Chapter 2

Geraldine’s Point of View

My eyes widened in shock when he pressed his lips against mine. His kiss was brief, soft, yet bold enough to make my heart stop. He slowly pulled away, leaving me breathless while the entire hall erupted in applause. He smiled at me as though what he did was the most natural thing in the world.

Meanwhile, I remained frozen, my eyes still wide. Wait a second… Did he just steal my first kiss? That kiss was supposed to be for my future husband.

“You… you kissed my lips?” I whispered faintly, my voice trembling with disbelief.

“Shh,” he murmured back, his gaze unwavering. “They are still watching, and the friends and parents of the real bride are here.”

His words jolted me back into reality. Right. I had walked into this chaos myself, and now I had no choice but to stand by it.

I forced a smile and wrapped my arms around him. “Don’t forget my tip,” I whispered against his shoulder.

A quiet chuckle rumbled in his chest before he nodded, returning the embrace with a surprising gentleness. “Of course. Later.”

I pulled away, sliding off his lap carefully, trying to gather whatever composure I had left.

This was no longer just a game. This was officially my side job now. The “tip” I was about to earn felt more like travel allowance for the vacation I had been dreaming of.

“Should we make our exit now?” I whispered again.

His lips curved into a small smirk. “We are just getting started, my wife.”

My eyes widened all over again as I glanced at the priest standing in front of us. His expression was a mix of confusion and disbelief, probably wondering why the bride suddenly looked different. Ah, right. This was only the beginning. How could I forget that?

“Just continue, Father. She is my real bride for this day,” he declared calmly.

The priest hesitated but eventually gave a reluctant nod.

“What shall I call you, miss?” the priest asked gently.

“Call me Gerry,” I answered with a polite smile.

He nodded again, then cleared his throat. “Alright. Let us begin the wedding ceremony of Mr. Michael and Ms. Gerry.”

Nervousness fluttered in my chest. My palms grew clammy. What was I even doing? But no, this was the plan. I needed to keep my cool. Professional, Gerry. Always professional.

The ceremony flowed like any traditional wedding. Music, vows, and blessings filled the church until we finally reached the oath stage.

“I take you to be my lawfully wedded wife,” he began, his voice steady and his eyes locked with mine. “To have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part.”

The way he said it—so firm, so sincere—made my chest tighten. Was he acting? Or was he… serious?

“I promise to honor, love, and cherish you all the days of my life.”

My mouth fell slightly open. He added a line? Panic washed over me. What should I say now? Fine, I’ll just copy him. Sorry, Lord, for saying things I don’t even mean. This is all part of the show.

“I take you to be my lawfully wedded husband,” I repeated, my voice steady despite the nervousness bubbling inside me. “To have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part. I promise to honor, love, and cherish you all the days of my life.”

Memorization had always been my talent, so reciting the words was easy.

“It is with great joy and love that I pronounce you officially married,” the priest declared warmly. “You may seal your vows with a kiss.”

And just like that, the moment came again. He lifted my veil slowly, his eyes meeting mine with that sharp, devastating intensity. I froze for the second time today. My groom was impossibly handsome, and I hated how that made me forget this was supposed to be an act.

“You look so handsome,” I whispered, forcing a teasing smile. “I don’t regret choosing you today.”

He chuckled softly before pulling me closer, his hand firm against the back of my neck. His lips captured mine once more, stealing a second kiss as the crowd erupted in cheers.

Second kiss… really?

---

Later, we were seated inside his car, heading toward the hotel where the reception would be held. My stomach grumbled loudly, reminding me that I was starving.

“Let’s discuss the money later,” I told him. “And just to be clear, I’m not a gold digger. I just don’t like being treated that way. I hate women who use men for money.”

He said nothing. His face was unreadable, his earlier smile gone, leaving only that cold expression. He looked exactly like the ruthless CEOs I often read about in novels. My heart skipped. Damn. Why was that oddly attractive?

“Talk more,” he commanded suddenly.

I blinked at him. “Eh? Are you going to sleep?”

“I said talk more.”

I pouted, irritated, and playfully smacked his arm. His eyes shot open in surprise.

“I’m not crazy enough to talk to someone who’s asleep,” I retorted.

He rubbed the spot I had hit.

“What? Why do you look so startled? Is it because I touched you? Don’t tell me you’re disgusted by me. I may be pretending today, but I’m not like those women who sell themselves for money. I’m pure and innocent.”

“Really?” His lips twitched slightly. “I don’t see it.”

My jaw dropped. My eyes narrowed into a glare. “You!”

He leaned back against his seat, folding his arms with infuriating calmness.

Why does he have to look this good? His features were carved as though the gods themselves sculpted him with too much care.

“Your biggest asset is your looks, huh?” I muttered under my breath.

He turned to me, his gaze steady. “You say whatever is on your mind, don’t you? You’re fearless.”

“When it comes to reality, I am fearless. Like your handsomeness. Consider that another tip I’ll charge you later for complimenting you.”

I winked at him playfully. His eyes widened slightly in surprise.

“You’re unbelievable. You are nothing like the others.”

“Am I? Oh, by the way,” I added quickly, “my first and second kiss are also included in the payment. You have to pay for those.”

“Pay?” he asked, almost amused.

“Yes, pay for them.”

Without warning, he leaned in closer, his face just inches away from mine. My breath hitched.

“Do you want me to add interest too?” His voice was low, husky. “Because I can give it to you right now.”

His eyes flickered to my lips, then back to my eyes.

Damn it. Don’t lose yourself, Gerry. I shoved his face gently away.

“Nope. I need money.”

My pocket money for Europe was far from enough, and I had no intention of getting distracted by his lips again.

“You really like money, huh.”

“Yes. Because money is everything. That’s why I work hard.”

“Fine. I’ll give it to you later.”

I smiled in triumph, but before I could reply, my stomach growled loudly again.

His lips twitched as though he were suppressing laughter, while my face burned hot.

“T-that wasn’t me. Maybe it was the driver,” I blurted out.

The driver’s head snapped up, shaking furiously.

“Don’t blame others for what happened to you,” my groom said calmly.

“It wasn’t me! Maybe it was you!”

And then my stomach growled again, louder this time. Mortified, I clutched my belly. I had been starving for hours. No wonder.

“Will there be beer at the reception?” I asked eagerly.

“Yes. Why? Do you drink?”

“Of course. And I never get drunk. Alcohol never beats me.”

“Hmm. Really?”

“Yes! Believe me.”

I was the undefeated drinking champion in our organization. No one could outdrink me.

We finally arrived at a grand hotel. They assisted me out of the car while Michael remained in his wheelchair. People turned their heads, watching us closely, but I ignored their stares as we approached the massive double doors.

When the doors opened, my eyes grew wide in awe. The hall was breathtaking, filled with golden lights, chandeliers, and flowers everywhere.

“Wow. This place is beautiful.”

Then my eyes caught sight of a bar lined with bottles of hard liquor. My heart practically leapt. That was exactly what I needed tonight.

You are my target later.

“Don’t make it too obvious, my wife,” Michael said suddenly, his eyes catching mine.

“O-okay,” I stammered, straightening my posture. “Let’s start.”

We walked further inside, the crowd bursting into applause. I forced a smile, but deep inside, my thoughts whispered one thing.

Tonight, I am going to drink until I forget everything.

But maybe… not just yet.

******

LMCD22