Contract And Marriage

Sarina

“I don’t want to come, but why do you keep insisting?” I asked Maximus, who was pestering me about our trip to Las Vegas.

“Why don’t you want to?” he asked.

“You’re annoying. Didn’t I already tell you I’m scared of getting into airplanes! How many times will you ask me that?” I answered, rolling my eyes at him. Why does he want me to come with him?

“I’m with you; what are you afraid of? And didn’t you fly when you went home to Catanduanes?” Oh yeah, I forgot about that.

“That was different; it was a short flight. It’s a different story with an international flight.” I saw him exhale, probably thinking I was being unreasonable. But being in the air for a long time is really scary. “What if the plane crashes? Of course, you’ll save yourself first and then the beautiful women you see, especially the sexy flight attendants!”

“Seriously, Sarina? You’re thinking about those things?” he asked, seeming to run out of patience. Why? Is it wrong to think that way? What I’m saying is true. He would leave me for a beautiful and sexy woman.

“Who knows? You can’t tell. I know how much of a pervert you are!”

“Have you ever thought that I’m only like this because of you? That I only lust for you?” I didn’t know what to say because he was probably just trying to sweet-talk me into agreeing.

“Wouldn’t you like that? I’m not there, so you can do whatever you want. Chase after other women or bring that bow-legged girl with you,” I replied.

“Don’t push me to another woman, Sarina!” He was angry, and it was obvious. Only a fool wouldn’t notice, and of course, I didn’t want him to do that either. But I felt like if I didn’t go, that’s what would happen.

“I’m not; I’m just saying that’s what you’ll do because I’m not going.”

“Don’t you want others to see you with me? What’s really wrong with me that you’re ashamed of me?” Where did that come from? I am ordinary, and everyone would want to see them with him!

“What are you talking about? I just didn’t want to go with you, and you’re reacting like this.”

“Why don’t you want to? I don’t believe it’s just because of the flight. Are you meeting up with Jason while I’m away?”

“What?” I exclaimed. “Where did you get that idea?” How could he say that when I had already given myself to him. There’s no day that we didn’t fuck, and my parents already knew about us, and he was still thinking about my past with Jason?

“He’s the only reason you might refuse, isn’t it? You love him, don’t you?” I closed my eyes at his absurdity. Earlier, I thought he was meeting someone in Vegas; why does it backfire on me?

“You know what, fine. But don’t blame me if I suddenly scream and make the plane stop when we’re already flying.” I had no choice but to agree to avoid further argument. It’s hard to argue with him; he’s very persistent. He had to deal with it if I yelled “STOP” while we were in the air.

He didn’t say anything after that, so I also kept quiet. I didn’t want to say something that might worsen the situation. What am I supposed to do there anyway? I don’t even know how to play cards. Well, if he invites me to a shopping spree, it’s better.

Wednesday, I was just in the condo, naturally, looking for job vacancies when my husband called. What does he want now? “What is it?”

“Can’t you be more affectionate?” he asked, making me roll my eyes.

“Whaaat– isss– ittt?” I repeated, saying it as affectionately as I could. He’s so demanding.

“Oh, my wife, it’s hard to be sweet to you,” he complains.

“I know, so tell me, what do you want?” I asked.

“Come to the office,”

“Why?”

“Why are you asking too much? It’s not like you came to visit me here often. It’s your first time,” he quickly replied, sounding sulky.

“Okay, why?”

“We’re going out,”

“Where are we going?”

“Can’t you just come without too many questions?”

“Can it be like that? What if you take me to some remote place and bury me six feet under?”

“I’m your husband, Sarina. Why do you think that way about me?”

“Only in the contract, Maximus, so why should I trust you?”

“Can’t we have a proper conversation like normal married couples? Why do you keep thinking the worst of me?” His voice was so soft, but I heard it clearly. Poor guy, maybe I am going overboard.

“Fine, what time should I go?” I asked so he would stop thinking I was not cooperating. Maybe it’s better this way; at least we still have a chance of becoming friends after we end our contract.

“Before lunch would be better. It’s almost lunchtime, so we can have lunch together. It’s been a while since we ate out, and I was still blind then,”

Maximus had a point, so I agreed. After our conversation, I took a shower and didn’t realize it would take me a while to choose what to wear. But since I like blouses and skirts, I get them. I’m not really into clothes and not conscious about my appearance either. Still, I want to look presentable since my husband is not just anyone in the company. He’s the boss, so I need to look like a lady boss, too.

I took a Grab like I usually do since I don’t have a car, and even if I did, I don’t know how to drive. Even before, I never liked driving; I preferred being a passenger and got used to Jason driving me around. Oh, why did I suddenly think of my ex?

It was around 11 a. m. when I arrived at Maximus’ company and went straight to the elevator to his office. “You know, I never thought Ma’am Midori would come here,” said one employee. The bow-legged woman is working at my husband’s company now? He didn’t mention that to me.

“Why? Didn’t she just disappear suddenly? Rumor has it that it was because of Sir’s women, and he wooed her back, so they got back together.”

So there’s that issue, and I know nothing about it? Then he had the nerve to say I was the one meeting with Jason when he was already working with that bow-legged woman? Wait, are they eating together?

So, why did he have to call me here?

“Doesn’t Sir have a wife?” said another.

“The woman he was with before? Wasn’t she just his nurse? You saw her just pushing his wheelchair.” I would want to pull the woman’s hair because of what she said, but I decided to calm myself. Maximus never properly introduced me to anyone as his wife; how much more in his company?

“But that’s what Sir Aries said. You know how loyal Sir’s assistant is and how close they are.”

“Maybe they’re just making it look that way,” another replied.

“Are you on Ms. Midori’s side?”

“Not just on her side, I’m rooting for her. She’s always smiling, right?”

“She rarely comes here. Maybe she’s smiling now because she doesn’t want us to tell Sir she’s just sitting around and not working.”

“Even if she doesn’t work here, it’s okay because she’s the owner’s wife.” My face darkened, and my jaw clenched at what the woman said. If I could, I would have fired her. Or maybe I’ll kick her later when she leaves the elevator? I couldn’t think of what else to do to the brat when the elevator opened and found Maximus there standing. Is he waiting for me? No, he must have to wait for someone else. There’s no way he’d do that for me.

“Sir,” greeted everyone in the elevator.

“Wifey, perfect timing, you’re here already. I was going to wait for you downstairs.” He didn’t even acknowledge his employees’ greetings, but I was already in a bad mood.

I looked at the two people talking before walking out of the elevator. “Is there a problem, my wife?” Maximus asked. He must have noticed I was not in a good mood and looked at the employees who were still inside the elevator and were now slightly bowing their heads. I didn’t respond. I was about to walk to his office when he suddenly stopped and kissed me.Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

My eyes widened because people were watching us, and it was embarrassing. “Whatever it is that you heard, don’t believe it. Whoever said something you didn’t like, I’ll fire them,” he said afterward.

“What are you talking about?” I replied before walking ahead to his office. But my day got worse because I ran into the bow-legged woman who was also giving me a nasty look. This is going to be a showdown, for sure.