Chapter 2

“I agree.”

Even now, my agreement to his deal keeps echoing in my head. I wasn’t even in my right mind when I ended up holding his hand as we walked toward the pharmacy. People who recognized us immediately started whispering.

“A-Aren’t you uncomfortable?” I asked shyly.

I wanted to hide behind him because of the eyes following us, as if it were some grave sin to see us holding hands.

I glanced down at our joined palms, and when I was about to pull away, he tightened his grip.

I felt my face heating up in embarrassment. I couldn’t bring myself to look at him. I kept my head down the entire time we were together.

I didn’t know if this was part of what he wanted, the so-called deal, but I let it be rather than force myself away.

“Let them overthink,” I heard the amusement in his voice. “They’re just gossipmongers.”

I secretly laughed. I didn’t expect him to know that term, something I often heard from millennials.

“What if they spread rumors that—”

“That we’re in a relationship?” he continued. “That’s the plan, Lyl. Let them believe it. Whatever you hear, feign ignorance. They don’t contribute anything to our lives, so focus on me, the man who’ll be your husband.”

I lowered my head even more, embarrassed at the thought that we’d be husband and wife in the coming days even though it was just a deal. A contract marriage, I guess?

I don't know if what I agreed to was the right thing, but I'm already here. I had to stand to my decision rather than regret it later, it was my choice, after all.

He hadn’t told me yet the full terms regarding the marriage, so I decided to wait until he explained everything himself. What mattered most to me was saving our house and eatery. They were the last reminders of my parents. I couldn’t bear to lose them.

“And start calling me Raze when there are people around,” he said. “Or better yet, hubby, so I can call you wifey.”

“Huh?” I must’ve misheard. “Hubby?”

“Yes, wifey.”

I looked up at him and saw him smiling, wide enough that his eyes nearly disappeared.

“W-We’re not married yet, so just Lylia is fine, or maybe—”

“Lyl,” he said softly, as if he had already decided that would be my name to him. “I prefer that. But once we’re married, I get to decide what I call you and what you call me. That’s why I want you to call me hubby.” His tone was firm, leaving me with no choice but to nod.

“B-But what if they start suspecting because—”

“I told you, Lyl. Let them be. Just focus on me.”

I pressed my lips together. “Sorry,” I said, lowering my head.

I felt him brush my hair gently and squeeze my hand. “We’re here. Let me see the paper you’re holding.”

I handed it to him, and he lined up for me. I thought he’d finally let go of my hand, but instead he pulled me closer.

“Are they together?” I heard someone whisper.

“Didn’t the captain just come back?”

“Why are they holding hands?”

“They probably are. Look at how tight his grip is, like he doesn’t want to let go.”

“Maybe she’s the one he came home to.”

Just like Raze said, I let them gossip. It wasn’t anything below the belt, so I pretended not to hear.

“Come closer. You might get bumped,” he said, wrapping an arm around my waist.

I froze. I felt the blood rush to my face from the sudden heat.

There were a lot of people at window one, where payments were made. Raze had already paid for the medicine, so we were at window two to claim it.

“Don’t wander off.”

“Huh?” I looked up at him, and closed my eyes when he kissed my hair.

“They look like newlyweds,” someone beside us whispered. “They suit each other. Both good-looking.”

“Their kids will definitely be beautiful.”

“Of course they will.”

“I’ll make sure of that.”

I didn’t hear what he murmured. I stayed staring up at him until my neck started to ache. He was tall and if I wasn’t mistaken, around 6’3”. And there I was at 5’5”.

After getting the medicine, we returned to Lira’s room and found the two laughing.

They fell silent when they saw us still holding hands.

“I’ll just head down to buy some food,” he told me. “I’ll be quick.”

“O-Okay. Be careful,” I replied.

“Is there anything you want me to buy? I can—”

“Captain, ice cream, please!” Lira shouted, briefly removing her oxygen mask before putting it back on.

“Is that allowed for her?” Raze asked me.

I didn’t answer right away. I wasn’t sure either.

“I’ll just ask the doctor,” he said. “What about you?” he asked Love.

“Any snacks will do, Captain,” she replied. “And maybe some soft drinks, if that’s okay.”

“Hey, you guys—” I tried to scold them, but Raze stopped me.

He was already shouldering everything, and those two were making demands like they were just talking to a friend. I almost felt the need to remind them he was the captain.

“It’s fine,” Raze said with a smile. “I’ll head out. You... don’t you want anything?”

“Uh, no,” I said, giving him a shy smile.

“No kiss?”

“Huh?”

I stood there dazed for a few seconds, blinking, as he closed the door.

Did I hear that right?

Was he asking for a kiss?

Was that still part of our deal?