One month later...
We've been married for a month now. Our parents found out, and obviously, my mother was quite upset. I can't say the same about my in-laws; they didn't take it as badly as my mother did. The lawyer is already aware of the wedding, so we have one less month to go of the three-year agreement. It's something, at least.
I'm currently living with Mason in the hotel. We didn't want to buy a house just for three years; it doesn't make sense to make that expense. Tonight, we're invited to have dinner with my in-laws. I have to admit they adore me, and I adore them too. We hardly ever visit my parents; we're always at Mason's parents' house.
As for the doubts and investigations by the lawyer, or rather, the investigator she hired, he gave me the information. It turns out that the person in question is a friend of Mason's. According to what she told me, he doesn't have any girlfriends, but this friend makes him feel something special. I know this only from a photograph I saw. The look in his eyes is filled with love. It made me feel bad to be the obstacle between them. However, Mason never mentioned anything to me.
Since we got married, he hasn't seen that girl. The last I heard is that she went abroad to study. Maybe it was to be away from my husband. It feels strange to call him that. Perhaps after our time together, she'll come back, and he can be happy with her.
In this month, we've attended several social events for my father's company and his family's company. Everyone congratulated us and even asked directly if I was pregnant. We denied it, but they remained skeptical. With time, it became clear that I am not and will not be pregnant, especially not with Mason.
My studies are going well. I'm lucky that Mason is knowledgeable in the subject; he has been very helpful with some assignments. We share a lot as friends. We watch movies, go to the cinema – the only difference is that in public, we hold hands or give each other a kiss on the cheek, nothing more.
Emily is such a lovely person. We talk frequently, even more than I do with my mother. According to her, she has a surprise for us tonight, so I'm excited.
"Paige, are you ready?" Mason asks me from the doorway of my room. We still sleep in separate rooms.
"Yes," I reply, stepping out of the room.
As an additional note, Riley and Sarah took it upon themselves to completely renovate my wardrobe. Now I dress differently, not like an old lady, as Sarah put it, more in line with my age.
Mason sometimes looks at me differently, although it might just be my imagination seeing things that aren't there. He always compliments me, saying that I look beautiful and such, even though I've told him it's not necessary.
When we arrive at my in-laws' house, they welcome us with open arms. Ethan and Sarah are there too, which surprises us because they didn't mention anything when we spoke earlier in the afternoon, well, Sarah and I did.
We've grown very close. Riley, Sarah, and I see each other almost every day, not to mention our daily WhatsApp conversations. We have a group called "Girl Power" where we talk endlessly.
When Emily sees me, she smiles, and I don't like that smile at all. I know she's hiding something. I've come to know her quite well, with Mason's help over the years. He has given me tips on how to identify when she's lying or hiding something, like now.
We move to the dining room, take our seats, and have to pretend we're in love since even my friends don't know about the contract. We decided to keep it between us and our parents.
"The purpose of this dinner is a surprise, as I already told Paige. We have a gift for you all," my mother-in-law says.
"It's not necessary," I begin to say, and she silences me by taking my hand.
"As you got married in secret, and I'm still hurt about it, you won't have a choice but to accept this gift that I bought with a lot of love. It took a little longer because Sarah helped me with the details. I wanted it to be perfect and to your liking," she says excitedly.
Remembering that she's hurt about the wedding makes me feel a bit guilty, especially since she herself told me that she's sure her son won't get married again, so she missed out on a wedding in the family.
"I have a feeling it's something big. She doesn't usually go through so much trouble for a gift, let alone use something like the wedding she couldn't organize as leverage," Mason whispers in my ear.
That scares me even more. What could the gift be? I don't even finish forming the thought when Emily shouts,
"We bought you a house!" She raises her hands happily, just like Sarah.
I drop my fork, which I was eating with. Did she say a house? I look at Mason to confirm that I heard correctly. My husband has the same expression as me. We can't say anything because Sarah and Ethan are here. Now I understand why she invited them. We couldn't say it wasn't necessary because that would be a lie. Emily is quite clever.
Mason takes my hand and gives it a gentle squeeze to snap me out of my shock.
"But it wasn't necessary," I stammer.
"Nonsense! Married couples need a home, it's a famous saying. Why wouldn't you want your own house? That's just silly," Sarah comments with laughter.
"Mom, we already discussed this, remember?" Mason says through gritted teeth.
"I know, son, but I couldn't let you continue staying in a hotel. Besides, it's not big, it's something simple. I know how both of you feel about luxury," she replies, looking at her husband, who has remained silent the whole time.
Mason sighs and runs his hand through his hair in frustration. I stand up determinedly, seeing Emily's hurt expression, and approach her.
“No just you! both of you, I can organize my schedule for another day and postpone whatever I have tomorrow, besides, I have nothing very important tomorrow "he replies lifting his shoulders.
"Alright, we're moving tomorrow then," I say, smiling and kissing Simba.
"He's taking away my wife," Mason complains.
"Don't be silly. Be grateful that I have someone to show affection to, so I won't bother you with it," I say, smiling.
"I wouldn't mind at all if you gave it to me," he says, winking.
"Just drive," I say, losing my smile.
We arrive at the hotel, and after speaking with the manager, who didn't have any objections to Simba sleeping with us, of course, money can get you anything. Simba sleeps with me tonight. Mason said it's not fair since he wants him with him too, so we agreed that we'll take turns, each of us having a night to sleep with Simba.
I sleep happily with my baby, who curls up at my feet and falls asleep. I'm sure he'll be very affectionate, especially with me.