Married At First Glance: I Am Not Ugly

“My name is Anderson and I’m Alexander’s lawyer and I would be handling your fake marriage contract if you don’t mind.” he said.

“Not at all.” she said.

“I must say this Miss Marissa, but I like you.” he said.

She furrowed wondering where he was getting at. She looked at Alexander who was just looking at them with a cold expression.

He looked like someone who didn’t care what they did.

“What do you…. mean?” she asked.

“I mean, you’re the first person who had spoken to Alexander in such a very bold manner aside from me, but you know, I’m his lawyer. But you spoke the truth about how annoying his character is and you didn’t give a fuck! He needs someone like you in his life. That’s why I said I like you, Marissa and I hope we could be friends.” he said.

She felt a bit relaxed after she heard that. She had thought he wanted to say something else.

“Someone had to say it. I mean he has serious character issues and I don’t know how anyone could handle such a terrible character that he has.” she said.

Anderson chuckled,

“You’re absolutely right, Marissa. He’s not the easiest person to deal with, but we’ve managed to tolerate each other for quite some time now.”

Alexander, who had been listening to their conversation, finally spoke up,

“Alright, enough chit-chat. Let’s get down to business.”

Marissa turned her attention back to Alexander, her nerves returning. She had to remind herself that this was just a business arrangement, nothing more.

“Of course,” Marissa replied.

“What do I need to do?”

Alexander leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled.

“First, we need to go over the contract. Anderson will explain the terms, and you can ask any questions you have.”

Anderson pulled out a folder containing the contract and began to explain the details.

“First, let’s go over the contract,” Alexander said, his tone businesslike. “Anderson here will explain all the terms, and you’re free to ask any questions or seek clarifications.”

Anderson, Alexander’s lawyer, took out a folder containing the contract and began to explain the details to Marissa.

“Alright, Marissa, this contract outlines the terms and conditions of our three-month marriage arrangement,” Anderson began. “First and foremost, both parties agree that this marriage is strictly for legal and financial purposes. It is not a real marriage in any traditional sense. You’ll be paid a substantial sum upon the completion of these three months.”

Marissa listened intently, absorbing the information. She knew this was a critical part of the arrangement, and she had to understand all the terms involved.

Anderson continued,

“During these three months, you’ll need to maintain the appearance of a married couple when necessary, especially in public. This includes attending events or social gatherings together. However, we will provide you with a detailed schedule to minimize your inconveniences.”

Marissa nodded, understanding the need for appearances. She didn’t want her friends or family to suspect anything unusual.

“Wait a minute. What do you mean attend events or social gatherings together? I can’t do that and you know it.” Alexander said.

“Alexander, if you make it only on paper, the company you need it for might do their private investigations and if they realize that your marriage is fake, they might terminate the contract and sue you for it.” Anderson explained.

“But if she finds out, she would be devastated.” Alexander said.

“Then she would have agreed to marry you instead of letting you do a fake marriage agreement with someone you barely know.” Anderson said.

“You know how she is. She’s ambitious and all.” he said.

“Yeah…. putting her work above your relationship. She’s just not the type you marry, Alexander and I believe that one day you’ll see that.” Anderson said. “But this has to be done. People have to see you together and apart from that. You both have to stay together.”

“We what!?” they said together.

“Me and him?” She asked, pointing to Alexander with a look of disgust.

“Yeah, you and him. You must act the part that you both are married even though it’s fake for three months and then you can divorce after.” Anderson explained.

“Unbelievable.” Alexander said.

“So you’re saying that I have to share an apartment with her and act like we are both married?”

“Uh…. yes.” Anderson nodded.

“She will kill me if she finds out about this.” Alexander said.

“She doesn’t need to know. Remember that this is a secret between the three of us here and so no one and I mean no one is gonna tell another person about this deal. Understand?” Anderson said.

Alexander and Marissa nodded.

They had no choice.

Marissa knew she couldn’t risk anyone finding out about this unusual arrangement.

Her brother’s life was at stake, and she couldn’t afford any complications.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Anderson continued to explain the various clauses of the contract, including financial terms, responsibilities, and expectations.

Marissa took notes and asked questions whenever something was unclear.

Once Anderson had covered all the details, Marissa had a better understanding of what was expected of her during the next three months.

She glanced at Alexander, who was watching her closely, waiting for her response.

This contract was her lifeline to saving him, and she had to make sure everything went smoothly.

“So you two have to do a private wedding.” Anderson revealed.

“Another condition? Look, you’ve already told us that we had to be seen together as a married couple so that people would believe us, but this is just too much. I can’t possibly agree to this.” Alexander said.

“Well you have to, Alex. Pictures don’t lie. Once people see the pictures and all, they would also believe.” Anderson said.

Alex sighed heavily, placing his hand on his hair.

“This is just too much. I don’t want to lose my relationship over this.” he said.

“Well, you should have thought about that before you went along with a plan to do a fake marriage with someone you don’t know.” Anderson said.