SCARLET
“I told you, this whole thing was a sham. Devan is playing us,” Leo chips in like he’s suddenly won the jackpot.
“So, Scarlet, explain to us how you ended up being Devan’s wife?” Sonia is really enjoying this.
“Besides, where’s the evidence? All this could be lies.”
Why is everyone so determined to prove this marriage is fake?
Isn’t Devan supposed to get married?
They mentioned so many things about the rules that I didn’t understand.
Sonia, I would understand it’s because she wants Devan all to herself.
What about the other men?
Do they also want Devan?
Or Devan’s seat?
The men behind the fight for my seat.
That was how Devan introduced them.
What has Devan’s marriage got to do with the fight for his seat?
At this point, my brain might explode with questions.
“Do you even have marriage certificates? The rings are not proof enough,” another one counters.
“So, what I’m getting is that you are calling me a liar.” Devan hisses.
“No one said…” Leo talks but is immediately cut off by Devan.
“Shut up, Leo. I think I’ve given you guys too much freedom of speech today. And you should thank God, it’s because my wife put me in a good mood this morning.”
Oh, Devan.
Isn’t he the sweetest husband?
“Tell you what? Since you’re all doubting your boss. I have a proposition.”
A few seconds of silence follows before Devan proceeds.
“If this marriage is proven to be real, it means everyone who questioned it will have offended the boss. And that’s a punishable offense. I say chopping off a finger for every sentence you said that implied I’m a liar.”
“So, what are you saying?” Leo asks.
“I’m saying, anyone who thinks this marriage is fake, raise a hand.”
Silence.
“I repeat. Anyone who’s questioning my marriage, raise a hand.”
Silence.
“Great. I’m glad we’re all on the same page,” Devan concludes.
I swear what he just did?
It makes him look hotter.
I want nothing but to hug him for coming up with that.
Or kiss him…
“Oh, and one more thing. Just another reminder. Scarlet Miller is my wife. You all better be careful when you approach her. Especially you, Sonia.” Read this novel at novelping dot com for the best experience.
“What? I…”
“Are you questioning me?” Devan asks.
Her expression falls.
“No boss.”
Oh my world.
This is truly the hottest thing I’ve seen today.
My heart beats in jubilation as Sonia and I exchange glances.
So much for being Devan’s greatest love.
What was all that crap she was talking about?
“Do you have anything else to add, my love?” Devan asks me.
“You’ve said everything. I’ll just have a word with the ladies some time in the future.”
“Okay, that being said. I’ll conclude the meeting. Matias will confirm your whereabouts. If any story doesn’t coincide, you know what will happen.”
Devan implied there was a mole.
This is his way to find the betrayer.
The meeting ends, but I don’t think there’s anyone satisfied with it.
Well, maybe Luka.
But I would never know.
I just gained a female rival.
I think these six months are going to be interesting.
____________
Now that Devan already introduced me to his people, it’s time to deal with my situation at home.
So, the next day, Devan drives me home.
We are welcomed by Karen who’s been worried sick about me.
Our hug lasts almost ten minutes.
When we pull away she glares at Devan.
“What did you do to her? Did you threaten her? Because if you did, I’ll fry your balls.”
“Karen,” I raise my brows.
“Is he threatening you?” She turns to Devan.
“Just because you’re Devan Galloway doesn’t mean I can’t kill you.” She warns.
A smirk spreads across Devan’s face and then he responds.
“That will not be necessary. Scarlet willingly married me.”
“That’s true,” I take Karen’s hand.
“Trust me, Devan is a nice man.”
Karen looks at me like I’ve suddenly grown two heads.
“You’re putting Devan Galloway and nice in the same sentence? I thought you knew all the trends in the world. How come you haven’t heard about Devan Galloway’s flowery reputation? Because that’s the only explanation to this marriage. I don’t believe a woman with a working brain would want to even go on a date with him. Yet you went ahead and married him. Do you know how relieved I am to see you back with your head still intact?”
Jeez.
The words roll off her mouth without a pause.
And I totally get her.
I would freak out, too.
“Trust me. I’m okay. Devan didn’t force me into anything. I willingly did this. Devan has shown me nothing but kindness.”
“That’s because he’s taming you before he feeds on you.”
Feeds on me.
I shake my head to prevent my mind from going into inappropriate places while Karen is freaking out.
“I swear on my mother’s grave. I’m okay.”
“Uh huh.” Karen nods, albeit reluctantly.
“Where’s my father?” I inquire.
“In the gazebo. I just gave him some tea to help him calm down. He hasn’t been sleeping well since…well since you know what…”
A wave of guilt engulfs me.
I’m the one who put my father in that position.
He needs assurance that I’m okay.
So does Karen.
They should see the side of Devan that I see.
Not the rumors they’ve heard.
We find my father in the gazebo as Karen had said.
He sees me and stands up to pull me into a long hug.
“I was so worried about you,” he whispers.
Then he looks at Devan.
“Why are you doing this to my daughter?” He asks.
Devan has been silent all this while.
He cocks a brow.
“Christ, I’m so tired of having to repeat the same thing. I’ll just do it because you are my father-in-law.”
“Stay away from my daughter,” my father warns Devan.
“That sounds impossible. We’re married, remember,” Devan counters.
“Dad,” I hold his hand.
“Calm down.”
My father ignores my words and glares at Devan.
“How much…How much for you to leave my daughter alone?” Father probes, making me gasp.
Devan crosses his arms and his expression turns serious.
“My wife is not a property. She can’t be bought…or sold.”