Celyn left Lucian's office feeling a mix of emotions swirling up in her chest. She was excited about starting a new life but also anxious about the contract marriage.
As Celyn stepped into her apartment, She locked the door behind her and leaned against it, taking a deep breath.
The soft glow of the city lights outside gave a warm feeling in the room, but Celyn's mind was racing with what-ifs and maybes. She thought about the contract, the terms and conditions and the expectations that came with it. Celyn walked over to the window gazed out at the cityscape.
_ It's just a one year contract! I can do this right _ she thought
Celyn turned away from the window and began to pace around the room, her mind racing with thoughts and doubts. What had she just gotten herself into? Was she ready for this? Shouldn't she be looking for her husband? What about those mysterious men? Will they come for her too?
As she paced, her eyes fell on a photo of her and her friends, taken on a carefree night out back in her hometown. Her lips curled up in a smile, remembering the laughter and the joy. But then her gaze shifted to a photo of her parents, their faces etched with worry and stress. She knew she had made this decision for them, for their sake.
Celyn stopped pacing and took a deep breath, trying to calm herself, feeling a sense of determination. She would make this work. " Calm down celyn,...this is a good opportunity to become rich overnight and fulfill my parent's wish...right" she muttered, her fingers fluttering up to her chest, as if trying to physically calm her racing heart.
The contract is straightforward: they would get married, live together for a year, and then divorce. Lucian would provide Celyn with a generous allowance, and she would receive a huge payment after the divorce.
Celyn walked over to the couch and sat down, running her fingers over the soft fabric. She felt a sense of exhaustion wash over her, as if the weight of her decision was finally settling in. She leaned back against the cushions and closed her eyes, letting out a slow breath.
After a minute of overthinking that seemed like forever, Celyn's eyes fluttered open, and she reached for her phone on the coffee table. She scrolled through her contacts until she found the one she was looking for -Amaya- Her childhood best friend
Celyn's finger reluctantly tapped the caller id, in less than a second, a loud sharp voice came through
" Celyn! Munchkin!"
Celyn hesitated before speaking up "Amy, please keep it down. You're too loud."
"Excuse me? Why weren't you picking up? I've been trying to reach you all day!" Amy's voice was sharp, but Celyn noticed a hint of concern.
"Obviously, because you're too loud," Celyn replied, her voice laced with annoyance
The line went silent for a moment before Amy's hyena-like laughter pierced through the phone. Celyn winced and pulled the phone away from her ear.
"Whatever, Amy... I'm in Mexico City right now," Celyn said, trying to change the subject.
"What? Why didn't you tell me you were going there? I'm flying back in a few days, and we need to talk!" Amy's tone turned serious.
Celyn's grip on the phone tightened. "It's a long story, Amy. I just arrived yesterday and rented an apartment."
"We have a lot to discuss, girl. I'll see you soon." Amy said before hunging up, leaving Celyn feeling uneasy.
After pouring herself a glass of wine, Celyn muttered to herself, "This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to become rich overnight. After a year, I can divorce Lucian and start fresh... with my husband." Her eyes sparkled with determination, but a hint of uncertainty lingered.
But Little did Celyn know this was a lifetime distraction she couldn't avoid
Lucian leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers as he watched Celyn leave his office. Their second meeting had been just as intriguing as the first. He couldn't deny the spark of attraction he felt, but he pushed it aside. This was a business arrangement, right?.
He thought about their conversation, paying attention to her words and body language. Celyn was guarded, but he sensed a deep determination behind her confident appearance. He admired that about her.
Zack entered with a soft knock on the door. "Sir, the documents are ready for your review."
Lucian nodded, taking the files from him. "Thank you, Zack. Please ensure everything is in order for the ceremony next week."
Zack hesitate for a second, giving a small nod "Yes, sir...I've arranged for the necessary papers and witnesses. It will be a private affair, as you requested."
Lucian nodded, scanning the documents. This contract marriage would secure his family's business interests and provide Celyn with the financial stability. A mutually beneficial arrangement.
But as Lucian signed the papers, he couldn't shake off the feeling that there was more to Celyn than she's letting on.He looked forward to uncovering the secrets behind her calm surface. On the hand, Lucian's heart felt at ease. At least now.
As Lucian went through the documents, his mind drifted back to Celyn. Her composed demeanor, her audacity and confident appearance had impressed him, but he sensed a hint of weakness behind her guarded eyes.
Lucian's thoughts were interrupted by Zack voice. "Sir, shall I send the car for Celyn on the day of the ceremony?"
Lucian subconsciously nodded, lost in thought. "Yes, please do. And ensure everything is perfect for that day."
Zack nodded and exited the room, leaving Lucian to ponder
Later that evening, Lucian arrived at the Olivares mansion, the soft glow of the chandelier above giving a warm light on the marble floor. He could hear the gentle hum of music drifting from the living room where florencia sat, waiting for him.
As he approached her, he noticed her worrying expression "Lucian, darling, I'm so glad you're home. I was just thinking about your upcoming marriage to Raven," she said, her voice laced with expectation.
Lucian hesitated, his mind racing with the words he wanted to say. He took a deep breath, the scent of fresh flowers filled the air "Mother, actually, I've decided to marry someone else."
Florencia's eyes narrowed slightly, her gaze piercing into Lucian's eyes. "What do you mean? You're not even engaged to Raven yet!"
Lucian felt suffocated, a mix of guilt and nervousness. choosing his words carefully, "I've met someone else, Mother. Her name is Celyn Santos, and I've fallen deeply in love with her."
Florencia's expression changed from curiosity to shock, then to disappointment. "Lucian, I... I don't know what to say. I thought you and Raven had an understanding."
Lucian's thoughts drifted back to his conversation with Celyn, The way she took him in that night. He felt a surge of relief. He shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "Things changed, Mother. I'm sorry."
Florencia's eyes blurred, her voice laced with a hint of sadness. "I see. Well, I suppose I'll meet this Celyn soon. I hope she's worthy of our family's name."
As they spoke, Lucian noticed a hint of surprise in his mother's eyes, But it vanished quickly, replaced by her usual demeanor
_Celyn Santos...sounds familiar. But I'm sure it's just a coincidence_ Florencia thought
She shook her head, dismissing the thought. "Well, whatever makes you happy, I just hope I'll like her"
Lucian breathed a silent sigh of relief at the thought of not being tied down to Raven "Yes, Mother. I think you'll like her"
Florencia's expression remained calm, but her mind raced with questions. Who was this Celyn, and what had captivated Lucian so suddenly? She recalled the name, a faint memory tickling the edges of her mind. But it was gone before she could grasp it.
As she stood up, her eyes locked onto Lucian's. "I trust you know what you're doing, dear," she said
Lucian nodded, a hint of relief in his eyes. "I do, Mom.I promise."
Florencia's gaze lingered on him, searching for any sign of doubt. But Lucian's steady face didn't allow her to. She nodded, a small smile on her lips. "Then I will meet this Celyn and welcome her into our family."