The Billionaire's Bundle of Joy

Chapter 13

RIZ

I ONLY said that so he would change his mind. He wants to get married for the wrong reasons. Yes, I’m pregnant. But that doesn’t mean he has to marry me. For someone like me who grew up in a dysfunctional family, my dream is to get married and build a family with love for one another. With what he wants to happen, my desires will no longer come true.

“It’s a marriage of convenience.” His tone was intimidating, but I wouldn’t let fear get the better of me. He was not here to hurt me. Justin was actually doing the opposite. He was trying to take care of me and the baby.

“It is. That’s why we shouldn’t go through with it. Don’t make it more complicated than it is now. I will stay here until I give birth, but we shouldn’t get married.”

“And if Veronica comes here, what are you going to say to her?”

I was at a loss for words. What would I say to his fiancée if we met?

“You see? But if we are married, you can tell her that you’re my wife.”

“Fine. Let’s do this marriage of convenience of yours. But my decision stands: we are going to be equal. Whatever you don’t want me to do applies to you. If you still want to do it your way, get married by yourself. Even if you present me to the judge, you are not going to get an ‘I do’ from me. I am not signing the contract.”

Damn that enigmatic smile. Is there nothing unattractive about him? Serious and smiling, he is always handsome. It’s infuriating.

“Baby, I don’t need your signature or a yes from you. If I wanted to marry you, I can do it on my own without any trouble.”

There goes that “baby” again. I rubbed my face, and when I calmed myself, I looked at him. I had nothing to say that could change his mind. What Justin wants, Justin gets.

“Okay, but if any part of our contract isn’t followed, we end it. You will take care of the annulment process and make sure that we are free from each other after the baby is born.”

THE dress and shoes arrived earlier this afternoon. I couldn’t decide which one to wear because they were both beautiful. The baby made the decision for me. I’m still a size two because I’m naturally thin. But I’m starting to gain weight, so size four is more comfortable. It’s made of fine lace, and it looks like little white flowers scattered. Underneath is a tube A-line, above-the-knee dress with a sweetheart neckline. It has no sleeves, and since it’s a wedding event, the lace neckline is high and covers my neck. I love this dress, and it feels like it was made just for me.

After applying very light makeup, I parted my hair in the middle and made a low bun. I looked at myself in the mirror. I still can’t believe I’m getting married later. It’s a shame Dad isn’t here. It would have been nice if he could give me away today, even if our marriage is limited.

I heard a knock. My fiancé’s head peeked through the door. It was funny because his eyes were closed while holding a bouquet of white flowers.

“Why are your eyes closed?” I asked him.

“They said it’s bad luck to see the bride before the wedding.” He grimaced as if he was just following the old folks’ sayings. If bad luck is what we’re talking about, even if his eyes were open and he didn’t blink, we would still end up with bad luck because all of this is just a pretense.

“You honestly believe that?”

“No, but I’m doing it because my mother told me to follow a few beliefs.”

I wanted to ask if that included the marriage of convenience, but I didn’t want to ruin his mood. I wonder if his mother is going to be at the wedding. What if she doesn’t like me and objects to the marriage?

“I just came here to give you this.” He handed me the flowers while still keeping his eyes closed.

I took them and thanked him. “Is your mother joining us?”

“No.” That was all he said before leaving.

I don’t know much about his family, but if neither of us has parents attending the wedding, it’s a bit sad. Sometimes, I can’t help but dream that the situation were different.

Shortly after, we left the house and drove about forty minutes away. The climate was a bit chilly, and I didn’t ask where the house where we would get married was located.

“Here, you can put this on. The wind is cool today.” He handed me his coat and wrapped it around me when we got out.

“Where are we?”

“We’re in Tagaytay. Judge Sanchez lives here.” He dug something out of his pocket and took my right hand. “I forgot to give you something.” A cold metal was placed on my finger. The ring was made of white gold and had a princess-cut diamond in the middle. From the size of the stone, I knew it was no less than two carats.

“Justin, you shouldn’t—”

“My mother said to give it to the woman who’s going to carry my child. It used to be hers, and now it’s yours. Even after our marriage ends, you have to keep it.”

I felt like I had a lump in my throat. It’s a heirloom, and it’s not something that is just given away. The knowledge that it used to belong to his mother is a huge honor for me. I can feel how much he values his mother. That’s probably why he is so protective of our child. But it feels wrong to use it and claim it if we are no longer married. I will return it to him.

“I will wear it for now, but when the time comes, I will give it back to you.”

“I will not accept it.” We exchanged glances, and in the end, I was the one who gave in. This man!

Now we were in front of Judge Sanchez. Not just my feet were cold, but my whole body was.

“Good evening, Justin. Who is this young lady with you?” asked the old man.

“Ninong, this is Arizona Consigna, soon-to-be my wife. You can call her Riz. Riz, this is Ninong Mike. He will be marrying us.”

The old man smiled as I shook his hand. “I am glad he found you. I thought he would never marry again after everything that happened.”

Happened?

“Anyway, we should proceed to the wedding. My secretary took care of the paperwork, so you don’t have to worry about that. She will be one of the witnesses along with your driver. Is that okay?”

Justin nodded, and so did I.

“I, Justin Paul Calderon, take you, Arizona Marie Consigna, as my lawful wife to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part. I will love and honor you all the days of my life.”

I didn’t expect that he had a wedding ring prepared. It was simple, but I knew it would be cherished. Nothing is cheap with Justin.

“I, Arizona Marie Consigna, take you, Justin Paul Calderon, as my lawful husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part. I will love and honor you all the days of my life.”

We are officially married.