Chapter 3 Husband On Paper

• Viana
• When I saw the movie '2012' for the first and the last time, I got so scared of the way that everything collapsed. But now, it was exactly what I felt.
• I was trying hard to maintain my rigid posture as it would be seen by anyone standing next to me if I ever fumbled. Unfortunately, only Vayden was standing beside me, and he could clearly see what I was feeling.
• "As I said, the papers will be signed at 12 A.M. sharp. I want their marital life to start with a new day, a new beginning. Till then, enjoy the party."
• Vexon turned to talk with my dad. They hugged each other. And with those smiles I saw on their faces, I wanted them to stay friends forever. Ruby and Mom had already discussed everything. I knew them very well. However, I had to put this to an end.
• I didn't want to marry Vayden. Even his presence annoyed me. Plus, no one even asked for my consent.
• "Same," Vayden mumbled. I glanced at Vayden, arching an eyebrow in confusion. He heaved a sigh and let out, "They didn't ask me."
• I didn't say anything to him in return. I walked towards our parents, leaving Vayden behind.
• "I will not marry Vayden."
• The four pairs of eyes snapped towards me.
• "What?"
• "Why?"
• "I knew it."
• "The announcement has already been made."
• Vexon, Ruby, Mom, and Dad all spoke at once.
• "I said, I can't marry Vayden. You cannot just force me into it. Why didn't any of you ask me? This is insanely crazy!"
• "Honey, you aren't making any sense. W—"
• "No, Mom! Cancel this stupid arrangement. I won't marry him," I said, stomping my foot in anger.
• Dad let out, "Viana."
• "Tyran, I guess the shock's gone to your daughter's brain cells, destroying her every neuron. That's why she is acting brainless right now," Vayden retorted, making me glare at him.
• I hated the way he was so calm about this, whereas my composure had died as soon as I heard the announcement.
• "Why aren't you saying anything? Why are you so calm? Tell them that you don't want to marry me!" I thought he would protest them, but he was quiet.
• After some time, putting his hands in his pocket, he replied, "I haven't lost my mind, Viana. The announcement has already been made. If I were to deny it, I would lose my image in front of all the Gladiolus and many other gangs attending this party. You may love losing your image, but I don't."
• "I—argh!" I looked at Dad, knowing it was futile to talk with Vayden. "Dad, why didn't you tell me about it? Why would you do this?"
• Immediately, Dad's eyes softened. He caressed my cheek, saying, "Dear, we have to merge the gangs permanently. You must think and act as their Lady Leader, their L.L. Not as a normal girl."
• Getting angrier at his reply, I forcefully removed his hand from my cheek. I took my phone out and stormed away.
• "Viana, come back here!" mom continued calling me, but I ignored her and didn't turn back.
• ___
• Standing in the garden outside the Bevine mansion, I dialed Byran's number.
• "Sup, L.L?" he chirped through the phone.
• With an almost cracked voice, I managed to say, "Meet me outside, in the garden."
• He instantly cut the call. I knew he was on his way. After a few minutes, I heard loud footsteps. "Viana?"
• I faced him. There he was, wearing a blue suit and blond hair neatly brushed. His fair-skinned face screamed worry.
• "What's wrong?" he asked, approaching me.
• I wrapped my arms around him. "You heard the announcement. Please help me out, Byran."
• Byran Sine has been my best friend since kindergarten and my right hand man. He was very loyal and trustworthy. He supported me when no one did. I could always count on him.
• After we broke the hug, Byran sighed before speaking, "Look, I know it was sudden. Even I was dumbfounded. I cannot even imagine what you are going through. But what they did, it's what's best. If these two gangs merge, we will be the most powerful mafia in the whole world."
• We both sat on the garden chairs as he continued, "The Gladiolus have more power than we do. They took over the powerful gangs like the Aconites and the Iris. So, it will be beneficial for Blemish. You must put your gang first. You have to think as a leader."
• "But... Why Vayden out of all the people? Besides, how is he so calm?" I pouted slightly, making him chuckle.
• "Vayden is smart. He is only thinking of Gladiolus' status. He is thinking like a boss. As soon as the announcement was made, he mentally prepared himself within a few minutes. That guy is crazy. You are letting your emotions affect you, Viana. Be selfish, but not for yourself."
• "Why can't I just deny it, Byran?"
• "If you deny it now, imagine the humiliation we would face. The Blemish won't be able to face any of the other gangs," he explained.
• Sadly, he was correct. I had to think rationally. If I denied marrying Vayden, the Blemish would lose its reputation.
• "Thanks, buddy," I smiled at him as I mumbled.
• He smacked the back of my head, saying, "Brainless woman. You have to be emotionally stronger. Physical strength can't beat mental strength. This is what Vayden has more than you."
• I nodded at his words, deciding on a thought before going in to bargain with my parents. As usual, Vexon and Ruby were there talking, including Vayden. They caught me walking towards them, and they fell silent.
