•Maxine•

I turn my face away from Seth, desperate to not show how his words hurt me. I had let the glamor of all that happened today almost make me forget the reality of this marriage; a contract. That's all it is and nothing can change that. As Seth said, it would be best if I didn't forget that this is all fake.

Levi opens the door to the driver's seat and gets into the car. He remains silent for what seems to be a solid minute which leaves me wondering why he wasn't starting the car. I look at the front mirror and notice his eyes darting between me and Seth. I'm guessing he can sense the tension between us. I don't bother looking in Seth's direction and he gives me the courtesy of doing the same to me.

“Um, do I head back to the company or-” Levi says but I quickly interrupt him.

“Take me to my dormitory, please.” I stare directly at Levi from the mirror, not sparing Seth a single glance.

He nods and reverses out of the parking space. Throughout the drive back to York, different thoughts race through my head. I lean my head against the window, my heart beating loudly against my chest. So just like that I'm married to a billionaire shit head? 

I think about my grandmother wondering what she would be doing right now. Probably fussing over whether Ava has had any lunch yet. It saddens me that they're unaware of my marriage. They have utterly no idea. I wonder if Imogen has returned from the trip she said she was going on. As sad as it might sound, she is the only friend I have and I wouldn't trade her for anything.

Levi enters the main campus and finally nears the girl's dormitory. I open the door and help myself out, still not bathing Seth an eyelid. I doubt he cares since he hasn't spoken a word to it. It doesn't matter though. I'll help him achieve his goals if it means I'll get what I want. 

I walk to the other side of the car and stop at Levi's window. 

“Thanks for your help, Levi. I'll see you later.” I say, with a smile on my face.

“Alright then.” He equally smiles back at me. 

I bid him farewell and made my way into the dormitory. The stairs that lead up to my room have never seemed this long. When I walk past some girls, they stop their conversation and stare at me. I don't bother stopping to look at them as I continue on my way. Once I enter my room and slam the door behind me, I let out an exhale. 

My bed is still unmade from this morning. I look at my desk which is littered with different sheets of paper containing some new designs I've been working on. As always, my room is in its natural state. Messy.

I walk up to my bed and collapse onto it, allowing its softness and plushness to comfort me. Today has been utterly overwhelming. I lay on my back and pull out my phone. I turn on my phone camera, putting it on selfie mode. As I stare at my image, I wonder to myself if I look like someone who just recently got married. Is this how all court weddings feel like?

I send Diego a text asking about his day. He hasn't called since that day but I know it's fine. He's really busy with coursework after all. Checking up on him shows I still care about him and I know he appreciates it 

A few seconds after the text is delivered, Diego's caller ID flashes on my screen. I accept the call with no hesitation and bring my phone to my ear.

“Hi darling.” Diego's voice is like a balm to my entire being. I feel instantly calm just hearing him speak.

“Hi babe. How are you doing?” I bite my lip, wondering how this conversation would go down. I silently pray he's at least taking a break from coursework so he can focus on our relationship.

“I'm okay. Sorry I've been a bit distant lately. I don't know why they're increasing the workload on us. I hope you can understand what I'm going through.” He says, making me feel a stab of pity for him. 

“Yeah I understand. I just wish it wasn't like this. I miss you so much babe.” I make my tone as sad as I actually feel.

“I miss you more darling. You know it's not intentional right?” He says, his tone sounding as sad as mine did.

I hum in reply. “You're only human though. You have to take breaks every once in a while.”

“Yeah I guess you're right. I’ll start taking care of myself better.” He says.

“That's the spirit.” I try to sound optimistic and cheerful. 

“Yeah. I gotta go babe. Maybe I'll call you this evening.” Diego says into the phone.

“Oh no problem. Make sure to take care of yourself though.” I jokingly warn him.

“I will. Love you.” I hear him say.

“I love you too. Take care.” I say into the phone before ending the call. A sigh escapes my lips once I do so.

Maybe I'll call you this evening

I toss my phone to the side and get up from the bed. I walk towards the full length mirror standing in a corner of my room. I admire myself for a few minutes, relishing in it for what would probably be the last time.

I am in the middle of taking off all the jewelry when my phone chimes the ringtone which signals an incoming message. I take off the earrings before picking up the phone. I smile when I see it's a text from Imogen. She says she's back from her trip and can't wait to see me.

“Girl, I have so much to tell you.” I mumble to myself, taking off the last pieces of my outfit.