Contract Marriage: I’ve Always Loved You

Next morning,

I wake up, and a smile flashes on my face as I recall the last night. But soon my smile fades away as I realise she has gone.

I don’t even know her name, how will I find her?

“Don’t be upset, Steve, if that girl is part of your destiny, you will encounter her again.” I murmur to myself, hoping to meet her again.

I pick up my phone from the side table and shake my head in disbelief, seeing so many miscalls from Jace and Mike.

I do a video call to them after getting dressed up. They greet with grins on their faces.

“Jace, our friend, he is no more virgin.” Mike squeals, as if he wins the world.

But how did they come to know? I think they must have caught me kissing her at the club.

“Is it true, Steve?”Jace asks me to confirm.

I nod, blushing and rubbing my nape with my free hand.

“I can’t believe it.” Jace shakes his head in disbelief.

“Last night, someone was saying he would never sleep with any woman without falling in love.” Mike teases me.

“Guys, it wasn’t just one nightstand.”

“How can you fall for the first woman you slept with, dude?” Mike enquires in an incredulous tone.

I reply with a small smile. “Sometimes, you just know when you’ve found someone special.”

Jace raises an eyebrow, clearly sceptical. “So, what’s her name?”

I shake my head, feeling a pang of disappointment. “I don’t even know her name, guys. We didn’t exchange any contact information.”

Mike chuckles. “Well, Steve, looks like you’re in for a challenge. But hey, if it’s meant to be, you’ll find a way to reconnect.”

I nod, trying to remain optimistic. “Yeah, you’re right. Maybe fate will bring us together again.”

After our conversation, I decide to distract myself by spending the day with Jace and Mike. We grab breakfast at our favourite diner. Despite their teasing, they’re supportive and understanding.

Mike is a talented photographer, capturing moments with his lens, while Jace is a business tycoon like me. We’ve been friends since childhood, and our bond is incredibly strong.

While having breakfast with them, I wonder if I’ll ever see her again. The last night with her was unforgettable, and it keeps replaying in my mind. Her husky voice, her smile, her pretty face, her touch, her exquisite body- it all feels like a dream now.

I come out of my thoughts as a shout of a mannerless woman reaches my ear. “What the hell? Are you blind? You spoiled my dress. Bloody waiter!”

A frown appears on my face, listening to her words. How can someone insult a waiter like this? I just hate people like her.

I turn toward the voice, and my eyes widen in shock. The girl who is insulting the waiter is the same one whom I slept with last night.

“I’m sorry, mam.” The waiter apologises, looking down in shame.

“Your sorry won’t fix my spoiled dress. You must pay for this. Manager…” she calls out to the manager, raising my anger.

I feel as if someone has stabbed a knife in my heart because this girl differs completely from my imagination.

I was such an idiot that I start developing feelings for her without even knowing about her.

“Mam, please. I didn’t do it intentionally.”

“You-” Before she can again raise her voice at the waiter, I march towards them and stand in front of her.

“You have no right to treat people with such disrespect. We all make mistakes.” As I explain to her, she sneers at me.

“If I slept with you last night, it doesn’t mean you have the right to lecture me.” She rebukes, causing me to frown.

“I regret sleeping with a woman like you.” I snap at her.

“Whatever!” She rolls her eyes.

It becomes clear to me that the person I had imagined her to be last night was merely a projection of my desires and not a reflection of who she truly is.

“Such disrespectful behaviour. I won’t tolerate it. You need to apologise to this waiter immediately.” My voice is firm and filled with anger. She looks taken aback, not expecting someone to stand up to her.

“Oh, so you’re defending a waiter now? Who do you think you are?” She retorts, her tone dripping with arrogance.

“It’s not about defending him, it’s about standing up for what’s right.” I reply, keeping my composure despite the rising anger.

She scoffs, crossing her arms defiantly. “Well, it’s none of your business. Just stay out of it.”

“I can’t stay out of it when I witness someone being treated unfairly.” I say in a firm tone. “You need to understand that we’re all equal, regardless of our positions or backgrounds.”

She rolls her eyes, unimpressed by my words. “Save your lectures for someone who actually cares.”

I realise that trying to make her understand is futile. Instead, I turn to the waiter, who is still standing there, looking embarrassed.

“I’m sorry for what happened. Please don’t let her words affect you. You didn’t deserve this.”

He nods, his eyes filled with gratitude. “Thank you, sir. It means a lot.”

With that, I turn to leave, not wanting to waste any more of my time or energy on someone like her. As I walk away, I can feel her eyes burning into my back, but I refuse to let it bother me.

Sometimes, we meet people who are not what we imagined them to be. It’s a lesson that teaches us to be cautious about forming attachments too quickly.

As I return to Jace and Mike, disappointment fills my face, I express my frustration. I have realised that she wasn’t the person I had imagined her to be.

“It’s a shame, Steve.” Jace shakes his head in disbelief. “But it’s better to find out now rather than later. Not everyone we meet will live up to our expectations.”

Feeling frustrated, I utter, “I guess I let my emotions take control. I imagined her to be someone special, but it was just a hopeful illusion.”

Jace puts his hand on my shoulder. “Don’t beat yourself up, Steve. We all make mistakes when it comes to matters of the heart. The important thing is to learn from them.”

Mike chimes in, trying to lighten the mood. “Well, at least you got a memorable experience out of it, right? And who knows, maybe there’s someone better out there for you.”

I nod, feeling better after conversing with them. “Yup, I’ll keep searching for someone special, someone who shares my values and treats others with kindness and respect. Perhaps it’s a reminder to not judge a book by its cover and to look beyond physical attraction.”

***

As I work in my office, I receive a call from my father.

“Do you remember yesterday was your last day to find the girl of your choice? So, did you find someone special?” His questions remind me of that rude woman whom I thought to be someone special.

I let out a sigh and respond with a simple “No” before standing up and making my way towards the glass wall.

“I knew it. Therefore, at tomorrow’s party, I have arranged a meeting of you with the girl of my choice.”

I let out another sigh as his words sink in, and then gaze out through the glass wall. My mind is messed up after what I witnessed today, however, I know my father wants the best for me. So, I agree to attend the party and meet the girl of his choice.

Perhaps she could be someone who shares my values and treats others with kindness and respect.Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

Thoughts of what the tomorrow’s evening will bring consume my mind as the day goes on. Will my father’s chosen girl differ from the last night? Will I ever find the girl of my choice?