Chapter 4 4

The day had arrived for Ethan and Amelia to go to court for the official signing of their contract marriage. It was entirely different from what they thought it would be, especially on Amelia's end, as they now found themselves in a more solemn and formal setting of the chambers of a judge.

As they waited for their turn, Amelia couldn't help but feel a mix of nervousness and excitement. This was the final procedure that would legally bind them together, and she couldn't shake off the weight of the decision they were about to make.

Ethan often stole glances at Amelia to make sure that she was composed, for the seventh time he offered Amelia a reassuring smile as he asked her a question "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice gentle.

Amelia nodded, a small smile forming on her lips. "Yes, I'm just a little nervous. This is a big step for both of us."

He took her hand in his and squeezed it gently. "I understand. But remember that you aren't alone, we're in this together. We made this decision with open hearts and a genuine agreement. Whatever comes next, we'll face it together."

His words brought a sense of comfort to Amelia, and she felt a renewed determination for the journey ahead. They had taken this decision together, and she believed in the potential for growth and happiness that lay before them.

Soon, Their names were called, and they entered the judge's chambers. The judge, a serious but fair-looking woman, greeted them with a nod. "Good afternoon. I understand you're here for the signing of a contract marriage"

"Yes, Your Honor," Ethan replied respectfully. "We have considered this decision and we are both willing to enter into the arrangement."

The judge studied the documents that was before her briefly before she raised an eyebrow. "This contract is quite detailed. Are you both aware of its terms and conditions?" She asked with a sharp tone

"We are, Your Honor," Amelia answered with a firm nod. "We've gone through it together and understand what we're committing to."

The judge looked at them closely, her eyes seeming to search for any sign of hesitation or uncertainty. But Ethan and Amelia stood before her with conviction, their decision was unshaken and it was accompanied with a smile.

"Very well," the judge said, satisfied with their responses. "If you're both willing to enter into this contract willingly and without force or any other thing withstanding, please sign the documents."

Ethan and Amelia stepped forward, each signing their names on the legal document that would officially bind them in the eyes of the law. It was a moment of both gravity and hope, marking the beginning of a new and an extraordinary journey.

The judge nodded, collecting the signed documents. "Your contract marriage will be valid for the agreed-upon period, as outlined in the documents. Remember that this arrangement is a serious commitment, and it is very important to communicate openly and honestly throughout its duration."

"We understand, Your Honor," Ethan replied, his voice steady.

With the official signing completed, the judge gave them a final word of advice. "Marriage, even in a contractual form, requires trust, understanding, and compromise. You'll achieve your goals for this agreement if there's understanding and trust between you. I wish you both the best in going into this unique path you've chosen."

Amelia smiled. " Thanks your honor" she said

As they left the courtroom, Amelia felt a mix of relief and excitement. They had crossed a significant threshold together, and she knew that their contract marriage held the potential for a meaningful and transformative journey.

Back in the open air, Ethan turned to Amelia with a soft smile. "I can't believe it. We did it," he said, his eyes filled with a sense of contentment.

"Yes, we did," Amelia replied, her heart swelling with gratitude for the connection they shared. "Thank you so much for agreeing to do this with me, you won't regret this. I promise." Ethan assured

As they walked out of the court building, Amelia knew that their contract marriage was not just a legal arrangement. it was a bond that transcended conventions and embraced the beauty of finding love and understanding in the most unexpected of circumstances.

As the days passed after the official signing of their contract marriage, Ethan couldn't shake off the concern about how to relate the situation to his parents. He had always been an independent and strong-willed man, but he also understood the importance of family and the expectations they held especially now that his parents had seen Amelia.

One evening, as he sat with Amelia in the comfort of their meeting spot, he raised the topic with a mix of uncertainty and sincerity.

"Amelia," he began, his voice soft and measured, "I've been thinking about how to handle things with my parents. I don't want them to suspect that our relationship is anything less than genuine."

Amelia nodded, understanding the weight of his words. "I feel the same way, Ethan. But how do we do this without revealing the contract to them?"

He took a deep breath, steeling himself for what he was about to suggest. "I've been considering arranging a fake wedding, a ceremony to convince them and the rest of the world that our love is real. You know that we've gone to see them together and they might be expecting more from us, I think the only way to fulfill their expectations is arranging a fake wedding."

Amelia's eyes widened with surprise. The idea of a fake wedding was unexpected, yet she realized the wisdom behind it. "A fake wedding?" she repeated, trying to comprehend the implications.

"Yes," Ethan replied. "It would be a celebration of our relationship and a better way to show my parents that our relationship is authentic. And for the world, it would be a show of our commitment to each other. I just want them to believe so that I can get what I want from them."

Amelia thought about the proposal, understanding the importance of presenting a united front to those around them. "It's a risky plan," she said thoughtfully. "But I understand the need to protect our privacy while assuring our families and friends."

