Chapter 3 Episode three

Alex

One day. Just one damn day into this marriage, and it already felt like I had been sentenced to a hundred days in hell.

I leaned back against the couch, resisting the urge to loosen my tie out of frustration.

Mother had actually stopped me from going to work because she wanted me to “bond” with my new wife.

Bond.

The word alone irritated me.

Now she was planning a honeymoon.

A honeymoon!

I rubbed my forehead slowly, trying to keep my temper under control. I couldn’t imagine spending days alone with Monalisa without eventually strangling her.

This entire mess was Father’s fault.

If he hadn’t threatened to hand my company shares to that bastard stepbrother of mine, I would never have agreed to this ridiculous contract marriage in the first place.

“Are you even listening to me?”

Monalisa’s sharp voice dragged me out of my thoughts.

I blinked and looked at her.“Huh?”

Her brows furrowed immediately.

“Oh, I see.” She folded her arms. “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you? Don’t tell me you’re the one encouraging your mother to book honeymoon tickets for us.”

I stared at her in disbelief.

“Why the hell would I do that?” I scoffed coldly. “You’re not even my type.”

She rolled her eyes dramatically.

“I have an idea.”

I narrowed mine suspiciously.“What?”

“Pretend to be sick.”

I blinked once.“What?”

She sat up straighter, clearly proud of herself.

“Act like you suddenly became terribly ill. Your mother would definitely cancel the honeymoon if she thinks her precious son is dying.”

I stared at her for a full second.

Was she indirectly cursing me?

She noticed my expression and shrugged casually. “Oh please, it’s just acting. It’s not like you’ll actually die.”

“Why should I be the one pretending?” I snapped.

“Hey!” she fired back instantly. “Don’t shout at me. I was only making a suggestion.”

The smug smile on her face irritated me even more.

She enjoyed provoking me.

I could see it clearly now.

“Maybe you should pretend to be mentally unstable instead,” I said dryly. “Mother might cancel both the honeymoon and the marriage entirely.”

Her mouth dropped open.

“Mad? Me?” She pointed at herself dramatically before glaring at me.

“That description suits you better because you’re already halfway there.” I let out a cold laugh.

“You know, merely looking at you is enough to ruin my mood.”

“And listening to your voice ruins mine,” she shot back instantly.

“Then stop talking.”

“You, stop breathing.”

I narrowed my eyes. This woman was impossible.

“Don’t push me, Monalisa.”

“Or what?” she challenged.

Before either of us could continue, a knock interrupted us. We both fell silent immediately. I exhaled slowly.

“Who is it?” I called.

“It’s Gina, sir,” one of the maids answered from outside. “Madam is asking for you and your wife downstairs. The food is getting cold, and everyone is waiting.”

Monalisa turned toward me in disbelief.

“The food is getting cold?” she whispered dramatically.

I ignored her. “Tell Mother we’ll be there soon.”

“Yes, sir.”

A few seconds later, the maid’s footsteps faded down the hallway.The room fell quiet again.Then I noticed Monalisa staring at me strangely.

“What?”

Her eyes narrowed suspiciously.

“Wait… don’t tell me nobody has eaten because I haven’t eaten yet.”

I remained silent. Her eyes widened.

“Oh my God.” She pointed at me.“You actually waited for me?”

I gave her a blank stare. “Don’t flatter yourself.”

Her lips slowly curved into a teasing grin.

“Or could it be…” she gasped dramatically, placing a hand on her chest, “you’ve already fallen in love with me?”

I let out a cold, sarcastic laugh.

“Fall in love with you?” I repeated. “That would never happen.”.

“As if I care,” she muttered under her breath.

“This is your fault,” I said irritably while standing up. “Mum insisted I bring you downstairs so we could eat together.”

She shrugged innocently.

“Maybe she just thinks I’m the best thing that has ever happened to her son.”

I almost choked.

“The best thing?” I scoffed. “Please.”

But deep down, I knew mum was becoming strangely attached to her. And I hated it.

I walked toward the door while Monalisa followed behind me. The moment we entered the dining room, I froze slightly.

Mum was still seated at the table with untouched food in front of her.

“You should eat, Madam,” Hana, my aunt, said tiredly.

Mother shook her head stubbornly.

“I already said I’ll eat when my son and his wife join us.”

I nearly sighed.

“She has officially lost her mind,” Aunt Hana muttered while rubbing her forehead.

Then she noticed us approaching.

“Well, look who finally decided to appear,” she said sarcastically. “Your Majesty herself.”

Monalisa stiffened beside me.

Suits her right.

“Who do you think you are keeping everyone waiting?” Aunt Hana continued sharply. “Is this how you treat your mother-in-law?”

“I-I was...”

“What are you saying, Hana?” Mum interrupted immediately. “The poor girl just got married yesterday. She’s still adjusting.”

Aunt Hana rolled her eyes.

“Whatever.”

She walked away muttering under her breath.

Mum immediately smiled warmly at Monalisa.

“Come sit down, dear. The food is getting cold.”

We both sat. The dining table grew quiet as everyone focused on eating. Plates of corn dogs and hot chilies filled the table while mum continuously added more food into Monalisa’s plate.

“Eat more, dear,” Mum said gently. “Do you like the food?”

“Yes, ma’am,” Monalisa replied politely.

Mum smiled brightly.“You can call me Mum.”

I stared at them both in disbelief.

What exactly was happening here?

“Mum,” I interrupted sharply, setting my fork down. “Why are you treating her like a celebrity?”

She frowned. “What are you talking about?”

“You’ve never pampered me this much before, and I’m your actual son.”

She let out a loud laugh.

“Oh please. I spoiled you far more than this.” She said and scooped more food onto my plate.

“There. Eat more, my prince.”

Monalisa snorted beside me.

“Someone’s jealous,” she whispered mockingly. “Crybaby.”

I turned toward her slowly. “Who are you calling a crybaby?”

“You.”

“And you’re an annoying little goblin.”

Her jaw dropped.“What?!”

“Are you two really married?” Mum’s confused voice cut through our argument.

Without thinking, both Monalisa and I answered at the same time. “No.”

My stomach dropped instantly as mum blinked. “Huh?”

Damn it.

Monalisa and I exchanged alarmed looks.

“I mean, yes,” I corrected quickly with a forced laugh.

I immediately wrapped an arm around Monalisa’s shoulder. “Of course we’re married.”

Monalisa’s smile appeared instantly.

“Oh yes,” she said sweetly. “I’m very lucky to have such a handsome and loving husband.”

Then she grabbed my cheeks hard between her fingers as pain shot through my face.

I smiled through clenched teeth. This witch was taking revenge.

“You two are adorable together,” Mum gushed happily.

I internally groaned.

“I’m sure the honeymoon will bring you even closer.” She reached into her bag and pulled out two tickets. “You’re leaving tomorrow.”

Absolutely not.

“Mum,” I said immediately. “That’s unnecessary.”

“Exactly,” Monalisa agreed quickly. “We’re already very close.”

Mum narrowed her eyes slowly.

“Then why are both of you trying so hard to avoid spending time together?”

The air suddenly became tense as she leaned forward carefully. “Is there something you’re hiding from me?”