Contract Marriage: I’ve Always Loved You

The party venue looks so enchanting with the gentle glow of soft lights and the lively chatter of people.

Grace and I put on a facade, pretending to be a couple deeply in love, as per the expectations of my clients. She plays her part well, her smiles and gestures seemingly genuine.

Our act is convincing enough that even my clients, oblivious to the complexities of our relationship, buy into it.

As we walk through the crowd, Grace’s hand fits seamlessly into mine, the touch sending unexpected shivers down my spine. This woman is the only one who makes me feel like this.

I wish we would be a really happily married couple.

Her acting skills surprise me as she effortlessly engages in conversations, laughs at the right moments, and even rests her hand on my arm when required. It’s an act, but to the onlookers, we appear to be the picture-perfect couple.

We approach a group of clients, and one of them begins the conversation, “Steve, Grace, you two make such a stunning couple! How long have you been married?”

She flashes a smile. “Oh, it feels like a lifetime, doesn’t it, Steve?” She shifts her gaze to me.

I nod, playing along. “Yes, time flies when you’re in good company.” I take her hand and place a kiss on her knuckles, causing her brows to raise slightly in surprise.

“And how did you two meet?” The client’s wife enquires with curiosity, catching our attention.

I can never take that night out of my mind when we met for the first time. It was magical and special to me.

“Well, it was fate. Our paths crossed, and we just knew.” She answers with a playful glint in her eyes.

I chuckle. “Yes, sometimes life surprises you in the most unexpected ways.”

“To love and happiness!” The client raises a toast.

We clink our glasses, and I exchange a subtle glance with Grace.

****

When we are going back home from the party, I steer the car towards the beach, seeking a moment of solace. Grace looks out of the window with a hint of irritation.

“Steve, why are we stopping here? I can’t deal with sand ruining my heels.” She complains, crossing her arms.

“I just need some fresh air, Grace. The beach is the perfect place for it. Just take off your heels.”

“Fine.” She rolls her eyes but complies, reluctantly kicking off her heels.

As we step onto the cool sand, the night breeze touches our faces.

We silently walk along the shore, barefoot in the sand, the moonlight casting a glow on the water. The gentle waves touching our feet and their rhythmic sound is making me feel peaceful.

I speak up, breaking the silence that has hung between us for so long. “You know, since childhood, I come here to clear my mind. This place is my favourite.”

She looks around, taking in the tranquil scene. “Yup, it’s quite a peaceful place.”

“It’s amazing how the sound of the waves and the cool breeze can just wash away the chaos, even if it’s just for a little while,” I utter, glancing out at the waves.

She responds, “I never really thought about it that way.”

“Do you have a place like this? Somewhere you go when you need to clear your mind?” As I ask, my eyes glint with curiosity.

She pauses for a moment before responding, “Not really.”

The revelation surprises me. “Never had a favourite spot or a place that felt like home?”

A hint of nostalgia flickers in her eyes. “A long time ago, I have. But it’s all in the past now. So, what’s the story behind this beach for you? Childhood memories?” She asks, clearly just to change the topic.

“Yeah, lots of childhood memories. My parents used to bring me here. We’d build sandcastles and watch the sunset. It felt like a different world.” I reply, flashing a smile, recalling about my childhood.

“That sounds nice. I never had that kind of experience.” She speaks with a hint of sadness in her voice.

“What about your childhood? Any fond memories?” I ask, curious.

She hesitates. “Honestly, there aren’t many. It was a bit rough. But let’s not dwell on that.”

I don’t know why but I become curious to know more about her.

“You know, I never thought I’d end up in a contract marriage. Life has a funny way of surprising you.” I change the topic to shift her mood because deep inside, her sadness affects me.

She glances at me with a thoughtful expression on her face. “Yeah, it does.”

“Have you ever imagined your life turning out like this?” I inquire, raising my brows at her.

She chuckles softly. “My life has always been a series of unexpected turns. This might be just another Chapter.”

As we continue walking along the beach, the conversation flows effortlessly. The tension that usually accompanies our interactions seems to have melted away with each step in the soft sand.

We talk and laugh like two people who are simply enjoying each other’s company, forgetting the roles we’ve been playing. Today I get to see her side which I hadn’t seen before.

***

The next day, after winding up my work, I head to the cafe to meet up with Jace and Mike, as Jace had called and mentioned having something important to share.

As we settle down, Jace hesitates before finally speaking up, “Guys, I’m getting married to Zara.”

