A Lie that Bounds Us

Episode 5: The contract

I stood in the empty church, breathing heavily. Adrian was in front of me, looking serious. His earlier smug look was gone. He watched me closely, but i couldn't meet his eyes.

damn. I just hit a man that's five times bigger than me in everything.

He wasn't showing a sign of anger at all. Like he said, he deserved it in a way.

“why?” i whispered, breaking the silence. “Why did you do this to me? What did i ever do to you?”

Adrian's face softened, and he took a small step closer. “Alyssa, I’m sorry. i never wanted to hurt you. i didn’t have a choice.”

Anger bubbled up inside me. “What do you mean you didn’t have a choice? You embarrassed me in front of everyone! My family hates me now. Explain yourself!”

He sighed deeply, running a hand through his hair. “It’s complicated. There are things you don’t understand, things i can’t explain right now.”

i shook my head, frustration growing. “Try me. After what you did, you owe me that much.”

Adrian looked at me for a long moment, then nodded. “Okay. I’ll tell you, but not here. There’s too much at risk.”

Before i could respond, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper. “i want to make you an offer, Alyssa. a deal.”

i blinked, confused. “A deal? What kind of deal?”

“A contract,” he said, unfolding the paper and holding it out to me. “I need you to continue pretending to be my fiancée for six months. In return, I’ll pay you five million dollars.”

I stared at him, stunned. “You can’t be serious. You think i would agree to something like this after what you just did?”

Adrian’s expression was earnest. “i know it sounds crazy, but it’s not what it seems. There are people watching, people who want to see me fail. i needed to act fast today, and you were the only one i could trust.”

i couldn’t believe what i was hearing. “Trust? you don’t even know me!”

i stare at him. He definitely doesn't fall in my level to notice me if we're outside of society. He has class and i don't.

was my dress that bright that it caught his attention?

“i might not know” he said quietly. “but, I know you’re honest, that you have integrity, and i know you will need the money.”

his words cut deep because they were true. my financial situation was bad, and five million dollars would change everything. but the idea of being tied to this man, this stranger who had already turned my life upside down, was terrifying.

“you must be out of your mind,” i said, shaking my head. “This is crazy. i should be running as far away from you as possible.”

“Please, Alyssa,” Adrian pleaded. “just hear me out. i promise I’ll make it worth your while. i’ll help you fix your reputation, clear up this mess. you just have to trust me.”

i looked down at the contract in his hand, my mind racing. This was a chance to escape my financial troubles, to start fresh. but at what cost? could i really trust him after everything he had done?

“No,” I snapped, throwing my hands up in frustration. “You’ve already ruined my life. i can’t just pretend to be your fiancée like some sort of joke.”

do i look like a joke to him. i'm not a doll to play around with?

Adrian's face hardened. “i’m offering you a way out, Alyssa. It’s more than you’ll get from anyone else.”

“more?” i shouted, taking a step toward him. “More than public humiliation? More than losing everything i worked for?”

His eyes flashed with anger. “You think you’re the only one who’s suffered? I’m in this mess too, and i need your help. It’s not just about money; it’s about survival.”

“You think that makes it okay?” i was shouting now, my voice echoing through the empty church. “You think throwing money at me will fix everything?”

“Calm down!” Adrian barked, his frustration now written on his face.

He just raised his voice at me.

I was beyond calm now. the hurt, the betrayal, the burning anger was too overwhelming. i pushed Adrian hard, and he stumbled back a step. my strength gave way, and i fell to my knees, tears streaming down my face.

Why am i so weak. Why am i like this?

“Why?” i cried, my voice breaking. “Why did you have to drag me into this? Why couldn’t you just leave me alone?”

Adrian knelt in front of me, his expression a mix of regret and helplessness. “i didn’t want this for you, Alyssa. i never meant to hurt you.”

“lies!” i yelled, glaring at him through my tears. “All lies. You’re just like everyone else. You don’t care about me—just about yourself.”

He reached out to touch my shoulder, but i shrugged him off, glaring up at him with raw emotion. “Just go,” i choked out. “Leave me alone. i don’t want anything from you.”

Adrian’s face fell, but he didn’t argue. He stood up, backing away slowly. “I’m sorry. I’ll give you space. if you change your mind, I’ll be in my office.”

as he turned and walked away, i remained on the floor, sobbing into my hands. The contract lay forgotten beside me, reminding me of everything that had gone wrong today. The promise of money echoed at the back of my mind.

Should i accept or not?

i took a deep breath, trying to steady myself.. no matter what i decided, i knew one thing for sure: nothing would ever be the same again.

i stood up and sat in one of the pew. i looked around the hollow shiny sanctuary.

“Oh Alyssa, what is wrong with your pathetic life?” i chuckled softly to myself.

i looked at the back of the church in hope that maybe Michael didn't really leave. Probably outside and will walk in.

i sighed. it's going to be a long six months.