A Contract Called Love

CHAPTER 6

Bound by Paper, Torn by Pride

He exhaled slowly before finally opening his mouth and saying calmly,

“What if I ask for some time to think about it?”

This time, Mr. Ethan Auwal responded, his husky voice even and composed.

“You can take your time. It’s not like we’re forcing you. This is a deal that only works if all parties agree and sign—me, you, and your daughter. You have the right to walk away. Just remember, millions out there are waiting for an opportunity like this. If it doesn’t work out, don’t feel embarrassed to say so. I’m good with whatever decision you make.” He leaned back confidently in his chair as he ended his statement.

Mr. Raymond sighed in relief.

Thank God. At least my fear that they might be forcing a mute man on my daughter has been cleared,he thought privately.

“No problem, by God’s will. Just give me some time to think,” he said aloud.

“Until when?” Daniel asked.

“By Monday, God willing.”

“Then may we live to see it,” Daniel responded with a nod.

“Amen. Thanks. I’ll be going now.”

“Alright, thank you for coming, sir.”

“You’re welcome,” Mr. Raymond replied as he stood and extended a handshake to Daniel. After a firm grip, he gave a brief look toward Mr. Ethan before walking out.

Ethan and Daniel exchanged a glance after watching him leave.

“Do you think the guy will say yes?” Ethan asked with a slight frown.

“I can already smell success. He can’t afford to pass up this kind of opportunity. I mean, who says no to Sir Ethan Auwal?”

Ethan gave a side smile and leaned back again.

“It better be,” he said, stroking his well-groomed beard with that calm smirk still lingering on his face.

⸻

He was driving, but his mind was far away.

A contract marriage? With the A.A. family? My daughter becoming part of the powerful A.A. empire?

Wow… What an incredible opportunity! Me—becoming an in-law to the A.A. family?

For him, there was no issue. But Jasmine…

He fell silent, thinking about Jasmine’s deep fear of divorce. Anytime she heard of a failed marriage, it unsettled her deeply—especially if the separation happened within family circles.

Growing up in a broken home made her despise divorce with all her heart. Countless times she had confided in him her dream of having a “till-death-do-us-part” kind of love. Her words still echoed in his heart:

“Dad, please keep praying that I marry a good man. I don’t care if he’s not handsome or wealthy—just a man with a good heart. Someone we can build a strong, lasting family with. Someone who will raise our children with me. A man that only death could separate us from.”

Sometimes, he would tease her, amused by how boldly she spoke to him—her own father—about such personal hopes. She would often laugh and shyly cover her face, replying:

“But Dad, it’s true! Marriage is a duty for every person. You’ll never fully grow into your dignity without it. So why be shy about something so certain? Whether sooner or later, I’m going to get married anyway.”

Remembering her words now shook him deeply.

What could he possibly say to her?

“I’m marrying you off in a contract marriage to the A.A. family so I can rescue my collapsing company”?

Impossible.

He couldn’t even begin to imagine how heartbroken she would be. Marrying a stranger she’s never even seen before? And worse—knowing it’s a temporary arrangement?

That would crush her.

These thoughts kept swirling in his mind until he finally arrived home. His whole body felt unusually heavy.

One thing he knew for certain: no matter what happened, he wouldn’t let this opportunity slip through his fingers.

Yet what weighed more heavily on his heart was the one question he feared would come from Jasmine’s lips:

“Dad, what’s wrong? Why do you suddenly look so torn?”

And he knew… she wouldn’t stop until she found out.