Chapter 4. Bermuda or Mariana?

“I need it that way. You better take it or leave it,” said Ben casually. Keira glared in surprise, trying to process the information she had just received. It took seconds before she finally cleared her throat nervously.

“At least let me know the reason behind this rush decision.”

Ben shook his head. “I told you the reason would remain a secret until the right time. Aren’t you in a hurry to pay off your debt? You better decide, or else I’ll replace you with someone else. You know it’s easy for me to find another future wife,” muttered Ben. He glanced at his watch as if intentionally showing Keira that he didn’t have much time.

Keira closed her eyes. She didn’t have a choice, did she? She could only choose between the Mariana Trough and the Bermuda Triangle.

“Fine, whatever you say...” she finally ended. Her shoulders slumped, demoralized. How would she tell her parents?

“Great! You need to sign these documents!” exclaimed Matthew Harold impatiently, as he had a line of clients waiting.

Keira took a deep breath. ‘Focus on the divorce settlements, Kei! Everything will be just fine! It’s just a two-year arrangement...’ she muttered inside her head, convincing herself.

“Good, you made a wise decision,” said Ben after Keira signed all the contracts.

Keira stayed silent. Honestly, she was not sure if that decision was correct or not. “How am I gonna tell my parents about it? They will be so surprised by this news...” she muttered.

“Easy! No one in this world would reject me as a son-in-law. You know I have everything a son-in-law needs,” said Ben, making Matthew chuckle but immediately shutting his mouth when he realized Ben was glaring at him.

“You don’t know my parents! They’re very conservative. They will think I’m pregnant, oh my God!” Keira covered her mouth, scared by her thoughts.

“It’s 2023. What’s wrong with being pregnant? Isn’t that sweet?” replied Ben, frowning curiously.

Keira shook her head. “Oh, shut up. Trust me, you don’t know what kind of parents-in-law you’ll deal with. Anyway, Mr. Harold, will you settle the payment right now?” she turned to Matthew, who immediately nodded, “Yes, you’ll be debt-free soon, congratulations!”

Keira sneered, ‘I’ve just become debt-free, but why do I feel uncomfortable?’

Ben, noticing Keira’s facial expression, suddenly became sympathetic. “Don’t worry. I will find a way to impress your parents. We will drive to your parents’ house and pretend to be a normal couple,” he said casually.

Keira nodded stiffly like a robot. “It’s done, right? I need some air. Can I go now?” she asked, looking at Ben and Matthew alternately.

“I’m afraid after this deal has been settled, you gotta stick with me no matter what, at least until we get officially married. I need to keep an eye on you. What can I say? I can’t trust someone I just met less than twenty-four hours ago,” said Ben, shrugging annoyingly.

Keira let out a long sigh. “Why don’t you just put a GPS tracker on my cellphone instead of making me your prisoner?” she replied curtly.

“A cellphone? You could throw away your phone anytime. So, you’ll move in with me today. You don’t need to bring anything from your apartment; I don’t want your stuff scattered around in my place. Let’s go!” said Ben flatly, as if he were talking to his staff.

“No! Why would I move to your place? I mean, come on! I will never escape, and you know that! I don’t want to live with a stranger like you. What if you’re a sex maniac? Oh my God, this must be a mistake!” raved Keira, covering her face with both hands.

Ben snorted, laughing, which made Keira look at him in horror.

“Why? Why are you laughing?” she asked curiously. For a moment, she thought Ben was a sociopath.

“Why? Because you’re overconfident! Trust me, Miss Evans. You don’t look sexually attractive at all. I’m sorry...”

Keira felt something burning in her chest; she felt so mad, but she couldn’t do anything. She stood up and walked closer to Ben, who was taken aback by her sudden movements. She stood six inches before his face and said, “Is that so? That’s good news because you’re not my type at all.”

She withdrew herself and then walked out of the room.

“Arrghhhhh!” she stomped her feet in annoyance. If only she didn’t need the money, she would never be involved with an arrogant person like Ben!

“You can’t escape, you know that, right?”

Suddenly Ben was walking fast beside her. She didn’t say anything and kept walking with her chin held high. As they reached the ground floor, Ben took her hand and held it tight.

Keira glared in surprise, “What the...”

“We’re a couple. We should look like one,” muttered Ben with a smile. Keira breathed out heavily, holding herself from exploding. They walked through the lobby and bumped into Luke Bracey again. Reflexively, Keira tried to snatch away Ben’s hand from her fingers, but he tightened his grip and threw a ‘don’t you dare’ look at her.

“Keira!” greeted Luke with a broad smile on his face.

“Hey, Luke, talk to you later. I’m in a hurry!” replied Keira because Ben didn’t want to stop. Luke nodded, wondering why Keira looked uncomfortable with her boyfriend.

“Could you act normal, please? The way you’re holding my hand isn’t showing any compassion at all. No one would think that we’re a couple!” raved Keira as they reached the car.

“Then you should stop bitching around like that! Remember, you’re my wife-to-be. Don’t flirt with another man and put shame on my face!” snarled Ben just five inches from her face.