Sold to the Devil

III - CONTRACT WIFE

I had a hard time choosing what to wear. Before, I couldn’t choose because I barely had choices in my wardrobe, but now…

I have way too many choices that I don’t even know where to start looking!

Just wow!

My life had a three hundred and sixty-degree turn overnight! Or even more!

All thanks to my stupid stepdad. He must have thought that he made my life miserable by selling me. Little did he know that he had just done me a huge favor! I have long dreamed of leaving their house but I couldn’t. They control every aspect of my life and I find it hard to get away from their grasp.

I never thought that he would give me an easy way out. Now, this is so much better than what I had imagined my life without them.

I kept on scanning the clothes when I noticed something. All of these are too… I don’t know.

Conservative? Boring? Or just too plain for my taste?

Sure they look elegant and expensive, but oh well, who am I to complain when I can get all of these for free?

In the end, I chose a simple peach sleeveless dress that ended above the knee. I winced at my reflection. I’m so not used to these kinds of clothes, but I can’t deny that it’s pretty. It’s just that, it doesn’t fit my image.

I previously worked as a promo girl before I got here. The clothes here are a far cry from what I usually wear every time I have gigs. Those uniforms are usually skin-tight and very tiny. With just enough fabric to barely cover my private parts, unlike these.

I would surely look like a timid virgin if ever I wore these!

But I just shrugged it off. Instead, I went to the shoe cabinet to choose one.

“Hmm…” I tapped my index finger on my chin while deciding which pair would match my dress. Anything here will do, since they all look classic. They are like timeless pieces that I can wear anytime with anything.

I had never imagined that a day like this would come into my life!

I grabbed a pair of gold strappy heels and felt so happy when they fit perfectly on my feet. I raised my other leg and wiggled my foot in front of me. It suddenly looked prettier with the expensive shoes on.

I chuckled as I twirled in front of the full-length mirror, the skirt of the dress flew around with my movements. When I got contented with my dress, I walked to the dresser to blow my hair dry. Its natural curls fell perfectly on my shoulders. I felt so light and happy but my forehead scrunched when my eyes caught something on my left jaw.

My teeth gritted. I have a purple bruise where my stepdad had punched me!

Now I take back what I said. I shouldn’t thank him for anything. He actually owed me a lot! Selling me to this cold man could be the last thing he could do to make up for all the suffering that he caused me.

With a sigh, I just tried my best to cover up the purplish bruise with make-up. I want to look my best. I wouldn’t want that man to change his mind about me.

I don’t know what their terms were, but for me, no return, no exchange! I don’t want to go back to that slum. You must think that I’m out of my mind. I know I should be mad because I was sold against my knowledge and will, but what can I do?

I would rather choose this kind of life than spend another day in that place with my Mom and stepdad. Living with them is simply hell for me! I would accept anything other than that. After all, beggars can't be choosers, right?

One more look in the mirror before I decided to go out of the walk-in closet. I gasped when I found him sitting on the love seat while watching TV in the room. His left hand is sprawled on the backrest. It gave me the urge to sit beside him and cuddle against his chest.

“What took you so long?” he asked, without even bothering to glance at me.

TSS. He popped my bubble too soon!

I tried so hard to look good. Well, not that I needed that much effort to look gorgeous, but still, I made sure that he would see me in the best light. But now he won’t even give me a look? Should I kick him in the nuts?

He suddenly turned off the TV, then stood up. He looked at me from head to toe. I was so confident when I walked out, but now that I am under the scrutiny of his gaze, I felt awkward.

He walked and stopped in front of me. I gulped when his hand held my waist to pull me closer to him. His touch instantly sent my senses into a frenzy. I suddenly wanted to push him to the bed and do the nasty!

He bent down until his face stopped just a hairbreadth away from the skin of my neck. His warm breath hit my skin, spreading like wildfire throughout my body.

"You smell better now," he muttered behind my ear. I bit my lip to suppress a moan when his moist lip touched the shell of my ear. The s****l tension between us is just undeniable! I don't know why he's not doing anything about it, considering that he claims to own me.

"Follow me." he straightened up and walked to the door. I was dumbfounded for a few seconds before coming back to my senses. I quietly tagged behind him while checking out his sexy back.

He looks like a man who spends a lot of time working out. It shows in his well-sculpted body even though he’s fully clothed right now. The way he walks graciously, like a dangerous cheetah, is such a big turn-on. His broad shoulders looked strong enough to carry me for hours. My eyes trailed lower until they ended on his bum. I watched how it moved as he walked.

“Aw!” I winced when I bumped into his back because I didn’t notice that he stopped walking to open another door.

I looked up and saw his knotted forehead, so I gave him my sweetest smile.

“Sorry!” not sorry… I added, but just inside my head.

The room where we went looked like a small office. It has a long wooden table in the middle with an executive chair behind it. There are piles of paper neatly stacked on one side. He walked and sat there, then motioned for the seat in front of his table. I hesitantly sat down.

This must seem to be a good dream for me, but I'm sure it's not without a catch, right? In this kind of world that we have now, nothing comes free. It’s impossible that he likes me. A guy like him can get any woman he wants without lifting a finger.

I am so sure that women will flock willingly on his feet, so why would he need to pay a million dollars for me?

That’s the biggest question here. I'm not putting myself down, but really, I'm no one special. I haven't even done anything right in my life...

“Why?” I asked when I finally found the courage to ask. He lifted his gaze to meet mine.

“What do you mean by why?” he asked in a cold, lazy voice.

“Why am I here? Why did you buy me?” I asked directly to the point.

“I need a wife.” He said unabashedly before handing me a few pieces of paper.

“This is our contract.”

“What? Wife?!” I almost shouted in shock.

“Just in papers.” He shrugged.

“I needed a wife as soon as possible. Your father offered you as payment for his million-dollar debt. That’s how you fit into the picture,” he explained apathetically.

My eyes popped out of their sockets at what he said. How dare that old man?! He offered me as a payment for his debts?! Argh!

He’s lucky now that I feel like I hit the jackpot with this man, but what if he sold me to an old pompous guy? I swear I’m going to get back at him!

"He's not my damn father!" I growled in annoyance. He kept on saying that word and it was starting to annoy the hell out of me.

“And both of you didn’t even consider asking me before you involved me in your transactions? He doesn't have any right to sell me like a piece of cookie!” I asked unbelievably.

“Look, I just accepted his offer. It’s better than my million going into complete waste! Now let’s talk about our set-up.” He said, completely dismissing my argument.

“How sure are you that I will agree with this?” I decided to play hard to get, just for once.

“You have no choice in this. I already own every inch of you.” I gulped as he looked down at me while saying those words with conviction.

His gaze was so intense that I couldn't get to look at him. I turned to the papers in my hand instead. I tried to read and understand as much as possible but all the words here are so technical, that they make my nose bleed.

What does this even mean?

"Nondisclosure?" I mumbled.

"It means you can't tell anyone about this. This is only between the two of us or else there would be consequences," he stated.

"Hmm, in simple words, it's a secret?" I stupidly asked.

"Yes," he answered shortly.

"Okay." then I kept on reading even though I barely understood.

In the event of severance or divorce, I. