CHAPTER 5

Ryan's POV

It sounds ridiculous.

A contract marriage? What for?

I laugh for a very long time, wishing it will piss her off but the lady in front of me isn't ready to be mad at anything I do at the moment.

She is smiling with a determined look on her face. That sort of I- know-what-I-am-doing look makes me sober up immediately.

"Are you done laughing?" She leans forward, her stupid makeup in clear view.

I do not reply to her. I just wish I didn't propose this meeting. I hope this will just end soon.

Is it this psycho I am getting married to? Why will she even propose a contract marriage?

As if hearing my thoughts, she comments. "The last time I checked, I had a boyfriend and I was asked to break up with him simply because I have been betrothed to some man. The last time I checked, we don't like each other a bit, so tell me what the hell you are thinking about? What the hell is stopping you from agreeing to this? You want us to be married forever?"

I am tempted to let out a loud NO. I am tempted to forbid it. I can't imagine spending forever with this dramatic woman.

No. 

This should be for a while. We are going to get divorced as soon as possible. We just need to act as if our parents have succeeded in their plans for us to be in love and married for life.

Come to think of it, the contract seems like a good idea.

I guess it just sounded ridiculous since it was coming from her. 

We don't need to be contracted. We are adults and all we need to do is get divorced after some years of being married.

Why the hell is she bringing up the issue of a contract?

She tilts her head sideways with a frown. Then she fakes a gasp, her right hand clamping her mouth. "Are you falling in love with me already?"

In response, I sneer.

Fall in love, my foot!

"You want to be married for life?"

I slam my fist on the table in anger. This is what she wants. She wants to provoke me to say something about her stupid idea.

"Shut the fuck up, woman!"

"Shut the fuck up, man!" She yells back, startled. "Who do you think you are to yell at me that way? Do I look like some girl who will bend to your wishes just because you want them? Do I look like someone you can order around? I know you need this marriage more than I do. I can decide to go back home right now and tell them I am not getting married to you and that's final. I am doing you a favor so you better tell me if you agree with the idea or not."

I am surprised at the outburst. I never expected it.

It almost made me lost for words but I brace myself up. "Who do you think you are to bring rules…"

"You need me."

"What?!"

"Yes."

"So you don't need me?" I question back in anger. The last time I checked, her father was the one who came over to the house for a partnership. He reminded my dad about the betrothal just because of the partnership.

We fucking need each other.

"Nope. I don't. But my parents do. And you need me, not your parents."

My anger is at its peak. I am angry that I have to get married to this woman whether I like it or not. And I am angry at her calmness. She doesn't look a bit threatened or intimidated by me.

I guess the contract should be the best idea. I can't live with this maniac for many years.

"Tell me why you think the idea of a contract marriage isn't nice?" She demands her elbow on the table and a smirk on her face. Before I can answer, she chips in. "Do you want to fall in love with me?"

"Tell me why you think a contract marriage is the best idea", I ask back sharply, my tone a bit raised. 

What is the essence of raising it to the peak when it won't have any effect on her?

She smiles and then leans backward, her legs crossed. "A contract marriage is the best because no one would be able to stop us from getting divorced according to the contract. Not even our parents. They will no longer have a say. Don't you get it?"

"Why do we have to involve a contract when we can make such decisions on our own?"

"Simply because marriage is legal and a contract is legal too. A contract will annul the marriage without any hassle. We don't even need to sign the divorce papers."

"Who told you that?"

"Do we need to?"

I hiss.

"Why do you want to go ahead with the marriage?" I find myself asking in a low tone. "It is obvious you have the power to go against it as you mentioned clearly to my ears with a raised shoulder, so tell me. What do you stand to gain apart from the benefits your parents stand to gain from this? You don't even sound like you want to help them or you are helping them."

"Why do you want to know? You think I trust you enough to tell you?" She scoffs, turning her head away and making me view the sides of her face.

The shape makes it look like those of models. Maybe if she hadn't gotten this ridiculous makeup on her face, I would have admired her a little but the first impression they say lasts forever. 

Even if she doesn't wear any stupid makeup next time, I will still view her this way.

A clown.

An unfashionable, unsophisticated woman.

"Just tell me already. It's not like I can use that against you."

"Why do you want to know?"

I almost curse at her. What the hell are the questions for? Can't she just tell me?

She laughs shortly. "I want to take revenge on my boyfriend and my best friend."

This is when I remember she said something about her boyfriend earlier. So she has a boyfriend.

Why does she want to take revenge on him? Did he cheat on her? Who wouldn't cheat on a crazy girl like this?

I see no reason why I should ask her any more questions so I keep mute.

"I need you but I don't need you the way you need me. I can still get my revenge without you." She states and I nod.

Noted.

She wants me to know that she is doing me a favor.

"So what do you say? Are you in?"

She is referring back to the idea of a contract. She still wants us to go ahead and get a contract signed, stating when our marriage will start and end.

That way, we can go our separate ways without any hassle or trouble from our parents.

They won't be able to force us to be together just like they are doing now for us to get married.

Now that I think of it, it doesn't sound like a bad idea. Why?

Because I can make the rules. This agreement should be shared 50%-50%.

She is bringing the idea and I would be making the rules. She wants her revenge back on her boyfriend and best friend and I can do the same to her for being stubborn with me.

If I make the rules, then I won't have any difficulties dealing with her because these rules will limit her capabilities and silliness.

This way, I will be in control not her. And our limited marriage life will be spent in peace and not in pieces.

Carefully taking note of the expression on her face, I remark. "The answer to that would be yes, only if I will be the one to make the rules guiding the contract."

Her eyes beam with happiness. Without thinking, she concurs. "Great."

She stretches her right hand towards me for a handshake as I would do to a business partner who came for a business meeting.

Glad at the fact that she didn't give my condition much thought, I smirk proudly and stand up to take the exit without taking her hand.