Love Contract novel Chapter 6

Mary followed William from the 32nd floor to the 31st, and then down to the 30th floor, taking the stairs the whole time.

"Why don't we take the elevator?" There was no respite to everyone's scrutiny when they took the stairs like this. It was so uncomfortable.

William shrugged. "I want everyone to see you." He stopped then leaned over to whisper conspiratorially in her ear before they entered the next office. "Now, show them a happy smile, my dear wife."

A tingle ran along Mary's back at the feel of William's breath on her ear. The corners of her mouth twitched up, then widened into a grin as she stepped forward.

"Look! It's Mary!"

"Mary is so beautiful. They're a perfect match." People whispered among themselves as William and Mary passed by.

William motioned to Mary as they approached the Public Relations Department. "You should say goodbye to your colleagues."

Mary nodded. She had barely taken a step into the department when she was mobbed by her coworkers.

"Mary! You devious girl! You never told us you had a thing with our CEO! And now you're getting married!" Andy, known as the office flirt, said chidingly.

"Oh, you know. I was always busy with work. There never seemed to be a right time," Mary said with a tight smile, falling back to her scripted responses.

"Were you scared someone else would snatch him away? Or are we just too unimportant for the CEO's wife?" Andy remained smiling sweetly, but the sarcasm and jealousy emanated from her like a heavy perfume.

"Mary's not like that," Jack interjected, reaching out from the throng to shake Mary's hand. "Congratulations, Mary! We're so happy for you."

Mary smiled back at Jack warmly. "Thank you. You should get yourself a girlfriend, too!"

"Not a problem! With this body? Who could resist?" Jack patted his belly, making everyone laugh.

"You owe us a treat, Mary!"

"I volunteer to be your bridesmaid!"

Mary beamed and nodded, accepting the office's well-wishes.

William, who had been standing over to the side, looked at his watch. "It's getting late. Let's go, Mary," he called out briskly.

The hubbub quieted down as soon as the CEO spoke up.

Mary flashed an apologetic smile at her former colleagues and returned to William's side, hooking her arm with his. She waved at them and called out as they walked away. "Keep up the great work, guys! I'll come visit again soon."

William and Mary started to walk back down to the lobby, ignoring the envious gossip in their wake.

"I didn't expect you to get along so well with them," William noted, as they walked.

Mary scoffed. "It's part of being professional. You should try it some time."

William chuckled. They said nothing else to each other as they walked on.

As soon as they stepped out of the building, a group of reporters surrounded them.

"Mr. Lan! Why the shotgun wedding? Is your wife pregnant?"

"Is it all just a publicity stunt?"

"Is that her, Mr. Lan? What's her name?"

"Is the rumor about your company's star, Victor, true or not?" The reporters bombarded William and Mary with questions. It made Mary's ears ring and left her feeling suffocated. She worked in Public Relations Department, but she operated largely in the background. It was the first time she herself was put under the glare of the cameras. It was unnerving.

Upon reaching the car, William paused, turned, then held up Mary's hand in front of the cameras, gracing them with a megawatt smile. "This is my wife, Mary. Please join us at the press conference for the Past of Republic of China. I will answer your questions there."

With that, he entered smoothly into the car, dragging Mary in with him.

Some reporters continued to squeeze into the door, pointing heavy cameras at them.

The bodyguards were soon able to hold the intruders off, however. The car door finally shut close, and locked after them.

Mary let out a heavy sigh of relief. Mary turned to speak to William, but saw him wiping his hand with a handkerchief, apparently cleaning the hand he had just used to hold hers. She felt herself turn red in humiliation. She bit her lips and clutched her hands quietly in her lap.