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.”

stop behaving as stubborn as one. A fourth voice echoed in the living room, and I turned to see Gabriel’s grandfather Alister walk in. ‘Leila is correct, you

My eyes widened.

No, not at Alister.

his grandson, who was walking behind him, eyes fixed on the tabloid

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

elders had gone quiet in the room, their eyes fixed

It was almost awkward.

1/3

Chapter 7

the intimidating man, his brown eyes were fixed

her to tell me every place she goes in a day,”

however, wasn’t amused. “She’s

an adult,” He pushed

“Gabriel-”

cut in, and Alister looked at me. “Gabriel had asked me when we returned from his parents’ house what my plan was for today, but I decided to

known.

small smile while his eyes turned back to his grandson. “You’re

can’t, actually. I’ve got

you’re taking her with

“I can’t-”

“No discussions.”

entirety of the next thirty minutes we were there, he silently glared at

puppy.

front door, I whispered to him even though it was just the two of us there, “You can drop me by the curb

middle

I can Uber,” I

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

The driver asked, his eyes flickering at

said, “I’m cancelling

don’t have to do that,” I chimed

“Freckles-”

I can wait