Chapter 5 Contract Marriage

"You're crazy!!! Why didn't you tell me that I was told to pretend to be your fiancee," Mina exclaimed in annoyance.

They had moved away from the party and were now in Alby's room. Alby had deliberately invited Mina there to talk privately. Alby just sat on the sofa in the room calmly while Mina looked angry and seemed to be on fire. Repeatedly the girl walked back and forth while squeezing her hand. Alby just silently watched all the expressions the girl showed.

"I tried to explain it earlier, but I couldn't decide where to start. Everything that happened today just seemed unexpected."

Mina chuckled as she turned to Alby. Alby returned her gaze and then pulled Mina's hand to sit next to him. Mina complied and sat next to Alby.

"I'm the same as you, Mina. I was set up with someone I didn't like. That's why I asked for your help. Aren't we even now?"

Mina let out a long breath and then shook her head. "So about the wedding? You said we're getting married next month."

Alby was now the one who let out a long sigh while looking at Mina sharply. "Don't you need my help too to uncover the crimes of your stepmother and her henchmen? So how about we make a deal?"

Mina furrowed her brow staring in confusion at Alby. "Agreement? What agreement?"

"We have a contract marriage and I will help you to uncover everything. I promise."

Mina was silent as she stared at this handsome man in front of her, her chest heaving as she looked unblinkingly at Alby.

"I don't love you even knowing you. I can't possibly do everything with a stranger, Alby."

Alby smiled as he looked at Mina. "The contract marriage is of course just an act, Mina. I won't touch you and if you want, we sleep separately during the marriage. However, if it's in public I hope you can play up the drama by being a little intimate. I just need you to accompany me at every opportunity and not make my family suspicious."

Mina was silent and seemed to digest Alby's explanation. "Then what do I get?"

Alby smiled. "I promise I'll do everything I can to help you uncover your stepmother's crimes."

"Then how long is our contract marriage?"

Alby was silent for a moment. "I don't know, maybe three or four years?"

Mina shook her head. "No, no, no. Two years is enough. After two years, we get divorced. Deal?"

Alby was silent for a moment then already nodded his head while reaching out to shake Mina's hand.

"Okay, now is the time for us to meet your parents?"

Mina widened her eyes in shock as she furrowed her brows. "My parents?"

"Yes. Didn't you hear what my mom said earlier?" Mina paused and nodded her head.

Finally that night Mina and Alby met Mr. Yuka Namari. Mr. Yuka was very surprised by Mina's sudden presence especially this time with a man he didn't know.

"So this man made you run away from the wedding this morning?" asked Mr. Yuka. The middle-aged man looked angry and continued to stare at Mina sharply. Alby who was standing beside her was silent as he looked at Mr. Yuka flatly.

"Yes, Pa. I love him and I only want to marry him. Not with Bruno." Mina was forced to lie again this time.

"Why are you only saying it now, Mina?"

"I'm scared, Papa. I'm afraid of disappointing you." Mr. Yuka immediately smiled stood up and rushed to hug Mina.

"Mina, your happiness is Papa's happiness too. If you love him more. I approve of your relationship." Mina smiled, and Alby did the same.

Then Mr. Yuka turned to Alby. "When did you bring your parents here, Son?"

"Tomorrow, Sir. I will invite my family to come here."

Mr. Yuka smiled and nodded his head. Now he walked over to Alby.

"Oh yeah, I don't know what your name is yet?"

Alby smiled back. Then he politely said his name. "My name is Alby Allister, Sir."

Suddenly Mr. Yuka was surprised and looked at Alby in disbelief. "You are Mr. Alvin Allister's son?"

Alby nodded and again Mr. Yuka was stunned. Mr. Yuka knew who the Allister family was. They were a conglomerate family whose wealth was spread almost all over the country. Almost every aspect of the economy was controlled by the Allister family.

The next day, Alby kept his promise. He came with his family to propose to Mina. Even the wedding date was set one month later. All the wedding preparations were made very quickly. Maybe it was because they were a rich family that they could easily do anything.

Mrs. Jesica, who knew that Mina was going to marry into the richest conglomerate family in the country, was shocked. She had already planned Mina's marriage to Bruno. However, it was canceled and because of this, Mrs. Jesica had to change her plans.

The long-awaited wedding day arrived. Mina had already prepared and was waiting for her exit. Her wedding this time was almost the same as last time. The difference was that Mina knew her previous marriage ended in suffering and sadness. While this one, although it was only a contract marriage. Mina hoped to get her revenge. Let's just say that this is the perfect revenge marriage.

"Mina, are you ready, Dear?" Mr. Yuka approached Mina in her room.

She smiled to see the middle-aged man looking happy. This was the thing Mina wanted the most. To see her father happy and alive.

"Yes, Pa. I'm ready."

"Let's go out, Alby is waiting for you at the front."

Mina nodded then gracefully accompanied by a typical wedding song, Mina walked out with her Papa. The Allister family had deliberately rented a resort at the top as their wedding venue. Now Mina was walking in the back garden area that had been transformed into the place where she and Alby had tied the knot.

Everything was so beautiful and organized. At the end, Mina saw Alby standing waiting for her. The handsome man was wearing a white tuxedo, his hair was neatly combed, and his sideburns also looked neat plus a sweet thin mustache. Everything looked charming to the eye. Mina wished that if only this wasn't a contract marriage, she would be happy.

Mina stopped the steps right in front of Alby. Mr. Yuka immediately handed Mina's hand to Alby and Alby accepted it with joy. Furthermore, they have started the procession of marriage vows until finally, the priest formalizes their status as husband and wife.

"You may kiss the bride," the priest asked Alby.

Alby smiled and nodded then slowly removed the veil covering Mina's face. Their eyes met and fell silent to each other. One thing they forgot this time was not practicing how to act a kiss properly.

Alby was still stunned looking at Mina, it seemed that the man was admiring his wife's beauty. Meanwhile, Mina is only silent in her position. Then slowly Alby brought his lips closer to Mina's ear.

"You are ready to act well, Darling. Let's have our first kiss."

Without waiting for an answer from Mina, Alby immediately brought his lips closer and gently brushed Mina's lips then sucked them in a long stroke. Mina was silent for a moment and could not retaliate. This is very different from when she was with Bruno first. After a while, Alby unraveled his kiss and smiled at Mina.

Mina replied awkwardly and hurriedly lowered her head. Something was beating violently inside her chest. Mina tried to catch her breath to hide the pounding. Meanwhile, her mind was already busy swearing silently.

"It's just a contract marriage and that buzz shouldn't be there. Remember Mina!"