BILLIONAIRE’S AFFECTION

CHAPTER3

"What's in it for me?" Anne asked, trying to sound nonchalant despite the butterflies in her stomach.

Arthur's smile was cold. "I can offer you a huge sum of money, Miss Anne, enough to cater to your needs for a long time."

Anne's eyes widened as she deemed the offer. It was tempting - but she had a hunch that there was more to Arthur's proposal than met the eye, but she was satisfied as long as he won’t fall for her.

"What do I have to do?" Anne asked.

Arthur's gaze locked into hers, his eyes glinting. "You'll have to pretend to be my girlfriend, Miss Anne," he said. "You'll have to accompany me to events, and you'll have to make it look like we're in love."

Anne's heart skipped a beat as she considered the proposal. It was a risk - but a part of her was tempted by the opportunity to experience love, even if it was just acting.

"I'll do it," Anne said finally, her voice firm.

Arthur's smile was cold.

"Excellent," he said. "I'll send over the contract tomorrow. Read it carefully, Miss Anne. I don't want any misunderstandings."

As Arthur turned to leave, Anne felt a shiver run down her spine. She walked into her car and drove out of the garage heading home, as she was driving she began to wander what just happened, “ Is this a dream, could it be that my wish has been granted? Either way I think the heavens are on my side”. She smiled.

“ If I should sign this contract, I stand the chance to save up enough money for my dad after my dismissal and I will still experience love, this is a win-win for me. At least when I die, no lover will suffer for my dismissal like my dad is still suffering till now.” She sighed.

Her dad loved her mum so much that even after three years of her death, he would still cry at night looking at his wife’s photo, Anne had seen how painful it was to lose the one you loved through her dad which was nothing but torture that’s why she doesn’t want someone that would love her the way her dad did to her mum. Right now all she wanted was how it would feel to love someone, how it would feel to kiss and embrace that person you love. Anne knew that one sided love was painful but she still wanted it, she thought she could handle the pain of loving someone who didn’t love her back than dying without knowing what love felt like.

When she got home her family was already waiting for her so they could have dinner together, they had a peaceful dinner then Anne went into her room. After taking her bath, she laid on her bed, she had been thinking about Arthur Oscar, about the contract and she finally dozed off. The next thing she knew, the sun was streaming through her windows. She rose and did her normal routine; arranged her bed, helped her grandma prepare breakfast, after eating she got ready for work and left the house. During break hours at work, Anne went to see her friend Victoria and give her the latest update, Victoria Zack was rich, she didn’t really know why the both of them who were worlds apart had become best of friends.

“ So, what’s the thing you want to tell me?” Victoria asked with curiosity.

Letting out a deep sigh, Anne pressed her lips tightly before she looked at her friend.

“ I have found a man.” Anne said and Victoria choked from her drink.

“ Careful, Vicky!”

“Cough, cough… what did you just say? Y..you? You found a man?” Victoria looked like she just heard something so unbelievable.

“ Calm down, don’t be too loud.” Anne whispered

“Oh my God, Anne!” Victoria said aloud.

“Well, lemme say we are going to be on a contract but… he’s the man I have been looking for and he’s the one I want.” Anne said

“Con..what? Why wouldn’t you date him straight, why must it be on contract basis, who is this man that caught your eyes, huh?” Victoria asked in curiosity and disbelief.

“His name is Mr. Oscar, Arthur Oscar.” Anne replied smiling.

“W…what? Anne!” Victoria voiced.

“Is there something wrong, Vicky?” Anne asked.

“I know the man, he is a ruthless billionaire, are you really sure this is what you want?” Victoria asked holding Anne’s hands.

“I’m certain he’s the one I want .” Anne replied.

“Anyway, I’m always here for you. Call me when everything goes south.” Victoria assured.

“The document is meant to come in today, lemme quickly get to my office and check if it has arrived.” Anne said.

“Okay my love, I will head back to work too” Victoria replied.

They hugged each other and parted ways. On reaching the office, the receptionist handed a sealed envelope to Anne, saying “Miss Jones, someone brought this for you.”

Anne smiled and received the envelope saying “Thank you, Anita”. Then she entered her office and shut the door, she took a seat quickly eager to read the contract, her eyes widened as she read through the terms. It was a straightforward agreement but one clause caught her eye.

"The contracted girlfriend can request for anything except love," the contract read. "Once she demands to be loved in return, the contract automatically becomes void."

Anne's heart skipped a beat as she read the clause. It was a reminder that this was just a business agreement and that love was not an option.

But as she signed the contract, Anne couldn't help but feel a spark of hope. Maybe, just maybe, she would find a way to experience love, even if it was just for a little while. She was about to put the document back into the envelope when she noticed there was a little piece of paper in the envelope, she opened it paper and it read “We meet today by 9pm, send your address to the number below, remember to come with the signed contract…” she quickly picked up her phone to tell Victoria about it, cause she has no idea what to wear, and she needed to impress Oscar..