The Agreement
644 Words
TWO DAYS LATER
Tahimik ang buong office ni Michael nang dumating si Hanna.
May hawak siyang maliit na envelope.
Hindi siya mapakali mula nang pumayag siya sa proposal ni Michael.
Hindi dahil nagsisisi siya.
Kundi dahil alam niyang malaking pagbabago ito sa buhay niya.
Kumatok siya sa office.
"Come in."
Pumasok siya.
Michael was sitting behind his desk, reading a document.
"You came early."
"I couldn't sleep."
Michael looked up.
"Why?"
Hanna sat across from him.
"Because I'm still trying to understand how I ended up agreeing to marry you."
Michael raised an eyebrow.
"You can still change your mind."
Hanna immediately shook her head.
"No."
"Why?"
"Because I already made my decision."
Michael closed the document.
"Then let's make sure you understand everything."
He handed her a thicker folder.
"This is the final agreement. Read every page."
Hanna opened it.
"How long is the marriage?"
"One year."
"One year?"
"Yes."
"And after one year?"
"We decide whether to end it or continue."
Hanna looked at him.
"Continue?"
"If we both want to."
She became quiet.
Michael continued.
"Your grandmother's treatment will be fully covered during the agreement."
Hanna looked relieved.
"And her home?"
"I'll have someone inspect it and make sure it's safe and comfortable."
"Michael, that's too much."
"It's part of the agreement."
"But I don't want you to spend money unnecessarily."
"I can afford it."
Hanna sighed.
"Of course you can."
Michael almost smiled.
"There's one more thing."
"What?"
"You'll move into my house."
Hanna immediately looked up.
"Absolutely not."
Michael frowned.
"Why?"
"Because I'm not comfortable living in your house."
"If we're married, my family will expect us to live together."
Hanna crossed her arms.
"We can tell them we're busy."
"They'll find out."
"Then we'll explain."
Michael looked at her.
"Do you want this marriage to look real or not?"
Hanna became quiet.
"Fine."
She reluctantly nodded.
"But I want my own room."
"Of course."
"And I don't want anyone treating me like your servant."
Michael looked slightly offended.
"Do you really think I'd allow that?"
"I don't know your family."
"You'll have my protection."
Hanna stared at him.
For some reason, the words made her uncomfortable.
Not because she disliked them.
But because they sounded too personal.
---
THAT EVENING
Hanna went home and told her grandmother about the agreement.
"Lola, I signed it."
The old woman looked worried.
"Are you certain?"
"Yes."
"Do you trust him?"
Hanna thought for a moment.
"I think so."
"You've only known him for a short time."
"I know."
"Then be careful."
"I will."
Her grandmother held her hand.
"Hanna, promise me one thing."
"What?"
"Don't lose yourself just because you're entering his world."
Hanna smiled.
"I won't."
---
THE FOLLOWING DAY
A black car arrived outside Hanna's house.
Michael stepped out.
Hanna looked surprised.
"What are you doing here?"
"We're going shopping."
"For what?"
"Your wedding."
Hanna stared at him.
"Our what?"
"The wedding."
She laughed nervously.
"Michael, you make everything sound so simple."
"It is simple."
"You're getting married."
"Yes."
"To me."
"Yes."
"And you're not even nervous?"
Michael looked at her.
"I don't show it."
Hanna smiled.
"Of course."
He opened the car door.
"Come on."
Hanna looked back at her grandmother.
"I'll be back later."
"Okay, anak."
Michael waited patiently while Hanna said goodbye.
When she finally entered the car, he glanced at her.
"Ready?"
"No."
He nodded.
"Me neither."
Hanna looked at him in surprise.
"You?"
Michael looked out the window.
"I never said I wasn't nervous."
For the first time, Hanna saw a little vulnerability in the man she always thought was cold.
She smiled softly.
"Then I guess we're both in trouble."
Michael looked at her.
"Probably."
The car slowly drove away.
Neither of them knew that this arrangement, which was supposed to last only one year...
was about to change everything.
TO BE CONTINUED...
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