Bought Wife

The Contract

After leaving the enormous company, I still couldn’t believe it. I was going to marry my platonic love. I knew the circumstances were awful, but at least I would get to see him—and more importantly, I could help my mother and brother.

The next day, my mother woke up around eight in the morning.

“Sweetheart, get up! There’s a man downstairs who says he’s your future husband!” my mom announced, surprised.

“Nick is here, Mom?” I asked, shocked.

“So it’s true? You’re getting married and didn’t tell us anything? That’s the man from your phone wallpaper!” my mother said.

“Mom, please let me get dressed. I need to go downstairs quickly,” I said urgently. I didn’t want to keep him waiting or drag out this awkward moment any longer.

“I’ll be waiting downstairs, but you owe me a very good explanation,” she warned as she walked out of my room.

It only took me ten minutes to get ready—or at least try to look presentable. I mean, I wasn’t exactly fashionable; I was just a lingerie designer who, by the way, always modeled her own designs.

As I went down to the living room, “The great Nick Harrison” was sitting there, one leg crossed over the other, sipping from a cup of coffee.

“Good morning,” I greeted.

“Sis… what on earth are you wearing?” my brother teased, mocking my outfit.

“Mind your own business,” I snapped.

“Good morning,” Nick said politely.

“Sir, I just found out my daughter is marrying you. I mean, I’ve always known you were her platonic crush—she even has you as her phone wallpaper—but I never thought it would actually happen,” my mom said, completely embarrassing me.

“I understand. If you don’t object, I would like to ask for your daughter’s hand in marriage,” Nick said, pretending to be charming—it almost sounded real.

“I thought my sister would never get married, and now she’s marrying a rich guy!” Rafael, my brother, added with his usual lack of tact.

“Rafael, please shut up!” I said firmly. This couldn’t be more embarrassing.

“Sweetheart, are you sure you want to do this?” my mother asked. It was all so sudden, she couldn’t help but question it.

“Of course, Mom,” I replied.

“The wedding will be in a month. It will take place at my mansion,” Nick stated.

“You’re not getting married in a church?” my mother asked immediately.

“Not for now, ma’am. That’s a decision Alice and I have made,” Nick replied firmly.

“It’s okay, Mom. Don’t worry,” I said, trying to calm her down.

“I wanted to meet you all—you’re very pleasant. Now I must go. Alice, would you walk me to the door?” Nick said.

“Of course!” I replied. I walked Nick to the door, and once outside, he made some things clear.

“Miss, the wedding will be in one month because I need everyone to believe this relationship has been going on for a while,” Nick warned. He had stopped calling me by my name.

“And why is that?” I asked.

“Don’t forget rule number one—no questions,” he reminded me sharply.

“Yes, sir. I’m sorry,” I answered, slightly bowing my head.

“Mr. Jorge will pick you up tonight at 7 p.m. We need to talk and review what’s essential to survive public questioning,” Nick said.

“Alright, Nick,” I replied.

“In private, I am sir to you,” he said firmly.

“Understood, sir,” I agreed.

After Nick left the house, I walked back in quickly, only to find my mother standing there like a security guard.

“When were you planning to tell me you were getting married?” my mom questioned.

“You kept that well hidden, sis. But even if it annoys you, I’m really happy for you,” Rafael interrupted.

“Mom, I wanted him to be the one to tell you, that’s all,” I replied.

“Are you happy with this, sweetheart?”

“Mom, I feel like I’m going to burst with happiness.”

“If you’re happy, then I’m happy too,” my mom said.

“Me too, sis. I’m really happy for you.”

“Thank you both for your support. There’s something you should know: I’ll be moving into Nick’s mansion. I’ll have to leave you here, but I’ll still take care of your expenses,” I announced.

“Thanks, sis. You’ll see—when I finish school, I’ll help with the expenses.”

“I know, little brother.”

That night, Jorge was at my door right at 7 p.m., just like Nick had said. We arrived at Nick’s enormous mansion. I felt like I didn’t have enough eyes to take it all in—please excuse my lack of sophistication.

As we entered, Jorge told me Nick was in his office. When I walked in, he was adjusting his pants while a woman was putting on her heels.

“Am I interrupting?” I asked.

“Of course, you are,” Nick replied.

The woman left the office smiling. I knew exactly what was going on—I wasn’t nearly as naive as I might seem.

“Looks like you’re a very affectionate man,” I said, intruding.

“My private life is none of your business,” Nick responded coldly.

“You’re right. I’m sorry.”

“Let’s focus on what you’re here for.”

“I’m listening.”

“Here’s the contract. Let me go over the key points, Miss.”

“Please, go ahead. I’m ready to comply,” I nodded.

“Alright. We cannot have children. You must not fall in love with me. You will not ask about my affairs. In our private lives, we are free to do whatever we wish.”

“Anything else I should know, sir?”

“You cannot work. My wife must be seen as a woman devoted to her home—by everyone.”

“I understand, sir.”

“Lastly, your payment will be deposited weekly.”

“Very well, sir,” I answered dutifully.

“Now, let’s get to know each other… We met at a restaurant a year ago, and it was love at first sight. That’s our love story.”

“I understand, sir. What date exactly?”

“February 15th—last year.”

“Got it, sir.”

“This will be your home now, so you’re welcome here. I won’t interfere with how you dress, but a few changes wouldn’t hurt.”

“Excuse me, sir, but this is who I am, and I won’t change until I decide to,” I said firmly.

“Take the contract and sign it,” he said, looking at me seriously.