted to the contract lying on the table. Letting out a deep sigh, I leaned back and gazed at the ceiling. "Damn. What have I gotten myself into?" I quietly pondered.

 

The excitement I initially felt waned as I realized the kind of job he had proposed. I had anticipated tasks like being a housekeeper, gardener, personal aide, or secretary. Yet, who could have imagined he'd assign me something even more challenging?

 

Wife? Really? He even mentioned that we don't have to be in love with each other. Has he gone mad? Does he see love and marriage as mere child's play? Ugh!

 

I let out a sigh before taking the contract. "Let's see if he has anything good written here," I muttered to myself.

 

Contract Marriage Agreement

 

This Agreement is entered into on [date] by and between Mattia Luigi D'Amato, hereinafter referred to as "Party A," and Peony Sinclair, hereinafter referred to as "Party B."

 

Recitals:

 

Whereas, both Party A and Party B acknowledge that the purpose of this agreement is strictly for a contract marriage devoid of romantic attachment or intent to establish a genuine marital relationship;

 

Therefore, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, both parties agree as follows:

 

Terms and Conditions:

 

1. Purpose: The primary purpose of this contract marriage is to fulfill specific legal, financial, or social obligations without any intention of establishing a genuine marital relationship.

 

2. No Emotional Attachment: Both parties agree not to engage in any form of emotional attachment, including but not limited to falling in love, expressing romantic feelings, or fostering emotional dependency.

 

Pfft. Duh! I wouldn't want to develop feelings for him either. Does he really need to put that here?

 

3. Physical Boundaries:

   - No Kissing: Under no circumstances shall Party A and Party B engage in any form of kissing, whether it be on the lips, cheeks, or any other part of the body.

   - No Hugging: Both parties shall refrain from any form of embracing, holding, or physical closeness that could be construed as affectionate.

  

What if we get married? There's a kiss involved, isn't there? And it's not like I even want to kiss or hug him! 

 

4. Autonomy: Each party acknowledges and agrees that they shall have the freedom to pursue their individual interests, relationships, and activities without interference or objection from the other party.

 

Okay? I genuinely don't care about what he chooses to do with his life. Is there a need to mention this here? I'm not interfering in his decisions at all.

 

5. Confidentiality: Both parties agree to maintain strict confidentiality regarding the nature and purpose of this contract marriage, ensuring that no information is disclosed to third parties without explicit consent.

 

6. Duration and Termination: This agreement shall remain in effect for a lifetime from the date of signing. Upon reaching the termination date or fulfilling the contract's purpose, whichever comes first, both parties shall be free from their obligations under this agreement.

 

Huh?! Lifetime? Is he really serious? It feels like he's saying I don't deserve to be free!

 

7. Amendments: Any modifications or amendments to this agreement must be in writing and signed by both parties.

 

8. Governing Law: This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of China, without regard to its conflict of law principles.

 

Acknowledgment:

 

By signing below, both Party A and Party B acknowledge that they have read, understood, and voluntarily agreed to all the terms and conditions set forth in this Contract Marriage Agreement.

 

Sigh. Should I take it?

 

I placed the paper on the table. Standing up, I glanced out the window to observe the swaying flowers. "Pa, what should I do?" I murmured to myself.

 

I'm just 24 years old. If he really did a background check on me, he'd discover I never finished college. Knowing that, why did he choose to marry me? Shouldn't he have opted for a wealthy woman like himself? Someone he could proudly present to his family.

 

I wasn't planning to get married yet; my focus was on Papa, not anyone else. But now, what's my next move? Do I even have the option to refuse Luigi's proposal? Regardless of how I see it, I seem destined to marry him. Why? Because he's already taken control of my entire existence. He owns me.

 

I took a deep breath. He will take care of Papa's hospital bill and medications, right? If that's the case, I'll gladly accept the job for Papa's sake.

 

I've made up my mind. I will marry Luigi; he will be my husband.