CADEN

With bags of groceries in my arms (we haven't had a homemade meal for quite a long time), I walk into the quiet and dim apartment.

It smells of coffee, flowers, and a mixture of detergents.

I manage to slip my foot from the army boots when Mad emerges from the bathroom, running over to wrap her hands around my waist.

She's happy, just as she has been ever since we became official. Not to sound like a psycho, but her happiness is the highlight of my life.

"I missed you," she whines in my chest, clutching me tighter, not caring about the bags in my hand.

Today was the first time I left home since we came back from our unfortunate trip.

I spent half the day choosing a replacement car and the other half getting trained for my new intern job at a surprisingly well-paying government agency.

It's true, I sold the vehicle I was so attached to. After finally having human emotions, feeling something strong for Mad, and even a little for Martha through her speech, I realized the Porsche was replaceable.

Since Mad and I are on our own, and I have two years ahead before getting my hands on my trust funds, we need the money.

Besides, the Porsche cost a fortune, but I found a nice white jeep and boosted my wallet with some thousands.

I came back home past ten at night, eager to walk into the new year with Mad.

Oh, I forgot the part about the weird encounter with the girl who blew me off a couple of times, Annie was it? Well, screw it! It's not like I write down the names of girls I fucked before.

I found her relaxing on the hood of a Ford outside the apartment building, spruced up like she just escaped from a fancy wedding dinner.

"Caden, thank fuck. I just came down from your apartment wanting to steal you for the night," she said.

"You went up there?" I panicked, suddenly feeling a bitter outbreak in my throat.

She ruined everything. Who knows how Mad feels about me now?

"Yes, your psychotic sister was so rude; she slammed the door in my face," she rolled her eyes and slowly approached me.

"That alone?" I sneered. I wish she had thrown you through the window.

"Excuse?" she asked, resembling a detective. What did she want?

"Why are you here?" Irritated, I snarled impatiently.

Spit it out.

I have bags of groceries; I don't need puzzles and games wasting my time.

Her hands came to my chest, a malicious smile tugging at her lips.

"I know your secret. I know you and your sister have feelings for each other. I am sure you'd prefer I remain hush about it since we both know all the holy books disagree with incest. But that depends on what card you choose. I have mercy, and I have Zombies World War cards," her tongue whirling against the roof of her mouth. "It's up to you." She smirks.

My brows compressed, forcefully swallowing down the resentment.

"Is that blackmail or a threat?"

With a slutty scowl, she answers, "It's just me giving you a chance to have me. Make me your girlfriend, and I will keep your secret. I am sure you don't want your baby sister heartbroken."

Interesting, someone caught feelings.

I lean towards her with a fake frown, guaranteeing, "Didn't know you're so cheap." It was my turn to smirk. "Bad news, I don't do filthy tickets."

No one threatens me. I never promised affection to any girl I've been with. She should know better than this.

Provoked and maddened by my attitude, she swallows and blinks before breathing out, "Are you sure?"

What's so surprising? Did she really think I'd drop these bags and give her a movie-worthy kiss? Snatch her hands in mine and open the passenger door to my car for her, like a gentleman, elope, and find a church to get married?

Pathetic.

I thought she was better than this.

"More than I've ever been," I shrugged, nonchalantly. It's not like anyone is going to believe her stupid assumptions without proof, and that is something Mad and I never left for anyone outside our apartment. And there was no one in our apartment if not the two of us.

Boldly, I instructed in her face, "Now get lost; it will be bad luck starting the year with your hideous face."

Enraged, she squeaked, "You are going to regret this," before storming off to the vehicle that she must have borrowed.

So that memory got me stepping out of Mad's embrace, with my head cocked to an angle, pessimistically, and hooded eyes studying her, waiting for the worst to happen.

She must have something to say to me. We both know Mad hated Adalyn. There's no way she's content having her knocking at our door, asking for me.

There's no way!

I am sure the hug was a trick; she was going to explode any moment.

Cautiously, I inspected her natural features; she was still smiling but seemed a little confused at my suspicious behavior.

"Are you good?" I gently questioned.

Her eyes narrowed, "Ahem until now that you're acting like I'm some alien, I'm fine."

"Nothing weird happened? Like when I was out? No one visited?" I scrutinized her.

A frown that said her patience was wearing off suddenly placed on her goddess's face. "No, Caden! Are we expecting something?"

"No! No, no," I rushed. Maybe the lunatic girl outside had lied. Or maybe Mad doesn't care anymore. Either way, as long as it doesn't worry Mad, fine with me. "I-I just..."

She didn't let me finish when she excitedly interrupted with a surprising proposal that woke up every piece of me.

"We should get married now?"

Did she just say yes?

"I was watching 'The Vow,' and I thought about what you said back in New York," she smiled, blushing deeply. "If we are mating forever, there's no need to waste time not getting done with this marriage thing. Hell yes! She's saying we should get married. "We are not guaranteed tomorrow or later. But whatever happens, I want to be your wife, and you, my husband."

"You sure?" I asked as she tucked the locks of her hair behind her ear and smiled warmly.

"More than I've ever been." She used my line from the dialogue I had with the obsessed girl outside the building earlier before I got here.

"Dad is not only kicking you out of his house this time. He's going to kill you," I chuckled.

"I thought he disowned me?" She rolled her eyes and continued, "Anyway, I know my rights and freedom; I know I can have you." That part made me laugh, softly. "More importantly, I also know it's high time we get to be treated equally. So if he abominates you and the idea of you and me together, he has to hate me too." She breathed, pulling me by the arm further into the apartment until we're standing in the middle of the living room.

"So marry me, Caden Thaddeus," she directly required. "Make my new year a new diverse story. Wash away my unwanted memories, be my husband for next year and the thousands yet to come."