Until the Contract Ends

4

Xavier Sterling was known to be very mysterious. His grand press debut was about 4 years ago when he was 23. He made headlines for creating a revolutionary AI algorithm that disrupted the tech industry overnight.Since then, he had built Sterling Corp into a global powerhouse, that anticipated trends months before the industry thought of them.

No one knows anything about his family. The closest the press got to finding out was a rumor saying he mentioned that he never knew his parents as his earliest memories were in an orphanage. He said no couples ever looked his way. At 18 he went and studied data science in a community college. Got an internship at a tech company, and they retained him. Eventually he started his own tech company. Built it from the bottom up, and knew exactly how to get investors. By year 2 stocks were selling out faster than investors could buy. He’d gotten his first office building just a year ago.

“I don’t know about this bug” Conrad said after Nadia explained Xavier’s offer

“Dad, I wasn’t sure about it either, but it’s like a blessing if you think of it” Nadia said.

“Blessing?? Are you serious Nadia?”

“It couldn’t have come at a better time. We’re about to lose it all and I don’t have another month and a half to raise the remaining money. Also, it’s convenient for me cause everyone will finally SHUT UP about who I’m dating”

“Have you even looked him up?” Conrad asked

“I had Jaqie do that for me. He seems like a good guy” Nadia replied

“Parents?”

“He doesn’t know about them”

“education?”

“Was in the system till 18. Went to community college and studied some tech stuff. Now he’s heading his own tech company. Sterling Corp”

“Are you sure about this?”

“Dad chill I’m not actually getting married. It’s a contract. And I don’t like him. I’ve met him just once and I already know he’s insufferable” She said, rolling her eyes as far back as they can get

“I just don’t want the feeling of selling my bug just for a company” Conrad said, clearly disheartened.

“I’m doing this on my own accord. Besides, it’s my company too”

“And mine” Mali said as she walked into the room.

Mali was Nadia’s only sister and sibling. She was just 18 but she was a director at WhitCo. She’d just picked their mom from the airport. Evana. Nadia got up and gave their mom a hug

“Welcome home mom. How was your trip?” Nadia asked as she helped with the bags.

“It was great honey. I’m just glad I survived Mali’s driving” Evana joked

“Heyy, I am a licensed driver” Mali said trying to defend herself

They laughed.

“My trip was nothing special. What I am interested in is how you saved WhitCo single handed” Evana asked as she sat next to Conrad. He placed his arm around her shoulder.

“I didn’t do it completely alone, I had Jacqueline and Mr. Bennett there to help”

“But they were your decisions right? I got goosebumps just hearing what you did in a month” Evana said.

“Yeah yeah. Anyways I have news” Nadia said smiling sheepishly “MALI!!!” she yelled

Mali came downstairs

“What is it?” Mali asked annoyed

“I have something important to tell you two” Nadia said

“What is she talking about now Connie? Evana asked as he turned to face Conrad

“The news is…”

“This better be good” Mali said getting impatient

“I’m getting married”

“I just knew you were full of s**t” Mali said

“Okay hun, that’s really funny. Now what’s the news?”

“That is the news” Nadia said

“To Xavier Sterling. He offered to clear the rest of the company debt… if I marry him”

“Sterling…Sterling… Sterling Corp?” Mali asked

“Yesss! Him” Nadia said “It’s not an actual marriage he just needs a wife for his current image. Divorced after 30 months”

“Are you sure about this?” Evana asked “Come on Conrad, are you comfortable with this?” She said asking her husband

“I’ve tried to talk her out of it. But she won’t budge,” Conrad said. He’d already given up.

“Alright then,” Evana said.

They all agreed without much of an argument cause everyone knew that when Nadia had her mind made up about something, there was no convincing her otherwise.

“Thank you guys. You’ll see, these will be the fastest 30 months ever”

*****************

Xavier sat in his swivel chair. It was a quiet work evening. He was supposed to have clocked out for the day but decided to enjoy the quiet of his office. A call came in on the intercom. It was his secretary, Stacy.

“Stacy I’ve closed for the day” Xavier sighed

“I’m sorry sir but a woman is here saying she has to see you”

“Tell her to book a meeting day and we’ll fit that into my schedule… say 3 weeks from now cause I’m very busy”

“She’s already on her way to the office sir” Stacy sighed

“3 weeks? I thought you don’t have that long” Nadia said

“Ms. Whitmore. I didn’t expect you to be here until after the whole week”

“I made up my mind quickly. And I’ve spoken to my bosses”

“So, what will it be?” Xavier asked

“I accept your offer” Nadia said with a straight face

“Okay then. We’ll take a few pictures and I’ll tell my secretary to post”

“Nothing too serious please” Nadia said

“We get married in a month” Xavier said

“Such short notice”

“As for the conditions, you won’t actually be my partner so I don’t expect you to be faithful. We’ll leave it open but please be discrete about it. I don’t want the press thinking I can’t commit” Xavier said

“I have an image too. I don’t want to be the cheating wife or the wife who gets cheated on” Nadia said.

“Works for me. 30 months” Xavier said as he stretched his hand forward

“30 months” Nadia said as she shook his hand.