Contract And Marriage

Sarina

“Jason!” I was surprised. Then, my thoughts turned to Maximus and my phone, prompting me to abruptly end the call without checking if he had already answered. “Just a moment,” I said, returning my cell phone to my room. I took a deep breath before I went back to the living room.

“For you, Love.” He said this while holding out a dozen red roses and some chocolate, which I accepted. I looked around and saw that my family was there, and my eyes widened.

“Ah, we’re going outside first, dear.”

“Okay, mom.” One by one, they left, leaving Jason and me alone. “Sit down,”

“Thank you.” He was smiling, making him look more appealing. His dimple is his most valuable asset, and it captivates me. He is aware of this and makes sure to use it whenever we disagree or he is attempting to woo me.

“You don’t need to bring things like this,” I said as I placed his gifts on the table.

“You know it’s my happiness to give you something like that since you don’t want anything expensive.” It’s true. In all the time we’ve been dating, he has never given me an expensive gift, except for the first time he gave me a necklace. But after accepting it, I told him it was the last time. That’s why he was content with flowers, chocolates, and our frequent meals out.

“Jason, I’ve said what I wanted to say when we met in Manila,” he stopped me before I could finish my sentence.

“Mom and Dad don’t know about your marriage.” He said it in a soft and low voice; maybe he understood I didn’t want my family to know about it. And yes, he refers to my parents as Mom and Dad. “That’s why I’m even more determined to wait.”

“Please, Jason, don’t make us suffer. I can’t commit to you.”

“I’ve told you my side, and I know you’ve also learned from the people here about what really happened.” I am very thankful that I decided to go back here yesterday. Because almost everyone in town knows about our relationship, the news that you’re here reached me. Sarina, you are the only woman I love, and there is no one else.” He began to cry, and I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed. I stood up because I thought he was weird. I didn’t want to cheat on Maximus, and I wanted to respect our marriage. But if Jason becomes like this, I don’t know if I can handle rejecting him.

“Love,” he calls to me. “You know that I love you very much, so I hope you don’t push me away or stop me from loving you. “I will wait until your contract ends.”

“You do not understand me-”

“Look into my eyes and answer my question.” I suddenly got scared and tried to get out of his grip. We were standing together, and I could see the pleading in his eyes.

“Jason,” I said in a low, soft voice.

“Do you still love me?” I could neither answer nor remain silent. I was just looking at his eyes, which seemed hypnotizing. “I love you, Sarina.”

“I still love you, Jason.” How did I say that? I do not know. Maybe it’s because I still feel the same way about him. Then, a sweet smile appeared on his face before our lips met.

His light and gentle kiss swept me away, making me respond to him as well. We were in that situation briefly until Maximus’ face suddenly entered my mind. Shit! This is wrong! I quickly pushed Jason away, which surprised him.

“Love…” I could see the shock and worry on his face. And to be honest, I want to feel sorry for him because the hope that was in his eyes just now also disappeared quickly.

“Like I said, I’m already married. I’m sorry, Jason, but I feel like I’m being sinful if I keep you waiting. If we are meant for each other, let fate give us a chance. For now, it is unlikely that we will be together again. I’m sorry.” Then I turned my back on him and went into my room. I couldn’t stop the tears from rolling down my eyes because of the pain and regret about our relationship.

I don’t know how long I just sat on my bed. Even when Mom called me, I didn’t pay attention until she stopped herself and completely left me alone. They knew that I wanted to have time for myself during times like this.

When I felt calm, I decided to freshen up and sleep, thinking everything would be okay when I woke up.

I didn’t eat dinner and went straight to bed afterward. When I felt my phone vibrate, I was lying down and staring at the ceiling. At first, I didn’t pay attention to it, but when it continued to vibrate, I looked for it at my feet, where I had previously placed it.

I took a deep breath when I saw Maximus’ name. I don’t want to talk to him; I just don’t want him to think about anything. I spent a few more seconds before answering.

“Hello.” My voice doesn’t sound good, but I can’t force myself to sound cheerful. He needs to be patient with me.

“Ma’am Sarina, this is Aries.” I frowned and looked at my phone screen to make sure Maximus’ name was there, and I wasn’t wrong.

“Aries?” I asked, wondering why it was him.

“Yes, ma’am, I’m in the hospital now with Sir Maximus. His surgery will be tomorrow morning, so please come back as early as possible if it’s okay.”

“What? I thought it was not until next week?”

“Because the doctor had an emergency, he will have to do the surgery first before returning to the US.” I know times like this happen, but I never expected to experience it firsthand.

“Okay, I’ll get ready to go back. Fortunately, tomorrow is Friday, and there is a flight.”

“I’ve already booked a flight for you. I’ll just send the details to your email,” he said, and after I agreed, we ended the call.

The next day, my mom and dad complained about my leaving. I explained to them that it was my patient who would undergo the surgery, so I should be there, and they couldn’t do anything. My brother took me to the airport on our tricycle, and it was still dark when we left the house because my flight was at 7 a. m. We are quite far from the airport, so we need to be really early.

When the plane landed, I quickly booked an Uber to the hospital because there was too much traffic. It didn’t take me long to get from our province to Manila, but it took forever from the airport to the hospital, so I arrived in the afternoon. I should have just agreed to Aries’ suggestion that he pick me up. I declined because there would be no one to assist Maximus, and he might be alone.

Pulling my suitcase, I went straight to the room that Maximus’ assistant had told me to go to. I just hope I make it in time because my husband says my face is the first thing he wants to see when he opens his eyes.

I didn’t knock; I just opened the door and entered the room, only to find myself nailed to where I stood. How could I not? The woman was holding Maximus’s face while they were kissing.

They both looked at me, and I wanted to slap the bitch for smirking at me. Maximus was also looking at me and then at the suitcase I was holding. “Sarina?” he said, and I felt like punching him in the face. If only the gaze could kill, they both would have died.

I know I kissed Jason, too, and I shouldn’t be mad if he kisses someone else because I know we weren’t married in the true sense of the word. But I couldn’t help myself from feeling hurt somehow. Why is that?