CHAPTER FOUR: Contract Marriage

 CELINE'S POV

I slam the laptop shut as I see the news of Ariel getting married to Alexandra. I had thought her life would be ruined if I succeeded in stealing her man, but now she’s found something even better.

I know she catches a glimpse of us together, but I'm taken aback when she still chooses to proceed with the wedding. However, my satisfaction soars immediately she slaps Aiden at the altar and runs away. My delight grows even more upon seeing a photo of her in a hotel with another man; it seems she has finally met her downfall. Little do I know that the man is Alexander Mayfair, the very man I have been trying to win over, only for her to steal him away from me once again.

It later dawns on me that I have unknowingly orchestrated this twist of events by sending reporters there, trying to make a headline of a woman who abandons her husband at the altar and goes to the hotel with another man.

"Why does everything good thing belong to her?!" I yell in frustration, unable to contain my anger.

Just then, my phone rings, and it's Aiden calling. I pick up immediately, only to be met with his inquiry about Ariel's upcoming marriage.

"Don't you have her number? Why are you calling me instead of her?" I retort angrily before cutting the call.

I realize that I need to come up with a new plan to ensure Ariel's marriage fails. I have to do something because ALEXANDRA MAYFAIR’S MINE.

"But I think the first thing is for me to meet with Glory so we can come up with a good plan," I mutter to myself and then quickly rush out of the house. However, upon stepping outside, I don't see any car.

I hurry back inside and go to Laura's room, where she is dancing with the noise filling the air. I quickly turn off the speaker.

"What the heck? Why the fuck did you turn it off?" she asks angrily, but I have no time for this.

"Where's the car?"

"What car? As far as I know, you got no car here. Only Fiona and Ariel got cars, so which one are you referring to?" she asks mockingly.

"I'm talking about Fiona's car."

"I'm talking about Fiona's car," she mimics, "Don't you know the owner of the car needs to use it too? Can't believe she ruined my mood for this," she adds, turning the speaker back on and resuming her dancing. I storm out of her room angrily, unsure how I would get to Santa Fe today. I’m tired of living here; I need to move out and get an apartment in Santa Fe.

ARIEL'S POV 

"I can't believe I'm wearing a wedding dress again when it hasn't been long since I left my ex-husband-to-be on the altar," I lament.

"I think there's a significant difference this time," Caroline chimes in, and Jessica asks her to explain.

"The groom, the bridesmaid who happens to be me now and not Emelia, and the scent of money that fills everywhere," Caroline explains, taking a deep breath as if she's breathing in money, causing us all to burst into laughter.

"I'm confident this will turn out well as long as I play my part and he does his thing, I do mine, and no one has to step on anyone's toes," I reassure myself.

Just then, my parents, followed by my grandma and sisters, enter the room, overwhelming me with emotions. I quickly rush to greet my mom and envelop her in a tight hug.

"I'm very sorry," we both say at the same time, and then she insists that she should be the one apologizing to me.

She then shares that Celine had informed her about what had transpired, leaving me surprised by her confession. Just then, Celine enters the room and drops to her knees.

"Ariel, I'm deeply sorry. It's never my intention to hurt you, but the truth is, Aiden raped me and threatened me to keep quiet or else he would harm me or you. I was terrified and felt like I had no other choice but to hide it from you. I wanted to stop, but he kept threatening me," she explains, tears streaming down her face.

“I already knew she would do this, that's her nature from the beginning. Husband snatchers!!!” Laura mocks, and I try very hard to hold back my laughter while mother cautions her.

Despite her emotional plea, I can't shake the feeling that she is trying to deceive me with her lies. The giggling and moaning I had heard don't align with someone who is being forced, yet she claims Aiden had coerced her. I know she has another agenda, but I decide to play along for now.

"Oh my God! Why didn't you tell me sooner? How could you have gone through something like that all alone?" I feign concern as I embrace her, not wanting my parents to be distressed by our apparent discord.

After our embrace, we decide to capture some moments with pictures.

"You don't actually believe all that, do you?" Emilia questions, to which I simply offer a small smile.

We take pictures before I walk down the aisle with my father once again. As Alex takes my hand, he beams at me, and as I gaze at him, I can't help but admire his handsome face, which shows no smile at all, and I also decide to keep a stern face to tell him that I am also not happy with this marriage.

Not sure of the outcome of this alliance, we exchange vows, and this time, I confidently say, "Yes, I do," instead of the previously hesitant "no."

We are declared husband and wife, and it’s time for the much-anticipated kiss. I am certain we will share a passionate kiss for a while, as I can't wait to feel his lips on mine.

I close my eyes gently, pout my lips, and anticipate Alex initiating the first move, but instead, I feel a light peck on my forehead.

What the fuck…

Surprised by the lack of a passionate and romantic kiss, I wonder why he has chosen a simple peck. It's not that we have never shared such gestures, but I just can't recall the last time, and I then remember his words, “not my type,” and this makes me angrier for no reason.

"I think it would be better if you at least fake a smile," Alex whispers to me. I raise my head, glaring at him, but he only flashes a fake smile, revealing deceit beneath his handsome face.

As the wedding proceedings come to an end, we pose for another picture with his family. Well, it seems he also has a larger number of members because they just keep coming and coming, and I think we will spend ages taking pictures.

"Can you two move closer? It would be more romantic if the groom wrapped his hand around the bride and smiled a little happier," the photographer suggests, hinting that he too senses the unhappiness in our marriage.

Alex moves closer, wrapping his hand around my waist and giving a smile, but it seems more like a grin. I just want it to end quickly, feeling exhausted. Then my parents join us for pictures, followed by my friends, including Jessica, whom I am glad could make it this time unlike the last wedding.

"Tell your friend not to touch me," Alex mutters.

"Seriously, do you want them to know you're a jerk? Just endure it; it'll soon be over," I advise, noticing his discomfort as Caroline wraps her hand around his. I can't help but chuckle, knowing he sees me.

As we take pictures with the guests, a man approaches Alex, whispers something in his ear, and they depart together.

"But who's he?" I wonder.