A few months have gone by. I didn’t imagine Hugo and I would last to our acting. I had not anticipated the wedding to come because I thought we will eventually stop in the middle of our agreement. The wedding is scheduled for December. Hugo’s family thinks that getting married in December would grant all of your wishes because it is near to the birth of Jesus.
“Do you like this design, dear?” When mama Helena spoke, I was pulled back to reality. She handed me the brochure while pointing to the gown she was talking about. It’s November now, just a month away, and Hugo and I will stand at the altar, telling each other that we love each other even if it all ends in 100 days. Thinking I was about to leave this mansion, I felt as if something pinched my heart.
But, since Hugo created an account on social media, I believe he has improved his relationship with me. He no longer picks fights with me; if we disagree about little matters, he surrenders to our discussion. Every time I become upset he lets himself loose with our fight, I suppose he gets annoyed by my blabbering.
Another issue is that he came home with a contract that he wants me to sign again after he posted my photo with the caption of, “Soon to be Mrs. Whitlock.” I still laugh every time I think about it.
-Throwback-
Hugo burst into the living room, where I was sitting on the single couch with my legs up, watching a TV drama and munching chips. Because he walked in unexpectedly, I leaped on the sofa and nearly tossed the chips in the bowl. It’s dark outside. Mommy and daddy haven’t arrived yet, but Esther and the other maid have already prepared dinner and cleaned the house. I guess the cleaners are already in the room, waiting for mommy and daddy to return home so they may place and wash the dirty dish after dining.
I rested my palm on my chest, clutching the bowl securely. I gave him a sour look, rolled my eyes, returned my gaze to the TV, and nibbled on the chips once again. I gave him a warned look that he was bothering me too much, and I still can’t forget his post. Even if I’m acting this way, I can still feel the fireflies in my spirit, so I think I’m watching a TV drama now because of what he made me feel.
“Sign this.” That was all he said, so I ignored the document he had in front of me and continued what I was doing.
I was not aware that he has been standing for a long time because I was busy watching TV. I had no intention of talking to him or even laying my eyes when the situation got sexual on TV. My mind quickly went into panic mode, and I didn’t know what to do, so I took the document he was holding since earlier.
“What exactly is this? I haven’t even finished reading the contract you forced me to sign yet, and there’s already new.” I pretended to read it since all I could think about was the two characters having a heated session on the TV screen.
“First and foremost, I did not coerce you into signing the deal. Second, break up with your boyfriend. Third, if you read it upside down, you won’t grasp what’s written there.” When I realized what he had said, I just stared at the page. Because the paper I was holding was upside down, I felt as if I wanted to eat it by the sofa I was sitting on.
To save me from embarrassment, I focused on the second he mentioned. I answered what he said even though I don’t have a boyfriend. “Why would I break up with my boyfriend?”
“You are also not permitted to meet him once we marry. When someone sees you, it will harm my reputation. It is specified in our contract that you are not authorized to do anything that would damage my reputation.” Even if he’s serious, you can see he’s not interested in arguing.
“So, what can I get?” I express dissatisfaction with what he stated.
“When I receive the company and inheritance, you’ll get even more. As a bonus, I’ll also raise your pay-” I didn’t wait for him to complete speaking before responding.
“Deal.” Without a doubt! I have nothing to reject when it comes to money. It’s difficult to make money these days!
-End-
“You’ve been deep in thought for quite some time, sweetheart. Are you sick?” Mommy checked my forehead to see if I had a fever, but all I did was giggle.
“No mommy. I just thought of something.” I lowered my gaze to the brochure and asked, “Is this the gown you’re referring to?”
I looked at every angle of that gown. At first glance, I’m sure it’s heavy because of the gown tail. V shape on the back, long sleeves, and crystals are also decorated to make the gown even more flashy. I imagine myself wearing that while covering my head and face with a veil. Walking in front of the altar as Hugo waits for me at the end.
If only my sister had seen me wearing it before she died. Even if the marriage is fake and at least I can say she was satisfied before she has gone… At least somehow she saw I was in good condition and my life was happy. When the tears formed in my eyes, I looked up so that they would not continue to fall.
Hugo walked in while we were still seeking a different location for the event. He arrived home early today to help us plan a wedding and venue. He sat next to me. My phone rang as we were browsing at the groom’s wedding suits. It’s Aunt Julia calling.
“Are you available next week, Adele? The woman’s house, which I told you about, will be demolished. I need to find her.”