Chapter 11

The two marriage certificates were quickly issued. After walking out of the registration center, Conrad scooped her up in his arms and then slid one of the booklets out of her hand. He held out his palm again. "Give me your phone." Calliope was caught off guard. Confused, she still handed him her phone. He took it, his fingers moving deftly across the screen. Then he handed it back. "My number's in there. Also, the code to the apartment. Move in if you want, or not-up to you." Then he fished out a debit card from his pocket and held it toward her. "Salary card. PIN is six nines." Calliope looked at the ordinary bank card in his hand, then at the plain clothes he had on. She didn't take it. The handbag slung over her shoulder alone was probably worth several months of his pay. "This... doesn't seem necessary. We said post-marriage finances stay separate." "That's your rule," Conrad said, pausing for a moment before continuing in a low voice. "In my unit, the guys all hand over their salary cards." Calliope went quiet. So this man was really committed to playing this marriage role all the way? Was he scared she'd pull something on him later, or did he just think this was how a husband should behave-at least on paper? Whatever. If he wants it that way, fine. It's not like she cared about a bit of extra cash anyway. "Alright, I'll keep it safe for you." She nodded and tucked the card away. Conrad seemed satisfied. He gave a brief "Yeah," then added, "I've got stuff to handle at the station. Gotta go," and turned to leave. Calliope stayed where she was, looking at the marriage certificate in her hand, a whirl of emotions churned inside her. In her last life, she'd pulled every trick to get her hands on this one thin document. Subtle hints, light tapping around the subject-eventually it'd taken a doctor's reminder during a check-up for them to actually register the marriage. Lucien had been so reluctant back then. And now, in this life, she had it handed to her almost absurdly fast. She let out a soft, mocking chuckle, her lips curling, but there was nothing warm in her eyes-only a cold trace of irony. She slipped the certificate back into her bag and was about to call a ride when a black sedan pulled up right beside her. "Excuse me, are you Ms. Godfrey?" Calliope blinked in surprise. "I am." The driver smiled and said, "Your husband just booked the ride for you. I'm here to take you home." Calliope froze. Seriously? Never thought that guy would be that thoughtful. Looks like his "boyfriend" really trained him well. ***** As soon as Calliope stepped into the villa, she could tell something was off. The living room was buzzing-way livelier than any holiday. She barely crossed the doorway when a whole crowd of aunts swarmed her. "Oh my, Calliope's back!" "Sweetheart, you must've had such a rough time! That Lucien's such a jerk, backing out like that. Absolutely shameless!" "Right? And that Angelina? No better. That girl's nothing but trouble, stealing someone else's fiancé like that. So tacky!" "Calliope, don't let it get to you. Guys are everywhere! Lose one and a better one's around the corner!" It took her a second to process. Of course-today was May 20th. She was supposed to marry Lucien today. He'd gone all out, booking the most expensive hotel in town, invites sent all over high society. The extravagance was insane. In her last life, it made headlines for days-people called it their fairytale wedding. She was the lucky Mrs. Sterling with the perfect love story. Thinking back now? What a damn joke. Well, since he picked Angelina, he'd probably handed over that whole lavish wedding plan to her. "Calliope, cheer up, okay?" A distant aunt-one she barely knew-put on her best fake-sweet voice: "Maybe it's a blessing in disguise. Marrying into that family might've been a nightmare. Oh, speaking of which, my neighbor's son just got back from abroad. Good-looking young man. Want me to set you two up?" Calliope snapped back and gave just the right amount of dazed, fragile expression. She had half the mind to flash her marriage certificate and show them that she was far from unwanted. But seeing those barely-hidden smirks and fake sympathies in their eyes, she paused. Instead, she gave a soft nod and a small smile. "Sure, thanks, Auntie."