Heart Contract

ThePressureToPonder

Hadassah stood in the sterile hallway of the hospital, the sharp scent of antiseptic filling her lungs. The fluorescent lights above buzzed incessantly, casting a harsh glow that made her feel even more disoriented. Clutching her phone tightly, she replayed the doctor’s words in her mind:

“Your brother’s condition is serious. He needs immediate treatment to survive.”

Each syllable felt like a weight pressing down on her chest. “Why is this happening?” she whispered, her voice trembling with despair. “I’m just 29! Is this not too much for me to carry?”

She leaned against the cold wall, feeling the chill seep into her bones. “I just used my last salary to pay for my siblings’ school fees. Now another brother of mine is lying on that bed, fighting for his life.” The tears streamed down her cheeks as she spoke, a mix of frustration and helplessness swirling within her.

“God, please… I don’t know what to do,” she pleaded, her voice breaking. “I’m so tired. I feel like I’m drowning in responsibilities, and I don’t know how to breathe. Where am I going to get the money for his hospital bills? I can’t let him down.”

She closed her eyes, trying to find solace in prayer, but the weight of her burden felt too heavy to lift. “I’ve always been strong. I’ve always held my family together. But right now, I feel so weak. I’m scared, God. I’m so scared.”

Hadassah sank to the floor, her back against the wall, feeling utterly defeated. “What kind of life is this? Every time I think we’re getting ahead, something else pulls us back. How can I face my family? How can I tell them that I can’t help?”

Her heart raced as she thought about the bills piling up, the phone calls she would have to make, and the disappointed faces waiting for her at home. “What if they blame me? What if I fail them?”

She held her head in her hands, overwhelmed by the weight of her worries. “I just can’t take it anymore. I’m doing everything I can, but it never feels like enough. Why is life so unfair?”

In that moment of utter despair, Hadassah felt a flicker of determination spark within her. “I can’t give up, not now. But God, I need your help. I can’t do this alone.”

With a deep breath, she wiped her tears and stood up, trying to steady herself. “I will find a way. I have to. For my brother, for my family. I just hope I can hold on long enough to see it through.”

As she gathered her strength and walked down the hallway, she felt the weight of her burdens still pressing on her, but she also felt a glimmer of hope. “I won’t let them down,” she whispered to herself. “I’ll keep fighting.”

As she sank to the floor, her back against the wall, her phone buzzed. The doctor’s name flashed on the screen, pulling her from her thoughts. “Hadassah, can you bring something for your brother to eat?”

“Sure,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Pushing herself up, she walked out of the hospital, feeling the weight of her worries still pressing on her. Just then, she noticed a familiar car approaching. It was Charles, the friendly guy she had met a week ago at the mall. He was driving alone, and as he spotted her, he turned the car around.

“Hey, hey, hey!” Charles called out, his jovial tone cutting through her fog of sadness.

Hadassah looked over, her expression unchanging as she tried to shake off her thoughts.

“Hi, Hadassah! Remember me? We met at the mall with my friend Bernard!” He flashed a bright smile, his energy infectious.

She forced a small smile, recalling how much fun they had shared that day. “Yeah, I remember.”

“Come on, hop in! I was just getting coffee,” he said, gesturing to the passenger seat.

With a reluctant sigh, she opened the door and slid into the car, grateful for the distraction. “Thanks,” she murmured, trying to push her worries to the back of her mind.

“So, what’s got you looking so serious?” he asked, glancing over at her as he started driving.

Hadassah hesitated, but something about Charles’s warm demeanor made her feel safe. “It’s just… my brother is in the hospital. He’s really sick, and I’m struggling to figure out how to pay for his treatment.”

“Oh no,” Charles said, his expression shifting to concern. “That sounds really tough. I’m sorry you’re going through this.”

“I just feel so overwhelmed,” she confessed, her voice shaking slightly. “I’ve been juggling so much already, and it’s just… exhausting.”

Charles nodded, his eyes filled with empathy. “I can’t even imagine. But hey, it’s okay to feel tired. You’re carrying a lot on your shoulders.”

“Thanks,” Hadassah replied, her heart aching. “I just wish I could find a way to make it all better. I don’t want to let my family down.”

He looked at her with sincerity. “You’re doing your best, and that’s all anyone can ask. Sometimes, just talking about it helps. You’ve got this, Hadassah.”

His encouragement warmed her heart, and she felt a little lighter. “I appreciate that. It’s nice to talk to someone who understands.”

“Anytime,” he said with a grin. “Let’s grab that coffee, and then I’ll help you figure out a plan. We’ll tackle this together.”

