Chapter 26: The Marriage It's Just a Facade.

No one said a word as they headed to the Embassy. Tanaga wanted to talk about the wedding and go over the possible questions the Consul might ask. But the events at the boutique seemed to have left them at an impasse. The silence continued until they arrived at the Embassy.

Ashley was about to get out of the car, but Tanaga stopped her. "We need to talk before we go in." He didn't seem to care that he hurt her feelings earlier, or even bother to offer her an apology. Ashley was fed up with him and his insults. His words at the boutique bothered her the most.

She was no longer the ignorant, naïve girl she was when they first met. She was under the impression the marriage was a formality that needed to be made official on paper, but not to bind them as a couple in reality. She believed that was what Tanaga wanted and had tried to make sure she understood that. She spoke up before he had a chance to start.

"If we're talking about our marriage, you don't have to worry. I know it's just a façade if that's what you were about to remind me. I assure you, whenever you want a divorce, I will have no problem signing the necessary papers. As for my payment, I signed a contract for ten million. That's all I'll expect to get when the time comes." She opened the door and stepped out, not caring what else he had to say.

When the guard saw Ashley coming, he quickly opened the door with a big smile. His eyes were fixated on her beautiful curves, practically drooling. "Good day! Please, come in."

Ashley smiled back and walked inside with her chin held high. She'd left Tanaga sitting in the car, frozen like a statue with his mouth gaping.

Tanaga could not believe what she had just said to him. He followed not far behind her, still dazed and confused by what he'd heard. As the guard was about to close the door after Ashley, he noticed the handsome man following her.

The guard graciously held the door open and waited for Tanaga. As he approached, the guard greeted him with an amiable smile. Tanaga's face went sour when he saw the guard's smile. He'd seen the way he looked at Ashley.

"What? Did you like what you saw? I'm sorry, she mine. So shut your mouth and wipe away that embarrassing drool." He walked in right behind Ashley.

The guard lowered his head, quickly wiping his arm across his mouth in shame.

===

"So, you two are here to get married?" the Consul asked.

"Yes." Both replied, still on bad terms. The Consul immediately noticed their distant attitudes, which was unusual for people who were about to get married.

"One question, one answer. Do you love each other?"

"Yes," Tanaga responded quickly, but Ashley didn't reply. The uncertainty she felt was clearly written on her face. The Consul frowned and asked again. This time, he directed the question to Ashley and spoke in Tagalog, hoping Tanaga didn't understand the language.

"My fellow Filipino, are you being forced into this marriage? If you don't love him and don't want to marry him, then don't. You don't have to," the Consul said. As the Consul spoke to her, his eyes were focused on her chest, admiring the cleavage that peeked out from the neckline of her dress.

That was the Consul's mistake. Tanaga was fluent in Tagalog and had understood every word. The groom lost his patience.

"If you're done leering at my bride, can we move forward with this marriage? Or do I need to call your superiors first?" Tanaga spoke fiercely, his expression matching his tone.

The Consul was suddenly sweating bullets. Tanaga's words made him feel as though he might have a heart attack. He knew who Tanaga Jones was, and he also knew he wasn't known for bluffing. He knew deciding to cross this man would be a decision that would also destroy his career.

His knowledge of Tanaga resulted in a quick response. "Yes, sir! I'm sorry. Of course, let's carry on with this wedding." He performed the ceremony in minutes, and the papers were signed in no time at all. Then it occurred to the Consul that he had skipped one of the most significant parts. "Ah! I forgot the best part. Tanaga Jones and Ashley Gusman, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

As soon as the Consul spoke those words, Tanaga reached out, cupping Ashley's face and pulling it towards him. He kissed his wife's lips so hard she could barely breathe.