Married At First Glance: I Am Not Ugly

“We’re here right now…. so let’s just do this and be done with it.”

“I can’t Anderson. It’s just too much.” Alex said.

“And you think this isnt too much for me either. I risked my own life to do this with you, because I need your help to sort a pressing issue. I don’t want to do this as well. Because seriously you ain’t my type. And I never want to marry an arrogant, rude jerk like you before. But I have to because of what I want.” she said.

There was silence in the room and then she broke the silence.

“Let’s just get this over with. I need something from you and you need whatever it is from me. We’re all in this together now.”

As Anderson continued to explain the contract, Marissa listened intently, taking in the details of their arrangement.

It was a complex agreement, outlining the terms of their three-month paper marriage.

They would have to play the roles of a married couple in public, attend social events together, and even share a home.

Marissa couldn’t help but think about the challenges ahead. Living with Alexander for three months was not something she had ever envisioned.

She had to remind herself constantly that it was all for her brother’s sake.

Alexander, on the other hand, was growing increasingly impatient with the lengthy contract discussion. He kept glancing at his watch, clearly eager to get this over with.

Finally, after what felt like hours, Anderson reached the end of the contract and asked, “Any questions?”

Marissa raised her hand tentatively. “What happens after the three months? Do we just go our separate ways?”

Anderson nodded.

“That’s right. After three months, the marriage will be legally dissolved, and you’ll both be free to go your separate ways.”

Alexander added,

“And we’ll each get what we want, without any further obligations.”

Marissa couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief. It was a short-term commitment, and she hoped she could endure it for the sake of her brother.

With no more questions, Anderson handed them pens, Marissa agreed to the terms and signed on the dotted line. It was official; she was now married to Alexander on paper.

Alexander nodded in satisfaction,

“Good. That’s settled. Now, Marissa, there are a few rules you need to follow during our three months of marriage.”

Marissa raised an eyebrow, curious about what he was going to say next….

“And what’s that?” she asked.

“You are not going to leave the house whenever you feel like until I tell you too. Is that understood?” he said.

“And why shouldn’t I leave the house when I want?” she asked him.

“Because I said so, damn it!” he said.

“Look here you jerk. I’m not your employee, you would be bossing around like they are not anything to you. I can decide to walk out of this if you keep on annoying me with that asshole personality that you have.” she said.

“Excuse me?” he said.

“You damn well heard me.” she said.

Alexander couldn’t believe Marissa’s audacity. No one had ever spoken to him like this before.

But he knew he had to maintain control, especially if this fake marriage was going to work.

“Marissa, let me make this clear. In this arrangement, you will follow my rules. That’s non-negotiable.”

Marissa crossed her arms, unfazed by his stern tone.

“Well, Alexander, let me make this clear too. I may be your fake wife on paper, but I won’t be treated like a prisoner in my own home. I have my own life, and I won’t let you dictate every aspect of it.”

The tension in the room was getting really high as they glared at each other, neither willing to back down.

They had entered into this arrangement for their own reasons, and it was clear that both were determined to get what they wanted.

Anderson, sensing the escalating conflict, decided to intervene.

“Okay, okay, calm down, you two. Let’s not start this marriage with a fight. We can work out some ground rules that you both can agree on, alright?”

Marissa and Alexander reluctantly nodded, realizing that if they were going to make this work, they needed to find some common ground.

As they sat down to discuss the ground rules for their fake marriage, Marissa and Alexander tried to find a compromise.

It was clear that their personalities clashed, but they had no choice but to make this arrangement work.

“First rule,” Marissa began, “I won’t be confined to the house. I have a job, and I need to go to work.”

Alexander hesitated for a moment, then nodded reluctantly. “Fine, you can go to work. But no unnecessary outings or socializing.”

Marissa raised an eyebrow but agreed,

“Okay, no socializing. But I have a place to be after work before coming home.”

“And where is that?” he asked her.

“It’s none of your goddamn business.” she said.

They both stared at each other, Alexander was obviously angry at the way Marissa talked to him

But he decided to maintain his cool.

Alexander pondered this for a moment before replying,

“Fine, you can go wherever it is you wanna go, but no late nights alright? I don’t want our arrangement to become public knowledge.”

Marissa nodded, somewhat satisfied with the compromise. “Alright, that works for me.

Now, about our personal lives…” Alexander said.

“What about it?” she asked.

“Do you have a boyfriend or someone you like?” he asked her.

“That’s still not your goddamn business.” she said.

“Harsh….” he said.

“Look you two… you’re already married. Can’t you just agree on this without arguing?” Anderson said.

“No!” they yelled.

“Alright then.” he said, “I think I will take my leave now and let you two handle your issues, but try not to break each other’s heads.” he said as he walked out of the apartment leaving Alexander and Marissa alone in the house.

The two obviously needed to come to a common ground if they wanted to survive and make this contract work for three months.