Chapter 5

• Lia's POV
• I woke up feeling a strong headache, and when I touched my forehead, I noticed there was a bandage, but I didn't know why. I tried to remember what happened yesterday, but all I could recall was going out with Edward and seeing that bitch Laura fucking with Maximo. From that moment on, I couldn't remember anything else.
• "God, my head is going to explode."
• Maximo entered the room. He looked tired, with dark circles under his eyes.
• "I'm glad you woke up. You gave me a good scare."
• "What happened to me?"
• "It seems you fell while drunk and then hit your head, causing you to lose consciousness." Now, I knew what caused my wound. "They had to give you some stitches."
• "Could you give me something for the headache?"
• "Of course, here you go." He handed me some pills and a glass of water.
• "I hope this makes you feel better." I saw concern and sadness on his face.
• "Stop making that face, Maximo. I'm fine now."
• "Lia, I was worried about you when I saw you lying on the floor unconscious. I almost had a heart attack."
• "Well, I'm better now. So, don't worry," I replied dryly. And just as he was about to speak, my phone rang.
• "Can you pass it to me?"
• He took the phone. But upon seeing who the caller was, he answered.
• "Why are you calling my wife? Didn't I tell you to stay away from her?" God, he was talking to Edward. "I don't give a shit. Leave her alone." Before he could say anything else, I took the phone from him and gave him a dirty look.
• "Ed, how are you?"
• "Lia, I'm glad you answered. How are you?"
• "Well, yesterday I got so drunk that I lost my balance and hit my head. I passed out."
• "What? I'm coming over."
• Without letting me say anything, he hung up. I carefully stood up and got into the shower. After a while, I donned my pants and a shirt and came out.
• Now, how would I tell Maximo that Edward was coming to our home? God, it would be a mess.
• "Maximo," I called him, but he didn't respond, so I grabbed him by the shoulder and turned him around.
• "Don't ignore me!"
• "What do you want? " he responded curtly.
• "I want to tell you that Edward is coming, so behave." I saw Maximo's face change. He suddenly grabbed my arms tightly.
• "I'm not letting that man into my house!"
• " Well, tough luck! I live here too, so sorry."
• "Lia, don't push me."
• "Why don't you go with your cousin, that bitch, and leave me alone?"
• "You know what... You're right. I'm going with her. I'm sure I'll enjoy it a lot."
• "Then get out!" He left the house, and as always, I started crying on the couch.
• "Why is he like this? Why does he do this to me?" I cried and cried until someone knocked at the door. I wiped my tears and opened the door.
• "Beautiful! God, are you okay?"
• "Yes, it's just a bump." He caressed my face, and I saw concern in his eyes.
• "You were crying... It's because of him, right?" He knew me so well despite the short time we've been friends.
• "I... I..." Without thinking, I threw myself into his arms and started crying. All he did was caress me and kiss my head.
• "Calm down, beautiful... Come look at me." He lifted my gaze with his hand.
• "Why don't you leave him? Break that contract."
• "It's not that easy. There's no turning back. I'm getting married soon."
• "But he makes you suffer! He doesn't love you."
• "I know! But this is a damn deal that can't be broken anymore. " More tears fell, and Edward seemed to understand because he hugged me again.
• "Please just hug me... That's all I need."
• "I'm here, beautiful. I won't leave you."
• "Thank you, Ed."
• We stayed like that for a while, and then he left when I asked him to. But he wasn't happy about leaving me alone in such a big house. Since I knew Maximo wouldn't come, I'd better go to sleep and let sleep take over.
• * * *
• "Wake up, Lia." I slowly opened my eyes and saw Maximo standing there.
• "What's going on?"
• "Get ready. We have an appointment today at the civil registry."
• "Appointment for what?" God, I was still very sleepy.
• "Damn it, Lia. We're getting married today."
• My body managed to wake up when I heard Maximo say the word "marry". I stood up abruptly.
• "What do you mean today? What about the wedding we were planning with your mother?"
• "Well, I changed my mind. We're getting married today, so put on what's in that box."
• "Why did you change your mind?"
• "That's none of your business. Just do as I say."
• "You... You son of a bitch!" He approached me and grabbed my arm forcefully.
• "Yes, I am. But this son of a bitch will be your husband in a few hours, so get ready because I'm tired of this shit."
• He left the room, slamming the door as I stood there motionless from the way he spoke to me.
• I was looking at myself in the mirror, trying to hold back my tears as I gave the final touches to my dress, which, by the way, was very beautiful.
• "This is bullshit. If only my parents had believed me, I wouldn't be here."
• "Lia, it's time. Damn it!"
• "For God's sake, someone kill him."
• I left the room and went down the stairs. When he saw me, he was left speechless. But then I could see a slight smile on his face.
• " Let's go."
• We got into his car. Throughout the ride, no one spoke. He just kept staring at me, which made me even more uncomfortable.
• * * *
• "Good afternoon. We have an appointment to get married."
• "What's your name?"
• "Maximo Bulton."
• "Mr. Bulton, please come this way. "
• We were ushered to a room where a judge was waiting.
• "Good afternoon, please come in and have a seat. Let's begin with the ceremony."
• "Make it quick. We're in a hurry."
• Control yourself, Lia, all of this is a farce.
• "Of course, Mr. Bulton."
• The judge started speaking, and to be honest, I completely zoned out until I heard my name being called.
• "Miss Evans."
• "Sorry, I was a bit distracted."
• "I asked if you accept to marry Mr. Bulton."
• I looked at Maximo, and the only thing I felt like doing now was killing him, but I had no choice.
• "I do."
• He smiled, and then the judge asked him.
• "Maximo Bulton, do you accept Lia Evans as your wife?"
• "I do."
• We were given some papers to sign, and right after that, the judge said the famous words I didn't want to hear.
• "I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
• I looked at Maximo, and without hesitation, he pulled me close to him. Our lips met in a tender kiss that I quickly broke.
• "Well, Mr. Judge, thank you for your service."
• I bid goodbye to him as well. After that, I noticed that Maximo couldn't stop smiling.
• "Are you happy?" I asked sarcastically.
• "Very happy. I finally got what I wanted, and now that you are Mrs. Bulton, things are going to change."
• "Are you going to add more rules to this?"
• "I want you to start respecting me, so I don't want you near that damn guy."
• "Respect is earned, and you haven't earned mine, so go to hell." He grabbed my arm forcefully and dragged me into the car.
• When we arrived home, he grabbed my arm again, dragging me to the room, and when we got there, he threw me on the bed, making me a bit scared, but all he said was, "You stay here until further notice." And he closed the door, locking it.
• "Open up! Idiot, open up!"
• I screamed and pounded the door with force, but it was useless. In the end, I gave up and collapsed on the floor, crying non-stop, regretting marrying him. It was all a damn mistake.
• "God, why did I accept this deal... Why?!"