5

Javier

“Then why are you staring at Berry?” Dad burst out laughing.

“Dad, stop! She’s my wife—she’s gotta respect me!” I huffed.

Berry came back to the table. Jimmy kissed her again. “See you soon, Berry. Pick up my calls. I’ll leave you with your friends now.” He winked and touched her cheek.

“Your friends? Why didn’t you tell him? Is he your boyfriend?” I grabbed my spoon and slurped my soup, nervous.

“You said you don’t want anyone knowing we’re married. Plus, he proposed to me, and you want a divorce, so…” Berry started explaining.

What?! So I’m just the backup? Once she dumps me, she marries Jimmy?

“But he’s your ex! He should know! How could you let him propose while you’re still married to me?!” I yelled.

“So what? We’ve been together for years. It was coming. Are you falling for me or something?” Berry teased with a big smirk.

“Me? No! It’s just wrong. We made a deal—one month together. You gonna break it?” I shot her an annoyed look.

“Okay, I’ll try. But he’s my professor at college, so we see each other all the time. Anyway, trust me—I won’t cheat on you.” Berry giggled.

“You try it and I’ll break your legs!” I muttered under my breath.

“Berry, Javier—eat, please. I love a little lover’s spat, but tell me: which country for your honeymoon?” Mom asked, staring at me. I was fuming and didn’t even know why.

“No thanks, Mom. I’ve got classes. And I don’t want to get spoiled—it’ll hurt too much after the divorce,” Berry sighed.

Why does she keep saying divorce?! Now that Jimmy proposed, she’s gonna ditch our deal? No way. You don’t know me, Berry. I’m stubborn. Nobody takes what’s mine.

“Okay, then I’m giving you a car. You can’t be married to Javier and take the bus. You’re family now. And you’ve got a beautiful name—you’re gorgeous,” Dad told Berry.

“No, Dad, I can’t. I don’t drive. I like living normal,” Berry said.

What? Why? Then why’d she threaten to take half my stuff if she doesn’t care about money? Something’s off. Or… does she actually like me? Nah, she smiles way bigger at Jimmy.

“Then Javier drives you every day,” Dad said, raising his eyebrows at me.

I pointed at myself. “Me? No way! I don’t do early mornings!”

“Do it, Javier. Or…” Dad gritted his teeth and glared. I knew that look—he’s a beast. He’d boot me from the company.

I stood up, grabbed Berry’s hand. “We’re leaving. Gotta go somewhere.” Berry looked up. “What? Where?”

“Shopping! You’re married to Javier!” I huffed, motioning her to get up.

“But I don’t have money. Sorry, I can’t lean on you,” Berry said, looking down.

“I’m your husband—for a month at least!” I snapped, holding back my temper. Then I dragged her to the car without even saying bye to my parents.