Hadassah couldn’t help but smile back, feeling a flicker of hope. “That sounds really nice, actually.”

As they pulled into the coffee shop parking lot, Charles turned to her, his expression playful. “And you have to give me your number so I can check in on you. I’ll be your unofficial cheerleader.”

She laughed, the sound coming more easily now. “Okay, but only if you promise to bring me coffee on tough days.”

“Deal!” he said, pulling out his phone. “Now, what’s your number?”

As she gave it to him, Hadassah felt a sense of connection forming—something she hadn’t anticipated. “Thanks for being so kind, Charles. I really needed this today.”

He flashed her that infectious smile again. “Anytime, Hadassah. We’ll get through this, one cup of coffee at a time.”

As they stepped out of the car and walked into the shop, Hadassah felt a mixture of hope and gratitude.

After grabbing their coffees, Charles dropped Hadassah off at the hospital, watching her walk inside with a mix of concern and admiration. She had shown such strength, and he hoped the little distraction had helped ease her burden, if only for a moment.

As he drove away, he made his way to Bernard’s office. The atmosphere was tense as he entered, the air thick with an unspoken urgency. Bernard was known for his strict demeanor, and today was no exception.

Inside, Charles found Bernard towering over his desk, his tall frame commanding the room. His secretary stood nervously, papers scattered around her as she stammered an explanation.

“Mr. Bernard, I—I’m so sorry. I thought I had sent those documents yesterday. I must have forgotten—”

“Forgotten?” Bernard interrupted, his voice cold and unyielding. “This is the third time this month! How do you expect me to run this company if you can’t even keep track of simple tasks?”

“But I—” she began, but he cut her off.

“Excuses are for the weak. If you can’t handle your responsibilities, maybe you should consider a different line of work.” His glare left no room for argument, and the secretary nodded, visibly shaken, before hurriedly leaving the office.

Charles stepped into the doorway, leaning against the frame with a teasing smile. “Mr. Action Man, always laying down the law, aren’t you?”

Bernard looked up, his expression softening just a fraction. “What do you want, Charles?”

“I just thought I’d come to brighten your day, but it looks like you’re doing a great job of scaring everyone away.” Charles chuckled, trying to lighten the mood.

Bernard sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. “I don’t have time for jokes. My family is on my neck to get a wife, and I can’t keep up with all this pressure. They think I’m just going to sit back and let them take care of my daughter forever.”

Charles’s teasing demeanor faded as he heard the weariness in Bernard’s voice. “I didn’t know it was that bad. You really need to set some boundaries.”

“It’s not just that,” Bernard continued, his tone heavy with frustration. “I’m not ready to get married again. I’m still dealing with everything from my wife’s death, and I can’t even think about entering anything serious right now.”

“Have you ever considered a contract marriage?” Charles suggested, his eyes lighting up with an idea. “You could find someone who can pretend to be your wife. It would give your family peace, and your daughter would be taken care of.”

Bernard raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical. “A contract marriage? You think that’s the solution?”

“Why not?” Charles leaned forward, eager to convince him. “You get someone to help with your daughter and keep your family off your back. It’s a win-win.”

“I don’t buy the idea,” Bernard replied, shaking his head. But even as he spoke, uncertainty flickered in his eyes. “I mean, it sounds… practical, but I’m not sure I can go that route.”

“Think about it,” Charles pressed. “You wouldn’t have to dive into any emotional commitments. Just a simple arrangement. And you could focus on healing while knowing your daughter is in good hands.”

Bernard fell silent, his expression thoughtful. “I don’t know, Charles. It feels wrong. Like I’d be using someone.”

“You’d be giving them a chance to help too. It’s not just about you,” Charles said, his voice calm and persuasive. “And if it’s a contract, both of you know what you’re getting into. No strings attached.”

Bernard leaned back in his chair, contemplating the idea. “What if it doesn’t work out? What if I end up hurting her?”

“Then you handle it like an adult. You’re not the only one with burdens. Maybe she’s looking for something practical too,” Charles replied, his tone encouraging.

As Bernard stared at the wall, lost in thought, Charles added, “Just consider it. You don’t have to make a decision right now, but it could be a solution. You deserve to find some peace.”

“I’ll think about it,” Bernard finally said, though his voice hinted at the weight of his internal struggle. “But right now, I just feel so lost.”

Charles nodded, understanding the depth of his friend’s pain. “I’m here for you, man. We’ll figure it out together, one step at a time.”

A moment of silence stretched between them as Bernard lost himself in thought. Then he spoke, almost to himself, “Even if I consider a contract marriage, I don’t have anyone who would be interested.”

