married for a year

chapter 5

ANITA'S POV

When our eyes meet, I quickly look away as a knot of anxiety develops in my throat and guilt and humiliation flood through me.

I don't understand why my boss is so upset with me for being there, and I find it absurd that we are meeting in a club.

I swallow the lump whole and nod my head in his general direction.

The music has already begun, so I search my eyes to see whether Milissa is still where I left her. She is not present.

She was still there when I left her to go to the toilet. She is gushing about some topics I haven't been paying attention to, so we haven't discussed why I am here.

My thoughts were far away.

Thinking. Debating. Wondering. Also, hoping.

"Anita, I said, what are you doing here?" He takes me once again and starts speaking softly while gritting his teeth.

I wish I could speak, but I lack the voice.

How do I let him know I'm here to discuss his offer with my friend? Or maybe I'm here to drown my sorrows in alcohol and a fantastic time dancing all night?

My heart starts to rush once again as I stutter, "I...I..am..here with my friend," dodging his frigid gaze.

The question "A friend?" He demands incredulously. "A guy?"

I furrow my brow and gaze up at him because of the tone in which he inquires about the gender of the companion I am with.

He sounds possessive, why?

I give a loud "No" head shake. I addressed Milissa by name and gestured in the direction of our previous seat.

Thankfully, she is sitting down again.

He gently turns to look at Milissa as she slowly moves to the music and drinks in anticipation of my arrival so that we may dance together.

He lets out a long sigh of relaxation and then turns to face me, showing a moment of relief in his face.

He murmurs, "Good night," as though he's sick of seeing my face or is perhaps just sick of being here.

Why is he still here? Jones isn't the kind to frequent bars and events. Is he here for a professional appointment?

He goes by me before I can understand what he means by "good night."

I mutter "Wait" before I can control my utterance. "Wait, sir," I say again.

He stops in his tracks and does not go around. I again droop my head when he finally turns to face me directly.

"I apologize for my prior actions. I did not.

He interrupts me with "Anita." As I turn to look at him, it becomes clear to me that we are at a club, which is not the ideal setting for this kind of discourse. Saying "see you tomorrow."

He spins back with it and vanishes in a matter of minutes.

Just now, did he say, "See you tomorrow"? Does it imply that I am still employed? Why is he being so kind and peaceful with me? He forgave me, right?

I sprint straight to Milissa's seat as an unconscious grin teases my lips.

I suddenly realize that I still haven't found a solution to my issue.

Still confined to a bed at home is my grandma.

I'm still trying to figure out how to pay for the operation.

I'm simply concerned about retaining my job.

My grandmother's operation is the most crucial of the others I have. Then, others may proceed.

She raises her head as I approach and says, "Hey." I questioned, "What took you so long?"

"Nothing", I plop onto the sofa beside her. She reaches out to me with a glass cup of wine. I grab it and inhale it all whole.

I exhale a sigh.

Before she could complete her rant, I stopped her by calling her name: "Milissa." She turns to face me while dancing in slow motion.

I had to tell you about this.

She refills the cup instead of picking it up or sipping it as I reach forward to tip it.

I just lean back while I wait for her to inquire about it.

She is being silent.

I call out "Milissa" over the music, wondering whether she heard me.

She gives me another glance. I want to share something with you.

With a nod. The question "What is it?"

I huff out air and glance away, raking my fingers into my hair and biting my bottom lip, wondering about how to begin.

I'm startled out of my daze by her touch. "What happened?" you ask.

I start, feigning apprehension, "I asked my boss to help me with the money for grandmother's surgery just like you suggested."

"Really?" Her delight showed on her face. "Did he agree?"

I firmly reply, "Yes, he did," while clenching my teeth to add. "However, on one condition."

She turns her head to peek at me while exhibiting a perplexed face. Whoa! "What's the catch?"

I roll my eyes and respond. "He wants to marry me," I said.

She stops talking as her shocked eyes widen.

I was just as astonished when he informed me, but my disbelief increased when he said it was just for a year.

A year?

