CHAPTER 1
Love? I don’t believe in that shit. How could I? Every single relationship I know is garbage; that even includes the ones in my family. I must admit, I did fall into that sickness once. And it felt as though with love I could conquer all. I was fearless even. I became a different person, and I loved that. But that shit didn’t last.
My name’s Dawn Eloise, and I’m nineteen years old. I work as a part-time kindergarten assistant, tutor, and writer. My status in life? Complicated. And it’s about to get worse as I’m about to see my ex.
The bell rang, signaling another customer has arrived. I looked its way, seeing it was “him.”
He hasn’t changed at all. Still, a nightmare to look at.
“Hey,” he greets, taking a seat across mine.
“Hey,” I greeted back. “It’s been a while, huh?”
He nodded. “Two years to be exact.”
“Well, order anything you want,” I say, “It’s on me.”
He ordered Saigonese iced coffee; as always. He looked at me, immediately making me feel uncomfortable.
“What?” I asked, “Is there something in my face?”
“You look different,” he points out. “You dyed your hair again?”
“I dyed it back to its natural color when we broke up,” I stated. “You, however, haven’t changed at all. You still look-“
“Hot?” he finished my sentence, “I know I am.”
I rolled my eyes. I want to cut to the chase. “Can you tell me why you contacted me after ignoring me for two years?”
“I heard you’re looking for a husband,” he says casually, “I’m in.”
I choked on my coffee.
He handed me tissues caringly. “Come on, Dawn. Just think about it.”
“Where the hell did you get that?” I questioned. “And why you? We’d probably kill each other!”
“Elle and Mina might’ve mentioned it when we had coffee,” he smirked. “You need a husband to legalize your stay here. I need a wife because my parents are forcing me to marry Anna.”
Anna… Where do I even begin?
“You wanted Anna, didn’t you,” I arched a brow. “I remember, it took you five days to get her.”
“Bitter?” he chuckles, “I don’t want her anymore. You’ve nothing to lose; why not take it?”
“Because I hate you!” I snapped, keeping the smile on my face. I’ve always been this hot-tempered towards him.
“Dawn,” he puts his hand over mine, “I’ll pay for everything. I’m rich, remember? You just need to say yes, pick an outfit, and live with me.”
“What will your parents think?” I asked. “They never knew anything about me, remember?”
“That’s what you think, babe,” he winked. “Fine. How do I get you?”
“We’re seriously doing this again, Damien?” I arched a brow. “This isn’t gonna work and you know it.”
“I’m willing to bet against all odds,” he states, releasing my hand. “Ah!”
“What?” I questioned.
“You’re still wearing it,” he points at my necklace. “Don’t tell me you still love me after all these years, babe.”
“Don’t call me babe,” I ordered. “You pig!”
“You loved it when I did,” he reminds me, “Baby…”
“It’s cliché, and I hate it,” I stated.
“I know,” he wiggled his brows, “but you still gave me permission to call you that.”
“Please,” I say, “I’m exhausted.”
“So am I,” he sips on his coffee. “Marry me, Dawn. We’ll make it seem real to them. Your problems will be solved; my parents will quit bugging me.”
“Give me one good reason,” I say.
“I already told your family, my family, and our friends,” he confessed. “So, there’s no need to say no.”
“Damien,” I tried to control my anger, “Tell me you didn’t.”
“They were pretty pleased with it,” he tried to lighten the mood, “Really, they are! I told them I love you and I simply can’t let you go! It was very convincing. You don’t have to “
I slapped him across the face before he could finish his sentence.
“Ow,” he rubbed his cheek. “That’s the first time you ever slapped me.”
“Might not be the last either,” I growled. “What came over you? Are you seriously out of your mind? How could you even consider marrying a stranger?”
“We used to be in love,” he explains, “And out of everyone I dated, you’re the one who respected my privacy. You’re the one for me, okay?”
“You idiot!” I aimed another punch, but he triumphantly dodged it.
“Don’t be angry anymore,” he says, gripping on my wrists. “Babe, this will be painless. We don’t have to act all sweet when they’re not around.”
“Don’t you want your first marriage to be with the girl of your dreams?” I questioned, withdrawing my arms.
He sighed. “You’re the girl of my dreams, okay? This marriage will last for the next five years unless we choose to extend it or cut it. Stop being stubborn and marry me!”
“That’s not how you propose to a girl!” I stood from my seat, paying for both drinks. “Goodbye, Damien.”
Seriously? Is this a joke? Marriage? It would be a cold day in hell when I decide to marry Damien.!
“Hey,” he follows after me, taking my hand, “I’m serious about us. Please consider my offer.”
I punched him in the gut. “Forget it.”
“We’ll see about that,” he says, kissing my forehead. “See you soon, babe.”
Who does he think he is? He must be out of his mind. I can find other ways to survive the pandemic.
