Chapter1 The contract marriage
I held the thin piece of paper in my hand. It was so delicate, yet it held a significant connection to my mother's life. Her name is Anna, my adoptive mother, a peasant woman who took me in when I was ten years old. Despite our modest means, we have been happily together for over a decade.
When I was eighteen years old, we bid farewell to the mountains and headed to the capital.
The modern buildings were dazzling, and I thought we were embarking on a new life. However, little did I know that it was just the beginning of a period of hardship.
"Miss Kristelle, I think we should start."
the formally dressed bodyguard interrupted my thoughts as we got into a limo. The name of the car was unfamiliar to me, and it felt like a metaphor for my uncertain future.
As we entered the enormous manor, I couldn't bring myself to look up at its grandeur.
It felt like a beast ready to devour me.
With some trepidation, I followed the bodyguard to a three-story building, exquisitely designed. I inquired, "Is this Mr. Esperson's home?"
Elle Esperson, the President of the popular K&A Internet company, was about to engage me in a contract.
The bodyguard didn't respond immediately, but after a brief pause, he unkindly replied, "No, this is only Mr. Esperson's office."
Before I could react, the bodyguard received a call. To my surprise, it was a young voice, cold yet pleasant. Their conversation drifted from my attention until I heard my name mentioned.
"Miss Kristelle has arrived at the office door. What should be the next step?"
After a moment of silence, the voice commanded, "Let her in."
The bodyguard motioned for me to enter the door alone, and my heart raced.
I didn't know how to face the President, or whether I had even decided to sign the contract. As I entered the office, my mind raced with uncertainty.
I didn't have time to admire the beautiful murals lining the walls as I hurried across the dark carpet. As I stopped at a pure black gate, my heart pounded, and a voice in my head screamed, "This is it!" I had come too far to turn back. As I hesitated, the door in front of me opened silently.
"Why don't you come in?" a man in white casual clothes looked down at me. I was stunned, not because of anything else, but because this man was incredibly handsome.
Maybe I should call him Mr. Esperson. He had short black hair, deep eyebrows, and a tall, toned figure. As I signed this contract, I had imagined my employer to be intimidating, but I never expected him to be so handsome.
I was both surprised and puzzled. Why would someone with such high status and looks choose to sign a contract with me?
"Nice to meet you, Miss Kristelle," he said as he pulled up a chair and poured me a drink. I sat down awkwardly, unable to find the right words to reply.
As we both tried to speak at the same time, he gestured for me to go first. I asked, "For the first time, Mr. Esperson, I would like to understand the 'party a and party b' parts of the contract and their respective duties. What exactly does 'responsibility' entail?"
He looked at me quietly and then smiled. "Responsibility is the duty that each partner needs to fulfill." I found his answer too vague. This contract was my first encounter with such matters, and I was apprehensive about the unknown. I wanted him to give me some direction, as otherwise, it felt like I was navigating a vast sea with no compass.
Before I could inquire further, he said, "Take it easy, miss. I believe you already have an understanding of the underlying contract."
As a cold wind blew in through the half-open window, I shivered. He noticed and stood up to close it, and I felt a warm sensation in my heart for no apparent reason.
This prompted me to ask, "Sir, can you tell me why you chose to marry me？"
"You know, I'm in control of K&A, but I'm still in a situation where marriage is a good choice for me right now."
I've heard about it, and it's rumored that the Esperson family is complex, and because of his position, he's often caught up in some rumors. Growing up in the family seems to be a rather traditional conservative because of the rumors that he has been repeatedly pressed for marriage.
But, my problem is not this, I have no power, and I come from a small place that they may not have heard of, and in my opinion, a debt-laden and seriously ill adoptive mother, I am not a good choice compared to go to to the rich big and small sisters in my family.
However I was keenly aware that Mr. Esperson did not seem to want to explain the reason for the matter, so I did not ask further questions with interest.
It seemed to have seen my doubts, and he gently said to me, "Don't think so much. By the way, I've moved your mother to my nursing home and equipped her with a top medical team, and then you can go and see her. Let Tazz go with you -- the person who just picked you up. "
He pinched his eyebrows and said to me, "Sorry, now I'll let the housekeeper pick you up. You can get to know your room."
Mr. Esperson seemed to be very busy, and I nodded and was out of the door when a knock rang.
When I opened the door, I saw a middle-aged man in a formal dress, who was able to look, with deep decrees and thin facial contour, and his white and gray hair properly combed.
"Madam, please let me show you around the house."
Madam? I stole a glance at the President who was calling, and I didn't fit in to accept the name.
