Azariah s Last Bride

"Look woman, you know what I hate in this life? It's pretense and fake tears. What are you waiting for? Sign the damn papers so I can get out of here! I have better and much more important things to do. I am a businessman and don't have time to waste on pretense and fake tears!"

Catherine stared at the man in front of her, the man who was to be her husband, bewildered at what she was seeing.

This was supposed to be an official marriage as both families had wanted them, but here she was, stunned and presented with what her husband-to-be called a fake marriage: a contract marriage.

She couldn't understand what this was that she found tears dropping from her eyes. Did her parents know that this was what she would come to meet?

She was going to live as a ghost to her husband; to who she was supposed to be able to call her home.

William's voice was icy as he spoke, his eyes fixed on hers with an unreadable expression.

"What? Do you think I will make this official? You're insanely dreaming. I'm only doing this because of what it holds. You should thank me for even agreeing to this. And I know it's what you also want."

That was not true, it was not what she wanted. She had only agreed to marry him, a stranger, just because her father had made this arrangement.

She wanted to voice out her anger, but also came to a second thought: he might disagree with the marriage if she did. If that happens, her parents will be so disappointed in her.

Fine, if it is what he wanted; then so be it.

He handed her the contract, his movements professional and precise.

Catherine's hands trembled as she took the pen, her heart racing with anxiety. She scanned the document, the words blurring together on the page.

That one clause caught her eyes, making her heart drum tremendously: The parties agree to maintain a strictly platonic relationship, with no physical intimacy or romantic involvement whatsoever.

This writing imprinted in black and white was written in glaring bold letters.

She felt a pang of discomfort but knew she had no choice. She was doing this for her family, for their business, for their company not to go bankrupt.

With a shaky hand, she penned down her signature.

William added his signature, his expression unchanging. "Good. Now, let's get one thing clear. This marriage is a sham. We will only pretend to be husband and wife in public, and within the view of my parents and yours too. Not just them but the entire public, but in private, we'll maintain our distance. Do you understand me?"

"Ye–Yes," Catherine nodded, feeling a chill run down her spine. He didn't have to over-emphasize it, did he? Every word was clear and had been documented in her mind already!

She knew what she was getting into. Looking at it in a good sense, it was better this way after all, since their marriage was based on a loveless agreement – a loveless, passionless marriage of convenience.

She had no other option but to do it, even as it tore her heart to pieces just signing the papers.

With the contract signed, William stood up, his eyes cold and detached.

Catherine stared blankly unsure of what next movement to make.

"The pictures. Do I have to say everything?" William indicated, feeling irritated.

Yes, that was true; they were also supposed to take beautiful fake pictures as a newly wedded couple. Yes, they were couples now; newly wedded husband and wife!

Catherine couldn't help but laugh inwardly. What a world for her. What was supposed to be the happy time of her life turned out like this.

She wiped her tears and adjusted her looks, trying to look as sweet as she was supposed to.

She felt his strong hands pull her closer to him, making her gasp silently, more shivers running down her spine. This was not good; he managed to make her heart thumb with his hands wrapped on her waist and him looking down at her.

He was handsome, indeed, a well-created man. After taking several fake beautiful pictures, he quickly took a distance from her.