Faux Vows, True Desires novel Chapter 3

Lucinda thought for a moment, then looked at Stefan, she had been friends with him for eleven years. She wouldn’t be at a loss even if they became a real married couple.

“So, let’s sign a contract shall we?”-

Stefan’s eyes sparkled, “Okay, so should I draft up the contract or you?”

Lucinda immediately responded, “I’ll do it. After it’s done, you can check it out. If there’s no issue, we’ll sign it. This sham marriage can finally shut my mom up and give me some peace.”

Stefan laughed, “Alright then, start writing. Once it’s done, I’ll take a look. If there’s no issue, we can head to the vital records office this afternoon. I happen to be free today.”

Lucinda was a bit surprised. Why did she feel like Stefan was more anxious than she was? It must be her imagination. Stefan was just doing her a favor.

“Okay, I’ll start writing now. I’ll print out two copies later. Stefan, just wait here for a bit.”

As she spoke, Lucinda stood up. Stefan smiled and nodded, indicating for her to get on with it.

Only after Lucinda stood up did she remember where they were. She nervously looked around. The other customers were either tasting their coffee or chatting with friends. No one was paying attention to her. It seemed that their conversation hadn’t been overheard.

Lucinda breathed a sigh of relief and quickly started to draft the marriage contract.

After Lucinda left, Stefan took out his phone and made a call. Once connected, he whispered,“Iris, push back this afternoon’s meeting to 9 a.m. next Monday.”

Iris was a bit taken aback as the afternoon meeting was quite important, but she didn’t question it and respectfully replied: “Alright, Mr. Coleman.”

Stefan ended the call.

Half an hour later, Lucinda brought two copies of the marriage contract over. She handed one copy to Stefan, sat down, and quietly said to Stefan, “Stefan, check out the agreement I’ve written.”

Stefan took the agreement and read it carefully.

Lucinda listed four conditions.

First, Stefan will act as Lucinda’s boyfriend (or husband), with a monthly salary of $500, including board and clothing for all seasons.

Second, during the contract period, if either party meets true love, they can break the contract without compensation.

Third, during the contract period, both parties will not interfere with each other’s private lives.

Fourth, if neither party finds true love during the contract period, the contract will remain valid for one year.

Lucinda, a bit awkward, explained, “Stefan, the coffee shop I opened last year is still in the red. Although it’s not losing money this year, it’s not making any profit either. The salary I can offer you is only that much, but I can cover your living expenses.”

Stefan casually replied, “No worries, I have a job.”

Then, he asked Lucinda, “Can I make changes to this contract?”

Lucinda quickly nodded, “Of course, if you see anything inappropriate, just point it out.”

Stefan borrowed a pen from Lucinda, crossed out the third condition, and handed the paper back to her. He told her, “We only need three conditions. Print out another two copies and we can sign.”

So, he was now being “kept” by Lucinda.

Lucinda looked at the crossed-out third condition and frowned thoughtfully for a while. In the end, she complied with Stefan’s request and printed out two new copies. They both signed them.

Stefan checked his watch and said to Lucinda, “It’s still working hours for the vital records office, let's go finish the paperwork now.”

Lucinda hesitated, “But, Stefan, I only have my ID. My birth certificate is with my mom.”