His Wife (A Contract Marriage Story) by Heer Mangtani

Chapter 7

I cannot develop a crush on Gabriel Whitlock.

There was an unspoken rule in the universe that said you cannot fall for your fake husband who is paying a hefty sum of money to get rid of you in about five and half months from now

But to be fair, I did not have a crush on him. I didn’t like him as a person, at all. I found him cocky, arrogant and borderline

annoying.

The only thing I did find him, is hot, Undeniably hot. So, I was physically attracted to him.

I still hated his guts, but I also thought that my fake husband would be good to have in bed.

Not a crush. That felt good and convincing, and a tat bit shameless.

The next morning, there was no sign of Gabriel again and that didn’t surprise me at all. I was actually a little relieved, knowing this would give time for my physical attraction to pass.

1 took the day to visit my grandfather after an early lunch, who was staying with Gabriel’s grandparents for a last few days before he returned home. I spent the afternoon to him, avoiding the topic of my marriage as far as I could. But in the evening, when Gabriel’s grandmother joined us with tea, I knew it was inescapable.

“I have been convincing Jim to stay here,” She said; passing a cup to me. “It’s just me and Alister here, and Alister is always working. He’s stayed home more this week to spend time with Jim than he has in forty-three years of our marriage.”

My grandpa laughed. “He’ll get bored of me soon.”

I’m serious, Jim.” She told him. “It’s good having you here. And this way, you can even be close to Sofia and your health will be better taken care of.

“I agree, Grandpa,” I said softly, “You can even stay with me. Gabriel’s house is way too big for just the two of us.”

Gabriel’s grandmother, Leila, passed me a sympathetic smile. “I must get lonely there, hm?” There was something in her tone that said she knew the loneliness wasn’t because of the huge house, but because of being alone in it because her grandson was never around..

“Could you please pass me more sugar?” I dismissed what she had asked me with a little smile and change of topic, “And yes she is right, Grandpa. I will always worry about your health if you’re alone there.”

“Oh, I’m not a child. I can take care of myself.”

in the living room, and I turned to see Gabriel’s grandfather Alister

My eyes widened.

No, not at Alister.

who was walking behind him, eyes fixed on the

a glance to his audience, but the first person he saw was me. Surprise flickered in his

three elders had gone quiet in the

It was

1/3

Chapter 7

and when I looked at the intimidating man, his brown eyes were fixed on his grandson. “You didn’t know

tell me every place she goes in a day,” Gabriel replied

wasn’t amused.

an adult,”

“Gabriel-”

plan was for

known.

smile while his eyes turned back to his grandson. “You’re taking your wife

can’t, actually. I’ve got a

you’re taking

“I can’t-”

“No discussions.”

up. For the entirety of the next thirty minutes we were there, he silently glared at me

puppy.

driver bring Gabriel’s car to the front door, I whispered to him even though it was just

How middle

Uber,”

in.” He opened the door and without arguing, I slid in.

to, Sir?” The driver asked, his

He said, “I’m cancelling my

to do

“Freckles-”

I can