Roman and Julienne's heart desire
Chapter 17: I will marry you

Chapter 17: I will marry you

"Well, it’s... it’s because—" Julie stuttered, her words trailing off as she met Roman’s curious gaze. Her bright brown eyes sparkled with uncertainty, and her long, dark eyelashes fluttered slightly as she blinked. She felt speechless, her mind a blank slate devoid of coherent thoughts.

"Why don’t I want to marry him?" she wondered, blinking twice in surprise. A grim crossed her face, and her full lips pursed slightly as she realized she didn’t have a clear answer. Julie’s thoughts were a jumbled mix of emotions and doubts, like a puzzle she couldn’t quite solve.

Julie’s inner monologue began to rationalize: "Is it because he’s wealthy?" She folded one finger, counting it as one reason. "Or is it because I don’t like him? But he said it’s a contract marriage, so romance isn’t necessary, right?" She stretched another finger, her thoughts racing like a runaway train.

Seriously Julie the reason you don’t one to marry his is becthe is wealthy is that even counted as a reason.

As she pondered, Roman leaned in closer, his face angled to the side as he studied her. His piercing blue eyes seemed to bore into her soul, searching for answers. Julie remained oblivious to his proximity, lost in her thoughts like a ship adrift at sea.

Roman’s chiseled features were inches from hers, his sharp jawline and prominent nose a testament to his strong facial structure. His dark hair was perfectly styled, and his broad shoulders. Yet, despite his imposing presence, Julie didn’t flinch, too caught up in her own mind.

Suddenly, she turned her face, and her eyes widened in shock. "Ahh, oh my!" she nearly screamed, startled by Roman’s closeness. Her heart skipped a beat as she felt a rush of adrenaline.

Roman dragged himself back, a hint of amusement dancing on his lips. "Have you finished spacing out, or do you need another day to make a decision?" he asked huskily, his impatience evident. His deep voice was like a gentle breeze on a summer day, soothing yet commanding attention.

Julie’s cheeks flushed slightly as she composed herself. She took a deep breath, her shoulders squaring as she met Roman’s gaze once more. The air between them was charged with tension, like the moment before a storm breaks.

As she looked into his eyes, Julie felt a shiver run down her spine. There was something about Roman that unsettled her, something that made her question her own desires and motivations. She wasn’t sure if it was the intensity of his gaze or the quiet confidence that emanated from him, but she felt drawn to him despite herself.

The silence between them stretched out like an endless canvas, waiting to be filled with colors of uncertainty and possibility. Julie’s thoughts swirled like a whirlpool, pulling her under with every passing moment.

"No, I wasn’t spacing out; I was just trying to make a decision," Julie said, but Roman cut her off, his words stealing her breath. "So, did you make the decision now?" he asked, his voice firm and expectant.

"I think I have," Julie replied hesitantly, "but don’t you need to think about it? Marriage comes with a lot of responsibilities. Do you seriously want me as your wife?" She looked at him questioningly, searching for any sign of hesitation.

"As a fake wife, indeed," Roman said, his statement piercing through her heart like a dagger. He continued coldly, "I’ve already thought it through, and it’s not about whether you’re my cup of tea.

As for responsibilities, I have enough to take care of you, and if I want, I can take half of the people in the wound, so no need to worry." Roman crossed his leg and leaned back in his seat, his expression unreadable.

Julie’s face flashed with disappointment, but she quickly masked it, not wanting Roman to see her emotions. "What decision have you made?" Roman asked again, his tone devoid of empathy.

Despite the sting of his words, Julie composed herself and replied, "I will marry you." Her voice was barely above a whisper, as if her fate was already sealed.

Roman’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction, but he didn’t show it. Instead, he strode out of the room without a word, leaving Julie feeling speechless and pitiful. "Hmm, that’s all he wants to hear. God, give me the patience to be with him," Julie whispered to herself.

Moments later, Roman returned, his movements swift and purposeful. He handed Julie a paper, saying, "Here, read it." Julie’s eyes widened as she took the paper, her heart racing with anticipation.

