THE CONTRACT WIFE: A ONE NIGHT STAND BILLIONAIRE ROMANCE

Zara’s POV

I suddenly forgot that he is already a changed man, that he is doing his best to change his ways. And I also know that it is not easy. It should be my part to understand more first.

In the morning, I told Mei and Rhea what happened yesterday. That bitch! Grace even tried to involve my husband in his affairs. I was amazed when Mei said what Lucas did, how he refused Grace and stood up for our marriage.

I breathed on my husband, and at the same time, I felt guilty for what I did yesterday. I should not have judged him that fast; I should have known better before I acted like that.

But the important thing is that we learn from each of our mistakes. What is important is that we are strengthened by trials. We shouldn’t be torn apart by the likes of Grace or Giselle. I should also show my worth to Lucas so that he knows the value of what he will lose if it really happens.

Josh and Andrew, the brothers, also apologized to me. The only person they really brought to the drinking party was their friend, Jason. The brothers realized their mistake and were grateful that Lucas had changed.

After all, Lucas is not really a womanizer. Giselle came first, and that’s why I understand where he got his anger towards me. But it’s time for us to bury all that in oblivion. That’s why we are here, to start a new chapter in our lives.

It seems that change is really coming, and I’m happy with the way our lives are going. I feel complete as a woman, mother, and wife. It seems I can’t ask for anything more from God.

Our one-week vacation ended easily. Lucas has improved; he’s doing better now. He’s eating well, he’s no longer distant as if he’s lost in thought, and the most important thing is that he’s eating well. So I’m very happy.

Our vacation as a family ended in the blink of an eye. It’s sad because I have to leave this happy place again. I mean, I know that there is no such thing as permanence rather than changes.

But we have to go back to Claybourne. We left some lives there. We are just here to relax, take a deep breath, and have a nice vacation. I want my son to experience the life of a provincial boy.

Kids nowadays are drowning in gadgets. They are really the so-called digital natives. They can use technology better than adults can. It’s not a bad thing per se. It’s okay to know that they are using technology as long as there is an adult guiding them, so they will not make mistakes in using technology, which can lead to misinformation and harmful knowledge.

I’m happy to see Enrique gaining new experiences. He has experienced playing on a grass field, hunting insects, playing with dirt, feeling the warmth of the sun, being able to sweat, and so on.

Now we are packing our things. Maybe June is out and just resting so we can travel back to Claybourne in a little while. While I was folding the clothes we wore and that I washed yesterday, I felt Lucas hugging me.

“My love smells so good,” he said while trying to nuzzle his face into my neck. I couldn’t help but feel tickled by his beard. His beard and hair are getting thicker.

“Lucas, get a haircut and shave, huh? Your beard is getting thick,” I told him. He moved away a little and pretended to sulk like a child.

“Why? Don’t I look attractive with this beard?” he asked.

A silly thought crossed my mind as I looked at him. “Yes, you don’t look handsome anymore. Nick is more handsome than you,” I jokingly told him with a smile.

But it had a different effect on him. His eyes seemed to darken, and he glared at me. He grinned and stood in front of me.

“What? Handsome? Zara, are you blind? If someone looks like flour because he’s so white, then you like it. Tsk,” he said, feigning annoyance while crossing his arms.

I hugged him. “Hey, Lucas Blackwood, I’m just kidding; you’re still handsome. Let’s go downstairs, and we’ll head home,” I said, softening my tone. I forgot how sensitive my young husband can be.

“No! You said Nick was more handsome, tsk,” he said, pretending to be sulky.Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

What I did was anchor my arms around his neck since he’s taller than me. I bent down and captured his lips with mine. At first, he didn’t respond to my kiss, but later on, I found myself getting lost in the way he kissed me. If I hadn’t pushed his broad chest, I might have run out of breath.

“Stop, we’re going downstairs, and they might be looking for us there!” I said, panting. I could see Lucas’s proud smile.