Ethan nodded, relieved that Amelia seemed to understand the idea. "I wouldn't ask you to go through with this if you weren't comfortable, Amelia. It's a very important step, and I want us to make this decision together. Amelia please"

Amelia took a moment to gather her thoughts before responding. "I trust you, Ethan, and I believe in you. If this is what it takes to keep our contract marriage a secret and protect our relationship, then I'm willing to do it."

His heart swelled with gratitude for Amelia's understanding and support. "Thank you," he said sincerely, reaching out to take her hand in his. "I promise to make this as stress-free as possible for you. It will be a celebration of our love, even if the legal aspect is separate."

Over the next few weeks, Ethan and Amelia started making plans towards their fake wedding, keeping the guest list limited to close friends and a selected family members. They wanted to maintain an intimate atmosphere while convincing those around them that their relationship was nothing short of genuine.

The day of the fake wedding arrived, and the venue was adorned with an air of elegance and love. Amelia wore a stunning gown, and Ethan groomed in a dashing suit, their appearances befitting a couple deeply in love.

As they stood before their friends and family, exchanging heartfelt vows and promises, Amelia felt a sense of reality. Her emotions were real, the love genuine, but the knowledge that the legal aspect of their union remained a secret that continue to linger in her heart.

Yet, amidst the uncertainty, Amelia found comfort in Ethan's eyes, his unwavering gaze that spoke of his commitment to her and their unique journey. In that moment, she knew that their love was real, regardless of the unconventional path they had chosen.

The reception was filled with joy and celebration, and Amelia found herself surrounded by the warmth of their loved ones' blessings. Their fake wedding had served its purpose, creating an illusion of the perfect love story for the world to see.

As the evening drew to a close, Ethan pulled Amelia aside, his eyes reflecting a mix of love and appreciation. "You were incredible," he said softly. "Thank you for cooperating and making this day so special."

Amelia smiled, touched by his words. "And thank you for being by my side through all of this. It may be a fake wedding, but our love seems to be very real."

He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. "I couldn't agree more," he whispered. After spending some seconds in each other's arms, they returned to join in the merriment of their friends and families.

After sometime, the stars twinkled in the night sky, Amelia and Ethan returned to his luxurious home with The energy of the fake wedding celebration still lingering in the air, and a sense of contentment settled over them as they stepped through the grand entrance.

Amelia took a deep breath, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness as she stepped into Ethan's home that would be her new home for a fixed time. She couldn't help but marvel at the magnificence that surrounded her, the width of the space feeling worlds away from her small apartment.

Ethan, ever perceptive to her emotions, squeezed her hand gently. "Welcome home, Amelia," he said softly, his voice a soothing balm to her soul.

Amelia offered him a warm smile, appreciating the significance of his words. "Thank you, Ethan. It still feels a little strange and intimidating compared to my small apartment but I'll get used to it."

"It's our home now," he replied, emphasizing the word "our" with sincerity. "I want you to feel comfortable and at ease here."

As they walked through the lavish halls, Ethan guided Amelia to her new room, it was a spacious suite fit for a queen. The room was tastefully decorated, having a show of both elegance and comfort. Amelia's heart swelled with gratitude as she stepped in, realizing that this was just one of the many ways Ethan had appreciated her presence in his life.

"I hope you like it," Ethan said, his eyes searching hers for approval.

"It's beautiful and magnificent," Amelia replied, her voice filled with emotion, unsure of what to say next. "Thank you for making me feel so welcome, I must admit that I feel honoured"

Ethan pulled her into a tender embrace, and for a moment, the world outside faded away. In each other's arms, they found comfort and a sanctuary where their love have the possibility to flourish, away from the prying eyes of the world.

The day had been filled with laughter and joy, but as the coldness of the night settled in, Ethan felt a wave of weariness wash over him. The excitement of the fake wedding celebration and the emotional intensity of the past few weeks had taken their time and efforts. He needed a moment to rest and recharge to resume his official duties.

After bidding Amelia a tender goodnight, he made his way to his own room ; a spacious room that had always been his place of comfort. As he closed the door behind him, he took a deep breath, appreciating the quietness that enveloped him.

The room bloomed with an air of refined elegance, adorned with tasteful artwork and luxurious furnishings. Yet, amidst the grandeur, it was the memories of his time with Amelia that now added an intangible warmth to the space.

He took a warm shower and changed into a comfortable nightwear he settled into his king-sized bed, the softness of the sheets surrounding him in comfort. As he lay there, he couldn't help but replay the events of the day in his head. the emotions, the laughter, and the genuine connection he had shared with Amelia.

The idea of a contract marriage had once seemed like a difficult solution, a way to meet certain needs while safeguarding his independence. But now, it had become like a dream come true to him. " This is a great achievement to me, finally! I can operate in my world without the disturbance from family; even if it is but for a fixed time. Maybe it might extend, who knows?" As he continued relaying some thoughts, he slept off .