Mike questions, “Why so soon, bro?”

“Yeah, you only met Zara a few days ago. Why the rush into marriage?”

As we question him, Jace tells us the entire story.

“Zara’s uncle found out about us, and he was against our relationship. When I talked to him yesterday, he insisted that the only way he would accept our relationship was if we got married. It’s an old-fashioned belief, but we don’t want to lose each other. So, we’ve decided to go through with it.”

He continues after a pause, “I know it’s sudden, but we believe in our love. And since the day I met Zara, I knew she is the one whom I want to spend my entire life.”

We just stare at him, trying to absorb his words.

Then I break the silence. “If this is what you both want, we’re with you, man.”

“Absolutely, Jace. If this is your decision and it makes you both happy, then we’re here to support you,” Mike adds, nodding in agreement.

Jace expresses his gratitude. “Thanks, guys. It means a lot to us.”

***

In the evening, I return from the office, and my brows narrow in confusion at the loud sound of music emanating from my mansion.

As I reach inside, I witness what’s happening before my eyes: Grace is dancing with her friends, and some are busy drinking alcohol.

What the fuck is happening in my mansion? It’s not a nightclub. If Dad finds out about this, he’ll be furious.

Grace, in her drunken state, doesn’t notice as she continues dancing. I turn off the music, and everyone’s attention turns to me.

“The party is over, guys!” I announce in a commanding tone.

“No!” Grace denies it, and everyone continues staring at me.

“I said the party is over. So just leave.” I shout, ignoring Grace’s words.

As they quickly exit upon hearing my shout, she storms toward me, glaring at me.

“They are my friends, Steve. How dare you behave like this?” She rebukes, showing me her finger, completely wasted.

“This is my mansion, Grace. How dare you turn it into a nightclub?” I shout, losing my mind.Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

“It’s not written in the contract that I can’t party in your house, Steve.”

“We’re not following any rules from the contract. Forget about it. This is the last time I’m telling you that you can’t party in my mansion because Dad doesn’t like this either.”

“Dad is not here; that’s why I did it, stupid,” she retorts.

“Shut up, Grace. I told you until we’re together, you can’t get drunk, but you didn’t listen to me.” I express in frustration, grabbing her arms and pulling her toward me.

I just can’t tolerate this behaviour in my house.

“You can’t control my life, Mr. Grey.” She yells, hitting my chest and pushing me away.

I cannot tolerate this type of behaviour, even if she is in a drunken state.

I’m her husband; how can she say that I’m no one to her? I can’t listen to it. It’s enough for me.

I grab her hands behind her back, pull her toward me, and press my lips on hers. I taste the alcohol on her breath.

At first, the sudden kiss shocks her, but later on, she responds, forgetting everything. My grip on her hands tightens, and with my free hand, I hold her hair, deepening the kiss.

God! Her lips are my addiction.

After a few minutes, I withdraw my lips, push her onto the sofa, making her shocked, and position myself above her.

“I can control your life, Grace, because right now, I’m your husband. So you have to listen to my every order.” I assert, grabbing her chin and making her look directly into my eyes.

She’s about to say something, but I don’t give her a chance. I capture her lips again, and my hand enters inside her dress from below. As my fingers come in contact with her wet spot, she automatically splays her legs for me, and I smile against her lips at her response to my touch and kiss.

My hand rubs her clit over the fabric of her undies, causing her to moan in my mouth. Her hands reciprocate, undoing the buttons of my shirt and tracing the lines of my chest.

I break the kiss for a second to gaze into her eyes as if searching for any sign of surrender.

“I can’t be controlled,” she whispers, a hint of defiance lingering in her voice.

With a smirk, I tease, “We’ll see about that.”

I slide her silk panties off with my fingers and thrust two fingers inside her, causing her to moan loudly. As she opens the button of my jeans and strokes my shaft, I groan.

We both get engrossed in giving each other pleasure, forgetting that we were fighting a few minutes back.

I attack her neck, continuing to jab my fingers into her with great vigour while she rubs me.

My hand pulls down her dress, revealing her tits, and I bite just above one of them.

My eyes fall on an ice cube bowl on the side table. With my free hand, I take an ice cube and rub it on one of her nipples while holding it between my lips. Her body shivers as the cold sensation reaches her nipple. They become cold and hard, capturing all the attention.

I repeat the same with her lower part, driving her crazy.

Finally, we end up fucking each other on the sofa, first with me taking control, and then with her riding on top.