It turned out to be a suggestion that felt more like a benefactor than a scoundrel.
“Yawn”
How long has it been since I felt this way?
Indeed, waking up without an alarm on the weekend was the best. Alice reluctantly lifted her body from the bed, which she didn’t want to leave.
“Where did I put the coffee beans?”
Stepping out of the spacious room, which seemed to be more than twice the size of an ordinary apartment’s master bedroom, Alice extracted an Americano from the espresso machine.
Yeah, when else would I get to live in such a luxurious penthouse?
The place where Alice was currently staying was originally Ryan’s home. The penthouse, divided into two floors, had a small yard on each level, and there was a small kitchen on the second floor, allowing her to manage her meals without going down to the first floor.
Thanks to the perfect separation of space, Alice, who stayed on the second floor, and Ryan, who lived on the first floor, never ran into each other.
The precise division of floors also ensured that their privacy was thoroughly protected.
Despite working in the same office, the two of them commuted separately.
They were truly just in a business relationship of marriage.
Thanks to this, Alice felt comfortable roaming around the house even after coming home from work.
Sometimes, she felt a bit guilty for not being more considerate of Ryan.
“Ah… my stomach.”
It was the second day of her period, the most painful time due to menstrual cramps. Alice clutched her aching belly and rummaged through the drawer again.
As she pulled out the medicine tucked away in the corner and swallowed two painkillers, a neatly arranged document caught her eye.
[Marriage Contract]
“Having physically interacted and worked together for three years, discussing our values on marriage would only be a waste of breath. Pretending to be bound by the institution of marriage that adults desire while we gain our freedom, that’s the kind of married life I want with you, Secretary Alii. Of course, I don’t think it would be bad for you either.”
Thinking back to the absurdity and amusement of having even scribbled a contract for a marriage agreement made her chuckle.
Alice placed the water she was drinking on the vanity and picked up the paper.
“We will never invade each other’s privacy.”
Among the several clauses written, the two that stood out the most were:
1) No harboring ill intentions towards each other.
2) The contract period is 2 years, with the possibility of early divorce upon presenting valid reasons before that.
Although it was a false marriage initiated by Ryan’s suggestion, one thing was certain: Alice quite enjoyed this free lifestyle.
To reassure their families and gain freedom. At least for Alice, it was the best choice that harmed no one.
Alice put the document she had been fiddling with back into the drawer.
“Where did he go…?”
Today was the day they had planned to go to Ryan’s family home for dinner together. Ryan, who had said he had an appointment, still hadn’t returned home even after 5 PM.
She could already hear her great-grandfather Lincon’s loud scolding echoing in her ears.
Click-.
Fortunately, she heard the sound of Ryan opening the front door and coming in just in time.
“Did you have a good time?”
“Yeah.”
Alice came down the spiral staircase to greet him.
Ryan brushed past her with a dry response and entered the dressing room.
Alice almost bowed her head to invite him in, taken aback by his curt reply.
This damn workaholic.
Whenever they met at home and talked, Alice felt like she was working overtime.
Ryan had said it was okay to be comfortable outside, but she couldn’t tell how far that comfort extended.
He said to be at ease, yet he always referred to her as ‘Secretary Alii.’
When he had asked her to live together, he had been so straightforward, but now he was clearly maintaining boundaries again.
.
.
.
“I’m going to be late.”
“Should I let the chairman know you’ll be late?”
“No, it’s fine.”
Ryan changed into comfortable slacks and a short-sleeved shirt, hurriedly crossing the living room while holding a trench coat.
Alice quickly followed him out the front door.
“Ah!”
In her haste, Alice lost her balance while hurriedly putting on her shoes and instinctively threw herself toward Ryan.
“Ah!”
Ryan instinctively dodged as he saw Alice falling toward him.
As expected. I didn’t even expect him to catch me. I guess my knees are going to get scraped.
Alice tightly shut her eyes.
Huh? What’s this?
Ryan grabbed her waist, preventing her from hitting the floor.
Thanks to that, Alice ended up in a ridiculous position, struggling to keep her clothes from being pulled.
Thud-.
“Ah, thank you, Vice President.”
As soon as Ryan’s hand released her clothes, Alice quickly straightened herself.
She was grateful that he hadn’t left her to fall. With a thankful heart, she smiled broadly.
“Why are you in such a hurry? Not like you, Secretary Alii.”
“I’m worried I’ll get scolded by the chairman again for being late.”
Alice said while fixing her disheveled clothes.
