HIS CONTRACT GIRLFRIEND: RULE #1: DON'T FALL IN LOVE

CHAPTER 4

RYDER POV

I knew it wasn’t going to be a normal conversation the moment I stepped into his study.

Alexander Callahan.

CEO of Callahan Sport group.

He sat behind his desk, flipping through a stack of files.

My father.

And my biggest problem.

“You called?” I asked calmly.

His eyes lifted briefly before he gestured toward the chair in front of him. “Sit.”

“I'd rather stand,” I replied flatly. “I was in the middle of something before you called me.”

He closed the file in his hand and set it aside, finally giving me his full attention. “Mr. Marko called today.”

I blinked. “And…?”

He leaned back slightly, his fingers tracing the edge of the desk. “Sierra will be returning from the States soon. You should start preparing for the wedding. I just wanted to inform you.”

I forced out a dry laugh. “If you think I’m still getting married to Sierra, then you need to wake up,” I said. “That’s never going to happen. She cheated on me with Mike. Or have you forgotten?”

“So?” he replied, unfazed.

I stared at him, disbelief settling in my chest.

“So?” I repeated.

“Are you the first person to be cheated on? A lot of people get cheated on everyday,” he continued. “They forgive, move on, and do what is necessary. Her father has assured me he’ll handle the situation. She loves you. She’ll change.”

My jaw tightened.

“You know why I’m doing this,” he added, his tone sharpening slightly. “The company is on the brink of collapse. We need her father’s influence to recover.”

“I will not get married to someone I don't love,” I shot, my voice rising before I knew it. “Especially not someone like Sierra. That girl is a chronic cheat. She sleeps with anything that has a dick.”

“Ryder!!!” My dad slammed his palm against the desk making me flinch. “You dare complain?” He snapped. “If we don't act fast, we will lose everything. The house, our status, the cars… everything we worked for will be gone.”

“Then let's lose everything,” I shot back, stepping forward. “I've spent years staying quiet, accepting whatever scraps of attention you throw my way. Two years ago, after Mom's death you turned into something else.”

My voice hardened.

“Now, when the company's in trouble, I suddenly become useful? You want to throw me into a marriage with someone I don't love while protecting your company. What kind of a father are you?”

“Enough!!!” He barked, slamming his palm again on the desk. “Shut up, Ryder.”

But I couldn't stop. The anger felt too good, too freeing after years of silence.

“Why should I shut up? For once I'm saying what I feel!!!”

I pointed around the room.

“Everything in this house has always been about your company. Your company this… your company that. I'm your son too. I deserve attention. I deserve love. Stop using me for your selfish desires. It's not fair!!!”

Dad stood up slowly. “Fair?” You want to talk about fairness after the scandal you brought upon this family? I protected you. I kept the news quiet and that's why you’re still allowed to play hockey. And now, when I need you to do one thing for me, you start throwing tantrums.”

I gave a sharp exhale through my nose, my lips curling into a smirk. “I was actually expecting you to use that word and you didn't disappoint me.”

I shrugged. “But guess what? I'm used to it. So I suggest you find something new to threaten me with. Because no matter what you do, even if heaven falls, I'm not getting married to Sierra and that's final.”

I walked out before he could respond and walked straight to my room shutting the door loudly behind me.

My room felt suffocating the moment I stepped in.

I ran a hand through my hair, pacing once, twice, trying to shake off the anger burning under my skin.

It didn’t work.

“I need a distraction,” I muttered to myself.

Clubbing.

Yeah… that would do.

I grabbed my phone from the table and sent a message to the one person I could think of.

I had gotten her number from Mrs. Victoria.

ME: Clubbing tonight. I'll send someone to deliver the dress you'll be wearing and I'll be coming to pick you up at 9pm. Be prepared.

She replied almost immediately.

ELENA: (Scoffs) Clubbing tonight and you're just telling me now. Sorry to disappoint you but I'm not coming and whoever delivers anything here will take it back.

I smirked.

ME: (Clause Three: Mandatory appearance in required social settings). I thought I should remind you just in case you've forgotten.

ELENA: f**k you and your rules. I am not coming so forget about me.

I leaned back slightly.

ME: Then I'll have no other option than to come to your house and drag you out myself.

ELENA: Don't dare it (angry emoji).

ME: Then don't come and you'll see me in your house I promise.

There was a pause before her reply came in.

ELENA: (Sighs) What time am I coming back?

ME: I don't know. Maybe till dawn…

ELENA: Dawnnnnn? Where the hell am I supposed to tell my mom I'm going to?

ME: That's on you. You have to figure that out yourself.

ELENA: You're a jerkkkkk.

A small smile tugged at my lips.

ME: I know… Enough of the reminder.

ELENA: I hate you.

ME: The feelings are mutual. I hate you too.

ELENA: You want to go clubbing with someone you hate. You're crushing on me, admit it… and I totally understand. I'm beautiful and it will be a sin if you don't crush. But calm down and stop over showing it, it's embarrassing.

I rolled my eyes.

ME: I’d rather turn gay than be with someone with you. You make me want to throw up. You're not all that so stop deceiving yourself.

ELENA: I make you want to throw up but you don't cease to hold my waist at any slightest opportunity you get. And for the record, I'm all that and more. I am the f*****g prize. So you can choke on it, it's none of my business.

I shook my head, dropping the argument.

ME: Bantering words with you is a waste of time. It's currently 5pm, and the clothes will be delivered to you soon. Make sure you are ready before 9pm.

It showed three dots meaning she's typing again. I threw the phone on the bed and ran my fingers through my hair.

This fake girlfriend of mine is exhausting.