C9 CHAPTER 09: Fake Contract

DARREN’s P.O.V.

I called my lawyer as soon as Claire agrees to my own terms and condition. I looked at her, feeling guilty every time that I remembered her crying face. I’m not sure if she did cry earlier. Though I could see the sadness on her eyes up to now.

“Do you need anything, wife?” I asked, trying to put a facade of arrogance again.

I don’t know what’s with me, but every time I saw her face, I feel nervous. That’s why I’m trying to act cool and dominant whenever that she’s around.

“Wife? Is that an endearment?” she asked, arching one of her brows.

“Maybe... What do you think about it?”

“Can’t you understand sarcasm, Mr. Herrera?”

I stopped as I look at her face. She was seriously mad at me for calling her that way.

“Well, after an hour or so, we’re going to be Mr. and Mrs. Herrera so you better be ready for that endearment later on.”

“Our marriage contract is fake, right? That means we didn’t really get married.”

“But I paid you to act as my wife.”

She looked away, trying to hide her annoyed face.

“Do you want something to eat?”

“No, thank you,” she answered coldly.

“How about a drink?”

“I’m fine.”

I sighed. How can I tame this cold hearted woman? Although there’s no need for me to worried. All I need was a fake wife, and now I have one. I don’t even have to talk to this women if my Dad weren’t around.

It was silence that reign at that moment. We’re both sitting there like a statue, afraid to say any words to each other. Until I finally gained the courage I needed to open my mouth and talk to her again.

“Why did you suddenly change your mind?”

“Change my mind about what?” she innocently asked.

“Come on, Ms. Braganza. Let’s not fool each other anymore. You wouldn’t accept my offer if it wasn’t for money, right?”

I didn’t hit the brake this time again. It’s like I was born to be like this. To be a hurtful person to someone. I saw anger deep in her eyes before sighing harshly.

“It’s none of your businesses.”

“As your husband, I have at least the rights to know about your reason.”

“You only rented me, not my whole personal life. And correction, we’re not yet married.”

I smirked. Suddenly, I heard a several knocks from the door that’s why I stood up to open it for the expected visitor.

“Good morning, Mr. Herrera,” he greeted me. It was my lawyer.

“Did you bring the fake contract?”

“Of course. That’s why I’m here, right?”

“Will you do me a favor?” I asked him.

“Sure, sure, Darren.”

“Please don’t say anything about this to my Dad.”

“Of course I won’t. As long as I’m here, I’ll serve you rightfully.”

“Thank you. Please come in. My future wife was already waiting here.”

He nodded before entering our mansion. We walked towards the living room where Claire sat peacefully waiting for us.

“Attorney Gomez, meet Claire. Claire, meet Attorney Gomez, my lawyer.”

Claire stood up and smiled thrifty at him as a sign of greetings. Attorney Gomez offered his right hand for a shake and she gladly took it.

“Are you sure you only wanted a fake contract, Mr. Herrera?” he asked, looking at Claire from head to toe.

I was about to answer when she said something that made my shoulders fell. I felt rejected.

“I wasn’t planning to settle down with him.”

Attorney Gomez was shocked, still, he quickly composed himself and started a fake laugh.

“Let’s get this done, Darren,” he nervously stated.

“Sure, sure.”

We sat down at the large couch. I sit beside Claire while Atty. Gomez was on the opposite side of the table.

“Here are the papers. It was neatly done. And I already cleared all the evidences that will proved that this marriage contract was fake. You two will sign here.” He pointed a spot at the top of our names.

“Should we get this done?” I faced Claire, who’s now looking worried and pale at the same time.

“S-sure. A-after you.”

I tried to smile at her but she didn’t return the favor. I just sighed at her vivid facial expression. Without anymore hesitation, I signed the contract. Well, how bad could it be?

“Ms. Braganza, or should I say, Mrs. Herrera, it’s your turn to sign those papers now.” It was Atty. Gomez.

