Betrayed But Loved-Found In CONTRACT MARRIAGE.

Avery Rose

I couldn’t think straight. In fact, I wasn’t thinking at all as I stared down at this handsome stranger whom I landed on.

The music of the club blocked out every possible train of thought that would have gone through my head. Once again my clumsiness got the best of me and the alcohol in my system didn't make matters any better.

Our heartbeats synced and before I could consider the situation, my lips dropped to his. Something in me screamed at me to stop and realize what I was doing but that part was quickly blocked out when the stranger’s arm wrapped around me and he kissed me back.

3 hours ago

“You have to be fucking kidding me!” Melody exclaimed. She threw her hands in the air for the hundredth time while I just prepped the ingredients I was going to use to cook the next day.

“Aren’t you tired yet?” I asked her jokingly and she rolled her eyes. Her blonde hair was tied in a perfect ponytail. Although she insists that the texture was natural, I noticed a few discolored strands. “You should change your shampoo or something.”

Her hands quickly rushed to the ponytail and she brushed it with her fingertips. “I’ll handle it later.” She mumbled. “Don’t change the subject! Let’s go to the club tonight.” She whined.

It was the same conversation we were having over and over again. Her poor attempt to drag me to some exclusive club. She knew me all too well to know that clubs and parties weren’t my thing. After all, she was my childhood friend.

“Mels, Caleb will be back from his month-long business trip tomorrow morning. I have to get everything ready.” I told her. She mockingly repeated my words.

“You guys are always joined at the hip. This is literally your last night as a temporary single woman before your other half comes back and starts breathing down your neck.” She ended with a terrified shiver and I laughed.

Melody was beautiful. There was no doubt about that. Ever since we were kids, she has always stood out. At first, she was mocked a bit because of her height when we were in elementary school.

She stood taller than most of us but as we entered high school, puberty hit and she gained curves in the right places. From then on, she began to bag modeling gigs back and forth. How she remained best friends with me, a certified nobody, was still surprising.

“I’m not complaining, am I?” I asked while closing the Tupperware that contained freshly diced carrots and placing them in the freezer.

“You guys have been together for five years now. You deserve at least a night by yourself.” I opened my mouth to complain but she pouted, “with your best girl.”

“Mels.” I sighed.

“He is taking you away from me. This past month he wasn’t around, you guys spent it talking on the phone and now, he’s back already. When do we spend time together?” She complained. I saw the rim of her eyes turn red and I instantly felt bad.

Maybe she was right. I have been too close to Caleb to notice that I neglected my only friend. Melody never really liked him. She always complained I settled for less but she was so wrong about it. I was lucky to have someone like him and I wouldn’t trade him for anyone else.

“Fine, fine. Let’s go.” I watched as she immediately brightened up. She dragged my hands and we headed up to my room to get ready.