Contract And Marriage

Sarina

“Why stay in this room when you can get better?” Maximus asked. We had just finished eating, and I must admit, I ate a lot, so I was thankful that my husband ordered a lot of food. I hadn’t realized I was so hungry until we started eating.

“I didn’t want to spend a lot,” I replied while he continued to caress my hand he was holding. We were on the couch, leaning at him with his arm wrapped around me.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

“What about the card I gave you?”

“I didn’t want to use it, even though I was tempted earlier. I thought about your grandma, who would be furious if she found out, so I stopped myself. I didn’t want her to think that I am what she thinks I am, and that will never happen if I will spend your money.” It was long, but I hope he got my point.

“You don’t have to think about her. I am your husband and responsible for providing everything you need and want. So next time, don’t hesitate to spend my money.” I looked up at him with furrowed brows. He said it like we were actually normal couples who fall in love.

“No need, Maximus. I have my own money.” Even though what he said was nice, I didn’t intend to waste his money. I also didn’t want him to have anything to say when the time came for us to part ways. Although he didn’t look stingy, I still didn’t want to receive any harsh words regarding money.

I felt him take a deep breath as if he wanted to say something but remained silent. I suddenly turned to him when I remembered his condition. “Didn’t you just have surgery? Why are you here already?”

“Huh?” he asked, looking confused, which caused me to frown. “I asked Dr. Jerold, and he said it was okay,” he replied, looking away.

“Are you sure? You seem different. How could a patient who just had his eye surgery roam around?” I asked, confused. Some patients heal fast, but he’s way faster.

“I wore eyeglasses on my way here to avoid eye irritation, if that’s what you mean.”

“Alright, if you say so. I was just curious because you seemed to recover so quickly,” I replied, shrugging my shoulders. I’m still worried about him, but if he said he’s fine, then I guess that’s the truth. No one knows his body better than him.

“It wasn’t that serious, according to the doctor. He even scolded me for not doing it sooner.” I said nothing else and stood up, but he stopped me. “Where are you going?”

“I’m going to pack my suitcase so we can go home.”

“Huh? Not yet; let’s make the most of our time here.”

“What do you mean ‘make the most of it’?” I asked, raising my eyebrows at him while he grinned at me.

“Since we’re already here, let’s enjoy it. Like a honeymoon,” he said, smiling broadly and wiggling his eyebrows.

“Rest, Maximus. Stop being so perverted.”

“You just asked earlier if we could have sex,” he said, pouting.

“I’m not in the mood anymore. And I thought it would be better if you rested first, so let’s go home and get rid of the dirty thoughts in your mind.” I started packing my suitcase, not wanting to waste time, especially money, even though he now owned the hotel.

A week quickly passed, and I hadn’t seen even a shadow of the old woman and the bow-legged bitch, so my days had been great. Maximus was working properly, but I had Aries send all his work to the condo to ensure that everything was okay with my husband. I didn’t want him catching any bacteria if he wasn’t fully recovered. And that might happen if he starts going to his office.

I saw how Maximus took care of me, something I didn’t expect from him because I thought he was only after sex with me. I admired him greatly when I told him there should be no sex until he was fully recovered, and he agreed. But he warned me that he would wear me out once he was able. I just agreed because despite what he said, based on our past sexual encounters, it seemed like he got tired first. Maybe it was because of his condition; I don’t know now that he’s healed.

“Wifey,” I heard Maximus say, so I looked at him. I was currently making the bed while he was getting dressed. It was Monday and his first day back at the company to work. I frowned at him as he looked at me. “Can you help me with this?” he asked, holding the tie around his neck.

“Who are you calling?” I asked.

“Do I have another wife besides you?” he asked back. He didn’t call me by any endearment, but his possessiveness in calling me ‘wifey’ made up for it. I didn’t answer and just took a deep breath before approaching him.

“You used to do this by yourself,” I said as I started to fix his tie.

“It feels good when my beautiful wife does it for me.” I looked at him because it seemed like he was joking. I just shook my head and didn’t take his words seriously. “It looks like you don’t believe me.”

“I don’t, and I’m not easily flattered,” I said, pulling his tie to fix it. “There, it’s done-” I couldn’t finish my sentence because he kissed me. He was good at kissing, so I responded willingly.

“Believe me, you’re beautiful,” he said after our passionate kiss.

“I’ve known that for a long time.” I pretended to be confident, but I was just an ordinary girl. I’m not the kind of woman with exceptional beauty; I grew up in the province. The only thing I’m thankful for is that I inherited my father’s smooth skin.

“Then why do you say you’re not easily flattered?” he asked, frowning.

“Because it only makes you feel good that I fix your tie. If I didn’t know better, I’d think you just want to order me around.” He just shook his head, seemingly in disbelief.

“Let’s just have breakfast. It’s hard to talk to you because you think I’m always joking.” He walked out of our room, and I didn’t know if he was mad or what. Why would he be mad? I didn’t say anything wrong.

We were eating when he suddenly tried to feed me. “What are you doing?” I asked.

“Didn’t I say it would be my turn to feed you when I get better?” I couldn’t speak; I wanted to respond but couldn’t think of anything to say. I was speechless. “Open wide, sweetheart.”

I opened my mouth in surprise, and he fed me. It felt like I woke up from a dream and started chewing. Until we finished eating, I stared at him like a fool, accepting each bite of food he fed me like a child.

Even after he left, that scene at the dining table stayed in my mind. I couldn’t believe it. If he had said it felt good when I fixed his tie earlier, I could have said it felt good when he fed me and, above all, his possessive way of calling me.

I suddenly clutched my chest because of the strange flutter or heartbeat. I looked around and was thankful Lisa wasn’t here yet; otherwise, I would look foolish. I just shook my head and returned to our room to continue tidying up when I heard my phone ringing. I quickly grabbed it and answered when I saw the name registered on the screen.

“Mom,” I said after I answered the call. I got worried. Did something happen to them? Did my father get involved in another gambling issue?

“Dear, we’re already in Tabaco,” she replied. What is she doing there? I don’t remember having a relative there of some sort. She doesn’t even have friends there, and neither do I. So why is she there?

“Oh, what are you doing there?” I wondered because my mom doesn’t like to travel. “And who are you with?” I added curiously.

“Your father, of course. We’re going to Manila to visit you and see how you’re doing. What’s your address again?” I feel like everything turns, making me not understand what she means by what she just said. Did I hear her wrong? She’s in Tabaco now with my father, on their way to Manila to visit me, and she’s asking for my address.

My eyes widened, and I thought about my situation with Maximus. They still don’t know that I’m married!