"A marriage contract agreement," Julie exclaimed, her voice loud enough for Roman to hear. "Yes, a marriage contract agreement," Roman confirmed, pouring himself a glass of water as he watched her read the contract.

As Julie read through the contract, her lips pursed in distaste. The rules were clear: their marriage would be a facade, existing only in public; she would be paid monthly or in a lump sum; they would occupy separate rooms; and she would fulfill her responsibilities as a wife when needed. The final rule made her raise an eyebrow: "You will bear with whatever I want, whatever it is."

Julie took a deep breath and muttered to herself, "Hmm, okay." After composing herself, she handed the agreement back to Roman. "Here, I’m done reading it."

Roman handed her a pen with an air of elegance. "Good. Here’s the pen."

"Now," Julie said, taking the pen. Roman nodded, his expression aloof. "Yes, right now. Sign it."

Julie nodded obediently and took the pen. She flipped to the last page and signed her name with a flourish. "Here, I’ve signed it," she said, handing him the agreement.

Roman’s lips curled into a devilish smirk as he swiftly signed the agreement. "I’ll give you a copy of it later," he said, before heading upstairs to keep the papers.

As soon as he closed the study door behind him, Roman pulled out his phone and made a call. "Arrange the marriage papers," he said before hanging up without waiting for a response.

Meanwhile, in another part of the city, Rachel lay on her bed, laughing as she chatted with someone on the phone. "You have no idea how happy I am right now. Everything and everyone is on my side, and Logan is spoiling me rotten," she said, beaming with joy.

Rachel’s voice was filled with glee as she chatted with her best friend, Vanessa, on the phone. "Hmm, I can hear it in your voice, dear. I’m glad to hear that finally, that bitch is out of your way, and now you get your man back," Vanessa said, her tone dripping with malice.

Rachel giggled, feeling grateful for her friend’s support. "Thank you so much, dear. If it weren’t for you, I couldn’t have been this happy."

Vanessa’s response was laced with a sense of camaraderie. "No need to thank me, dear. We’re in this together. I just helped you execute your plan, that’s all." They chatted for a while longer, their conversation filled with laughter and schemes.

As they wrapped up their call,Rachel hung up and lay on her back, staring at the ceiling. "Hmm, I’m all good... wait, I didn’t design it? Did I? Where’s my tablet?" she exclaimed, quickly getting up to search for it.

"Ah-ha! Here it is," she said, spotting it on the dressing mirror. Just as she was about to relax, there was a knock on the door. "Knock knock." Rachel’s face twisted in annoyance.

"Who’s here to disturb my peace now?" she muttered, answering, "The door is open." She made her way to the door and opened it to find the maid standing in front of her.

The maid’s presence only added to Rachel’s irritation. "What?" she snapped, her tone venomous.

The maid, sensing anger,Rachel spoke hesitantly. "Rachel, Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins are calling you to the living room." Before she could finish, Rebecca’s anger boiled over.

"Who are you to call me by my name like that? Shouldn’t you say ’Miss’ or something?" Rachel’s voice was harsh as she grabbed the maid’s ears and twisted them cruelly.

The maid’s eyes welled up with tears as she looked at the ground, trying to apologize. "Ahh, Ra... Miss, please spare me. I won’t do it again, please, Miss. It hurts."

Rachel’s grip only tightened, her eyes flashing with anger. "Next time you dare call me by my name, you’ll be kicked out of this house, and I’ll make sure your family starves," she hissed, her voice devoid of mercy.

The maid’s face contorted in pain as Rachel walked out of the room, stomping on her finger mercilessly. The maid’s scream was stifled, her lips pressed tightly together to avoid drawing attention.

As Rachel departed, the maid couldn’t help but wonder about the whereabouts of the previous mistress, Julie. "Ma’am, where are you right now?" she whispered, referring to Julie, who had been treated with kindness in the past but was now gone.

The maid’s thoughts drifted back to the days when Julie was still in the house. She remembered how Julie would often sneak into the kitchen to bake cookies for the staff or how she’d listen to their problems with a sympathetic ear. The maid sighed, feeling a pang of sadness.