“Okay, dear,” he said, and then we went downstairs.

Our cousins still had gifts for us, so our van was filled with so many goodies. There were bananas, mangoes, sweet potatoes, and more.

Before we left, I hugged Aunt Sophia and Uncle Arni. “Thank you very much for having us here. I’m going to miss you all,” I said with tears in my eyes. You know that my tears are easy to come by.

“What are you talking about, Zara? Our home is always open for you. And I will also miss my grandson. Come back soon, okay?” Aunt Sophia said warmly.

I also said goodbye to my cousins, as did Lucas, who talked to his cousins, Josh and Andrew. I also saw Enrique chatting with a girl. As a child, he can be quite charming, white and with long black hair.

“I will marry you someday, promise,” my son said, shocking me. Lucas is really rubbing off on him! That cheeky boy!

We got into the van and took one last look. Since the trip was still quite long, I took a nap. I also stayed up because last night we had a silly despedida party prepared by my cousin.

It has been a while since we got up, so I’m still awake. I just woke up and realized that we were taking a different road. I asked Lucas, who was seated next to me. The naughty boy was still asleep, so he didn’t even pay attention to us.

“Where are we going, dear?” I asked. He smiled back at me.

“To my parents. I want to introduce my lovely wife and son to my clan. They have been waiting for a grandchild from me, but they don’t know I have one,” he said.

My brain felt like someone slammed on the brakes. Wait? What?! Introduce?

Suddenly, I looked at Lucas nervously and worriedly. I’ve always loved watching dramas, which is why I’m freaking out now.

The Blackwood family is known to be wealthy and powerful. They are feared not only in the Claybourne but also around the world. The Blackwoods have been dubbed the Iron Hand Tycoons because they always dominate the business world wherever they step.

“Lucas? I’m nervous… Just give me a moment. I’m not ready,” I told him, feeling confused by what he said.

“I knew you’d say that. That’s why it’s so sudden. But, dear, there’s no perfect time. I promised you that I would shout out to the world that you are mine, and I will do it. And the first step is to introduce you to my family.” He looked determined.

We arrived at this huge place. Just entering the gate of the mansion was overwhelming. Well-armed guards opened the door for us. I was amazed by the size of the garden; they even had a maze garden! And the mansion in front of us had six stories, semi-modern in style, and was really impressive.

My son woke up. “Mom? Where are we?” My son asked in surprise.

“We are going to visit your grandparents on your father’s side,” I told him.

My son was shocked and amazed. When our car was parked in the wide parking lot of the mansion, various models of cars could be seen. Even if I work hard, I can’t afford any of them.

Despite our nervousness, we followed Lucas. We arrived at a living room where two couples were seated, Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood. Lucas’s other siblings were also there: his older brother, his sister, and his twin brothers.

They saw us, and they looked at us like lions examining their prey. But my son wasn’t even scared; he seemed happy to run to his father’s parents and siblings.

“Bless you,” Mrs. Blackwood said.

They were all surprised. First, they didn’t know that their son was married, and especially that Lucas had a son. We left Enrique in the care of Lucas’s twin brothers, since Lucas’s parents wanted to talk to me, as did his older siblings.

That’s why we went to the library-office of the Blackwoods. They even have their own elevator. While we were in the elevator, my knees almost shook from the excessive nervousness and pressure. If Lucas hadn’t held my hand, I might have lost consciousness right there. I saw my husband’s sister looking at me with too much intensity and curiosity.

“I like your fashion,” she said softly to me.

I thanked her. She smiled, and it looked like she was kind even though she seemed cold. She is Lucas’s sister and has her own international clothing line.

We arrived at the library-office; it was wide, and there was a table where Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood sat. Then, his brother stepped aside.

“Start explaining, son,” Mr. Blackwood said, without emotion.

He is actually old, but it’s not obvious because of his elegance and handsomeness. Lucas bravely faced his father.