Chapter 2

Elma arrived at the restaurant a few minutes early, her heart pounding with a mixture of nerves and uncertainty. She had never imagined that she would be entering into a contract marriage. As she waited for Gael to arrive, she couldn't help but feel a little anxious about what was to come.

Finally, Gael walked through the door, a broad smile on his face. "Elma, you look beautiful," he said, as he approached her table. He was followed by a man in a suit, who Elma assumed was his lawyer.

"Thank you," Elma said, her heart racing as Gael sat down across from her.

"I'm glad you decided to accept my offer," Gael said, as he handed her a stack of documents. "This is the contract for our marriage. It's a two-year commitment, and you'll be living in my billionaire mansion."

Elma's eyes widened in surprise. She had not expected the marriage to be so long, or for her to be living in Gael's home. "I had no idea it would be this serious," she said, her voice trembling.

"I know it's a lot to take in," Gael said, as he leaned forward. "Everyone needs to think that we're truly married."

Elma took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. "I have some terms of my own," she said, her voice firm. "I'll need a separate room from yours, and I'll need 100% privacy. And I don't want you to interfere in my private life." 

Gael nodded, his expression serious. "I understand," he said. "I'll make sure that all of your needs are taken care of and I'll respect your privacy."

Elma looked at the contract, her mind racing. She knew that this was a huge decision, but she also knew that it was the opportunity of a lifetime. She took a deep breath and signed the papers, sealing the deal for their contract marriage.

As Elma signed the papers, Gael smiled and signaled for the waiter. "Champagne for us," he said, as he looked at Elma with a twinkle in his eye. "We should celebrate our new partnership."

Elma couldn't help but feel a little nervous as she sipped the bubbly liquid. This was all happening so fast, and she wasn't sure if she was ready for it.

As they sipped their champagne, Gael leaned forward. "I want to take you home with me tonight," he said. "I want to introduce you to my mom as my fiance."

Elma's eyes widened in surprise. "Gael, is it not too soon? I just agreed to a contracted marriage" she said.

Gael shook his head. "The sooner the better" he said, standing up and offering her his hand. "Come, let's go."

Elma hesitated. "I think I'm not quite ready for that tonight," she said. "Maybe we could do it another night?"

Gael's expression fell slightly, but he quickly recovered. "Of course, no problem," he said. "I'll take you home then."

Elma shook her head. "I think I'd rather just grab a taxi," she said. "I'll see you tomorrow evening."

Gael nodded. "Okay, if you insist. I'll see you tomorrow then. My driver will pick you up at the train station."

As Elma boarded the taxi and it drove off, Gael watched her go, feeling a mix of disappointment and understanding. He knew that meeting his family could be overwhelming, and he wanted to make sure she was comfortable and ready before they took that step.

Elma walked up the steps to her apartment building, feeling a mix of emotions swirling inside her. She took a deep breath and knocked on the door, which was quickly opened by Chloe.

"Hey! How did it go?" Chloe asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Elma took a deep breath and stepped into the apartment. "It was... interesting," she said.

Chloe raised an eyebrow. "Interesting? What happened?"

Elma sat down on the couch, still trying to process everything that had occurred that evening. "I signed the contract for the arranged marriage."

Chloe's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? I thought you were still on the fence about it?"

Elma nodded. "I was. But... I don't know. It just felt like the right thing to do. I can't explain it. I'll be meeting Gael's mom tomorrow too

Chloe nodded, understanding her friend's nerves. "I can imagine it can be a little daunting," she said. "But you'll do great. You always do."

Elma shook her head. "But what if she doesn't like me? What if I say something stupid? What if-"

Chloe held up a hand to stop her friend's worries. "Stop it. You're going to drive yourself crazy with all these 'what ifs'. You're a smart and capable woman, Elma. And besides, it's just a two year contract, you'll be fine."

Elma took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. "You're right," she said. "I just need to get ready."

Chloe smiled. "That's the spirit. Now, let's pick out an outfit and do your hair and makeup. By the time we're done, you'll be the belle of the ball."

Elma laughed, feeling a little better already. "Let's do this tomorrow, I'm tired."

Elma woke up the next morning feeling excited and a little nervous. She went through her wardrobe, trying to decide what to wear. She finally settled on a red, form-fitting gown that she thought looked elegant . She put on a pair of heels and styled her hair, taking extra care to make sure everything was just right. She grabbed her bag and headed out the door.

As she left her apartment and headed towards the train station, she couldn't shake the feeling of excitement mixed with a bit of nervousness. She arrived at the station and looked around for the sleek black car that Gael had promised to send for her.

As she spotted the car, the driver got out and greeted her, introducing himself as Gael's driver. He opened the door for her and she got into the back seat, feeling a sense of luxury as she settled into the comfortable leather seats.

The car made its way through the city, and Elma couldn't help but feel a sense of awe as they approached Gael's mansion. The grand and imposing building was unlike anything she had ever seen before. The driver opened the door for her and she stepped out, looking up at the towering structure in front of her.

She made her way up to the front door and rang the bell. After a moment, it was opened by a maid, who welcomed her and led her inside. Elma felt like she was in a different world as she walked through the grand halls and elegant rooms of the mansion.

"I thought you were going to marry Kim. Why did you choose someone else, someone I've never even heard of before?" Gael's mom questioned Gael from upstairs, staring at him in shock.

"I know, Mom, but things change. Elma and I just clicked in a way that I never did with Kim. 

Elma heard her voice echoing from downstairs. She hesitated for a moment before making her way upstairs.

"Elma," Gael said with a smile, standing up to greet her. "I'd like you to meet my mom."