Contract Marriage: I’ve Always Loved You

After a week,

I’m taken aback to see Grace cooking in the kitchen because I have never seen this scenario before.

“What’s the matter? Today seems like a day for surprises.” I quip, leaning against the kitchen counter, watching Grace skilfully move around with pots and pans.

“Today, your father is returning, so I just want to welcome him with his favourite lunch.” She tells me with a smile.

“I didn’t know you have this hidden talent. I’m impressed,” I admit, a genuine smile forming.

She glances at me. “Well, there are many things you don’t know about me, Mr. Grey.”

However, a doubt lingers in my mind. Is she doing this genuinely to welcome my father, or does she want to keep him on her side?

I pull out my thoughts when she hisses in pain.

Fuck! She accidentally cuts her finger while cutting the salad.

I rush to her side, her finger slightly bleeding from the cut. Concern fills my eyes as I take her injured hand gently.

“Careful, Grace. Let me see,” I say, examining the cut on her finger.

She winces a bit. “It’s just a minor cut, Steve. Don’t worry.”

But worry creases my brow as I notice the blood. I grab a clean kitchen towel and wrap it around her finger to stop the bleeding.

“You should be more careful. I don’t want you hurting yourself, Grace.” I instruct her, still holding her hand, concerned for her.

“I’m fine, Steve.” She takes her hand away and rushes from there.

***

“Dad, today, I cooked everything with my hands just for you.” She tells my father with enthusiasm.

“So sweet of you. I can’t wait to taste it.” He exclaims, his excitement evident.

“And I can’t wait to hear your reviews on my food. I cooked for you and Steve for the first time.”

To be honest, the food looks delicious, and the plating is quite attractive. She has prepared baked beans, sandwiches, and a Cobb salad.

My mouth waters just looking at them.

I serve myself a bit of everything before taking a bite of the sandwich.

“Ahh!” I automatically exclaim after tasting it.

“Oh, my god! Grace, it’s so yummy. You have magic in your hands,” Dad utters my thoughts.

She stares at me, waiting for my compliments.

“Steve, why aren’t you saying anything?” Dad questions, looking at me.

“It is good.” I give a light smile and continue eating my food, and gives me a disappointed look.

I’m not praising her because then she’ll consider herself too great and say, ‘Oh my god, you’re praising me for the first time, Steve.’

“Only good? Everything is wow. I just love it,” Dad interjects while enjoying the baked beans.

“Dad, it won’t be that good.” She makes a sad pout.

Oh! So she’s hurt that I didn’t praise her. My praise matters to her, and I’m shocked to see that.

“No, Grace. You deserve this compliment from me, right Steve?” Dad asks me.

“Yeah. It’s luscious,” I reply after tasting the salad. I can’t resist praising her because I don’t want to hurt her feelings further.

This time, a genuine smile flashes across her face, and I feel good to see it.

I don’t know why I can’t see her upset even though I don’t like her.

“See, your husband also loves it.” Dad chuckles.

And then, we complete our lunch with random talks.

***

In the evening, as I’m working in my office, my phone beeps, disturbing me.

I glance at the phone’s screen and notice a text from Dad.

Dad: Hey, Steve. I have booked a restaurant for dinner with you and Grace tonight. So reach there at nine.

Even though I have a crucial meeting tonight, I can’t say no to having dinner with him. He’s been away for an entire week and really wants to hang out. How can I possibly turn him down?

Me: Okay, Dad. I’ll reach there on time.

He texts me about the location of the restaurant.

Grace’s P. O. V.

I reach the restaurant with Steve’s father. He has booked the entire restaurant for us.

As we settle down, I ask him, “Dad, until Steve comes, could I come live with you? My fans would love to meet my sweet father-in-law.”

“Sure, dear.” A smile spreads across my face as he permits me to go live with him.

He is so sweet. I wonder why Steve isn’t like his father.

“Thank you, Dad.” I take out my phone from my sling bag and start the live video. “Hey, everyone! Guess where I am tonight? I’m at this amazing restaurant, and guess who’s with me? My wonderful father-in-law! Say hi, Dad!”

He waves at the camera, and I see comments flooding in with greetings and love from my fans.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

“Your father is so hot, Grace. Like father like son, right?” One comment pops up, and I chuckle.

“Dad, they’re loving you! Maybe I should start a YouTube series with you,” I suggest, grinning.

“Oh, I don’t know about that. I’m not as charming as you are,” He chuckles.

“But you’re the sweetest, Dad,” I reply with honesty.

As we wait for Steve to arrive, I continue the live video, giving my fans a glimpse of the restaurant’s ambience and the delicious-looking menu.

“Where is your husband? Is he also going to join you both?” I read a fan’s comment.

“Yes, he’ll also join us at dinner, but he is late. As you all know, my husband is a work alcoholic.” I reply, laughing.

The comments keep pouring in, filled with admiration for Dad and curiosity about Steve’s arrival.

He engages in conversation with my followers, answering questions about family traditions, and his favorite dishes, and even sharing a few stories about Steve growing up.

After a while, Steve arrives at the restaurant, and I enthusiastically announce his entrance to my followers. “Look who’s here, everyone! Steve has joined us for this special dinner.” I turn on the back camera, showing everyone my husband.

He looks so damn hot! The first few buttons of his shirt are open, displaying her chest and turning me on.

“Say hi to her fans, son. She is live on Instagram.” Dad encourages Steve as he approaches us.

“Hi, everyone!” He waves awkwardly at the camera, clearly not as comfortable with the attention as I am.

The fans shower him with greetings and love.

As he settles into his seat, I switch to the front camera and bid farewell to my fans. “Thank you all for joining us. It was so much fun sharing this moment with you.”

The comments overflow with hearts, goodbyes, and requests for more behind-the-scenes glimpses into our lives.

“Stay tuned for more surprises. Love you all!” I blow a virtual kiss before ending the live video.

As the camera turns off, Steve sighs in relief. “I’m not used to being in the spotlight like that. Grace, please stop displaying me like this.”

Before I can answer him, Dad says, supporting me, “Steve, her fans wanted it.”

“Dad, you know I don’t like this,” He asserts, running his hand through his hair.

Dad grins, “Well, son, it’s all part of being married to a fashion influencer. You’ll get used to it.”

I playfully add, “Come on, Steve, a little attention won’t hurt. Plus, it’s fun!”

He rolls his eyes. “Your definition of fun is completely different from mine, Grace.”

Dad intrudes, “Let’s have dinner now.”

As we start dinner, I place my hand on his crotch, causing him to startle.

He glares at me, removing my hand, while I look at him with a smirk on my face.

I just love to tease my husband. It’s fun.

After picking up his phone, he types. I wonder what he is doing.

As my phone beeps, I check it. It’s his message.

Mr Grey: You’re are unbelievable. I don’t know how I’m going to survive the remaining days of our contract marriage.

I meet his gaze, smirking, before responding to his message.

Me: You gonna miss me, Steve. Mark my words.

Mr Grey: Miss you? Never!

I chuckle at his response, typing back.

Me: We’ll see who’s going to miss whom.

As I place my phone on the table, we exchange a glance.