The Marriage Bargain - ENGLOT

Chapter 7: Wife & Wife

(A/N:) When I woke up yesterday morning, I was so confused with my notifications, I didn't remember posting a new chapter at all 😂 I hit publish right before I fell dead asleep lmao but anyways glad you guys liked it!

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Emory's POV:

I have never been more nervous in my life. I fidgeted with the collar of my suit, trying to calm my racing heart. Beside me, Cadence shifted nervously, her hands clasped tightly together as we waited for our turn at the courthouse.

I watched as the couple in front of us finished up and left with their papers. It was our turn now. I stepped forward, feeling Cadence's hand slip into mine as we approached the clerk.

"Just act like you love me," I whispered to her. "And don't mess this up."

Cadence nodded nervously, and I could see the fear in her eyes.

The clerk smiled warmly at us. "Welcome," she said. "How may I help you today?"

I gulped. This is it. "Hi, we're here to get our marriage license," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

The clerk smiled. "Wonderful. Do you have all your documents?"

I handed over my ID and Cadence did the same. The clerk began to input our information into the computer, while asking us questions about our relationship. Me and Cadence exchanged nervous glances, trying to play the part of a couple deeply in love.

I felt a twinge of guilt as I watched Cadence sign the documents that would legally bind us together. I know that I'm using her, and I hate it but I have no choice.

I finished signing the documents and looked back at Cadence, who was now staring at me with a curious expression. I wondered what she was thinking. Did she always look like this? Do I even care? I couldn't help but wonder what she thought of me. She likely saw me as just another rich CEO, trying to buy my way out of my family's expectations. But I hoped that she would see that there was more to me than just money.

Finally, the clerk handed us our license "Congratulations," she said with a smile.

I felt a sense of relief wash over me. We had made it through the first hurdle. But as we turned to leave, I felt a pang of guilt for dragging Cadence into this mess.

I turned to her and took her hand, leading her through the hallway.

"Well," I said. "I guess we're officially married."

Cadence looked up at me, a hint of a smile playing at the corner of her lips.

"Yeah," she said. "I guess we are."

I stopped her before we could exit the building, taking her hand in mine and looking at her with apprehension in my eyes.

"I know this isn't fair to you," I said softly, "But thank you for doing this for me. I'll make it up to you, I promise."

I know I owed her a lot, and I would do everything in my power to make sure she was properly compensated for her troubles.

Cadence smiled weakly and shook her head. "It's not for you," she said. "It's for me. I need the money, Emory. And this is the only way I can get it."

I frowned, feeling guilty and uneasy. I know I'm taking advantage of her desperate situation, but I can't back down now. "I understand," I said, my tone softening. "But I'll make sure you're taken care of. I promise."

Cadence raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Taken care of, huh?" she said, smirking. "Are you going to provide me with a fancy sports cars and unlimited shopping sprees?"