THE MARRIAGE CONTRACT

Chapter Twenty Six

Raymond's POV

I finished checking some documents that needed my signature when I checked the time and decided to go change my shirt. I don’t want to keep Darasimi waiting. I gave my secretary some instructions and ordered my driver to drive to Dara's apartment. Please don't ask me how I know the place. On getting to her apartment, it was 11:50 am, so I decided to wait in the car. When it was 11:55 am, I couldn't wait any longer so I decided to go knock on the door. I was already a nervous wreck so I decided to just wait till 12 pm to calm myself down. When it was 12 pm on the dot I found myself knocking on the door until Sarah opened up with a glare directed at me.

"Oh crap, I had forgotten that her friend stays with her. From my findings, she isn't someone to mess with or you would wish you hadn't met her in the first place. I decided to look everywhere else except her face thinking that she would leave me alone. Well, that was my thinking until she opened her mouth to speak...

"If it isn't the great billionaire" she greeted sarcastically and continued,

"Wait, don't tell me that the mighty Raymond is a nervous wreck. Wow, wonders shall never end indeed." She smiled with an evil glint in her eyes when she realized that I was afraid of her. Well, who wouldn't, especially with that wicked glint in her eyes. She’s looking at me as a lion looks at its prey before devouring it.

"Look here Mr Man, I don't like you for my friend and it's great that you know that already. I wish she would just change her mind already but I know she won’t except God speaks to her Himself. So, if you dare hurt her, just don’t let me see you or else you would..." She stopped mid-way and muttered within her breath

"I say graceful words"

What a weirdo...

She looks me once over and asked, "Is that clear?"

"Yes ma'am" I replied with my head bowed and at that moment Dara showed up to my relief. Dara rolled her eyes at her friend who in turn plastered a fake smile on her face. I can't even begin to fathom how they became friends. But then, they say opposite attracts. That is the best logical response to this friendship that I'm seeing.

Dara pecked Sarah on the cheeks, bade her goodbye and left with me. Imagining the headline in the newspaper and tabloids if anyone should capture my encounter with Sarah sent a shiver along my spine,

"FINALLY SOMEONE INTIMIDATED THE FEARFUL BILLIONAIRE!!!"

The ride to the restaurant was a silent one and I could see that Dara was nervous. It pained me that I couldn't do anything because I was also nervous, but had to put on a facade. She sighed when she realized that we were already at our destination which made me chuckle.

She was looking around the restaurant when she realized that we were the only ones inside. I cleared my throat and decided to answer her silent question.

"I booked the whole restaurant for us because I know you might not be comfortable being seen with me" she looked surprised for a second while I help her to a sit

"Thank you," she said

I grinned at her and decided to look her once over again. You can't blame me! She's wife material and I'm not planning on letting her go for the rest of my life. I wasn't planning on being faithful in our marriage but the more I get to know her, the less I think of being unfaithful to her

"Oh Raymond, you're hooked" my subconscious mind mocked

"I know and I'm loving every bit of it" I muttered

"You look beautiful wifey," I said to her with a grin on my face

"Thank you" she replied with a sad smile which makes me wonder if I've said anything wrong since we got here

"Hope you don't mind me calling you wifey?" I asked

"Not at all, since we'll be getting married anyways"

"I love the sound of that," I said with a smile

We ordered our food, eat and gist. I was happy that even though this isn't what she wanted, she was ready to give it a try. It was as if I've known her forever and I'm so glad that I made the right decision.

"Darasimi, I know this isn't what you want but I promise to keep trying until I become that version of a man you've always wanted. If you don't mind, can we at least start as friends?" I asked her as I held her hands

"Friends it is" she replied with a smile as she shook hands with me

"I'm thinking that we get married by this time next month. I've called your parents and I've informed them about it. They're both in support of it. I've informed my secretary to look for the best event planner in the state. Don't worry all you have to do is choose your wedding gown" I rambled on like a little kid who was given candy. When I looked at Darasimi, I realized that she was angry

"What sort of decision is this? You planned my wedding, our wedding without informing me and here you are asking me to be friends with you. Oh, Raymond, you don't want to get on the other side of me"

"I'm sorry, I didn't know. It was a wrong step on my part. I'll call my secretary to put everything on hold till you're ready" I replied calmly

She was silent for a few minutes before she said, "There's no need for that. Let's have the wedding over and done with. Just so you know I won't like this to repeat itself."

Wow, this is the first time I'm seeing her anger and I don't want to see it again. After the disagreement, Lunch went well and I wished I didn't have to return her to her apartment.

"It's just a month Raymond" I consoled myself.