Contract Marriage; Fated Love

Noah stared at his retreating figure. His father had explanations to make and he will go to him that morning after work.

Let’s go,” he said, reaching out to hold her hands.

“You can visit her next time if you want. I have been wondering who you took after in your physical appearance. It’s definitely not mummy or daddy. Maybe a distant relative.”

“Can I see more of your mum’s pictures?”

“Uhmmm, that will be when I go back to the house.”

“Alright. I wish I had met mom at least.”

“It’s fine. Don’t feel bad about it. I’m here for you too.”

“Imagine my birthday coinciding with her death anniversary. It doesn’t sound good.”

“And it doesn’t sound bad either. Common, don’t be a cry baby. Can you come to the office later today with Liam and his mum? I want to celebrate your birthday.”

“Awwwwnnn! Thank you so much brother.”

Noah smiled at the word ‘brother.’ He waited twenty two whole years to hear that word he longed to hear.

Gu Yanxi had no issues at all. They were getting along very well as siblings but the only problem was Jessy. They both remembered Jessy at the same time.

“President Noah…”

“You can just call me Noah. You don’t need to add President.”

“Okay… let’s see. Noah..”

They both laughed.

“See, did it bite? It sounds better and less formal.”

“That’s right. It sounds better. Noah, Noah Noah! That will make nice music.”

“Don’t tease me, baby girl.”

“Yes president Harper,” she said and made a mock bow.

Noah smiled at her. She was the sister he always longed to have. How sweet.

“Emm, Noah, Jessy didn’t tell me anything about both of you. Please, can you at least tell me something?”

“We used to be best of friends, but now, we are arch enemies.”

“Ouchh! That’s a huge gap. Best friends to arch enemies? Mind telling me what happened?”

They got to their car and Noah unlocked it. He turned on the ignition and drove off. Some seconds later, he turned and answered her.

“He changed. We grew up as inseparable friends. We promised each other forever but I don’t know what caused his change of mind ten years ago. He stabbed me and said he wanted me dead. I let him go that time, because I still loved him like a brother and I waited for him to return to my side but he never did. I came to terms that I shouldn’t be with him. He returned again to continue from where he stopped and went for my father instead. I had to give him what he deserved. Yanxi, I can’t approve of that union. This is going to be the first and last thing I will ask you to do for me. Please, let Jessy go. End all of this with him.”

“Noah? How do you want me to do that? I love him. Please, Noah I….”

“It’s alright. Let’s not talk about it now.”

He pulled up in front of the house.

“Don’t forget to see me at the office. Just call me when you get there. If you don’t come, you can kiss your first birthday celebration with your big brother goodbye.”

“Hell no! I will come.”

By noon, the four of them, Noah, Emily, Gu Yanxi and Liam were at Noah’s new shopping complex. Gu Yanxi asked that he take them there for shopping to celebrate her birthday. She didn’t know he was the owner.

Emily was quick to observe that Noah implemented her ideas and fortunately, they helped the business to grow. It was the talk of the town. A lot of people wanted to come there.

Noah wore a face mask to avoid being recognized. He wanted to spend time freely with them and not hear,

“Ohh! It’s president Noah!”

A lot of their customers wanted to catch a glimpse of this famous man who was only seen on magazines, televisions and newspapers.

Liam looked at the articles in the store in amazement. They were exceptionally beautiful and of good quality. The shopping complex was surely not for the low class.

“The owner must be so smart. Look at the designs, the arrangement, the robots placed at the right corners. Every single thing you need is here, from wrist watch to a car. He or she deserves an award for this.”

It was Gu Yanxi who made the comment. Noah smiled broadly. He didn’t tell her that it was his. He let her go ahead and praise him.

Liam followed Gu Yanxi while Noah and Emily shopped alone. She was selecting jewellery when she felt a huge hand around her slim waist. She shivered a bit and looked at the

person. It was Noah.

With his hands still on her waist, he said,

“Let’s continue shopping,” as if there was nothing out of ordinary with the way he held her. She tried to wriggle out of his grip.

“President Noah..”

“Be good. Let’s continue shopping, or are you tired? Do you want me to take you inside to rest?”Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

“Let me go.”

He touched her cheeks tenderly and she flushed red. He came closer and kissed her forehead.

This was the second time he was kissing her in his right senses. Even with his face mask, he still looked handsome and adorable.

Some minutes later, they were done with shopping. Emily wanted to pay for what she bought but Noah insisted on making the payment.

“I was the one who brought you guys here, so I should pay.”

He pulled a black card from his pocket and handed it to the cashier.

She recognized it immediately.

“President Noah!”

He maintained his usual expressionless face. She continued her duty and returned the card to him.

Noah and Gu Yanxi walked ahead while Emily tagged along with her son.

Gu Yanxi leaned close to him and asked,

“Do you love Emily?”

“What? Yanxi..”

“I saw everything, good luck.”

Noah shook his head and smiled.

“Silly child.”

The three of them thanked Noah for that day and alighted. Noah came down and stopped Emily from leaving.