Remy and Deth arrived at the Civil Affairs Bureau to formalize their agreed union, after Remy was discharged days later.
The building was a nondescript one with beige walls and some faded signs. The atmosphere inside was equally unremarkable.
The fluorescent casted a dull glow over the crowded hallways and the air was filled with the occasional murmur of hushed conversations.
Remy sat in her wheelchair as Deth pushed her through the crowded hallways of the bureau. As they moved through the throngs of people, they got stares and Deth briefly wondered if everyone was so eager to get married now.
He glanced around, noticing that eighty percent of the people seemed like love-struck couples, holding hands and giggling, while a few others seemed to have different intentions. He shrugged it off, focusing on Remy.
As they turned a corner, they eventually arrived at a small photography studio within the bureau.
Seated in the studio, with a bland backdrop behind them, Remy was sitted on Deth's lap, while he sat in a chair. The photographer, a middle-aged man with a weary expression, fiddled with his camera settings.
"Alright, let's get this done," he muttered, looking up at the couple. "Please, smile and try to relax. We want a nice, happy photo for your marriage certificate." He raised an eyebrow, observing Remy's tense posture and Deth's stern expression.
"Miss Vaughn, you might want to smile a little more... and relax your smile. I'm afraid this might end up looking like a funeral picture instead of a marriage photo. You look very tense, and, Mr.. uh Kaidën? if I didn't know better, I'd think you want to murder me from the way you're looking at the camera right now. Please, the two of you have to relax. Make this easier for me, and we can get this over with as fast as we can."
Remy and Deth attempted to relax, but it wasn't working. The photographer sighed inwardly, thinking this was the most challenging marriage picture he'd taken in years.
Capturing the perfect shot was a hassle, but he finally managed it. Before long, they finished the registration process, finalized all the necessary paperwork, and received their marriage certificate.
With that, they left the Civil Affairs Bureau, officially husband and wife.
As they settled into their car, a sense of finality washed over Remy. It was official now – they were married.
Deth turned to Remy and said, "We're married now. I've informed my lawyer, and he should have the contracts ready. We'll go through them for any condition you wish to add and sign when we get back home."
Remy nodded, her eyes fixed on Deth's profile. "I know," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I just can't believe we're actually married. We haven't known each other for long, and we don't know much about each other's personal lives."
Deth turned to her, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Who suggested the marriage again?" he asked, his tone light.
Remy rolled her eyes. "Don't make it seem like it's all my fault."
Deth's expression turned serious. "One more thing – this has to be kept secret. This is a secret marriage, and only a few people will know about it. It's not going to be made public."
Remy wanted to ask why, but she decided against it. Maybe it was better if they kept their marriage secret, at least for now.
Instead, she asked, "But I'm a little curious – why did you agree to get married to me, Deth? I mean, you already know about my circumstances – Julian dumped me, and I can't walk. I don't really have much to offer you or your family. I'm merely someone who isn't wanted, even in my own family. So, why?"
Deth was silent for a moment before responding, "Well, eventually, I have to get married, and now you're the best candidate. I have my own reasons, just like I know you have yours for suggesting this marriage. How about we just... play along and use each other for what we want, instead of asking questions we might not like the answers to?"
"Ok.. I understand." Remy nodded.
Taking a deep breath, Deth fully turned to Remy, his cold expression softening ever so slightly. "And... I kind of have to take responsibility for you now, Remy," he said, his voice low and sincere. "We had gotten intimate, and I just can't leave you to run off to another man after that."
A blush crept up Remy's cheeks as she gave a little shy smile. "Look at you now, being so serious. If I didn't know any better, I think you're about to fall in love with me for real."
Deth's expression shifted immediately, and he chuckled amusedly. "Love...?" He shook his head, a hint of smile still playing on his lips. "Remy you trust me so much."
"Shouldn't I trust you?"
"No."
With a smooth motion, Deth turned the key in the ignition, and the car roared to life. He moving the vehicle into the busy highway and merging seamlessly into the stream of traffic.
*
*
*
As they arrived home, his lawyer, Mr. Sile Edwardo, was already waiting for them. "The contracts are ready for reviewing and signing," he said, handing them each a copy.
Marriage Contract Between Remy Vaughn Harrison and Deth Chris Kaidën
This contract is entered into on March, 24th by and between Remy Vaughn, herein referred to as "Party A," and Deth Chris Kaidën, referred to as "Party B."
Terms and Duration:
The term of this contract shall commence on the date of signing and shall continue for a period of two (2) years. Upon expiration of the two-year term, the contract may be renewed or terminated by mutual agreement.
Rights and Responsibilities:
During the term of this contract, both parties shall have the right to use each other's resources to their advantage. Party A shall be entitled to use the surname "Kaidën" and shall have access to all privileges and benefits associated with being a member of the Kaidën family.
Confidentiality:
The parties agree to keep their marriage confidential, with only a select few, including family members and close friends, allowed to know about it. However, the secrecy clause comes with a caveat: if either party wants to make the marriage public, they are free to do so, although the publicity would be limited and not publicly announced in the news. The marriage can be disclosed to anyone they choose, but it will not be widely publicized unless approved by Party B.
Termination:
Party B reserves the right to terminate this contract at any time, even before the expiration of the two-year term. Additionally, if the contract is terminated before the two-year term expires, it shall not affect the fact that both parties are legally married and shall remain entitled to the rights and duties of a husband and wife.
Romantic Relationship Clause:
Both Party A and Party B are also free to explore the possibility of a romantic relationship, beyond the contractual marriage of convenience. If both parties agrees, they can attempt to get to know each other better and potentially develop a deeper connection. However, any progression of their relationship will require cooperation and mutual agreement from both parties.
Family and Children:
During the term of this contract, both parties shall have the right to decide whether or not to have children. If they choose to have children, they shall both be entitled to all rights and responsibilities associated with parenthood.
Infidelity:
While infidelity is not allowed, since both parties acknowledge that this marriage is presumed to be a marriage of convenience. As such, both parties are free to see or interact with whomever they choose, should they feel unsatisfied with the other party's qualities or behavior.
Breach of Contract Penalties:
A breach of contract shall require the following penalities –
1. Monetary Fine: A payment of $500,000.
2. Asset Forfeiture: Forfeiture of any title, assets or properties acquired during the marriage through the resources or assistance of the other party.
3. Loss of Privileges: Revocation of privileges and benefits, including being a member of the Kaidën family, access to family businesses, properties, social connections, and security.
These penalties shall apply to both Party A (Remy Vaughn) and Party B (Deth Chris Kaidën) in the event of a breach of contract.
Signature of Party A __________
(Remy Vaughn)
Signature of Party B __________
(Deth Chris Kaidën)
Date: March 24th, 2025.