The question "Marry him?" She asks again as if to make sure I'm not fabricating a story about my millionaire employer, who she had never seen in person but who she had seen often on television.

My boss was the subject of Milissa's intense obsession, but I was secretly in love with him.

She wouldn't even believe me if I told her.

"Yes. I scowl as I convey my disapproval of the entire situation. "He said he wants me to marry him for just a year and the idea sounds ridiculous," I say.

She takes a moment to seem serious before asking. "What do you stand to gain from this marriage?"

I sigh carelessly. In addition to the other costs like shopping, allowances, and the rest, he agreed to give me $50000.

"Did he explain to you why he wants a one-year marriage?" She interrupts me and has a serious expression on her face.

I shrug again. "No. Most likely business.

"Really?" I nod.

The question "Are you in?" She smiles slyly and asks.

My scowl becomes worse. "Are you a moron? The concept is absurd.

I have a year until we can get married.

You can't simply get married to him for a year, can you? Because of her interruption and what I just stated, I have to quit.

When my supervisor ordered me to leave his office, I responded in the same manner.

"Wait," she stammers before turning around and coming straight at me.

Either you are incapable, unwilling, or unable to marry him.

Even now, I'm not sure what she's saying.

I make hand motions in the air. The phrase "all of the above."

She started laughing, which caused me to raise an eyebrow in perplexity.

Is this humorous?

She pulls out her phone and holds it out for me to grab after she has calmed down.

"Show me his phone number.

He may only be my spouse for a day, a year, or possibly two.

You can't possibly be serious, right?

I look at her from above with skepticism. Milissa can be fun, and sometimes I'm not even sure whether she's being serious or not.

I am serious, repeat after me. "I'm not kidding. I really am serious.

What the f--- are you going through?Don't you know that this is an opportunity of a lifetime? It comes from a man you are pretty acquainted with.

What specifically prevents you from accepting the offer like a frog given that he is your employer and that you have known him for more than a year?

I find it unbelievable that she wants me to accept the offer.

What did I anticipate?

"Anita, don't be a fool. You are not operating on your own behalf. You have always come across to me as a selfless guy.

Your grandmother's survival is why you are taking this action. Isn't this preferable than ending up as that pig's slut? She glares at me fiercely and then turns to take her refilled glass cup, saying, "Don't be stupid.

I flinch.

I blink once more as I attempt to take it all in.

Should I submit?

"I'm going to quit talking right now. I won't even recommend that you take the offer.

At the absolute least, I should collect his number and approach him to convey my interest in getting married.

If I had to, I wouldn't mind having s*x with him every night.

As I proceed, she lets out a little sigh and says, "He stated there would be no ties connected.""

"No s****l activity for a year?" I nod as she opens her lips in amazement.

How wasteful! How am I supposed to live under his roof without thinking about his taking me, making out with me, and kissing me? She falters, her face sporting a dreamy expression.

Milissa has always wanted to meet my boss, but she hasn't had a chance, so I suppose the attraction is starting to wane. She doesn't come to see me at work since it's not permitted.

Except for my boss' international business contacts, no one is allowed to enter the office without valid identification.

She yells "Take it" as she awakens from her fantasy and strikes my legs, causing agony that causes me to groan.

"What in the name of hell was that for?" I backed away, fearing that she may strike me again. She already seems inebriated.

She laughs and shows me her pearly white teeth. Accept the offer. You are a virgin nevertheless.

Once again, I roll my eyes.

But you know, this is actually a lost opportunity. If only he had wanted us to have s*x and injure one another, I would have been the ideal fit for the role. What it will be like for him to eat, I can't even begin to conceive.

I shout out "Milissa" for her to stop speaking in such a nasty way, and she laughs before rising up and pushing her hair back.

We should dance. Let's continue dancing. She pulls me up firmly and says, "Let's dance for the opportunity and the possibility of a brighter future.

She takes me to the dance floor as I'm trying to maintain my balance.

She yells with delight as she moves her body on mine. "Anita is going to get married to a billionaire.