The Royal Contract

Chapter 565: A doting husband

He had to be careful in handling the conversation. He had to act convincingly in front of his guest, but that was easy. He had been trained to be charming and compelling when luring clients.

He did not want his father-in-law to suspect anything unusual. He sensed that he was listening carefully to his every word and watching every gesture he made.

“Yes, I am sorry for the late call.” She started to say on the other line. But she did not finish the remaining of her sentences when Troy cut her off.

She was about to inform him that her flight had been delayed. She was supposed to arrive in an hour. Then, he was picking her up at the airport. But her words were lost when he started talking.

“No worries, honey. I will be there on time. By the way, your father unexpectedly came by.” He used a word of endearment in the conversation to make her father believe in their act.

“But I am coming to pick you up as soon as we finish our chitchat.” Then, followed it with an explanation so that she would not get confused about his act.

He was giving her a heads-up that his father had unexpectedly come to visit him. He did not want her to learn it from someone else and be surprised.

.....

They had agreed never to keep secrets from each other. Most especially when it would affect the other in some way. He believed that she should know what his father was up to.

“Are you saying that my father is there with you right now?” Tyra voiced her concern, quickly forgetting about her initial reason for calling.

She was not expecting that her father would actually go out of his way to confront her fake husband about his investment scheme. She could only think of one reason for him to visit her fake husband.

Now, she had confirmed that her father was desperate because, in any other circumstance, he would not stoop so low as to ask from her husband for help.

She knew what her father thought of Troy. He was very vocal about his dislike of him. But for her father to visit him at this time. Then, he must be really in big trouble with his company.

“Yes, and he sends his regards,” Troy said, almost laughing at his words, but he managed to control it and instead smiled like a schoolboy, talking to his crush.

He had met many men like him. There was no love in the man sitting across from him. He concluded that his father-in-law only knew how to use people, nothing more.

“Funny!” She knew he was joking. “You are enjoying this act too much.” She reprimanded him and giggled at the same time.

She never thought that she would ever feel this happy and carefree, talking about her father. It was all because of this kind, thoughtful man she married.

She realized that it might be a fake marriage according to their arrangement. But it might as well be a real one. They were almost living like they were actually a couple.

The only lacking in their relationship was the consummation of their marriage. Other than that, the two could easily pass up as a real married couple from another’s perspective.

“We are stuck in this. Might as well have fun with it.” He whispered into the receiver, making sure that his guest would not hear him. He always used it as an excuse why he enjoyed her company.

But at this point, he already realized that losing her would be devastating for him. He had become attached to her, but he was unsure if it had something to do with love. Not yet.

Nonetheless, he was not about to declare his feelings for her. Not until he saw a sign that she also felt something for him. He did not want to rock the boat when it was cruising smoothly on a steady shore.

“Anyway, I will see you later, my love.” Blowing her a kiss on the phone before ending the call. ????n????????e????????. ????o????

He did not wait for her reply since he wanted to get rid of his unwanted guest at the soonest possible. He had to hurry because he still had to pick her up.

She was trying to say something on the other line, but he failed to hear her as he pressed the end call button on the screen. He returned his attention back to his guest.

He did not want his father to hear any more of their conversation, afraid that he might say something that could trigger his curiosity,

“I am sorry about that.” He said, placing his phone down on the table as he faced his father-in-law again. “Tyra sends her love.” Of course, it was a lie, but he could not help himself from saying it.

But the smile on the other man’s lips was obviously forced as he acknowledged his statement. He concluded that the love between the father and the daughter had always been one-sided.

“Judging from what I heard, you seem to be spoiling my daughter.” He said, running his fingers through his beard as he spoke to him. It was as if he was thinking of something.

He wondered if he could stir some trouble in their relationship. He knew a few things about breaking up a marriage based on mistrust and misunderstandings.

“I will give her everything she wanted if I could.” He admitted, but this time, he meant it.

However, he looked at his father suspiciously, thinking he might be up to something. He could only speculate that it might not be anything good.

“Well, it is just that you might be overdoing it. Next thing you know, Tyra might be abusing your generosity.” He stated as if he was stating a fact.

Planting a seed could sometimes bear fruit, but it depends on the situation. Some ripened on age and became sweet and tasty, but some might also rot before reaching maturity.

He was hoping for the latter. He was hoping that Troy would divorce his daughter. Then, Tyra would be free to marry another. Someone more worthy to be with her. Someone he approved of.

“I don’t mind if she does. But I don’t think she is anything like that. She will never take advantage of me.” He defended his wife, not liking the implication that this man was saying about his own flesh and blood.

In this arrangement, he was the one that would accept payment for his services at the end of this charade. But, he never actually cared about the money. He only wanted to help his wife with her situation.

“Anyway, if you don’t mind, but I still have a few things to finish before I leave.” Troy finally had enough of his visitor. “I will get back to you as soon as we finish reviewing your proposal.”

He stood up from his chair and guided the man to the door. He was not giving him any more of his time because he did not deserve it.

He did not like the man who raised his wife. The old man did not even show his own daughter some respect. At this point, he was not just protecting his wife. He would also become a doting husband.