Contract And Marriage

Sarina

I no longer know how I feel about Maximus; I’ve completely fallen for him. I never thought I would come to like him this much because of the passionate moments we shared. I know there’s nothing wrong with falling for him since he is already my husband. Naturally, he should be the only one I desire and no one else. But I can’t understand that this started when we began living together as husband and wife.

Shouldn’t it have been from the first moment I met him? Wait, am I thinking about love at first sight? Ugh! I didn’t even feel that way with Jason. My love for my ex came naturally. I have known him since childhood; he became a friend before I loved him intimately.

Now there’s Maximus. I knew I shouldn’t pour all my emotions into him because our time together was limited; rather, our marriage was only temporary. But because of my happiness now, especially since he introduced me to his friends, I can’t help but let my hopes up.

The arrival of “darling” or Shirley didn’t ruin my mood. I noticed Maximus’s friends didn’t like her either, and I felt relieved that they respected our married life. They must have been friends for a long time and have known each other deeply.

I became more comfortable and started chatting with everyone. Even with the women at the table with my husband’s friends, I happily conversed with them. Maximus’s hand frequently rested on my waist throughout the evening. I couldn’t help but feel thrilled, but I had to keep it a secret from him. I didn’t want to inflate his ego.

“I’m just going to the restroom,” I said as I stood up. But he was insistent and wanted to come with me, even though it was so close. I had to assure him I could handle it since I wasn’t a child and coax him into agreeing. Of course, it would be embarrassing if I took him along while he was playing with his friends. They might think I was being overly dramatic. Besides, I wouldn’t get lost.

“Just hurry back, or I’ll really come into the restroom, okay?” he threatened. Before I left, he adjusted the coat he put on me and slightly squeezed my buttocks, which I felt since I wasn’t wearing any underwear. Such a pervert.

I easily found the restroom because there were signs. Only an idiot wouldn’t see them. When I entered, it was empty, so I quickly went into one of the cubicles, fearing I might peep on myself.

The restroom was nice, clean, and fragrant. It also had a bidet and tissue, so my private area felt clean and fresh afterward. If only every establishment in the Philippines had restrooms like this, I wouldn’t need to hold myself up just because I don’t feel like using their toilets. Am I patronizing the casino’s restroom too much? I chuckled, thinking about it. One thing I know for sure is that big hotels, resorts, and casinos in my country have this kind of restroom as well.

Of course, I didn’t forget to wash my hands and look in the mirror, fixing my hair a bit. I might not be beautiful, but at least I could look presentable. My husband is a well-known businessman, so I should match his reputation.

After fixing myself, I took a selfie and posted it on the new social media account I created after marrying Maximus. I have no friends on it, and it’s private, so it’s just for personal use. I want to document our marriage, hoping that if we ever separate, we’ll part as friends. If that happens, I’ll have beautiful memories to look back on.

It took some time, but at least I ensured that I looked good. Char! As I exited, I encountered a group of men who seemed to be having fun. They were probably heading to the restroom, too, so I stepped aside to let them pass.

One of them stopped just as I was about to walk back to Maximus’s table. “Hello, babe,” the man greeted with a grin. I’m not used to such greetings, so I ignored him but slightly bowed to avoid them thinking I was being rude before I started walking.

I was shocked when the man suddenly grabbed my arm, and I quickly turned to look at him, eyes wide with panic as I struggled to break free. “Let me go!” I exclaimed, feeling scared.

The man gave a sly smile as they began to surround me. Fear consumed me, and I was about to scream when the man behind me covered my mouth.

I felt the man in front of me slightly touch my waist down to my thigh, causing me to struggle. Especially when he suddenly laughed out loud. “She doesn’t have her underwear!” The men laughed, and everything happened quickly because they all wanted to touch me. So, I kept struggling and even managed to slap the man who touched me first.

He must have been hurt because his eyes were blazing when he faced me before he slapped me back with all his might. My face turned, and it hurt more than the slap I received from Maximus’ grandmother. It stung so much that I wanted to cry, and I’m sure my cheek was reddish now.

“No one hurts me, bitch!” said the man while holding my jaw. It was so tight that his fingers almost dug into my skin, and I couldn’t stop myself from crying. Two men were holding each of my hands, another was behind me, and a man looked like a demon in front of me.

“Ouch!” I screamed because another man was pulling at the coat my husband had put on me, and I was terrified while my tears kept falling. The man was about to rip off my clothes completely when suddenly someone spoke. I started to tremble in fear and wanted to see Maximus rescue me. He said he’d follow if I take long, but where is he?

“What’s going on here?” We all turned, and I didn’t know whether to be happy or scared because I saw another group of men.

“You have no business here; get out!” yelled the man before me. The newcomer looks a lot older than the men surrounding me.

“Are you alright?” asked the new man, who looked intimidating because of his voice, and the three men behind him, who looked like his bodyguards or something.

“P-Please, h-help me…” I said, stuttering, hoping he would give me a hand and take me away from these bastards. My legs were already shaking, and I didn’t think I could stand on my own.

Without a word, I was shocked when the new man suddenly punched the man in front of me as he approached us. The two men holding my hands let go, and a brawl ensued. I wanted to intervene or punch someone, but I was too scared, so I just stood on the side. I was still afraid, so I leaned against the wall behind me.

The newcomers seemed more experienced in fighting, and the men trying to harm me quickly ran away. “Are you alright now?” the man asked again, handing me my purse, which I hadn’t noticed had fallen.

“Y-yes, thank you,” I replied briefly.

“Are you alone? Don’t you have someone with you?” he asked, concerned.

“I’m with my husband,” I said.

“Husband?” he asked, and I nodded. “Doesn’t he know how dangerous this place is for a woman like you?”

“I don’t think he knows that, but he insisted on coming with me, and I was too stubborn since I was just going to the restroom,” I replied. “Anyway, thank you very much for helping me.” My voice was very weak because I still felt faint. I thought of calling Maximus to come for me because I felt I couldn’t walk alone. I couldn’t even move away from the wall I was leaning on.

“I’m Roskov,” the man said, extending his hand for a handshake. Even though I was weak, I couldn’t refuse because of his help, so despite my trembling, I shook his hand and introduced myself.

“Sarina.”NôvelDrama.Org exclusive content.

“Nice name,” he said with a smile, and I smiled back a little. Just as we let go of each other’s hands, Maximus arrived. He really followed me. I just wished he had come a little earlier. I shook my head. I thought I should blame myself because I was so stubborn. I wouldn’t have experienced what I did if I had listened to him earlier.

“Are you okay, my wife?” he asked as he approached and put his arm around me. It felt comforting, and even though I still felt weak, I felt relieved because he was here.

“You should bring her home. I don’t think she’s well,” said Roskov before turning to follow his three companions who chased after the men who ran away.

“My wife, are you alright?” Maximus asked worriedly when we were left alone.

“Let’s go back to the hotel,” I said weakly.

“Did something happen?” he asked again, but I didn’t have the strength to even talk and tell him what happened. All I want is for us to go home and rest.

“Let’s just go,” I pleaded, and he nodded before holding my hand and starting to walk. But I couldn’t follow him because my legs were still shaking with fear, so Maximus looked back at me.

“My wife,” he called, and I started crying again. Maximus embraced me before carrying me and walking out of the casino. But before we left, he spoke to his friends we passed, who looked puzzled.

“Please check the CCTV,” Maximus said, and we left. After hearing what he said, I knew he wouldn’t let this incident slide. I just hope that everything is going to be okay.