Contract Marriage: I Will Never Love You-Chapter 95: Not Him

Sarah

I can’t help but smile at how quickly Josh ran out. I shake my head and turn my attention back to Hailey, who’s still staring at the door.

"Earth to Hailey," I say, waving my hand in front of her face. "Stop drooling."

She snaps out of her trance and playfully swats my hand away. "I was not drooling. I was... observing."

"Sure you were," I tease. "Your jaw practically hit the floor."

"He’s cute," she admits with a shrug. "Is he single?"

I laugh. "I think so, but I haven’t exactly been keeping tabs on his love life."

"Hmm," she says, tapping her chin thoughtfully. "Interesting."

"Don’t you dare," I warn her. "I don’t know if Matthew would approve."

"What? I’m just making mental notes," she says innocently. "And it’s not like I need his permission."

I shake my head, smiling.

So, are you going to tell me what happened or not? Matthew was all cryptic on the phone, said you fainted and they’re running tests."

I sigh, the memory of collapsing at the office still fresh. "I was just overworking myself. The doctor says it’s not uncommon during pregnancy, but they’re being cautious because of my blood pressure."

Hailey’s expression softens. "Sarah, you need to take better care of yourself. That baby needs you healthy."

"I know," I say, absently placing a hand on my still-flat stomach. "It’s just hard to step back. The company—"

"The company will survive without you micromanaging every detail for a few days," she interrupts firmly.

"Yeah, I guess," I grumble.

Hailey reaches into her bag and pulls out some books. "Which is why I brought entertainment. Fashion magazines and your favorite novel."

My face lights up despite myself. "You’re a lifesaver."

"I know," she says smugly. "Now tell me, how are things with you and my brother?"

I pause. "Why do you ask?"

She hesitates. "I sensed a certain tension between you two the last time I saw you together."

"I don’t know what you’re talking about," I say, trying to sound casual but knowing I’m failing miserably.

Hailey gives me a knowing look, the kind that says she can see right through me. "Oh please. You can’t fool me."

I feel heat rise to my cheeks. "It’s nothing to worry about. We are working on some...things."

"Uh-huh," Hailey says, unconvinced.

I laugh despite myself. "Things are... different. Good different. He’s been really supportive and kind and—"

"And?" Hailey prompts, leaning forward eagerly.

The door opens, and Matthew walks in carrying a tray. "Lunch," he announces, then looks between us suspiciously. "What are you two whispering about?"

"Nothing," we say in unison, which only makes him look more suspicious.

"Right," he says slowly, placing the tray on the table. "They had chicken soup or beef stew. I got you both."

"Such a thoughtful brother," Hailey says with exaggerated sweetness.

Matthew narrows his eyes at her. "What do you want?"

"Can’t I just compliment my wonderful big brother without ulterior motives?" she asks innocently.

"No," he says flatly.

I laugh, and they both turn to look at me.

"Where is Josh?" Hailey asks.

"He said he had to take a call," Matthew says, giving Hailey a curious look. "Why? Did something happen?"

"Nothing at all," Hailey says, suddenly very interested in examining her nails. "Just wondering."

Matthew’s eyes narrow with suspicion as he looks between us. "Hailey, what are you up to?"

"Me? Nothing!" She protests with a dramatic hand over her heart. "Can’t I ask about a person’s whereabouts without being interrogated?"

I can’t help but smile at their sibling banter. I don’t have a brother or sister, so I have never experienced this. The kind that bickers and teases but would do anything for each other.

"You’ve known the guy for all of five minutes," Matthew points out.

"Sometimes that’s all it takes," Hailey retorts with a wink at me.

Matthew glares at her and turns to me. "How are you feeling? Any dizziness?"

"I’m fine," I say, reaching for the soup. "Just impatient."

"The doctor will be by in an hour," he informs me. "Maybe he’ll have good news."

"Or maybe he’ll say I need to stay another week," I grumble.

Hailey pats my hand sympathetically. "Look on the bright side – hospital food and uncomfortable beds!"

I laugh. "You’re terrible at cheering people up."

"I’m excellent at it," she corrects me. "You just laughed, didn’t you?"

The door opens again, and Josh returns, slipping his phone into his pocket. His eyes immediately find Hailey, and I notice him straighten his posture.

"Everything okay?" I ask him.

"Yeah, just work stuff," he says, waving it off. "Sorry about that."

Matthew clears his throat. "I think we should let Sarah rest. Doctor’s orders."

"You just brought lunch," I point out.

"And you can eat it while resting," he counters smoothly.

Josh nods, taking the hint. "I should get going anyway. I’ve got a client meeting in an hour."

"I’ll walk you out," Hailey says quickly, standing up. "I need to make a call myself."

Matthew watches them with suspicious eyes as they leave the room together, Josh holding the door open for Hailey.

Once they’re gone, Matthew turns to me with raised eyebrows. "What was that about?"

"I think your sister has a crush," I say, unable to hide my amusement.

Matthew groans. "On Josh? Seriously?"

"What’s wrong with Josh?" I ask defensively.

"Nothing," he says quickly. "Just... he’s not her type."

"And what exactly is Hailey’s type?"

Matthew shrugs. "Not Josh."

I laugh at his brotherly protectiveness. "You’re impossible."

"I don’t want my sister associating with him," he says.

"Why not? I thought you were worried about him liking me. Wouldn’t it be best for him to like her?" I counter.

Matthew’s jaw tightens. "That’s not what I meant."

"Then what did you mean?" I press, watching his face carefully.

He sighs, running a hand through his hair. "I just don’t want her getting hurt. Josh seems like the type who doesn’t stick around."

"You don’t know that," I say softly. "Besides, Hailey’s a grown woman. She can make her own decisions."

"Doesn’t mean I have to like them," he mutters.

I take a spoonful of soup, hiding my smile. There’s something endearing about his protectiveness, even if it’s misplaced.

"So," I say, changing the subject, "did you talk to the doctor? Any chance I can go home tomorrow?"

Matthew sits on the edge of the bed, his expression softening. "He mentioned your blood pressure is looking better. If the tests come back normal today, there’s a good chance."

My heart lifts. "Really?"

"Really," he confirms. "But—" he holds up a finger, "You will need to take it easy at home. No work for at least a week."

"A week?" I nearly choke on my soup. "Matthew, I can’t just—"

"You can and you will," he says firmly. "Doctor’s orders, not mine."

I slump back against the pillows. "Fine. But I’m not happy about it."

"Noted," he says dryly.

We sit in comfortable silence as I eat my soup. It’s strange how natural it feels now, being with Matthew like this. The awkwardness that used to define our interactions has gradually faded, replaced by something I can’t quite name.

"Matthew?" I say after a while.

"Hmm?"

"Thank you. For everything." I look down at my bowl, suddenly shy. "For taking care of me. For being here."

He doesn’t respond immediately, and when I look up, I find him watching me with an intensity that makes my breath catch.

"You don’t need to thank me," he says finally, his voice low. "I am your husband."

The word still sends a strange flutter through me. Husband. It’s been months, but sometimes it still feels surreal.

"Still," I insist.

Our eyes meet, and for a moment, everything else falls away. There’s something in his gaze, something warm and deep and achingly familiar, that makes me wonder what might have been if we’d met under different circumstances.

The moment stretches between us, electric and fragile.

Then his phone buzzes, shattering the silence. Matthew blinks and pulls it from his pocket, glancing at the screen.

"Work?" I ask, trying to ignore the disappointment I feel.

"No. It’s your Dad. I need to go talk to him," he says and leaves without saying another word.

Well...that was weird.