Chapter 3 Don't Get Feeling

• Alexa pushed Eric's chest. "W-we can't do this—"
• "What exactly are we going to do?" Eric interrupted, frowning. Then, he reached out, opened the top drawer of the nightstand, and took something from it.
• "Sign these papers now!" Eric ordered, handing a document to Alexa and straightening his posture.
• Once Eric moved away from her, Alexa immediately changed her position to sitting. She read every sentence in the document Eric had given her, trying to understand it as he had requested. She read each page meticulously, not missing a single detail.
• The document was almost like a book because it was so thick. Although Alexa was reluctant to read through the detailed content, she couldn't afford to miss any information.
• Eric might have slipped in a line that would disadvantage her later. Alexa admitted she was often careless and rash, but she was trying to minimize that now.
• From the document in her hands, Alexa realized one thing. Eric and Eleanor were only engaged to strengthen their family businesses. No wonder Eric was so stiff and harsh.
• Not satisfied with just a work contract with Alice, now Eric was presenting a marriage contract to her. She hadn't even been married a full day, and she had already discovered many shocking things.
• Apparently, Eric was indeed opposed to this marriage. Maybe that's why Eleanor ran away on her wedding day. They were merely sacrifices to facilitate cooperation between both parties.
• "Do you understand what I mean now? Or is there something that's still unclear? You have the opportunity to ask," Eric said, standing right in front of Alexa.
• The bridal room, which should have been filled with romance, was now very tense. Eric was crazy. Who would want to be this man's real wife?
• In fact, Alexa had already made an agreement with Alice that she didn't want to play the role of Eric's real wife. She thought that agreement had been approved by Eric too.
• But Eric seemed unaware of it. Unfortunately, Alexa hadn't had the chance to discuss all these oddities with her mother-in-law.
• If Eric hadn't suddenly come in and dragged her into the room, she might have already known the information she wanted. She would find a way to talk privately with Alice.
• Alexa handed the document back to Eric. "I understand your point. But, I have objections to what’s stated here. Even if I agree, there's no benefit for me."
• In the contract, Eric wanted them to act like a real married couple only in public. The problem was, this contract promised her nothing.
• For Alexa, mutualism wasn't like this. She didn't get any guarantee from Eric. There was no point in following Eric's wishes without any compensation from him.
• Alexa met Eric's sharp gaze without hesitation. Her expression remained as neutral as always. "I want to add some points. Then, I'll sign."
• Alexa didn't want to agree to the contract blindly. At least she had to gain some advantages to make it fair. If Eric could act as he pleased, then she could do the same.
• Eric clicked his tongue in annoyance. "What do you want? Isn't my request simple? What's so hard about signing it?"
• Alexa crossed her arms in front of her chest. "I want more compensation. I also don't want you to treat me as you please. Even though this marriage is just for business, I don't want to be disadvantaged."
• One of Eric's eyebrows rose perfectly. "You want payment?"
• Eric's sarcasm didn't offend Alexa at all. After all, his accusation was true. Alexa would follow his wishes if the payment was right. Let Eric think she was a gold digger.
• "That's why you shouldn't be so cold, or you end up not knowing the kind of woman you married, right? If you have a problem with it, fine, but I'm not signing the paper. You can keep it."
• There was a high price Eric had to pay to work with her. Alexa wanted to find another opportunity, hoping she could get more money.
• Eric didn't respond immediately. He seemed to be weighing his options before answering. His sharp gaze at Alexa intensified.
• "What's the matter? Having second thoughts? If you are, that's fine. Forget about the contract."
• Without needing to be told, Alexa would already consider Eric a stranger. She wouldn't dream of serving him even if paid handsomely. Even if forced, she wouldn't comply.
• The amount Alice promised was already more than enough. But, if she could get extra money, she wouldn't refuse. Who knew, once all the contracts were done, she wouldn't have to think about work again and could just enjoy the profits.
• "Alright, I'll pay you. Five hundred million for a year-long marriage contract. After the contract ends, we divorce and go our separate ways. Don't get emotional because all you'll get is heartbreak," Eric finally said after a long silence.
• "Don't be so confident. Our relationship is only that of a contract couple," Alexa replied without a hint of doubt.
• Being treated well by a man couldn't soften her heart, let alone someone like Eric. Rude and annoying. He didn't fit her criteria for an ideal husband at all.
• Someday she would leave Eric's life. It would be easier if no emotions were involved. Alexa was just a stand-in, not entitled to enjoy a place that wasn't hers.
• Eric snorted softly. "Usually, women are easily carried away by their feelings. I'm not responsible if those feelings end up hurting you."
• "Don't worry, I'm not the type of woman who easily gets emotional. Add the compensation to the contract, then I'll sign," Alexa said as she walked toward the walk-in closet.
• Her intention to rest in the bedroom had to be canceled because of Eric's presence. She thought Eric wouldn't return to the room so soon since he was still talking with his business associates.
• But just as Alexa arrived in the room, Eric had already followed. Presenting a marriage contract without any small talk. Her drowsiness immediately vanished. Not wanting to keep arguing with Eric, she chose to leave the room again.
• A short walk to get some fresh air seemed much better than being stuck in a room with the annoying Eric. Alexa was very tired today, and to avoid further arguments, it was better for her to leave for a while.
• She hoped there was an empty room she could use to sleep tonight. Actually, Alexa wasn't willing to sleep in the same room as Eric. But it would be strange if they didn't share a room.
• The wedding reception with Eric had ended. The hotel ballroom, which had been bustling, was now starting to quiet down. There were still a few guests talking to Eric's family, but most had already left.
• Alexa, who had changed clothes, turned towards the side of the hotel. As she stepped there, her gaze collided with a small garden facing a fish pond.
• Alexa intended to sit on the garden bench there, but someone else had already taken the seat. She frowned deeply when she recognized the person.
• Alexa was sure the middle-aged woman sitting on the bench while on the phone was Alice. She waited until her mother-in-law finished her call. Before Alice could leave, Alexa quickly stopped her.
• "Mrs. Walter, we need to talk."
• Alice turned around. Alexa noticed an unusual expression on Alice's face. She seemed a bit confused.
• "What's wrong? Why are you here?" Alice asked in return.
• Alexa didn't reply, she quickened her steps and stopped right in front of Alice. Hopefully, nothing would disturb their conversation because there was much to clarify.
• Alice crossed her arms in front of her chest. As if knowing what Alexa wanted to ask, the middle-aged woman spoke again.
• "Eric is my stepson. I intended to explain this later, but it seems you can't wait to find out what's really going on, right?"