After My Fiancée Betray Me, I Had a Shotgun Marriage

After six years of dating, Clarice Sterling and I finally reached the point of registering our marriage. So, we waited in line at the City Hall all morning, then it was finally our turn. However, a male student sponsored by Clarice suddenly appeared. “Clarice," he said. "Thank you for waiting all morning. Quick! Let’s go in.”

I froze as I watched him wrap his arm around Clarice’s waist.

Clarice said, “Baron White has been an orphan since childhood. He’s always longed for a family. I promised to give him one. However, don’t worry, it's just for four years. After he graduates from college, I’ll divorce him and marry you. We’ll spend the rest of our lives together.”

Then she added, "Besides, I’m only marrying him to keep a promise. The one I truly love is you.”

I kept my mouth shut and silently watched them walk intimately into the City Hall. Then I took out my phone and called Abigail Hampton, who had been chasing me for four years. "Abigail, I'm outside the City Hall and in need of someone to marry. So … are you in?"

——

“Stop joking around. It’s the middle of the night here overseas. I just finished working overtime and was about to sleep.” Abigail sounded utterly exhausted.

"Sorry to disturb you, but … I'm serious," I emphasized.

Abigail, who was at the other end of the phone, fell silent for a moment, then suddenly let out an excited scream, “Ah … I’ve finally waited for so long! Wait for me!”

Before I could say more, the call had already cut off.

“Who were you on the phone with?” Clarice, who had just come out of the City Hall with Baron’s arm around her, asked as she furrowed her brows.

As I scanned the marriage certificate in their hands, I pressed my lips together. A simple wedding registration book that I had dreamed of for six years was now easily earned by Baron because of a promise.

How ironic!

“I’m asking you a question!” Clarice’s frown deepened.

I casually replied, “It's just a friend.”

Clarice exhaled a sigh of relief, her tone softening, “I know you’re angry, but I promised Baron first. I can’t go back on my word, can I?”

I nodded. “I understand.”

However, just because I understood that did not mean I supported it and certainly did not mean I could accept it contentedly.

She would rather register a marriage with Baron because of a promise than marry me. Six years of love and dedication meant nothing to her.

Honestly, I’d rather she told me she fell in love with Baron. It would be much better than saying it was just a promise. The latter made me feel like a fool. It was so absurd, pathetic and lamentable.

Abigail once told me she could see from Clarice’s eyes that she didn’t love me. I didn’t believe her and even snapped at her. Now, I realized that she was right.

Those so-called six years of love and effort were just my wishful thinking because she never loved me.

Clarice reached for my hand and said, “Since you understand, let's come home with us.”

Us, huh?

I shook off Clarice's hand and hissed, "You’re mistaken. That’s my home, not yours.”

Hearing this, Clarice’s face turned stern instantly and she snapped, “Daniel, stop being childish.”

I’m being childish?

I laughed out of sheer anger. I had worked diligently and saved money to buy that wedding home, but now it had turned into someone else's house. What? What, am I supposed to be the sucker who foots the bill?

“Clarice, don’t be angry,” Baron tried to comfort her, then turned to me. “Daniel, you misunderstood Clarice. I didn’t mean to take over your home. I just want to feel the warmth of a family from her. I won’t ruin your relationship.”

I coldly retorted, “If you want to feel the warmth of a family, why not go call an older woman your mom? Oh, I get it … It's because no one wants to take you in as their cheap son, right?”

As soon as I said that, Baron’s face turned incredibly ugly.