.

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Rafael and I are on our way back to the hotel today and guess what, we got married just a few minutes ago. We only had a civil wedding with no one invited Just me, Rafael and the priest.

Inside the car, we have this awkward silence enveloping us which is making me a little uncomfortable.

To avoid this feeling, I focus my attention outside the window and watch the people around. Some children playing, couples holding hands and street singers too were there and some street vendors selling random items.

And now I just noticed that this clothes that I am wearing right now is the only dress that I have. Earlier this morning, Rafael came into my room and throw it on my bed then left without saying anything. Yep, I am dealing with a self centered husband who I think thinks that his words have a price because he barely talks.

Anyway, I don't care. We are only here for business.

I was admiring the surroundings and wow, this is the first time I got exposed at the outside. For the years I am here, I never had the chance to look around. All I did was sleep at the apartment at morning then at night, go to the club and do my work. Same cycle everyday. It never changed since then I got here.

"Isabelle," Rafael called, his voice was low.

I turn to him, his eyes are glued on the road "Belle."

"What?"

"Just call me Belle, I am not used to it calling me by my whole name." I said honestly , letting out a weak chuckle.

He cleared his throat "Okay, if that is what you want" he sigh then continued "I just want to remind you that...as my wife, you have to pretend well. I don't want mistakes and I never want mistake. A single mistake of you, I won't hesitate to throw you out"

"Without the money???"

He didn't replied. Holy crap

I sat back on the chair and became nervous. Shit, why did I agree to this stupid 'wife' job without knowing anything about this!!!

I don't even know what is his reasons wanting a wife in the first place! And from the looks of it, getting married is not his top priority

"Can I ask you something?" I faced him, shoving my one leg beneath me which is totally unladylike inside a car.

"You are already asking" he scoffed

Bastard

But I remained calm, inhale...exhale...

"Why did you want to marry me?" I asked, looking straightly are him

"I didn't want to marry you. I just need a wife" he said bluntly but he is still not looking at me.

It's rude not look at people you are talking to. But who am I to tell him that? He is paying me for this job anyway.

"Okay, why do you need a wife?" I shook away my thoughts

"Because I need to. You will find out soon"

I rolled my eyes, already irritated at his stubborn and stupid responds "I need to know now! C'mon tell me already. What is the difference in telling me now than later?"

Rafael sigh and use his one hand to comb his hair back then stepped.

Huh?

I look around and I didn't notice that we are already at his parking lot of the hotel. He has his own private space behind the hotel.

No one is around?

"So? Aren't you gonna answer me, hubby?" I teased, flashing him a smile.

I saw Rafael roll his eyes "You are so annoying"

"I know" I chanted teasingly as I unbuckled my seatbelt

Then he sigh again but this time, he looked straight in my eyes now with those brown pooled eyes that I think can melt my knees

"You really want to know?"

I nod quickly , really eager to know his reason for marrying a trash like me.

"Because I need to save this hotel from my brother and inherit my Father's company before he dies" he explained

"Then what is the point of having a wife?"

"Because I need to be married and show them that I am responsible enough to handle a huge business he had." Rafael answered "He thinks that I can't handle his business and the only thing that I can prove him that I am responsible and ready... I need to be a responsible husband first"

He only needs the company? That is his reason? Urg, what money can do to people.

"So, now that you are married...you are going to inherit it now?"

"Not yet. I have to show you to them first" he respond then get out of the car, leaving me inside the car.

I got out and caught up with him at the elevator. So ungentlemanly act from a perfect man.

"But won't they think that it is too sudden. You don't have a girlfriend then suddenly you are already married" I stated which is true.

Rafael pressed the top floor which is the penthouse then stood straight beside me "I told them that I am dating someone secretly for over a year so don't worry, Belle"

Oh

"So all I need is to act? Is that it?"

He nod his head. Then the elevator bell rings and it open showing the way to his place. The walk to the door and unlocks his door showing his beautiful penthouse

I still can't help but to be amaze. When you enter, you will be greeted by his office first then there is a huge door on the side to thereal beauty

"When will I meet your parents?" I asked just to break the silence

He sat down on his desk and open his laptop "At my Father's party next week "

"Oh..." I muttered. That means I will be surrounded by rich people. Gosh, I don't know how am I going to act I'm front of them. "Are they nice?"

