A Contract Called Love

CRACKS IN THE CASTLE Mr. Raymond paced in the center of his luxurious living room, hands clasped behind his back. One look at him and you’d know he was under immense pressure — completely weighed down, searching for a way out. He sighed again, his third or fourth that evening. “This is impossible, I swear!” he blurted out. “No! It will never happen… Bankrupt? Me?! The great Mr. Raymond — threatened? That’s not possible. It can’t be. I must find a way. I have to!” His voice grew louder with each sentence, his frustration peaking as he slammed his fist into the wall. Another glance at the clock: 5:55 p.m. He hissed, angry that time wasn’t moving fast enough. He resumed pacing, almost marching, until the second hand ticked to 6:00 sharp. Hands slightly trembling, he reached for his phone on the center table and quickly searched for a contact. Sweat was already beading on his forehead. Just as the line nearly disconnected, someone finally answered. “Hello, sir,” came a woman’s calm voice. “Hi, Helen… So? Is everything set? Did it go through?” he asked, his voice shaking with hope and fear. “Yes, sir. He’s agreed. You finally have the appointment.” “Really?! Oh, thank God! Thank you — thank you, Helen!” he said, cutting her off with overwhelming relief. “It’s okay, sir. Just so you know — it’s for Monday, at exactly eight a.m. You know he doesn’t tolerate lateness…” “Oh, don’t worry. I’ll be there by seven,” he promised quickly. “Thank you. If everything goes well, I’ll make it worth your while.” “Alright, sir. Bye — and thank you again.” “I should be the one thanking you,” he said softly, then ended the call. He dropped back into the cushion behind him, breathing deeply. “Whew… God, thank You. At least now, I can smell the scent of success.” “Monday. Today is Friday. Even if he asked me to wait a week, I would. If it means saving everything, I’ll wait. God, just help me — let this work. Let this be my way out. I need to pray. I’ve missed too many prayers. This tension is too much.” Muttering to himself, he left the room. For the first time in hours, he finally felt calm enough to pray — beginning with his missed Dhuhr and Asr. ⸻ Meanwhile… “Okay, by the will of God… No, you don’t need to worry — we always keep our promises. I’m confident you’ll enjoy working with us… Haha, no — we’re the ones who should be thankful. Alright, bye, and thank you for your patronage.” She ended the call and exhaled deeply. “Looks like this week is going to be pure madness,” she murmured, glancing at the young woman across from her, who held a large notebook and a pen. The young woman smiled. “Honestly, ma’am… I feel the same.” “Just now, Lila’s family called. They need snacks for their youngest daughter’s birthday — this Friday. Just one week away. And we haven’t even started on the wedding order for Mr. Wilson.” “And we haven’t finished Savannah Hotel’s order either,” the assistant added, shaking her head. She sighed. “It’s alright. Chloe, what we need is more workers. That way everything can move fast and smoothly. You know how our clients see us — we always deliver on our word. I don’t want anything ruining our reputation.” “You’re right, ma’am. That’s exactly what we should do.” “Good. So go ahead and make the necessary arrangements. I’ll organize the full list and email it to you shortly.” Just then, her phone rang. She checked the caller ID, then gestured for Chloe to leave. Chloe gave a polite nod, turned, and quietly exited the office. She picked up the call with a bright smile. “Assalamu Alaikum.” “Wa Alaiki Salam, Jewel,” came a cheerful male voice on the other end. Hearing that voice melted her heart. “Na’am, sweet Daddy! How are you?” “I’m fine, Jewel. And you? How’s work?” She gave a small, playful pout. “Same old, Dad. I honestly feel like collapsing from exhaustion.” He chuckled. “See? Didn’t I beg you to go for a white-collar job — air-conditioned office, no stress, and a fat salary? But no — you wanted to run a business. Now look at you.” She laughed, twirling on her chair, used to his regular teasing. “Anyway, Daddy — what’s the news?” she asked, eager to change the subject. “There’s news, alright. And it’s good — very good,” he replied, his voice full of excitement. “No way! What is it?” she asked, sitting up straight. “Come over and hear it yourself,” he teased, chuckling again. “Oh, I’m already on my way. I just closed for the day.” “I’ll be waiting, Jewel.” She hung up, her heart full of warmth. She quickly gathered her things, excitement bubbling in her chest. Just this morning, her father had been distant and quiet — almost unreachable from the weight of his troubles. She’d needed gentle, comforting words to pull him out of his silence. And now? Now, he was laughing. Something had changed. Whatever it was, she needed to find out — and she needed to find out tonight.