Sarah left her company by 1:45 PM, just as she'd promised Mark earlier. Despite the terrible mood from the project debacle, she wasn't someone to break her word—not to someone like him. After lunch, they'd head to the salon, and then she'd buy him a suit for the mayor's auction tomorrow.
She didn't bother parking in the garage when she reached home. They'd be leaving again soon anyway. The moment she stepped into the house, the rich, warm aroma of food greeted her at the door—and despite herself, a smile crept onto her lips.
She really hit the jackpot. Even though this was just a contract marriage… she had to admit, she was lucky. Mark's presence was steadying, warm, and his cooking—honestly better than most five-star restaurants. Just the smell of his food could lift her heavy mood.
How long will he stay with me? she wondered briefly.
But she quickly brushed the thought aside. Her mood had just improved. No point dragging it back down again.
"Good afternoon, Mark," Sarah said as she walked in, setting her bag on the side table.
Mark looked up from the kitchen and gave her a soft smile. "You're back for lunch?"
"Yeah. Also, we need to go to the salon… and get you a suit," Sarah replied, already making her way to the dining room.
The moment she tasted the food, she forgot all about the ridiculous project and the shady deadline. She hummed softly, savoring the flavor like a content child. Mark noticed and just smiled quietly to himself, pleased.
When they finished eating, Sarah stood up and turned to Mark seriously.
"Don't touch the dishes. I'll wash them," she said firmly.
Mark raised an eyebrow. "You sure?"
"I insist," she said without leaving room for argument.
So, Mark went off to get ready for their little outing while Sarah tied her hair up and rolled her sleeves, happily scrubbing the dishes like it was a personal mission.
*****
Sarah finished washing the dishes while Mark got ready. Once he was back, they left for the salon.
At the salon, Mark trimmed his beard and moustache, leaving his hair untouched—long and wavy, falling just past his shoulders. When the barber finished, Sarah found herself staring. The neatly shaped beard emphasized his strong jawline, and that long wavy hair, now brushed and lightly styled, gave him a magnetic, effortless allure. He looked like the kind of man you'd expect to see in a luxury magazine spread. She didn't even notice that her lips had parted slightly.
I really should've left him at home. The thought crept into her mind. Taking him to the auction now feels like putting raw meat in front of starving wolves.
"Can we go now?" Mark's voice broke through her thoughts.
Sarah quickly closed her mouth. "Yes. Let's go," she replied, leading the way back to the car.
They headed to a boutique to find a suit for Mark. As soon as they stepped in, her worst fear materialized. The female staff immediately perked up, all eyes on him. Suddenly, everyone wanted to help them.
"We'll choose ourselves," Sarah said with a firm smile, subtly positioning herself closer to Mark.
He tried on several suits. A deep navy one brought out the tone in his eyes. A crisp black one made him look sharp and refined. But when he stepped out in a charcoal gray suit with a subtle sheen, Sarah didn't even have to think.
"This one," she said quickly.
Before he could argue, she went straight to the counter to pay. The staff watched with obvious disappointment, their smiles tight, their eyes full of things they didn't say aloud. Sarah didn't care. She took the suit, held Mark's arm, and walked out like she'd just won the grand prize.
They drove home together, quietly, the tension from the boutique melting away behind them.
---
It was already 5:30 PM by the time they arrived home. Mark went inside while Sarah drove to park the car in the garage.
Just as she was about to step out, her phone started ringing. It was Ursula.
The moment Sarah picked up the call, Ursula's voice exploded through the speaker, "Sarah! Have you lost your damn mind?!"
"Aaish—lower your voice, I can hear you perfectly," Sarah replied, pulling the phone slightly away from her ear.
"Out of everyone you could've ended up with, you chose a beggar?! Seriously, Sarah?!"
"What's wrong with that?" Sarah said calmly. "I love him. It was love at first sight."
"You—are you out of your mind?! I swear I'll skin you alive! Everyone's talking! High society knows you had a one-night stand with a beggar and actually married him the next day!"
Sarah narrowed her eyes. "Who the hell is spreading that nonsense?"
"Does it even matter? The fact is you married him! What the hell is wrong with you, Sarah?!"
"Don't believe every rumor you hear," Sarah said firmly. "Yes, I married a beggar—but not after sleeping with him. I said it was love at first sight, and I meant it."
Ursula sounded like she was about to combust. "Are you messing with me right now? Who the hell falls in love with a beggar at first sight?!"
"I guess I'm the first," Sarah replied without flinching. "Anyway, we'll talk tomorrow at the auction. I'm hanging up now—I need to prepare dinner for my husband."
She ended the call without waiting for Ursula's reply and walked into the house.