•Seth•

I can't seem to stop my forehead from creasing as I stare angrily at my phone. I try my best to ignore the string of messages from Tristan. God knows why I haven't blocked the bastard yet. My elder brother, Tristan and I don't exactly get along well with one another. In simple terms, I hate him with every ounce of my very being. And I can bet anything that he feels the same way about me

 The origin of the enmity between the both of us isn't something I can pinpoint. It just blew up when my mother happened to be on her last breath. If this marriage doesn't work, I will lose everything to him. Everything.

“We are here.” Levi's voice brings me out of my thoughts. 

I take in a deep breath to clear my head. I look at Maxine who has her eyes fixed on staring outside the window. She honestly looks beautiful in this dress. No. Beautiful isn't good of a word to describe the radiance she emits. She had styled her braids into a beautiful bunz with two of them sticking out on the sides of her hair. I know her outfit was worth complimenting but I just couldn't do it back then. 

“Maxine.” I call out to her.

She jumps a little before turning away from the window and facing me. I point my head towards the courthouse and wait for her reaction. She simply nods as though we just had a silent understandable conversation. I step out of the car and subconsciously moved towards the other side of the car. I open the door for her to step out and her reaction is priceless. I wish I could capture the look on her face.

“You look beautiful by the way.” My voice is barely a whisper so I doubt she heard me. 

I clear my throat and shut the door behind me. She jumps again when I grab her hand and enclose it in mine. I ignore Levi's piercing stare as we walk into the courthouse. The judge is already present since this has been premeditated. He brings out the documents that would join us as husband and wife and places it in the open. We both stand side by side as he goes on about the whole process.

“Joining together…” I shut out most of what the man is saying. The whole time, my gaze is trained on Maxine who is staring right at the judge. Now that she's no longer in the car, I can truly admire her features. She really does look beautiful. Occasionally, she would turn to me and then turn back to the judge.

When it was time to sign the documents, I grabbed a pen and proceeded to do so. I hand Maxine the pen and she proceeds to do the same. She pauses at first and I can't help but feel my heart race. I relax a little when she finally signs the papers. The judge congratulates the both of us on our marriage. The sound of Levi clapping fills the hall, making me roll my eyes. I'm about to tell him to stop it but I quickly reconsider. I guess hearing Maxine's giggles weren't so bad.

I grab her hand and lead us back to the car. Levi enters the driver's seat while we occupy the back seats as before. Levi immediately sets the car in reverse and pulls out of the courthouse.

“Where are we going?” Maxine asks after a while.

“You'll see.” I simply say. I want our next location to be a surprise.

She glares at me before letting out a small huff and turning back to her window. A chuckle almost escapes my lips. Almost

When we finally pull into the parking lot of our destination, the gasps of excitement that leaves Maxine's lips make me happy with my decision. I had decided to organize a photoshoot for when we finish the court wedding.

“What are we doing here?” Maxine presses her face closer to the window in excitement.

“I thought it would be nice if we took some wedding pictures. Are you okay with it?” I ask, not expecting to see tears brimming Maxine's eyes.

“Yeah.” She nods, trying her best not to cry.

I quickly handed her a tissue. The last thing I want to see right now is mascara running down her face. I get out of the car at the same time she does. Levi locks the car doors and we all head into the studio. 

“Maddie.” I call out as we enter the studio. 

A woman in her 30s walks out of a room. Her eyes immediately brighten when she sees me. She walks more quickly toward her. I can see her take her time to admire our outfits. 

“So, I'm guessing you guys are done with the wedding?” She asks.

“Yes. We're ready for the shoot now.” I reply, wanting to get done with the photoshoot as quickly as possible.

“Alright. Come with me.” She leads us to another room where she does private shoots. Maxine doesn't bother hiding her astonishment and excitement. She looks surprised by the decor already put in place. I had already made arrangements for a wedding style photo shoot so there were a lot of decor and flowers around us.

Maddie puts us in different poses, taking picture after picture without a break. After the last pose, I tell Levi to wait for the pictures while I and Maxine head back to the car.

“I don't know what to say. I…Today went better than I expected. Thank you for that.”

Maxine says once we enter the backseat. Something nasty wells up in me at her words. Irritation? Anger? I'm not sure.

“I wouldn't be so optimistic if I were you. Remember this whole marriage is a lie. Along with everything I'll ever say to you. All of it is a lie.” I don't bother mincing my words. 

I turn away from Maxine's shocked expression and take out my phone. I need to make sure nothing breaches the agreement of this marriage, feelings be damned.