CHAPTER 55

Valerie's POV

Finding out a huge part of my life like this is something I never want Mother to know about. I never gave it serious thinking. I just assumed she wouldn't mind as long as her goals were achieved.

But seeing her mouth still hanging open, I feel ashamed of myself and I wish she didn't get to eavesdrop on my conversation with Ryan.

It is embarrassing.

It is as embarrassing as letting Ryan know that I am still a virgin, despite all the wild parties and the silly things I have done in the past as well as my strong-headedness.

"A contract marriage?" She demands again, as though she still can not believe what she clearly heard. Finally, she shuts her mouth while I slouch to the bed with my head lowered down in shame.

We shouldn't have done this here.

"Valerie, talk to me. What did he mean by a contract marriage? Did you two sign a contract?" She grabs an ottoman and sits on it while she faces me squarely.

I guess Ryan was still enraged to even answer yes or no to mom when she