Chapter 6
1013 Words
Rita stood at the entrance of Donald's villa, her fingers tightening around the small travel bag she carried. The grand residence towered over her, its warm lights illuminating the elegant architecture that looked straight out of a magazine.
Everything about it screamed luxury. Everything about it reminded her that she did not belong here.
Emma smiled encouragingly as the butler stepped forward.
"Welcome home, Mrs. Hart." The elderly man bowed politely. "My name is Jay. I am the butler of this residence. If you ever need anything, please don't hesitate to tell me."
Rita smiled awkwardly. "Thank you..."
Several maids lined up behind him, greeting her respectfully.
She couldn't get used to everyone calling her Mrs. Hart. It still felt unreal.
Moments later, footsteps echoed from the staircase.
Donald descended in a simple black shirt and matching trousers. His expression remained as unreadable as ever.
"The doctor said you're fine?"
Rita nodded. "Yes."
An uncomfortable silence followed. The Butler and the maid excused themselves, with Michael following behind.
"I'm sorry," Rita muttered, feeling embarrassed.
Donald's brows lifted slightly.
Rita lowered her head. "I passed out at your house and worried everyone." She continued. "I caused unnecessary trouble."
Instead of looking annoyed, Donald let out a faint chuckle. "I should be thanking you."
She looked up in confusion.
"Your acting was convincing. My family completely believed it."
Rita blinked. "You... aren't upset?"
"You helped make our marriage believable."
He walked toward the coffee table and picked up a black leather notebook.
"There is something I need you to do."
He handed it to her.
Rita accepted it carefully.
"This notebook contains my daily schedule."
She opened it curiously.
Neatly written pages listed appointments, meetings, reminders and notes.
Donald continued. "Every morning, the first time you see me.. I want you to introduce yourself."
Rita tilted her head. "Introduce... myself?"
"As my wife." He spoke calmly, as though discussing business. "Then read everything written in the notebook, including the previous activities. "
He didn't elaborate further.
"When you're done, return the notebook to my room."
Rita nodded thoughtfully.
"So every morning, I greet you. I will introduce myself. I read your schedule. Then I return the notebook."
Donald nodded once. "And one more thing."
Rita blinked as she gulped down.
"Don't enter my room unless you are returning the notebook, and that will be after I'm awake. Make sure you don't cross the boundaries" His tone was calm but carried a lot of warning.
She looked at him. "I understand." To Rita, it simply sounded like another responsibility. Almost like one of the administrative jobs she used to apply for.
If reading a notebook every morning was part of her duties as his contract wife, she could certainly handle it.
****
The next morning, sunlight filtered gently through the curtains.
Rita glanced at the clock; it was 6:30AM. She immediately got out of bed.
"I hope I'm not late." After washing up, she hurried downstairs with the notebook.
Only to freeze. Her face turned pale, as if she had just seen a ghost
Donald was already sitting in the dining room. A cup of black coffee rested beside him. He looked unusually distant this morning. His gaze lingered on her for a moment, as if he was trying to remember something.
Rita quickly composed herself. She bowed politely.
"Good morning, Mr Hart. My name is Rita Hart. I'm your wife." A brief silence followed.
Donald looked at her.
She wondered if she had done something wrong. Then she opened the notebook.
"Yesterday's schedule was completed."
"You attended the board meeting at nine."
"The overseas video conference at eleven."
"The investment proposal review at two."
"The Hart Foundation charity approval at four."
She flipped to today's page.
"Today's schedule begins with breakfast before leaving for Sterling Tech at eight thirty."
"There's a meeting with the legal department at ten."
"A luncheon with overseas investors at noon."
"A project inspection at three."
She closed the notebook. "That's everything."
Donald gave a slight nod. "Thank you. I will pass on breakfast "
He stood, adjusted his cufflinks. "I will be leaving."
"I hope your day goes well," Rita said, beaming a smile while trying to control her shaky legs.
He stopped briefly. "You too." Then he walked out.
Rita stared after him and let out a loud sigh of relief.
He really was an unusual person.
Not long after breakfast, Rita's phone rang.
"Mom?"
Her mother's anxious voice immediately came through.
"Rita!"
"What exactly is happening?"
She frowned.
"What do you mean?"
"This morning..."
"A group of men arrived."
"They moved us out of the apartment."
"They said this villa belongs to you now."
Daniel's voice echoed excitedly in the background.
"Sis!"
"This place has a garden!"
"And my room is bigger than our old house!"
Rita slowly covered her forehead.
She had completely forgotten.
Donald had promised to arrange everything.
"Mom..."
"It's a long story."
"A very long one."
"Then start explaining." Her mother demanded.
"I..."
Rita hesitated.
"I will come over today. It will be easier to explain face-to-face."
Her mother sighed. "Alright. I'm waiting"
After hanging up, Rita leaned back on the sofa.
She had been so occupied with the contract marriage that she hadn't told her family any of it.
She could already imagine the questions waiting for her.
...
By the time Rita returned from visiting her mother, the sun had already set.
The drive back gave her plenty of time to think.
Donald had done far more than he promised.
The new villa wasn't extravagant like the Hart residence, but it was spacious, safe and comfortable.
Most importantly, it wasn't far away.
Daniel could continue his treatment without difficulty.
Her mother would have proper security.
Even if her father came looking for trouble...
He would never get through the guards stationed outside.
A grateful smile appeared on Rita's face.
Perhaps Donald wasn't as cold as he seemed to be.
The aroma of fresh vegetables drifted from the kitchen as she stepped inside. An idea suddenly crossed her mind.
"I should cook dinner."
- Writer