Charles’s eyes lit up with an idea. “Do you remember the two friends we met at the mall—Hadassah and Sharon? I saw Hadassah earlier today. I was driving to get coffee, and I saw how sad she looked. She explained she’s shouldering a lot of responsibilities and desperately needs money.”

Bernard raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

“A young, beautiful lady like that is in need of money!” Charles exclaimed. “She’s kind and would be a perfect fit for this arrangement!”

“But we barely know her,” Bernard countered, shaking his head. “I can’t trust her with my daughter yet. It feels too soon to even make that kind of offer.”

Charles leaned forward, persisting. “Think about it, Bernard. She’s in a tough spot, and you need someone to help you. You could both benefit from this arrangement.”

Bernard fell silent, contemplating the idea. “Still, it feels risky.”

“I collected her number,” Charles said, a grin spreading across his face. “I’ll call her and invite her to dinner. We can gauge her interest then.”

“Dinner?” Bernard echoed, his brow furrowing. “What if she thinks we’re serious? This is just a business arrangement.”

“Exactly! You can offer her a three-million-naira monthly salary,” Charles replied, his enthusiasm undeterred. “No feelings attached, no emotions involved. Just a clear-cut agreement.”

Bernard inhaled deeply, weighing the options. “Are you sure about this? It feels… unconventional.”

“Sometimes unconventional is the way to go,” Charles said, his tone serious now. “You need to take care of your daughter, and she needs help. It could work.”

Bernard took a moment, the gears in his mind turning. “I’ll think about it,” he finally said, though uncertainty lingered in his voice.

“Just remember, it’s not a commitment. Just a way to ease your burdens and help her out,” Charles encouraged, sensing Bernard’s hesitation.

As Bernard began to pack his things, Charles couldn’t resist throwing in a little humor. “By the way, what about your secretary? Is she married?”

Bernard shot him a glare, his eyes narrowing. “Seriously? You’re still thinking about women at a time like this?”

“Hey, a man’s gotta have priorities!” Charles laughed, leaning back in his chair. “She seemed a bit flustered. Maybe she needs a strong man to—”

“Don’t even finish that sentence,” Bernard interrupted, a smirk creeping onto his face despite himself. “You’ll scare her off for good!”

“Come on, I’m just saying she might appreciate a little charm,” Charles teased, winking.

Bernard rolled his eyes, chuckling as he zipped up his bag. “If you keep this up, I might just have to hire you as my relationship consultant.”

“Now that’s a title I could get behind!” Charles grinned, feigning a serious expression. “I could charge you a premium for my services.”

“More like a penalty for wasting my time,” Bernard shot back, a smile breaking through his stern facade. “But seriously, focus on your work instead of matchmaking.”

“Fine, fine,” Charles said, waving his hands in mock surrender. “But don’t say I didn’t try to help when you’re still single at 60!”

As Bernard stepped toward the door, he felt lighter, the weight of his burdens slightly eased by their banter. “Thanks for the laugh, Charles. I needed that.”

“Anytime, buddy!” Charles called out, grinning. “Just remember, I’m here if you need me—whether it’s business or matchmaking!”

Bernard chuckled, shaking his head as he left the office, feeling the flicker of hope amidst the chaos of his thoughts.

---

Hadassah finally managed to pay her brother’s hospital bill, and relief flooded over her as they discharged him. She felt a mix of exhaustion and gratitude as they headed home together. The weight of the past few days had drained her, and as soon as they entered the house, she barely had the energy to acknowledge her mother’s concerned questions.

“Hadassah, how was it? Are you okay?” her mother asked, but Hadassah simply nodded and made her way to her room, shutting the door behind her.

Once inside, she collapsed onto her bed, her body aching for rest. Just as she began to drift off, her phone buzzed, breaking the silence. She glanced at the screen—unknown caller. Should she pick it up or let it go? Curiosity got the better of her, and she answered.

“Hello?” she said hesitantly.

“Hey there! Is this the famous Hadassah?” came a jovial voice on the other end.

“Charles?” she replied, surprised.

“Bingo! How’s your brother doing? Did he escape the clutches of the hospital?” he teased, and she couldn’t help but smile at his lightheartedness.

“He’s home now, thank you,” Hadassah replied, feeling a warmth spread through her. “I’m just exhausted.”

“Understandable! A superhero like you deserves a break. Speaking of breaks, I was wondering if you’d like to join me for dinner?”

Hadassah hesitated. “I can’t. I’m busy—”

“Busy? With what? Saving the world?” Charles interjected playfully.

She laughed, but then he added, “Actually, it’s a business meeting. I want to discuss something important.”

