Love Under Agreement

CHAPTER 2

“THE RIDE”

The next morning, sunlight came through the curtains, gently lighting up Josie's small apartment. She lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, her mind filled with thoughts about the contract she had signed. She felt the weight of her decision pressing on her chest. Was she ready for this new phase of her life? She had always wanted stability, but now she was about to jump into the unknown.

As the clock ticked closer to the appointed hour, she forced herself out of bed. A shower helped clear her mind, but as she dressed, reality hit her. She chose a simple but professional outfit, hoping it would hide her nervousness.

Josie arrived at the café an hour early to avoid problems with Soren. Since she hadn’t eaten, she quickly ordered a light meal and coffee before the driver arrived.

At exactly ten o'clock, a tall man in a black suit approached her. His expression was hard to read. He introduced himself as Donald, the driver. He carried an air of strict professionalism that made her feel both relieved and anxious.

“Good morning, Miss Josie. I’m here to take you to the mansion,” he said in a calm voice.

“Thank you,” she replied, trying to sound confident despite the butterflies in her stomach.

As they walked to the car, Josie felt as if someone was watching her. Donald opened the door, and she slid into the backseat, feeling the cool leather against her skin. The car was sleek and silent, unlike her usual rides.

The drive was smooth, but the silence was heavy. Josie looked out the window, watching the city go by. Each building and street corner reminded her of the life she was leaving behind. She thought about her friends, family, and the comfort of her routine. Was it too late to turn back?

“Are you alright, Miss Josie?” Donald’s voice broke her thoughts.

“Yes, just a little nervous,” she admitted quietly.

“It’s understandable,” he said, his tone softening. “Change can be scary, but it often helps us grow.”

Josie nodded, appreciating his effort to calm her down. She wanted to believe him, to trust that this was the right choice, but doubt gnawed at her. What if she was making a mistake?

The car pulled up to a large building that towered over the street. Its modern architecture felt imposing and unfamiliar to her. Josie swallowed hard as she stepped out of the car, her legs shaking slightly.

“Just take a deep breath,” Donald encouraged her, and for a moment, she felt a spark of courage.

As she walked through the wooden doors, she stepped into a bright and spacious living room. It featured a long table and large windows that offered a stunning view of the city.

It was completely silent, and no one was around. Josie felt small in the room, uncertain of what to do next.

“Welcome, Josie,” Donald said coolly. “Make yourself comfortable while I get your luggage.” Then he left.

While sitting down, she couldn’t shake the feeling of the challenges she would face living with Soren.

“What are you doing on my couch, young lady?” Soren’s voice was sharp and commanding. Josie jolted awake, having dozed off while waiting for the driver.

“I’m so sorry; I must have fallen asleep waiting for the driver,” she said, feeling embarrassed.

“I don’t care about your reasons,” Soren yelled, his voice echoing in the room. “No one is allowed to sleep on any couch in this living room. Do you understand?”

“Yes, s-sir,” Josie stammered, feeling scared. She had barely slept the night before, and the comfort of the couch had lulled her to sleep.

“It was my fault, sir; I take responsibility,” the driver rushed in and said. “When I brought her luggage in, I saw she had fallen asleep. I didn’t want to disturb her.”

“Don’t take the blame for her,” Soren snapped, his tone stern. “She should learn to respect herself when she enters someone’s house for the first time.” With that, he angrily walked away.

“I’m sorry for the trouble, Miss,” the driver apologized, bowing his head and looking guilty. Josie was so stunned by what had just happened that she barely noticed what he said.

“What have I gotten myself into?” Josie thought to herself as she sank to the ground. “Is this what I will have to deal with for two years and a half?” She remained there, lost in her thoughts.

Josie's heart raced at the sound of a knock on her bedroom door. She wondered who could be knocking so slowly. “Who is it?” she asked, feeling anxious.

“Miss Josie, Mr. Soren has asked for you at the dinner table in three minutes,” a calm male voice answered.

“I’ll be down soon,” she replied, realizing it might be one of the servants. She quickly changed into casual clothes, worried about being even a little late.

“Josie, tomorrow evening, you will accompany me to the party my company is hosting for me.”As my wife, your presence is not just expected; it is necessary,” Soren said firmly at the dining table. “I hope you understand how important it is to stay calm and act appropriately during the event.”

Josie was silent, her meal untouched, feeling anxious about anything that might go wrong. “The trunk club will arrive at 9:00 AM, so make sure you're ready by then.” With that, he got up and went to his study.

While getting ready for her bath, Josie was surprised when someone entered her bedroom without knocking. “Who is that?” she asked, her voice sharp.