Billionaire's Ex-Wife ✓

XXX. Marriage Contract

And what if they all behave like the guys in front of me?

I shuddered at that thought.

"Ask her how she convinced your parents to agree," Jack whispered.

"Yeah! Ask her what happened. I kind of want to know too," Vincent commented while Larry shook his head.

I inched closer to Vivian, feeling as if my lungs were about to explode any second. At that moment, I wish it did. I crunched the paper in my hand, wishing I brought my red train with me. I was advised to leave it behind, as part of my mental growth. Plus, it would be ridiculous for a grown guy to carry around a toy train whenever he goes.

Before I knew it, I was standing in front of Vivian. I couldn't see or hear anyone but her. When I noticed a small piece of meat stuck on her nose, I tilt my head. Before I knew it, I lift my hand and brush off the piece of meat, "You got chicken nugget here."

Vivian's cheeks burned red. She instantly looks down, probably feeling disgusted that I touch her. My bit my lower lip, holding back the uneasiness as she rubs off the area I touch.

Am I really that unlikable?

She inhaled a sharp breath before glaring at me. "What do you want?" her voice was cold, unlike how she speaks to her family and friends.

I knew it. She does dislike me.

I have to do it. I have to be strong. That's the line I tell myself every day before I go to school. Before I walk down the hall filled with students. Before I attended a party. Before I do anything that's deemed regular or socially acceptable in society.

My legs felt weak, so I sat down at the empty chair in front of her. If I stand any further, I will collapse by her really mean look. Quickly, I took out the paper and slammed it on the table. The moment it's out, I retracted my shaky hand and shove it back inside my pocket.

Jack blew out a whistle and continue chewing his gum as the cafeteria fell silence. "Shit is about to go down for real."

Shit is another word for pooing. I learn new words from these guys every day. More modernize terminology to help me fit in.

But I don't use them. I was taught not to use socially unacceptable terms.
But how did he know I'm about to shit myself? I knew it. I shouldn't have eaten such a big breakfast.

I watch as Vivian grabs the paper and turn it around. Her eyes scanned the paper, but it quickly halted before it widens. "Why is my name written here?" she whispered, sound slightly surprised.

When I noticed some people were leaning in to read the paper. Quickly, I snatched it from her hands, not wanting other people to know. I knew I should've asked her to go somewhere privately with me. But, the guys behind me wouldn't allow it. This is what Harper would call peer pressure.

"You tell me." When that sentence left my strain through I felt like it was the wrong thing to say. I stood up, wanting to escape, but that would also feel wrong. Now, that I'm standing, I can feel my legs shaking so instead I lean down on the table. "What did you do?" I re-phrase the initial line, but it also felt wrong.

Dad said I inherited the "Always saying the wrong thing at the wrong time" from him.

"I didn't do anything."

I knew it. She had nothing to do with the marriage contract. Is it possible that she had no choice? If she didn't know. Does that mean, I broke the bad news in front of everyone?

I have to say something. Anything to reassure her that we won't get married if she is forced into it.

I lean in closer, so everyone else wouldn't hear, "I will never marry you."

I stood up straighter, seeing her staring at me. She must be relieved by my words of comfort.

My eyes narrowed, seeing a small spot of stain on Vivian's color. I want to reach out and rub it off, but I didn't want to repulse her any further. I walked away with the thought of the stain etched inside my mind.

"Don't think you're all that great!" Vivian screamed.

I knew it. It's confirmed. She hates me.

I stopped walking and turned around. I smiled, silently telling her that I understood her emotions toward me.

At that moment, I made a resolution. I won't bother Vivian any further. Perhaps, one day, she will not be disgusted by me.

The days passed, and my mom was eager about the engagement. I officially met Vivian and her parents. Everyone seemed so excited, even my father. I didn't have the heart to tell them to break the marriage.

So, instead, I...well Finn came up with a different plan.

"One year. Marry her for a year to please eomma and appa. Then, divorce!" Finn suggested.

"D-Divorce?"

He nodded, "I read it in books all the time!"

I tilted my head. Are we basing my life on a book? "Didn't mom forbid you to read those books?"

Mom isn't against Finn reading romance novels, but he supposedly read things that aren't appropriate for his age. She also stated it became an unhealthy obsession, where he would camp in his room for days until he finishes the novel.

Finn's face fell flat before he smiled. He waves a hand around. "Forget me for now. Hyung, you should marry her! In the books, couples fell in love after they get married. Maybe you will learn to love Vivian!"

"And Vivian will like me," I mumbled.

"Yes!"

One year.

I'll marry Vivian for one year and see how things work out. If it isn't going well, then I'll step back. We'll divorce because of my inability to be a proper husband then Vivian can be happy again. I just want her to smile...even if it's not towards me.