Chapter2
1542 Words
The contract
Bella walked around her small flat with the business card of Samuel Asher in her hand. She had hardly slept because her mind was full of concerns.
Morning sunlight awoke her, and she was still in her old curtains, and that was when she knew she had no time.
Her phone buzzed. It was Jonathan.
"Hey, Bells. Did you... uh, meet anyone last night?
Bella sighed. You mean your boss? Yeah, Jona. What were you thinking?
"I was thinking about helping my best friend," Jonathan said, his voice defensive. "Are you going to meet him today?"
Bella hesitated. I don't know. This whole thing feels wrong."
Just hear him out, okay? For me?"
After hanging up, Bella stared at the card again. With shaky fingers, she dialed the same Asher's number on the business card.
A crisp voice answered, Mr. Asher's office.
This is Bella Thompson. I... I'd like to speak with Mr. Asher."
"One moment, please."
Seconds later, Samuel's deep voice filled the line. Ms. Thompson. I'm glad you called.
"I haven't agreed to anything," Bella said quickly.
Of course not. Shall we discuss it over lunch? My driver can pick you up at noon.
Bella took a deep breath. Okay. But this is just ordinary talk. I'm not promising anything.
"Understood. I look forward to our meeting.
Just before twelve o’clock, a black shiny car was parked in front of Bella’s apartment complex. The driver was a man with a rather stern expression on his face and dressed in a black suit; he opened the door for her.
"Ms. Thompson, he nodded.
The ride was silent and tense. Bella watched the city scenery change from her rundown neighborhood to the glitzy downtown area. They arrived at a restaurant that Bella had only seen on the TV.
Samuel was outside waiting for her, and he looked very handsome in formal clothes, a black suit. He smiled at seeing Bella.
"Ms. Thompson. Shall we?"
They were seated at a secluded table. Bella felt out of place in her simple dress among the posh crowd.
"Order whatever you like," Samuel said, not even glancing at the menu.
Bella scanned the prices and winced. "Maybe just a salad."
Samuel raised an eyebrow. Oh! No. You'll need your strength for our discussion. I recommend the steak.
After they ordered, Samuel leaned forward, his eyes intense. "Let's talk business, shall we?"
Bella nodded, her mouth dry.
"As Jonathan probably told you, I need a wife to inherit my grandfather's company. That's where I need a responsible young lady like you."
Sam was the only son of his father, and his father died in a vehicle accident some years ago while Sam was still in college. His grandfather, William Asher, was a billionaire and owned many assets, among which was his multinational oil refinery company with many shareholders.
His grandfather wanted to step down as the CEO of the company due to his old age. Meanwhile, Samuel's father was the right person to take over his position as the CEO, but death took his life too soon. William Asher decided to compensate his grandson with the CEO position, but William Asher's sons and daughters, executives and the shareholders frowned at the decision to make Sam the CEO and tried to bring up an excuse that he was not yet married. Most of them threatened to leave because the company would tend to lose many business deals.
"Why me?" Bella asked. "Surely there are plenty of women who'd jump at the chance to marry you."
Samuel's lips twitched. Perhaps. But I need someone who understands this is strictly business. No emotions, no complications. Just a contract."
Bella frowned. "That sounds... cold."
"It's practical. You have played the role of my wife for two years. Attend events and smile for photos. In return, you get fifty thousand dollars and... assistance with your brother's wrongful conviction.
Bella's heart skipped. "You'd help my brother?"
Samuel nodded. The best lawyers, private investigators. Whatever it takes to get him a fair trial."
It was tempting. So tempting. But...
"What's the catch?" Bella asked.
Samuel smiled; he saw the look of a hawk that had just spotted its prey in his eyes. Smart girl. The catch is, while we are ‘married’ your life is mine. Where you go, what you do, who you see has to fit the narrative.
Bella's eyes widened. That’s… a lot to ask. ”
"Well, freedom for your brother is not cheap, is it?"
Bella bit her lip. He was right, and he knew it.
"What about... physical stuff?" she asked, blushing.
Samuel chuckled. Relax, Ms. Thompson. I'm not asking you to sleep with me. We'll have separate bedrooms. But we will have to act affectionately in public. Hand-holding, the occasional kiss. Nothing too scandalous."
Bella nodded, relieved but still uneasy.
"So," Samuel said, pushing a thick document across the table. "Do we have a deal?"
Bella stared at the contract, her heart pounding. This was it. The moment that could change everything.
"Can I... can I have some time to think about it?"
Samuel's eyes narrowed. I don't have enough time for you to think, Ms. Thompson, he said, “All I need is your answer now.”
Bella breathed in deeply. She thought of her brother, alone and in danger. She thought of the life she could give him with this money. She thought of the whole two years she'd sacrificed just because of her brother.
"Okay, I have agreed, I'll do it." She said softly.
Samuel's smile was triumphant. Excellent. Sign here, please.
With shaking hands, Bella picked up the pen. Just as she was about to sign, Samuel's phone rang.
"Excuse me," he said, answering. His face darkened as he listened. I see. I'll be right there.
He dropped the phone and looked so worried. Sorry, we will have to end our discussion now, there is an urgent matter at the office I have to attend to. ”
Bella nodded, secretly relieved by the delay.
Take the contract home. Read it carefully. I'll send a car for you tomorrow morning. Be ready to sign... and to move into my mansion.
Bella's eyes widened. Move in? But-"
“We are engaged now, don’t you understand?” Samuel replied with a smile. “It would look rather odd if we didn’t live apart”. Don’t worry, all your expenses will be met.
He got to his feet, fastening his jacket. Oh, and Ms. Thompson? When you sign that piece of paper, bear in mind what the contract is, then you are in it for the number of years stated. You’re going into something you’ll want to think about.
With that, he got up from the table and walked out of the restaurant, and Bella was left with the unsigned contract and a head full of questions.
Bella looked at the contract paper, clutching it to her chest as she stepped out of the restaurant. Her phone rang. It was a text from an unknown number.
Don't sign it. Asher is dangerous. Meet me at the park tomorrow at 9 AM if you want the truth. - J
Bella stared at the message, her heart racing. Who was J? And what truth did he or she know about Samuel Asher?
Looking at the restaurant one more time and then at the phone, she was doubting what to go for between on two decisions. The document she held in her hands was a contract that seemed to have become even more burdensome to her. Samuel's words echoed in her mind. You stick to a deal once you have signed the contract; you cannot change your mind again. ”
But now, this mysterious J was offering another way. A chance to learn something that could change everything. Bella's mind raced with possibilities. Was J trying to help her, or was this another trap?
She started walking, her steps uncertain. The busy city streets seemed to blur around her as she grappled with her decision. Sign the contract and secure her brother's future, or meet this mysterious J and potentially uncover some dark secret about Samuel Asher?
When Bella was at the subway station, she decided. She would go to the park the next day. Whatever this J had to say, she needed to hear it before she completely committed herself to two years of her life.
However, as she entered the station and it began getting darker, she felt goosebumps all over her body. She had a feeling that someone was behind her, although she could not turn her head and see that person. With the corner of her eye, Bella looked back at her shoulder; all she could see were the typical people on the bus.
Still, as she boarded the train, clutching the contract close to her chest, she couldn't help but wonder, had she already got into something that she could not turn back?
The door shut with an audible sound and Bella saw her face reflected in the window’s dirty surface. She could see the look of both fear and resolve in her eyes. Regardless of what would occur the next day, there was no way to go back to what was done.
- Writer
