Chapter 6: The Decision
674 Words
Sumayah woke before her alarm, heart pounding as though it already knew what her mind was still trying to decide.
The early light filtered through her thin curtains, painting her small apartment in soft gold. For a brief second, she allowed herself to pretend it was just another ordinary day.
But it wasn’t.
Today, she would either protect her fragile stability or surrender it for something uncertain and dangerous.
She dressed more carefully than usual. A cream blouse. A fitted black skirt. Minimal makeup. She needed to look composed.
By the time she reached Hills Ventures, Omarion was already in his office when she arrived. She could see him through the glass wall, straight-backed, unmoving, waiting.
He looked like he was waiting for someone, probably her.
She dropped her bag and walked to the office, knocked once and entered after being responded to.
He turned slowly, reading her face.
“Well?” He asked.
Sumayah inhaled deeply.
“Goodmorning sir, without hesitation “I’ll do it.”
The word hung between them. Omarion didn’t smile. He didn’t celebrate, But something in his shoulders eased, as though a weight he had been carrying alone had finally reduced.
“Are you certain?” he asked quietly.
“No,” she replied honestly. “But I understand the consequences if I refuse.”
His eyes held hers for a moment longer, searching for hesitation. Finding none.
“Then we proceed.”
She raised her left hand slightly. “But on my terms.”
A faint flicker of intrigue crossed his face. “Go on.”
“If this is a contract marriage, then it will remain one,” she said firmly. “Separate bedrooms. No interference in my personal dignity. No humiliating situations for publicity.”
He nodded. “Agreed.”
“And after one year, we divorce. Cleanly. No delays.”
“Agreed.”
She swallowed. “And I want financial independence. Not an allowance. Not gifts. A secured settlement that ensures I never have to beg for stability again.”
Omarion studied her carefully. “You negotiate well,” he said.
“I’ve had to,” she replied.
He walked to his desk and opened a folder, sliding out a revised document.
“I anticipated your conditions,” he said. “You’ll have a legal team assigned to review everything. Nothing will bind you beyond what we both sign.”
Her brows lifted slightly. “You’re very prepared.” she said quietly.
His gaze sharpened, but he didn’t speak. Instead, he stepped closer, close enough that the air between them shifted.
“There’s one more thing,” he said.
She stiffened. “What?”
“You will move into my home immediately after the wedding. For appearances.”
Her pulse quickened. “How soon is the wedding?”
“Two weeks.”
“Two what?” Her voice caught. “That’s impossible.”
It has to be quick,” he said calmly. “The board must see stability. The media must believe it wasn’t impulsive.”
She stared at him. “It is impulsive.”
“No,” he corrected softly. “It’s strategic.”
Sumayah let out a slow breath, trying to steady herself. Two weeks to transform from invisible secretary to Mrs. Hills.
Two weeks to become a public figure.
Two weeks to lose the quiet anonymity she had built her life around.
“Fine,” she said at last.
“Fine?” he repeated.
“Two weeks.” Omarion extended his hand.
For a moment, she hesitated. Then she placed her hand in his. His grip was firm. Warm. Controlled.
“Welcome to the beginning,” he said.
She didn’t know whether it felt like a partnership or a trap, she took the folder, as she walked out of his office to her seat, she opened the folder and read the terms stated.
Her eyes caught the public display terms, it made her smile awkwardly as she wasn’t expecting to act Mrs hills but here she is in a deal with him.
- Writer