“Really?” Hadassah’s curiosity piqued. “What kind of business?”

“Let’s just say it’s a unique opportunity. I think you’ll be interested,” he said, his tone shifting to a more serious note.

“Okay, I’m intrigued,” she admitted. “When are you thinking?”

“How about tomorrow evening? We can meet at that little café near the hospital,” he suggested.

“Sure, let’s do that,” Hadassah agreed, her mind racing with questions about what this could entail.

“Perfect! Get some rest, superhero. You’ll need your energy for our big meeting,” he teased again before hanging up.

As she lay back down, Hadassah felt a mix of excitement and anxiety bubbling within her. What could this business opportunity be? With thoughts swirling in her mind, she eventually drifted off to sleep, curious about what the next day would bring.

Hadassah woke up the next morning with a clearer mind, the events of the previous day still fresh but less overwhelming. After a quick shower, she tackled some house chores, moving through the familiar tasks with a sense of purpose. As she wiped down the kitchen counters, her mom walked in, a warm smile on her face.

“Good morning, Hadassah! You seem cheerful today,” her mother remarked, noticing the lightness in her daughter’s demeanor.

Hadassah returned the smile but decided to keep the reason for her happiness to herself. “Just feeling good, I guess,” she replied, trying to sound casual.

Her mom chuckled softly. “Well, that’s nice to hear! I’m heading to the market now. Don’t forget to take care of yourself.”

“Have a great day!” Hadassah called as her mother left. After her mom was gone, she finished her chores and took a moment to breathe, feeling a mix of pride and anticipation building within her.

Once she was ready, Hadassah left for work, her heart racing slightly as she thought about the evening ahead. When she arrived at the office, she approached her supervisor. “Excuse me, can I leave a bit early today? I have something important to attend to.”

Her supervisor raised an eyebrow. “You know the drill. If you want to leave before closing, you’ll need to rush through your work.”

Hadassah nodded, determination in her eyes. “I understand. I’ll make sure everything is done on time.”

With that, she dove into her tasks, focusing intently. The hours flew by as she worked diligently, pushing herself to finish everything on her to-do list. By the time she wrapped up, she was completely exhausted, her mind buzzing with thoughts of the upcoming meeting with Charles.

As she gathered her things, she felt the weight of the day’s labor but also a flicker of excitement. She had done it—she was ready to meet him at the café, and despite her fatigue, a sense of hope fluttered in her chest.

Hadassah’s heart raced as she navigated the bustling streets, her phone clutched tightly in her hand. She had just called Charles to let him know she was on her way to the café, a mix of anticipation and dread swirling inside her.

As she pushed open the café door, the warm aroma of coffee hit her like a comforting embrace. But her gaze quickly settled on Charles and Bernard at a table in the corner. Charles, with his infectious grin and easy laughter, contrasted sharply with Bernard’s sharp suit and cold demeanor. The tension between them seemed palpable.

“Hey, Hadassah!” Charles beamed, jumping to his feet. “You made it! You look great! Order something; the food here is fantastic!”

“I’m fine, really,” Hadassah replied, her voice steady but her stomach twisted in knots. “Let’s just get to the point.”

Charles chuckled, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “Oh, come on! You don’t have to be so serious! Live a little!” He nudged Bernard, who looked like he’d rather be anywhere else. “Why don’t you tell her what you wanted to discuss?”

Bernard shifted in his seat, his expression growing more serious. He cleared his throat, the atmosphere thickening around him. “I’m here for a contract marriage,” he declared, the words coming out with unexpected boldness. His gaze was unwavering, his voice steady as he continued. “My family is on my neck to find a wife, and frankly, I’m not ready for that. I need someone to care of my daughter with love, someone who can step into this role without the emotional strings attached.”

Hadassah stared at him, her mind racing. “A contract marriage? Are you serious?” The words felt like a punch to the gut.

“Dead serious,” Bernard maintained, leaning forward, his eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that made her heart skip. “You’ll pretend to be my wife and take care of my daughter. In return, you’ll get 3 million naira monthly.”

The figure hung in the air like a tantalizing mirage, but the absurdity of it all made her laugh nervously. “This is a joke, right? You can’t be serious!”

“Think about it, Hadassah!” Charles chimed in, his excitement bubbling over. “You’d have financial security, and it could even be fun! You’d be living in a mansion!”

Bernard added, his voice unwavering, “You’d be free and independent—just living in my house for a few years until my daughter is old enough for boarding school.”

Hadassah’s heart raced, torn between disbelief and intrigue. “I… I need to think about it.” She stood abruptly, her chair scraping loudly against the floor. “I’ll call you, Charles.”

