Faux Vows, True Desires

Lucinda thought for a moment, then looked at Stefan, she had been friends with him for eleven years. She wouldn't be at a loss even if they became a real married couple. "So, let's sign a contract shall we?"-

Stefan's eyes sparkled, "Okay, so should I draft up the contract or you?"

Lucinda immediately responded, "I'll do it. After it's done, you can check it out. If there's no issue, we'll sign it. This sham marriage can finally shut my mom up and give me some peace."

Stefan laughed, "Alright then, start writing. Once it's done, I'll take a look. If there's no issue, we can head to the vital records office this afternoon. I happen to be free today."

Lucinda was a bit surprised. Why did she feel like Stefan was more anxious than she was? It must be her imagination. Stefan was just doing her a favor.

"Okay, I'll start writing now. I'll print out two copies later. Stefan, just wait here for a bit."

As she spoke, Lucinda stood up. Stefan smiled and nodded, indicating for her to get on with it.

Only after Lucinda stood up did she remember where they were. She nervously looked around. The other customers were either tasting their coffee or chatting with friends. No one was paying attention to her. It seemed that their conversation hadn't been overheard.

Lucinda breathed a sigh of relief and quickly started to draft the marriage contract.

After Lucinda left, Stefan took out his phone and made a call. Once connected, he whispered, "Iris, push back this afternoon's meeting to 9 a.m. next Monday."

Iris was a bit taken aback as the afternoon meeting was quite important, but she didn't question it and respectfully replied: "Alright, Mr. Coleman."

Stefan ended the call.

Half an hour later, Lucinda brought two copies of the marriage contract over. She handed one copy to Stefan, sat down, and quietly said to Stefan, "Stefan, check out the agreement I've written." Stefan took the agreement and read it carefully.

Lucinda listed four conditions.

(or husband), with a monthly salary of $500, including

contract period, if either party meets true love, they can

during the contract period, both parties will not interfere with each

love during the contract period, the contract will remain valid for

awkward, explained, "Stefan, the coffee shop I opened last year is still in the red. Although it's not losing money this year, it's not making

worries, I

I make changes

"Of course, if you see anything inappropriate, just point

told her, "We only need

the crossed-out third condition and frowned thoughtfully for a while. In the end, she complied with Stefan's request and printed out two new copies. They both signed them. Stefan checked his watch and said to Lucinda, "It's still working hours for the vital records office, let's go

have my ID. My

her birth certificate, it would take several hours back and forth.

have your ID. We can go to the police station for a temporary certification and that will do it. Plus, I have friends working at both the

led Lucinda out of the café. He walked her to a Mercedes, unlocked the door,

at the luxury car. Thanks to her brother's influence, she knew this type

second-hand car from a friend for just a few tens of thousands. It helps to boost my image when I'm out and about." Lucinda silently looked at him.

was Stefan's business. She

the car, Stefan closed the door for her and then took out his phone

contacted my friend.

your

His friends

started, Lucinda cautiously asked about Stefan's situation. Even though they had known each other for eleven years, they weren't close. Even her brother didn't know much

not prying or anything, but we've known each other for quite a while now and I still have no clue where you