Chapter 5
1323 Words
“So here’s the contract. Read it carefully and sign it. If there’s anything you’d like to add, let me know.”
Mr. Stranger spoke calmly, his eyes fixed on his iPad.
“What do you mean?”
I skimmed through the contract. Everything seemed reasonable. The pay was good really good. But the last line caught my attention:
Never fall in love with me.
I frowned, and unfortunately for me, he noticed.
“Yes,” he said, leaning back slightly. “No falling in love. This marriage is purely business.”
“I’d rather die than fall in love with you,” I scoffed.
“Don’t be so sure, *mi casa*. You never know what the future holds,” he replied, taking a slow sip of his whiskey.
How can he look so good and still be so full of himself? So annoying.
“What’s your name, anyway… asshole?” I muttered, gripping the contract.
“It’s Alex. My name is Alex, not asshole,” he corrected coolly.
“You’re an asshole to me and that’s what you’ll always be.”
My voice dripped with spite, but he didn’t react. He simply continued whatever he was doing on his iPad.
“There are some things you need to know about me,” he said after a moment, tossing a file onto the table. “In case my father asks questions. We don’t want him getting suspicious.”
I picked up the document.
“It contains everything my business, interests, habits. My father can be… very curious.”
His expression remained unreadable. I wondered if he ever showed emotion at all.
“And I’ll need to know a few things about you too,” he added, taking another sip.
“So… you play golf?” I asked, glancing up.
No response.
“Boring hobby,” I whispered.
“What did you say?” he asked sharply, a faint crease forming between his brows.
“Nothing,” I replied quickly.
I continued reading.
Golf. Business trips. Favorite color black. Of course. Mysterious.
Owner of the Cavalli Empire.
My eyes widened slightly. The Cavalli Empire was the biggest business in New York, automobiles, machines, robotics, real estate… everything.
This man was filthy rich.
And I was about to marry him.
“I’m done,” I said, handing the file back.
“Already?” he looked mildly impressed.
“Yes. There’s nothing I can’t memorize,” I smirked.
“That’s… useful,” he said, sliding the file into a drawer. “Now, tell me about you.”
His full attention shifted to me. His eyes locked onto mine, and for a second, I froze.
“Uh…”
“My name is Rosa Evans. I’m 23, a student at Brooklyn College. I work part-time. I like video games, reading, and dancing. Reading is actually one of my favorite things. And… my favorite flower is the red rose.”
He didn’t interrupt. He just watched me intently.
It felt like he was studying me.
Like I was prey.
“That’s all you need to know,” I added quickly. “And one more thing I’m continuing my education. There’s nothing you can do about that. I’ll be leaving now.”
I stood up.
“Where do you think you’re going?” His voice stopped me instantly.
“Home,” I said, my voice slightly unsteady.
“You live here now,” he said, standing and walking toward me. “We’re married. You’ll move in with me.”
He stopped too close.
“If we want people to believe this marriage is real…” he leaned in, his breath brushing my ear, “…you need to stay.”
A strange shiver ran through my body.
“I…I need to get my things from my house first,” I said.
“Good,” he replied, stepping back. “Someone will take you there and bring you back.”
……………………………………………………….
“So… what’s it like living with Mr. Asshole?” Lily teased.
“It’s not that bad,” I said, grabbing a chip from the table. “We barely see each other. He’s always working or traveling.”
“Do you share a room?” she asked, grinning.
“Hey!” I snapped, shaking my head. She burst out laughing.
“I’m joking. You have way too much pride for that. Honestly, I’m surprised you haven’t punched him yet.”
“He hasn’t annoyed me enough,” I muttered.
I finished the chips when a knock sounded on my door.
“Hold on, Lily someone’s here.”
I stood up and opened the door.
A middle-aged woman stood there. Her grey hair was neatly tied in a bun, her smile warm and unique. A small dimple rested on her cheek, and her silver eyes complemented her fair skin beautifully.
“Who are you?” I asked.
“I’m Teresa. Sorry to intrude,” she said gently.
“No problem. How can I help you?”
“Mr. Cavalli sent me. There’s a party at his family house tonight. He wants you ready by 8:30.”
“Uh… he didn’t mention anything about a party.”
“He doesn’t have your number, so he asked me to inform you. The car will be ready by 8:00.”
“Oh… right. I lost my phone,” I lied.
She just smiled.
Why is she smiling? Does she know?
“No need to lie, dear. Mr. Cavalli already told me this is a fake marriage,” she said softly, tapping my cheek.
“What? How….”
“I’ve taken care of him since he was born,” she said. “I practically raised him.”
“Oh…”
“No need to feel shy. His father has been forcing him to marry. He doesn’t want to but he was threatened with taking over the family business. So… he found someone.”
“Oh… so that’s why.”
“Yes. So don’t be too hard on him. He may seem cold, but he’s kind at heart.”
“Kind? I highly doubt that,” I muttered.
She only smiled.
“You’ll understand with time. For now, get ready for the party.”
She left.
“So you didn’t give him your number?” Lily asked.
“Oh I forgot you were still on the call. Sorry.”
“He didn’t ask, and I didn’t bother.”
“A party, huh?” she teased.
“I don’t even want to go. I have no intention of getting involved with him.”
“Go and have fun, Rosa. I’ll call you later.”
She hung up.
Another knock.
This time, maids entered arms full of clothes, shoes, jewelry. Everything looked expensive. Beautiful. Unreal.
In my wildest dreams, I’d never imagined wearing things like this.
Yet here I was married to one of the richest men in New York.
“Pick anything,” Teresa said, holding up a blue gown. “Or wear this.”
The dress was stunning. A thigh-high slit, a deep V-neck, delicate glitter catching the light.
“Take it,” she said, handing it to me along with silver jewelry and matching heels.
“Be ready. It’s already 7:00.”
After they left, I got ready.
The gown fit perfectly like it was made for me. The jewelry completed the look. Even the heels, which I usually hated, felt worth it.
I styled my hair in soft waves and applied light makeup.
“Of course I look stunning,” I whispered to my reflection.
Then Knock.
“Come in.”
Teresa stepped in and froze.
“Is something wrong?” I asked.
“You look just like her,” she said, walking closer, spinning me gently.
“Like who?”
She paused… then smiled.
“Never mind. You look beautiful.”
She hugged me.
I hesitated for a second before hugging her back.
Why does she feel… familiar?
Her scent lingered.
Lavender… and mint.
- Writer
