Contract Marriage: The Replacement Groom

*Not edited *

The man was flabbergasted for a long while without knowing what to say. If what his grandson says truly comes to pass, he’d be the happiest. For what Maverick did to his family last year, the old man is still recovering from it. The man had been surviving with the heavy load of hatred he has for Maverick and couldn’t wait to see him and his brother ruined.

"Hahahaha... Maverick, your time is finally here. Let’s see how you skim your way through!" His grandson’s plan was foolproof with a 99.9% success rate, so of course, he was very excited.

Meanwhile, Jeslyn and Lolita went shopping for something they’d wear to the party. While the two were looking for beautiful shoes, Jeslyn mentioned.

"Have you seen Reuben?"

Lolita paused with a nude shoe in hand. "Has he returned?"

"Hm, I saw him at the company. He said his contract has been terminated."

"Did he tell you where he went?"

"I didn’t ask."

"Oh?... You seem angry. What’s up?"

Jeslyn moved forward and picked a black shoe, then said, "He’s a fraudster. Why should I care?"

"Is there something you’re not telling me?"

"Before I went to SIN City, I asked Rex to run a check on him but guess what..."

"He’s not Rubenstein?"

"Indeed. He’s Reuben Yu."

Lolita gasped. Her eyes widened in alarm. She rubbed her arms to suppress the goosebumps she was getting. "Jeslyn, what are you telling me right now? This is so creepy!"

"Creepy as f*ck!"

"Why would he do that?"

"I have no idea. But do you want to hear what’s spookier?" Jeslyn told her about the incident at the company’s gate.

"Oh, my God! I’m scared for you, Jeslyn! Really! I can envision a psychopath stalker lurking in the shadows. I mean, how could someone appear like your husband? What does he stand to gain? Oh, my world... !" Lolita started to panic and went on and on rambling to calm her racing heart. Different horror scenes from the movies she watched came rushing into her mind, causing her to sweat.

"Hey, chill. It hasn’t gotten to that. If need be, I’ll file a restraining order, or better still, have Code 5 take care of him." Jeslyn knew this was no laughing matter. Even the weird feelings Reuben invokes in her is no joke. Ever since that day at the gate, she had been feeling like a prey being watched by a predator, even in her sleep. It has gotten so bad!

"This is no joke, Jeslyn. Listen, once we get back, you’re telling your brother-in-law. Who knows, Reuben might be cooking something big."

"You think?"

"I know so, Jeslyn. I never liked that guy from the onset and now, I have developed a strong hatred for him. How dare he come to you looking like your husband. I’m sorry, that’s spooky and we can’t allow that behavior!"

"Indeed, he gave me a weird feeling that I can’t describe. I just–" her words were caught off when her phone vibrated in her jeans pocket. "Excuse me," she said and pulled her phone out.

It was a message from a private number, she opened it and frowned.

"What’s wrong?" Lolita asked.

"A message from him," she responded.

"Message from wh– ah! Reuben?!"

Jeslyn nodded and read the message aloud.

[ Deaar Jeslyn,

I know I owe you and Lolita an apology and an explanation for everything. What happened was, my family got into trouble and I got an impromptu message to return. When I got home, the trouble made things, like calling you two skip my mind. After Six months, I was able to solve the problem and became the Yu family head. As for dressing like your husband, he’s my role model and I also wanted to get a reaction from you. I know you and Lolita would be angry, so I dressed like your husband because it would make you less angry. I’m sorry! ]

"Hohoho, this is insane! If we didn’t know about his true identity, I bet this message would have passed as a genuine apology. How creepier did he intend to get?" Lolita was boiling with rage as she stood there.

"You know what, I suddenly don’t feel like attending this party anymore." Jeslyn dropped the shoe she was holding on the shelf with much disinterest.

"Nope! Not a chance!" Lolita stood in front of her with her hands spread out.

"Honestly Lolita, I don’t feel too good about this anymore," she tried to reason with her but Lolita won’t take no for an answer.

"Don’t tell me you forgot what the party is really about. She’ll be more than happy if you showed up. Wait, you’re not scared that he’d appear to ruin things, right?..." Lolita thought about it for a moment, then continued; "Even if Reuben appears, he won’t dare to openly do anything, I’m sure."

Jeslyn sighed. Damien’s purpose for hosting a party wasn’t to celebrate life, but rather to make a surprise proposal to Kimberly. True, it wouldn’t be nice for her not to attend, given that her husband wasn’t around to go. "Fine," she said as she grabbed the things she had bought and went to the counter to pay.

Meanwhile, Reuben was seen in his car, watching the two ladies as they made their way out of the mall with their faces covered. He leaned back and chuckled before taking off the earphone he was wearing.

"So, you’re already aware of who I am. No wonder you looked at me differently the other day," he laughed out loud.

"Do you want me to send someone after her friend? She seems to be instigating her." Davis asked as he puffed out a cloud of smoke.

Reuben stretched, "Not yet. She’ll come in handy... have you done what I asked?"

"Yes, Fin had gone to City F yesterday and the message had been delivered to Rex. He should be leaving by tonight."

"Great. Get my clothes ready for my brother’s party. I can’t miss such a fun moment," he chuckled dryly before his face turned unsightly.