It was past 4pm when Mia and Ethan walked out of the court house, Mia heaved a small sigh of relief, the entire day had been quite overwhelming, she was glad that it was coming to an end…At least so she thought.
"…The court said the marriage certificate will be mailed to us…Meanwhile, George is already sending your things to my place right now." Ethan told her stiffly and Mia simply nodded. Just then, a navy red blue Roll Royce Phantom pulled up in front of them.
"Get in." He told her as he held the door.
Once they were seated in the passenger compartment of the luxury vehicle, Mia stared at the hem of silk-white knee length dress and then at the window. She couldn't believe she had just gotten married to her Ethan who was quietly seated next to her. Even though she had liked him in the past, he seemed like a complete stranger to her now.
"…I've drafted the contract …Here's your copy." He said, handing her a brown envelope.
"The details of the contract are stated there and all you need to do is read through and sign your name." He added as he pressed a button on the intercom system so he could speak to the driver, since they were in the silent compartment.
"…James, please can you drive a bit faster?"
"Yes Sir…Meanwhile, congratulations to you and the Young Madam…Although I was confused when first young sir asked me to come pick her up—"
"Thank you James, that's enough for now." Ethan said as he quickly let go of the button.
Mia opened the content of the envelope and stared at the paper.
"A CONTRACTUAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN…PARTY A (ETHAN REGINALD REGAL) AND PARTY B (INSERT YOUR NAME HERE)"
She quickly scanned through the document and pick out certain agreements,
"Party A and Party shall live as a couple under the same roof for the period of the contract. Except for purposes of their work and careers.
Party A and B shall keep their relationship private to outsiders.
Party B is entitled to a monthly allowance stated by Party A and shall be compensated even after the divorce.
Party B shall bear the family name of Party A, attend family gatherings together but shall NOT make any public appearance together.
Both parties shall not be involved in any extramarital relationship during this period.
Neither of the parties shall reveal their relationship to outsiders without the latter's consent.
In case of pregnancy, the child shall bear the family name of Party A and Party A shall have full custody of the child even after divorce.
The contract expires two years from the date of signing.
Breaching of the contract by Party B shall attract grave consequences."
Mia felt a lump in her throat as she read through. Was the hell was she getting herself into? She wondered but it was too late to go back, she knew. That morning, she had ended her old life.
--
"…Miss Anderson, what's the meaning of this?" Mr. Fisher bellowed as Mia handed him resignation letter, she had gone to work earlier than usual for that purpose.
"…I have decided to resign…I want to work towards achieving my dreams and the only way is to try and reach for it, please I hope that you respect my decision." She told him sadly,
"…Well, you weren't always going to be here forever…You're a good person Mia, I hope you find happiness and all your dreams come true."
"Thank you Mr. Fisher." She smiled. "Also, could you help me give these letters to Miss Lin, Tracey and Betty? I don't think I'll be able to face them myself."
"Yes, I will…Hopefully, they'll understand your decisions."
"…Sometimes, you've got to do what you've got to do to be able to do what you really want to do."
---
Mia was brought back to the present by clearing his throat. Without thinking much, she signed at the bottom of the document and handed him the paper.
"…Um, concerning the sexual aspect—"
"Don't worry…I can handle myself." Mia immediately cut in,
"...Right, well in any case, you don't have anything to worry about, we'll be in living in separate rooms." He told her plainly.
Just then, she turned and faced him and asked,
"…What we…aren't able to…control ourselves as adults?"
Ethan turned to look at her and for a moment, he seemed lost, suddenly he looked away,
"…I won't touch you Mia…So don't throw yourself at me."
For the rest of the ride, the sat in an awkward silence till they arrived the mansion.
At the entrance where the household staff all lined up on either sides of the entrance in two straight lines, with a strange older woman in front of them, she was tall and slender, her hair was tied into low bun and she had an intimidating look on her face.
"Who is she?" Mia questioned,
"…Let's find out, and remember only you and me knows that it's a contract marriage…Make it look real." He said before the door was swung opened and the duo alighted.
Mia smiled gracefully,
"Congratulations and welcome home Young Madam." The woman smiled as she bowed gracefully and the others followed suit.
Mia chuckled nervously, the woman simply made her feel... Uneasy.
"And who are you supposed to be?" Ethan questioned as he reached Mia's side,
"I'm Mrs Harrison, the new housekeeper." The woman smirked,
"And Mrs Pena?" Ethan furrowed his brows,
"She was relieved of her duties early this morning—"
"By who—"
"Ah! The newlyweds have finally arrived!—"
"Mother, what are you doing here?!"