Rafael let out a husky laugh at my question

"Is something funny?" I asked awkwardly, really unaware that he is laughing at my question. But it's good to see him laugh even just for a second

"You ask me if they are nice? They are my family what do you expect me to describe them? " he spoke breaking the laugh then put his attention back to his laptop "Although, I didn't grow close to them"

I chuckled and went to him as I lean my lower body on the desk, "So that's make the both of us"

"Why? You're also not close to your Mommy and Daddy?" He teased typing in his laptop

"Eww, it's gross hearing you saying that" I made a disgusted face but I don't think it is good to tell him that I was abused before.

Rafael stopped from typing, instead he lean back in his office chair and stare at me with those pair of Brown orbs.

"I think it's time to know each other more, right Mrs. Knight?" He smirked, placing his hand under his chin "So tell me about you....of course I need to know your back ground before I introduce you to my parents"

Oh crap. This is not good.

"There is no need for you to know about me. It's better if you don't know" I told him, laughing weakly turning away from him. There is no need for him to know about me...about that "Besides my life is so fucked up. It's none of your concern"

I walk towards the huge window that views the whole city. Wow, I never thought I can see such wonderful view in my whole life! This is so breathtaking and it would be a lot more wonderful at night. 

But my thoughts got broken when I felt someone behind me as his hot breathe hitting my neck and electricity runs through my veins. Oh Lord, he is behind me, isn't he? 

In a blink of an eye, Rafael had pinned me on the glass window, his both hands trapping me between and his eyes were searching for mine. God, those adorable brown eyes piercing right through me. 

"Belle, you're my wife now and I'm your husband. You are my concern now" He spoke, his voice was low and very manly. No wander girls easily fall for him, His voice is already enough "And first step of knowing each other is telling me about yourself. You are going to hide something from me starting this day" 

I narrowed my eyes at him "Just tell your parents that you and I were together secretly and my parents are normal person then you married me. Simple as that" 

He let out a husky chuckle but still not letting me free "My parents are not those kinds of person. They will ask you questions about you until their heart's content. My advice for you is to be ready for questions you are not ready" 

My whole body went cold again. Getting involve this going to be harder than I thought. "Now, I suggest you to tell me for me to know you" 

I took a deep breath, before I speak about me. Inhaling and exhaling, I am sure that he is not gonna like it

"How about if I say that..." I murmured quietly, looking down nervously as I think of something "...my parents...um...a -are weird?" 

When I looked up to see him if what will he react, his was was emotionless. More like he is waiting for me to tell him more about my story.

I blinked three times before coming up with another lie of excuse "Er...t-they are just poor people so... not so interesting"

I was looking down on our feet, my face getting flushed and got awkward of the situation as I want to slap myself. I just lied to my husband.

"Well whatever they are, I need to talk to them and tell them properly that I married their beautiful daughter" he said, running his fingers through my face, like he was memorizing every features I have

Beautiful? Did he just called me beautiful?

This is the first time someone called me beautiful. No one in my whole life called me that. Usually, my customers called me sexy or hot.

"N-no, don't tell them!" I snapped causing Rafael to look confused at me "I mean...they will freak out. Let me...just let me tell them t-that first....please?"

Rafael eyebrows frowned and I think he is still going to force what he wants but I was surprised that he nods his head and finally releases me

Now I finally breathe. He his back from me and started to walk back to his mahogany expensive looking office desk

"Then why are you working as a entertainer in a gentleman's club? Living in a very cheep old looking apartment?" He questioned, as his fingers typing on his laptop "Shouldn't that be your parent's job?"

Oh shoot. This man is so intimidating.

"M-my parents lives far from here and I-I moved here to get a job but unfortunately, I got hired in a job like that" Shit, more lies

Rafael just sigh " I don't care what you are. Just do the job properly and you won't hear anything from me" he replied, blankly

Bastard

I was about to turn to leave when I figure something out "Oh, can I ask something?"

"What?" He took his eyes off his laptop to look at me

"Can I go back to my apartment?" I asked him "I need to get some clothes"

"No need. I had someone buy you clothes" he told me like it was nothing.

He bought me clothes?! What the Fuck is he crazy? Buying me new clothes all of the sudden. Does he know my size? Does he know what type of clothes I wear?

Suddenly there was a knock on the door catching both of our attention. Someone is here.

"Come in" Rafael's strong voice spoke not even bothering to ask who it was. Whoa, he trust his men here too much.

His office door opened revealing two good looking men in suits and ties, their black leather shoes are shiny and Well cleaned. They look like rich men.

