Love Is More Than A Contract

“Angela?” Brian’s slightly worried voice comes through. I had to act quickly; I repositioned my legs so it would look like I tripped. When he came in and saw me and his phone on the floor, he hesitated. Then he walked to me and helped me up, “What happened?” Then he quickly got his phone.

“Why is my phone on the floor?” He asked, scanning his phone for any damage.

“I got it when I saw you left it. Then I tripped and went out of the room.” I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

“Ah,” he said, only then looking at me to make sure I’m okay, “Are you alright? Did you twist your ankle?”

“I think…” I roll my ankle around, trying to pretend that I really did trip, “I’m fine.” I put on a smile. He smiled back, but his eyes were flickering to his phone.

He held out his hand and together we went out of the house and to the limo. The drive was a bit long because of the traffic and I couldn’t help but fall asleep.

When I stirred, about to open my eyes, I could feel Brian hold his breath. So, I kept my eyes closed, curious and scared.

He let out the breath after a moment, “Okay, we’re good. She’s still asleep.”

“Brian, you know the repercussions of what you’re doing right?” said his friend, Ryan. What was he doing here?

“I checked our contract. It’s binding her to me, but not me to her.” Brian said with a low chuckle, “I’ll still marry her. I still care for her; I don’t want to embarrass her.”

“And you don’t think seeing one of her friends behind her back won’t embarrass her?” Ryan said, his voice a bit surprised.

I felt Brian sit up from under me, “What she won’t know, won’t hurt her.” His voice went low and cold, very threatening. “Am I right, Ryan?” I heard a click on his hand and knew immediately that it was a gun.

I heard Ryan gulp, “Yes, Brian.” He said shakily, “What she won’t know, won’t hurt her.”

The limo lurched forward, forcing my eyes to open. Brian’s arm went over my body to protect me from going forward.

“HEY!” He thumped the roof, “What was that?!”

“Sorry sir!” Our driver called out, his voice shaking, “I didn’t see the stoplight –“

“Drive more carefully!” Brian growled angrily, “It’s my fiancé’s birthday party we’re going to!”

“Brian, it’s okay.” I said, trying to calm him down, “It’s just an honest mistake, I’m sure.”

Brian looked at me, tucking a hair behind my ear. It was a movement that used to bring me comfort, not so much anymore.

“Of course, anything you want.” He said with a smile. I smiled back as much as I could and looked at Ryan.

“Hey, Ryan.” I said, “Sorry, I didn’t know you were joining us in the limo.”

“I just hitched a ride last minute.” Ryan replied, his smile wavering, “Happy birthday, Angela.”

“Thank you,” smiling, I nodded at his greeting and leaned down. I had to maintain some sort of normalcy. Brian can’t know that I know.

After a while, we arrived at the venue. Ryan was the first to go out of the limo, then Brian, then me. The restaurant was very fancy; I knew Brian booked a function room for tonight. I should feel touched, but knowing what I know…it all feels like a hollow act.

“Tonight’s your night.” He said as he placed a necklace around my neck. I looked down to see an emerald gem shining on my chest.

“It’s beautiful,” I choked, “Thank you.” A tear falls. I wiped it away quickly but Brian saw it.

“Why are you crying, Angela?” He asked, concerned.

“Just…emotional, you know? Last year, my parents sold me to your family and I was scared I wouldn’t matter. But…here you are treating me like…this,” my throat closed up from the lie, “it makes me feel special.”

Brian’s smile faltered a bit, but it quickly recovered. He pulled me close to kiss my lips, soft and sweet before pulling away.

“You matter, Angela.” He whispered on my lips.

I kissed him again, quick and chaste. I didn’t want to lie to his face again.

He tugged my arm, leading me inside to the party venue.

The venue was beautiful and so were the decorations. There was a big banner that said “Happy Birthday Angela ‘soon-to-be-Rocha’ Duncan”. Seeing it left a rotten taste in my mouth.

“Angela!” I turned around to see Laurel rushing towards me, “Happy birthday!” She went to hug me tight, but something felt different in her hug. It was like one arm was reaching out for something.

“Can’t believe you’re 24!” She said, pulling away from the hug, “And the wedding’s so close!” Her tone felt a bit like a mock. I tried not to show how offended I am. She’s being so obvious.

“We had to postpone it to a week after, but it’s okay.” I said, smiling, “As long as we get married, I’m happy.”

I noticed then Brian was at my side but not touching me at all. He was looking intensely at Laurel. I needed to get out of the vicinity for a while, “Excuse me, I need to go to the restroom.”

Leaving them alone, I didn’t bother to look behind me. I didn’t want to see what they do when I wasn’t looking. My heart was already broken at the fact Brian is cheating. I don’t need it to break further because he’s cheating with my best friend.

I understand that we first got together because I was given to his family by my parents. But I thought we had a connection. I thought he really loved me like how I fell for him.

That first night we met, there was something there. I thought it would last but I guess I was wrong. He said it himself in the car, I’m bound to him but not him to me. He could do whatever he wanted.

And I had no choice but to follow the terms.

Once out of sight, I ran to the restroom to cry in a stall.