The Billionaire's Contract

Chapter 2

Like A Cage

Abby's Pov

I felt like I was in a cage, that was how I felt staying here in Nathaniel's mansion, as if I was a caged bird of some sort.

Every polished surface and magnificent chandelier seemed to make fun of my situation.

But my heart was absent, even though I had signed the contract.

My heart beat for Fred, my boyfriend I had loved for years and whose calls now made me feel both hopeful and afraid.

Sitting on the edge of the luxurious bed in my beautiful room, I gripped my phone firmly, my palms so sweaty.

My phone rang, jolting me from my thoughts.

Fred's name shone brightly on the screen as it showed another call from him.

After hesitating, I picked it up and muttered in a whisper,"Fred. "

His voice was urgent, almost desperate as he called my name. " Abby,

You've been avoiding me. Where are you?

"I haven't been avoiding you ." I answered, but my voice was tainted by guilt. " Its just that things have been difficult. "

"Difficult? he asked, his voice rising with rage. How does that even make sense, Abby? You vanished, and now you're married—or soon to be married—to some wealthy stranger?"

His words made me wince, the reality of my predicament piercing my heart more deeply than I wanted to .

" Fred, it wasn't my choice. My parents made the arrangements. They left me with no other option. " I said, my voice cracked.

"No option?" he sneered. We've been together for two years, Abby. I thought that we had a future. "

"We did ." I said in a whisper, my eyes threatening to well up with tears. But everything was different. I needed this arrangement for my family. It's about survival, not love. "

Fred was silent for a second and his voice was icy when he spoke.

"That's it? You gave yourself away to the highest bidder?

"Please don't say that, Fred." I begged. "That isn't the case. "

" So Abby, tell me about it ", he insisted. " Because it appears that you put money before us . You no longer love me. Is it because I was begging you to help me because I was in financial debt ? You were tired of me ?

The burden of his accusation was bearing down on me. I closed my eyes as my chest tightened.

" I'll explain everything." I said, my voice beginning to sound desperate. "Just allow me a moment to explain please. "

"When?" He questioned sharply .

"Tonight. We'll talk when I visit you tonight. I promise, you know how much I love you, Fred. " I said, hardly thinking.

"Fine." He said and after a brief moment he asked, "I need some money, babe. I have —"

" I'll do it. " I said before he could finish." I'll make the transfer. "

"Thanks , babe." He said and then hung up.

I experienced an odd mixture of relief and anxiety as I hung up the phone.

I hoped that seeing Fred again would make everything fall back into place.

I really do love him and couldn't wait to see him tonight.

After making the transfer and as I got up to go, I was startled by a deep voice behind me.

"And where exactly do you think you're going?"

With his arms crossed and a knowing smirk on his lips, Nathaniel was leaning casually against the doorframe when I turned around. My purse fell from my hands.

The room felt suddenly cold, and I tried to avoid his dark gaze at me. I swallowed hard.

"It's none of your concern. " I said, pretending to sound more confident than I actually was.

" None of my concern? he repeated with that smirk, never leaving his face.

"Abby, you're under *my* roof in *my* house, and you're obligated to *me* by a contract. So I would say that it is my damn business."

I scowled at him, my chest exploding with rage.

"I hate this. This arrangement, you and being here are all things I hate. "

I said, my voice shaking with repressed emotion.

As if my remarks were merely a minor irritation, Nathaniel's grin grew wider.

" Hate me all you want, sweetheart . But you are staying put. " He said and tucked his hands in his pockets.

"I'm not your child that you order around. I'm an adult ." I yelled, sweeping past him.

His hand sprang out, catching my wrist forcefully and squeezed it.

"Abby, don't test me. " He said, his voice was low and menacing.

My heart was racing as I wrenched my hand free. "Nathaniel, you don't own me." I said, raising my voice. "Even though this is your house, I am not yours. "

"No? he asked, raising an eyebrow in response." So why does it seem like you're already attempting to violate our agreement? Or is it not a breach of contract to sneak off to see your *boyfriend*? "

I felt a mixture of guilt and defiance as his words struck a chord with me. I gritted my teeth, "Fred is none of your business, "I said.

" On the contrary, "he said in a haughty tone. " You are my business, Abby. And you'll follow my rules as long as you

live here.

“Rules?” I sneered. Nathaniel, this isn't a marriage. Its a jail. "

" Call it what you want, "he shrugged. "You're not leaving through that door, Abby ."

I looked at him with tears in my eyes.

" I'm sorry. "I said, my voice cracking. I'm sorry I signed that contract. I'm sorry I accepted your proposal of marriage. Nathaniel, you don't have my heart. Its Fred. I love him . "

Something briefly flashed in his eyes, an emotion I couldn't quite understand.

But it vanished as quickly as it appeared to be replaced by his typical smirk.

With an almost amused tone he asked "Is that so? Well, maybe your heart ought to have thought about the repercussions before making unfulfillable promises. I didn't cast a spell on you so you can sign the contract, did I? I'm about to fulfill my own end of the bargain by helping your father's company, and he fulfilled his by us getting married." He grinned, and I wondered why someone so wicked would be this handsome." Cut me some slack, please. "

My chest ached with frustration and rage as I gazed at him.

With a rough brush, pushing him aside, I said, "You're unbearable. "

With a note of caution in his voice, he called after me. " Be careful, Abby. You are always welcome if you get a heartbreak. "

I was slapped by the cool night air as soon as I left the mansion.

I walked quickly, driven by a mix of desperation and rage. I needed to see Fred in order to clarify everything between us and to remind myself of who I was before this nightmare started.

Nathaniel's words continued to haunt me as I jumped into my car.

He was just conceited, annoying and everything I hated.

I didn't understand why, but there was something about him that made me uneasy.

I shook my head thinking. No. He's not important.

Fred is the most important person. The one I want to be with and if there's any chance to go back on the contract, I would.

Still, a persistent doubt snuck into my mind, asking questions I wasn't prepared to respond to.

What did he mean if I get a heartbreak? Silly, conceited fool

I forced the thoughts out of my mind and concentrated on the drive to Fred's apartment.