Wait, I think I know them.

"Holy Shit~" I gasped

"Oh, the toy you bought at the auction!" The man said with glasses and in dark red suit had a creepy smirk in his face.

The next man in white shirt came out behind him and his face was bored yet seriousness in it. "Rafael, we have an emergency meeting with Mr. Strike" he spoke with the same tone Rafael always have.

Like a tone that has no room for games or fun. All seriousness and power

"What does that old man want this time" Rafael groaned, closing his laptop and stood up from his chair. He looks like he was thinking something that is so hard

"Is this the woman whose going to pretend as your lovable wife?" The same man asked looking at me

They know about the plan? I turn to Rafael, he was walking towards me, and stood in front of me. "Yes she is. We got married just a few minutes ago"

The man with the black hat fake a gasp "Well, well, well, you didn't even invite us in your wedding, bro?"

Rafael didn't answer him Instead he turn to me "Belle, meet Don and Scott" he introduced "They are the only one who knew the deal about us"

"Deal? You mean this...marriage thing?" I asked, looking at the two men

"Yes, Belle" He patted my shoulder "Right now, the only you can trust...is me, and these two assholes" he told me seriously bringing his attention to the two men

"Come on man, you should have picked another girl" the one wearing hat, Scott spoke, the playful smile on his face is very scary actually. "Your wife is too hot! C'mon!"

Then Don slapped the back of his head "Shut your mouth, you animal."

"Ouch!" Scott rubbed the back of his head where Don slapped him. "I am just stating the obvious, Mr. Honest"

Okay, this is getting awkward. I just stood there, near Rafael while watching the two boys argue with each other. There is something in me that I want to ask him but he already talk ahead of me

"I will be back tonight. It's up to you if you want to dinner first" Rafael instructed "And do whatever you like just make sure that you are here when I got home. We have something to discuss"

Rafael suddenly grab my hand and put some dollar cash in making my eyes widen. What's the matter with him? Shoving some cash in my hand all of the sudden.

"Rafael, what am I going to do with this?" I asked

"Your money. Buy everything you want" he told me before turning back to the two boys "Get ready, you two"

"Rafael!" I snapped

He quickly face me "What?"

"C-can I go back to my apartment? And use this money to pay our rent?" I questioned embarrassed "We haven't paid our rent for 4 months"

The three men stared at me for seconds making the moment a little awkward for me. What the heck? What's wrong with what I said?!

"Rafael?"

"Ah, yeah" Rafael nod his head, he grab something at his back pocket, bringing his wallet out "Here, you might need more money "

I quickly refuse his offer "No! This is enough! " I wave my hands declining "Catalina and I saved something enough to pay our bills. Thank you "

"Are you sure?" He asked, his eyes searching into mine

"Yes. I really appreciate it" I flash him a smile

Rafael looks like he is not yet satisfied. "Where is your apartment? We will drop you first" he spoke , getting his things

"Wait, no need! I can take a cab" I said, there is no need for them to do that for me

"Don't be shy, Belle. From now on, you can trust us....especially me" Scott put his hand dangerously around me

But Rafael pushed him away saving my me from Scott "I was wrong. Trust only me and Don" He said and chuckled "So, Let's go?"

I nod my head slowly. Rafael put his hand at the small of my back and we left his penthouse.

"I apologize for Scott. He can be a little childish" Don joked laughing along with Rafae as we enter the elevator

"HEY! Don't leave me, mates!" Scott rush inside with us and pressed the ground floor button. "You guys are really sadists"

"That's what we are, mate" Don respond patting his friend's back. "Aren't we, Knight?" He smirked at him

Rafael returned the smirk then tighten the hold on my waist. Jesus, please...I hope I am in the safe place.

"Scott..." Rafael called with a blank face

Scott turn his head over his shoulder "What?"

"Don't ever touch my wife again" Rafael warned him "Even if you are my friend" he spoke, narrowing his e eyes at him.

Making Scott gulped in nervousness, how his Adam's apple move and Don laughing at the other hand "Poor Scott" Don murmured sarcastically

Oh boy, what did I got myself into???

♤♤♤

To be continued everyone!

Sorry for the late update because I got sick and the doctor enables me to use my phone for a while because I got some eye problems.

But Thanks GOD I am finally okay.

So what do you guys think? Vote, comment and follow me!

GOD Bless and have a nice day ahead! :)