She blinked several times before holding the pen with her trembling hands. Aside from the fake marriage contract, she will also sign our deal about the payments and stuff. Maybe that’s why she’s nervous.

“Don’t worry, Claire. This marriage contract is indeed fake. You don’t need to be nervous. Like what you’ve said earlier, we’re only getting married on papers, not on real life.”

She nodded before quickly signing the paper. After that, she dropped the pen on the table and close her eyes. I can’t help but to look at her beautiful face... From her almond shaped eyes, down to her pink, kissable lips. Damn, this woman is now my wife.

“Are you okay?” I asked.

Instead of answering, she just opened her eyes and smiled tightly at me.

“Okay, we are finally done here. Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Herrera. Best wishes for the both of you,” Atty. Gomez joked.

“Thank you for coming, attorney. I don’t know what to do without you.”

“Of course, Darren. You’re always welcome. Just call me if you need anything.”

I nodded, pleased at his response. I take him to the door and we bid our goodbyes to each other. As soon as I’ve seen his car moving away, I rushed back inside to see Claire. Surprisingly, I saw her crying for a second time today. She was clutching her chest as if she was badly wounded there.

I couldn’t help myself but to came near her. I know that I already made a bad impression to her, but still, I wanted her to like me even just like a friend. I wanted to see her smile someday like how she smiled to Elijah and to other people except me.

I kneel down in front of her as I touch her cheek. She was shocked at first but after a while, she pulled her face away from my grasp.

“What do you want?” she asked, wiping her tears away.

“I’m just trying to be nice.”

She chuckled bitterly.

“You should have thought about that a long time ago.”

“Well...”

She stood up, picking up her stuff on the couch.

“Where are you going?” I asked out of curiosity.

I also stood up while staring at her every actions.

“I’m going back to the hospital...”

“Hospital? What are you doing there?”

She bit her lower lip before looking away from me. I instantly knew that maybe something’s wrong that’s why she suddenly accepted the deal. Maybe it was the same reason why she’s crying every time she had a chance to be alone.

“N-nothing...”

“I will take you there.”

“You don’t have to. I can go there by myself.”

“No, I insist. Since I’m your husband now, it is my responsibility to make sure you are safe. And besides, I’m not asking you. I’m telling you, Claire. I’ll take you there.”

She just rolled her eyes on me before walking towards the door. I quickly grabbed my keys on the counter before running after her. I don’t know why, but the thought of giving her a ride excites me. Maybe because I can finally talk to her about her family. Maybe I can enter to her life.

“Get in,” I said as I opened the door for her.

Without any words, she get inside of the car and sat on the passenger seat. I just smiled for no reason before rushing into the driver’s seat. As I got inside of the car, a bright idea suddenly pop into my mind.

“Let’s go to the Mall first before I drop you at the hospital.”

“Mall? For what?”

“I need to buy something.”

“Then you can just drop me there. I’ll walk to the hospital after that.”

“No,” I firmly stated.

She just sighed before resting her head on the window. She looked very tired, although, she’s still beautiful for me.

“We are here.”

She looked up before putting her gaze on me.

“I should probably get back now, Mr. Herrera. I’m serious.” I suddenly heard her stomach growled.

“Are you hungry?”

“No.”

I know she’s lying to me. Maybe that’s why she wanted to get back as soon as she can. Maybe she hasn’t eaten anything yet for lunch.

“Yes you are. I’ll buy you something.”

She looked at me, hesitating for a moment. I didn’t let her answer as I stepped out of the car and opened the door for her. I held her right hand and pulled her towards the entrance.

“Where are we going?” she asked, annoyed.

“I’m going to buy us a ring.”

“Excuse me, a what?”

“A ring. Dad wouldn’t buy this joke if we don’t act smart. Come, wife.”

For the first time since I met her, I saw her blush. Her face is now bright red that makes my heart beats faster than it usually does.