Chapter 7: A Big Surprise

Vivienne's POV

“You shouldn't have done that; you had dreams, things you wanted to do, and I'm sure getting married at 21 isn't part of it.”

“I will be 22 in a few months,” I said jokingly.

“Vivi, don't do that,” my sister gave me a serious gaze.

“What? Amy, don't give me that look. It's all good. And it's all done.”

“It's marriage and I—”

“It's just for some months. It's fine, I promise. Don't feel guilty,” I said in a reassuring tone. I needed the words for myself too, I was scared because I didn't know what I was walking into. This man doesn't even look easy from afar. No matter how hard it gets, I will survive; it's just 108 days.

It was now some minutes to 2 pm. I had an appointment with Alexander in his office. He didn't say what I was coming for. When I asked, he just said some important talks. I picked one of my favorite dresses, slipped into it, and quickly stood in front of the mirror to check how I looked. As usual, the dress fitted perfectly, adding beauty to my curves.

Seeing how the company is and how people dressed there, I knew I had to go there looking my best. I picked up a bag and headed out to know my fate with my new husband.

On getting there, as usual, there were people walking around the company, and I noticed the looks I was getting from them. “Is there something on my face?” I thought, trying to rub my palm over my face, but nothing seemed to be there.

I walked towards the receptionist, “Good afternoon,” I said, looking around to see if I would spot him as usual.

“Good afternoon, ma'am. How may I help you?” she said, smiling.

“I'm here to see Alexander. Is he in?” I asked.

I noticed the look on her face changed before she answered my question.

“What is your name?” she asked, and I told her.

“No, ma'am, but you can sit and wait; he will be here in some minutes.”

“Okay, thanks,” I said, sitting on the chair.

As I sat there, I saw someone who looked familiar. I stood up to get a better look, but as I moved closer, some cars parked at the front of the building blocked my view.

“I lost him,” I said, still looking towards the direction.

Some men rushed out, and one of them finally opened the door for a man to come down.

As the person turned towards my direction, I couldn't get the face as the distance was a bit far. To avoid further questions or trouble, I moved back and quickly walked back to sit in the reception. I wouldn't want to put Alexander in trouble with his boss.

The stranger finally came into the building, still surrounded by men, and walked directly to an office. As I sat there, I began to think of several things, and all of them led me to just one answer, which I was hoping was not true.

“Miss Vivienne,” the receptionist called after some minutes, and I walked towards her.

“You can go now. It's the first door on the second floor,” she said.

“Thank you.”

I got to the door and knocked. After some seconds, I opened the door and entered the office.

He was alone, standing behind a desk in a corner with a file in his hands.

“Oh, you are here. Thought you would have run out of the country this time,” he said, walking towards me.

“How can I do that when I have my name attached to an unknown marriage contract?” I fired back.

“This is the main contract and the rules. Go through it and sign it,” he said, placing a file on the table.

“Are you always acting this bossy? I know I'm the one seeking help here, but I also want you to know that you wouldn't be asking for a marriage contract from me if you don't need it…"

“So?” he interrupted me.

“So, you need to treat me fair. Don't be so bossy and rude every time,” I said impatiently.

“You have to learn how to cope with that. Check the contract and sign; I have things to do,” he said with a harsh voice.

“Just so you know, I'm not jobless either,” I rolled my eyes at him and opened the file.

“Everything looks good. Can I sign it now?”

“No, one more thing.”

“And that is?” I asked, confused.

“You can't tell people we are married,” he said, and I couldn't help but laugh at what he just said. I tried to control laughing, but I still couldn't control myself.

“Who? Married? No way,” I said, still laughing.

I'm a 22-year-old with nothing, and moreover, a contract marriage is not one to be proud of. It pains me more that I even have to do this, so why will I be proud of this? Married to him? Who does he think he is?

“No way what?” he asked.

“I won't tell anyone; there's nothing to tell anyone. Don't worry; your boss won't fire you,” I replied with a wide smile.

“Signed. Nice doing business with you,” I said loudly and stood up.

“Someone will come to pick you up very early tomorrow; we need to go get the actual court certificate. So…"

“Why? You can't do that alone?” I asked, confused.

“No,” he sighed loudly, “we have to be there together to get that.”

“Okay,” I said and walked out of the office.

I went to my friend's salon directly from there. I couldn't wait to tell her what I just got myself into; I needed to tell someone. I was expecting Anna to shout or react badly after telling her, but to my surprise, she didn't.

“Why didn't you tell your boyfriend?” she asked loudly.

“I don't know if he has it, and I wouldn't want to disturb him, and…”

“But you can disturb a stranger?” she scoffed.

“I get you, it was all fast. I'm beginning to regret it too, and you know what? I'm tired of thinking about it.”

“It's all done. What will you tell your boyfriend?” Anna asked again.

“Anna, will you stop calling Jack my boyfriend, and when I get to that river, we will cross?”

******

Just as Alexander said, the next morning someone came looking for me, and like he had told me, I went with him. The journey was quite a long one, and I couldn't help but sleep off in the car. I opened my eyes when he stopped in front of a big gate. When gate was opened, I tried to look around the house from the car.

“Where are we?” I asked the driver, confused.

“The family house?” he replied.

Before I could ask another question, someone opened the door from outside, and I gently came down from the car.

As I looked up at the building, I couldn't believe what was happening. Alexander came out of a door with someone, and I couldn't help but open my mouth in surprise.