As she stormed out, the cool air hit her like a splash of cold water, but her mind was still spinning. What just happened?

Back at the table, Bernard turned to Charles, his expression a mix of frustration and disbelief. “Do you think this will actually work?”

Charles smirked, leaning back in his chair. “Trust me, man. She’ll come around. Just give her time. Besides, it’s not every day someone gets offered a contract marriage!”

Bernard rolled his eyes, clearly unamused. “This isn’t a game, Charles.”

Outside, Hadassah paced the sidewalk, her thoughts colliding like thunderclouds. Could she really step into something so unconventional? The idea was both exhilarating and terrifying.

Just then, her phone buzzed. It was a message from Charles: *“Think of the adventure! And the money!.

Hadassah arrived home, her mind racing and emotions swirling like a tempest. She dropped her bag on the floor and flopped onto the couch, staring at the ceiling as thoughts tumbled over one another.

“Three million naira,” she murmured to herself, her voice barely a whisper. “What would that even mean for my life?” The number echoed in her head, tantalizing and overwhelming. She could almost feel the weight of it, imagining the possibilities: a new apartment, travel, opportunities she had only dreamed of.

“If I get close to Bernard, maybe I could build connections,” she continued, pacing her small living room. “There would be so many benefits… But a contract marriage? It sounds so… unconventional.” Doubts crept in, and she shook her head, trying to dispel them.

She glanced at her phone, hoping to call Sharon and share the wild proposal, but her heart sank when she saw it was dead. “Ugh, of all times!” she groaned, tossing the phone onto the couch in frustration. She couldn’t wait until morning to talk to her best friend about this.

Sleep eluded her as she tossed and turned, images of Bernard’s serious expression flashing in her mind. His bold declaration had been so compelling, yet the weight of such an arrangement felt heavy on her chest. “What if this is a huge mistake?” she worried aloud, biting her lip.

But then she thought about the freedom, the independence. “I could finally have a chance to live life on my own terms,” she said, her voice rising with excitement. “And Bernard’s daughter… She needs someone. Maybe I could do this.”

The clock ticked loudly in the silence, each second stretching into eternity. Hadassah rolled over, staring into the darkness, her heart racing. The possibilities danced in her mind, teasing her with what-ifs and maybes.

With a deep breath, she sat up, resolve hardening within her. “I need to give this serious thought. Maybe it’s worth a shot.” She couldn’t shake the feeling that this might be the opportunity she had been waiting for, wrapped in an unexpected package.

But as she lay back down, her mind still whirling, one question lingered: Could she really step into such an unconventional life? The night wore on, filled with uncertainty and the thrill of potential, leaving her restless and eager for morning.

The next morning, Hadassah couldn’t shake the energy buzzing inside her. She hurried over to Sharon’s house, her heart pounding with excitement and nerves. She knocked on the door, practically bouncing on her toes as Sharon opened it, her hair in a messy bun and a sleepy smile on her face.

“Finally! I thought you’d lost your way!” Hadassah teased, pretending to fight her friend. “Why wasn’t your number reachable last night? I needed you!”

Sharon laughed, stepping aside to let her in. “Sorry! My phone died, and I crashed early. What’s up?”

Hadassah plopped onto the couch, her excitement spilling over. “You won’t believe what happened! Bernard—yes, that Bernard—offered me a contract marriage!”

Sharon’s eyes widened, and she sat up straight. “Wait, what? Explain!”

As Hadassah recounted the details, her friend’s expression shifted from surprise to intrigue. “So, he’s basically offering you three million naira a month to pretend to be his wife and take care of his daughter?”

“Yes!” Hadassah exclaimed, her voice rising with enthusiasm. “I mean, think about it: financial security, a chance to live in a mansion, and I’d be helping a little girl!”

Sharon’s face lit up. “This is amazing! You could travel, meet people, and all you have to do is pretend to be a wife?”

Hadassah felt a rush of happiness and jumped up, pulling Sharon into a tight hug. “I can’t believe you’re actually excited about this! It feels right!”

“Of course, I am!” Sharon grinned, pulling back to look into Hadassah’s eyes. “You’ll be free! It’s like a job without the typical commitment. You just need to take care of a baby with love. This is like a free work deal!”

“But are you sure about this?” Hadassah asked, her enthusiasm slightly dampened by uncertainty. “It sounds too good to be true.”

“Absolutely!” Sharon replied, her eyes sparkling. “Call Charles right now and tell him you’re in! This could be life-changing!”

Hadassah nodded, a surge of determination filling her. She pulled out her phone, her fingers trembling with excitement as she typed.

“*I have accepted! But he needs to come and see my mother”