It was quiet in the Han mansion as the union of two unlikely people signed the marriage contract. This was to sustain the collaboration of the two families. Knowing that neither have feelings for the other one. The contract was written for a year, to complete the project funding.
“Eric and Leila, understand that this marriage is only for collaboration, but you two will be legally wedded, and must treat this marriage exclusively.” Eric’s father explained sternly.
“Yes father.” Eric answered sadly, as he thought of Gabby.
Leila didn’t answer at all, she just nodded her head in agreement without looking up at anyone.
“Here’s the marriage agreement, please sign it quickly. Tomorrow we will go to the Civil Affairs Bureau and get the marriage certificate.” Eric’s father Den Han quickly handed a pen to each of them.
Eric quickly scribbles his signature on there and then pass it over to Leila. Leila’s hand was shaking as she picked up her pen and sign the marriage agreement. Eric’s eyes locked on her fingers as he noticed her hand was shaking. Does she really think this is the end of her life? It’s just a contract, not like anything will develop over the duration of the marriage. Eric thought, and smirk at how unwilling Leila signed her name.
“The wedding house has been prepared, you two will reside there during this contract term. Do not think of living outside this house.” Eric’s mother Lydia Han said, as she handed them the keys to the house along with the address.
The whole time, the Wen never said anything, as they really felt sorry for their daughter, but the investment deal had to have a collateral. The Wen just agree to all conditions, as their company was in dire need of this investment to complete the project at hand.
“Sir and Madam, here’s a copy for each of you regarding the contract. Memorize what conditions must be followed, if any conditions are not followed, a breach of contract fee will incur for the total investment of the project.” The attorney explained as he handed a copy to each.
Once the copy of the contract was given to them, the two young couple bowed to each of the family members and then walked out solemnly knowing that neither one would be the first to willingly break the contract. Both had their whole life to live, and a year of sacrifice was inevitable. They would have to make it work for the whole year, which now is only right after the Lunar New Year.
Eric Han, who was six feet three inches tall, walked forward with such grace and aura of domination to the situation. His broad shoulder, V-shape body physique with absolute muscles protruding through his tight fitted button up shirt and his facial expression was chiseled by the Gods, giving him such charm that no one can turn away from such looks. His thick sword-like eyebrows furrow, as his deep-set amber eyes brim with pain and his thin lips pursed into a line as he thought of the little bride following behind him.
Leila Wen was a sight to make the eyes sore. She was younger than him by eight years, at five feet three inches tall only, and clad in baggy blue jeans, a hoodie that is way too large for her small frame and her hair pulled back into a baseball cap, covering most of her features. The only thing showing was her lips, which was pink, thick and luscious. None of her facial features showed that she was of age, she looks like a middle schooler.
“You sit in the back seat; I don’t want to be seen with you.” Eric told Leila arrogantly as he gave her a dirty look. Leila didn’t respond as she walked behind him.
Eric got into the driver seat, as Leila got into the back seat with her backpack. The only possession she had on her when she was called to come to the Han residence. She was absolutely not ready for this, but she couldn't refute and so her whole young life was thrown into a mess for these adults who only cared about profits. She wasn't allowed to go back to the Wen household, her family will send all her belongings to the Wedding house prepared by the Han, as everyone was afraid, she would run away.
Eric put the address into this GPS and headed out of the Han residence. He looked into the rearview mirror and couldn't even see his little bride's face as her head was lowered and the baseball cap completely shielded her from his view. The drive was completely quiet, the whole time the family was talking, she not once utters a word, but nodded her head only. He wondered if she's a mute.
"Leila, just know that this entire year, we will live our life separately. We won't be involved in each other's life, there won't be any publicity so you wouldn't have to worry when it's time to return to life in normalcy. Neither of us can have any other relationship outside of this marriage, so therefore we both need to make sure that we keep our distance from the opposite gender. Even if you have a boyfriend and I have a current girlfriend, they both must know that there should be no contact or the contract is void and whoever breaks this contract will have to compensate for the breach of the contract. Understand?" Eric explained, not sure if this little girl understands everything he just said.
"Understand." Was the only reply that came out of Leila's mouth, it was almost inaudible, but he heard it. Her voice was so soft, that he didn't know if she was afraid or if this was her normal voice.
He kept his eyes on the road and followed the GPS, as they pulled up to the wedding villa through the gate. It was on top of a mountainside, with a full courtyard, the old-style mansion was definitely probably selected by his grandmother. The car stopped in front of the gate into the courtyard as the servants came out, bowing their heads to their new masters.
"Please show Young Madam to her room, remember we will not be sharing a room. She can have the master bedroom and I will take the room next to the study." Eric said to Butler Cho, who was sent here by his grandparents to keep an eye on them.
"Yes sir, Young Master." Butler Cho said as he raised his eyebrows as he looked at the little girl standing behind Eric.
"Young Madam, please follow me. All your belongings have already been put into your room. Dinner will be served in a few hours." Butler Cho said as he led the way upstairs.
Leila didn't answer, but followed Butler Cho quietly, without even raising her head to look at the interior of the house. Eric was intrigued by her, as she can walk through without even casting a glance at anyone or anything. Eric quickly walked to the backyard and viewed the scenery and lit up a cigarette as he took in all the issues he has faced today.
Eric thought back to how his parents had called Gabby to let her know that she is no longer allowed to contact Eric as he is now married. If she truly loves him, she must wait after Eric fulfills the contract then they can get married after the divorce. In the meantime, she is not allowed to contact him, or he will breach the contract and it will cause her ability to marry him void. She quickly agreed and said she will stay abroad and will only come back after the divorce.
His eyebrows furrow as he reminisces about how Gabby's voice trembles at the news. It made his heart ache for her and him. He pinched his glabella and finished his cigarette and flicked into the ashtray. He walked back into the house and upstairs to his room. He unbuttoned his shirt and walked into the bathroom and showered.
The water fell on him, as if to wash away his sorrows. He thought about his plan to propose to his longtime girlfriend Gabby, as he had bought a ring recently. She was studying abroad for her MBA after they graduated from their University, and promised to marry her after she graduates in June but seems like life has other plans for them.
He got out of the shower and dressed into casual home clothing as he pulled the black velvet box from his suit jacket and opened the box. The ten-carat princess cut diamond was sparkling in the dim light of his room. Tomorrow he was supposed to pick up Gabby from the airport and proposed to her at the gate; now everything was on hold. He closed the box and shoved it into the nightstand drawer next to his bed.
He laid back on the bed and closed his eyes as his arm crossed over to cover his eyes. He felt like the world had just ended for him. He finally dozed off, as he kept fighting the sleep that was trying to take over him. He didn't want to sleep in a house he was not interested in, but he was told he cannot leave the house on the first night of the wedding; so, he forced himself to be idle.