• I bit my lip before letting out, "I am sorry for not thinking rationally. I will agree to marry Vayden for the Blemish, but I have a condition."
• Vexon asked, "What?"
• "It has to be a contract marriage. The marriage will end when I want it to end.”
• "Afraid I can't do that unless Vayden agrees. Even Vayden must have a right," said Dad. I looked at him in disbelief.
• "Why are you fighting for Vayden?"
• "I am fighting for equality, dear." His voice was low.
• "Are you okay with this, Vayden?" Vexon questioned.
• Vayden kept quiet for a while. Finally, he ran a hand through his hair and smirked. "You can have that right, but only after six months of our marriage."
• "What do you mean?"
• "L.L, you can call off the marriage anytime you want but only after six months have passed. Till then, you have to stay as my wife," he said, taking a step towards me, while I stayed in my place.
• "That's perfect then. I will add it to the contract," Vexon said, leaving to do so. My dad decided to leave with him.
• Vayden took another step towards me.
• "Here are the rings." Ruby handed each of us a box. "Weena and I spent a lot of time searching for just the right one. Make sure you wear them. Since the marriage will be just on paper, you won't get time to exchange rings. Exchange your rings personally, okay? It would make it more romantic."
• I wanted to deny it, but I couldn't hurt them. I took the box and smiled at them.
• "Wanna dance again, fiancée?" I rolled my eyes, seeing Vayden offer his hand to me as he asked.
• "Why do you think I will—" I stopped midway when the song changed, and my favorite song started to play.
• It was 'Beauty and the Beast'. I loved that song. Now was my chance to dance on it.
• Having no other choice, I said, "Okay." I took his hand and we both entered the dance floor. I placed my arm on his shoulder while he held my waist.
• Those eyes of his were piercing through mine. This time, while we were dancing, neither of us said a word. It was as if the song was speaking for us.
• He twirled me and I landed in Byran's arms. When I saw Vayden, he was dancing with Sophie. Her hand was on his shoulder.
• "So, you agreed, right?" Byran asked. I nodded, but my eyes never left Vayden's.
• "The clock is about to hit twelve, be ready. And—oh, congratulations! The ring is really the most beautiful I have ever seen!"
• This time, I looked at Byran. My eyebrows raised in confusion. "What are you saying?"
• "Your wedding ring is really very beautiful."
• I looked at my hand. A simple yet elegant diamond ring was on my ring finger. The small stones illuminated the bigger one. It really was marvelous.
• I couldn't help but be astonished. When I looked at Vayden, I saw he was not on the dance floor anymore.
• When did he slip this ring on my hand? Was this why he offered me a second dance?
• He put the wedding ring on me while dancing to my favorite song. That was cute.
• Stop it, Viana!
• "Thanks, Byran," I mumbled and left the dance floor as well. I searched for Vayden, but he was nowhere to be found. The song ended and it was midnight already.
• "Are you ready, dear?" my mom asked as I hummed in response.
• I sensed that Vayden was in the middle of the room because we would sign the wedding papers there. So, I stopped looking for him and went to the center as well. Everyone was gathered around there. I made my way and stood next to Vayden, who was looking at me with intensity. After a while, he averted his gaze.
• Vexon already made the announcement, so now Vayden and I were standing in front of the contract. Just one signature and we will be married.
• Vayden didn't look at me anymore. He swiftly signed the paper while everyone cheered and handed it to me.
• I took the pen in my hand.
• Just a signature. I gulped.
• I am getting married. It's all for the Blemish. It's all for my people, I tried to assure myself.
• It took my whole being, but I finally forced myself to print my name on the piece of paper,
• As soon as I signed on the paper, gunshots were heard. Everyone celebrated the happy occasion.
• "Congratulations, Mrs. Viana Bevine," Vayden whispered.
• My heartbeat quickened. I handed him his wedding ring which was still on my hand and grumbled, "Put it on yourself."
• "You are supposed to put it on your husband's finger, not throw at his hand," he protested.
• I retorted, "Husband only on paper."
• He narrowed his eyes but kept quiet. Soon, Ruby handed us the knife to cut our cake.
• "I am keeping this ring with me for the moment, but I will make sure you'd be the one to put it on me," he mumbled while we were cutting the cake, "Then we will see where that attitude of yours flies to when you move in tomorrow."
• "What?" I almost yelled but managed to cover it with a cough.
• Mom was next to me and she whispered, "Dear, you are moving here tomorrow. Once we return home, pack everything, alright?"
• "Mom... I..." I couldn't even say no. I was married, so I had to stay with him. I was really not prepared for my life to turn into a nightmare. Having no other choice, I sighed in defeat. "Okay."
• Vayden snickered. "Welcome to my life, Ms. Viana Nivekle—oops. Now you are Mrs. Viana Bevine. Let's see if the L.L. who rules the Blemish can rule over me."
• If looks could kill, Vayden would have been buried way long back. Right now, I wanted to stab him to death.
• What did I get myself into?
• ###