Chapter 5; Husband

Inside the car, Claire stared at the silver band encircling her ring finger, Leon had slid it on her finger so casually, without bothering to wear one himself. A sad smile tugged at her lips. Her head still felt light from the alcohol she drunk last night and everything that happened still felt like a hazy blur. But one thing was clear: she was married and was now Mrs Yu.

She recalled the pitying look on the registrar's face. It was obvious the woman had sensed the cold indifference between them, recognizing this wasn't a love marriage. Claire glanced at Leon. At a quick look, no one would doubt he and Aaron were brothers—their similar hair color and eyes made that clear. But upon closer inspection, the differences were striking. Aaron wore black-dotted earrings that added to his mischievous and playful aura, while Leon didn't bother with such adornments. Yet, it didn't make Leon any less striking—if anything, his regal, cold demeanor was only enhanced. While still deep in thought, she heard Levy's voice.

"Young Madam, Old Man Yu has requested yours and the Master's presence at the mansion for dinner tonight. We'll drop you at the mall first, and Young Ms. Mae will accompany you," he said with professional respect.

Claire froze for a moment at how formally Levy addressed her. She stole a glance at Leon, who wore his usual unreadable expression, his eyes closed lazily. Right. Even though this was a contract marriage, she was still his legal wife. It was...normal. She nodded in acknowledgment.

Soon, they arrived at the mall and as she got out, a certain lady with blonde hair and hazel eyes ran to meet them, Mae Yu, Leon's younger sister smiled warmly as she hugged Claire "welcome" she said energetically "ok we are going to have a lot of fun together" she squealed as she clasped their hands together before turning to the men in the car.

"Don't worry, I'll doll her up for tonight, you won't even recognise her, and besides bro you owe me for this, I'm literally helping your wife even though i wasn't invited to your wedding" she ranted pouting but Leon just ignored her, before telling them what time they were to meet again and handing Claire his card. Already used to her brother's attitude, Mae rolled her eyes before she returned her gaze to claire and ignoring her brother dragged claire into the mall.

Claire just stared at their clasped her and at the card on her other hand as she let the energetic girl pull her. According to her assumptions, Leon was five years older than Mae, so Mae was 20— same age as her. She smiled as she thought of Mae's warmness and how she finally found someone she can talk to freely in that family without creeping out or stammering in fear.

"uhm...claire don't mind my brother," Mae said mischievously as they walked. "He's always been like that—even as a kid. If he ignores you, just ignore him back!" Her infectious energy made Claire smile, and soon, she was enjoying their outing.

As they browsed the racks, Mae mused, "I hope you can change him. Love changes people, right? Maybe you can make him love you." Before Claire could respond, Mae squealed, holding up a dress. "Oh my God, Claire, this will look stunning on you! Try it on, please!" she urged and shoved the dress in her hand as she pushed her into a dressing room.

While changing, Claire's thoughts were still on Mae, they were the same age but Mae looked so free and happy,unlike her who felt like she aged five years just in the past few days. Her mind wandered back to Mae's statement about her making Leon love her and she sighed. Unlike Aaron, Mae's reason was pure and out of love for her brother. Thinking about how she'll feel once she find out the truth made Claire's heart clench in guilt but she shrugged it off— probably a long time to come.

Stepping out, she heard Mae gasped "wow, sis-in-law is so pretty, we're taking this right" Mae beamed and Claire looked a bit apprehensive "what is it, you don't like it" Mae asked her, noticing her expression.

"No, not that, its just, quite expensive" claire explained and Mae just looked at her, seemingly upset.

"This isn't even expensive, my brother gave you his card right, so spoil yourself, stop making us look poor!!!" Mae yelled slightly causing Claire to just stare at the dramatic girl as she gave in.

Soon they were done and came out with a ton of trolleys full of bags. Thankfully the guards helped them put it in the trunk of Mae's car and as the duo were about to go inside the car, they heard some whispers.

"See? I told you it's Kim Claire."

"Didn't expect to see her here."

"I wonder what kind of sugar daddy she's snagged this time."

Claire turned to see three of her former classmates approaching. Their mocking smiles made their intentions clear.

"Claire! Long time no see," one greeted, her voice dripping with false sweetness.

Claire smiled politely. "It has been a while."

"Wow, shopping here now? Did you find yourself a sugar daddy?" another sneered. "Poor Claire, always desperate enough to keep her legs open."

Claire clenched her fists, irritation bubbling up. Forcing a calm smile, she replied, "No. A husband."

Their eyes darted to the ring on her finger, widening at the sight of the expensive emerald. The smug look on Claire's face made Mae, watching from the car, silently cheer.

Their expressions quickly turned sour again. "Well, whoever he is, he must not think much of you. That ring is probably fake. Or maybe you're just a mistress," one spat.

Claire's patience snapped. "Mistress or not, my husband still favors me. I'm sure you noticed all the things I bought—with this." She said and held up Leon's black platinum card, enjoying the way their faces flushed with anger.

Before they could retort, Mae gracefully stepped out of the car, her sunglasses perched confidently on her nose.

"Ladies," she said sweetly, her smile sharp. "Is there a problem here?"

The girls paled instantly, recognizing Mae Yu—the only daughter of the powerful Yu family.

Mae turned to Claire. "Sis, are they bothering you?" she asked, her tone protective as she turned to glare at them, shocking them again—sis—what on earth.

"No," Claire replied with a smile. "Just old classmates catching up." She glanced at the stunned girls. "Anyway, we should go. See you around."

With that, she slid into the car beside Mae, leaving the girls in stunned silence.

As the car pulled away, the whispers resumed.

"Is that really Claire?"

"How does she know Mae Yu?"

"What's their connection.

Well the pictures of Leon and Claire were taken down on time for most to see it and even so, Claire's face wasn't that visible so they won't have even recognised her.

————

Inside the car, Mae couldn't stop praising Claire. "You were so cool back there! I love it!"

Claire smiled warmly. "Thank you for helping me."

Mae waved her off. "Hey, we're family now. Family helps each other, right?"

The word family struck a chord in Claire, filling her with an unfamiliar warmth. As evening approached, the two decided to grab a light meal while waiting for Leon.