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.

will act as Lucinda's boyfriend (or husband), with a monthly salary of $500, including board and clothing for all

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

will not interfere with each

contract

year is still in the red. Although it's not losing money this year, it's not making any profit either. The salary I can offer you is only that much, but I can cover your living

replied, "No worries, I have a

I make

"Of course, if you see anything inappropriate, just

from Lucinda, crossed out the third condition, and handed the paper back to her. He told her, "We only need

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

my ID. My birth certificate is with

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

will do it. Plus, I have friends working at both the police station and the vital records office." Lucinda was once again puzzled. It seemed like Stefan really

minutes later, Stefan led Lucinda out of the café. He walked her to a Mercedes, unlocked

to her brother's influence, she knew this type of

just a few tens of thousands. It helps to boost my image when I'm out and about." Lucinda silently looked at him. This car, even second-hand, was worth more than tens of thousands. Besides, it

Stefan's business. She

door for her and then took out his

two minutes later, Stefan got in the car. He buckled his seatbelt and told Lucinda, "I've already contacted my friend. We'll head to the police station for the certification now, and then we can go to the vital records

your

friends

eleven years, they weren't close. Even her brother didn't know much about Stefan. "Stefan, where do you live? Where

we've known each other for quite a while now and I still have no clue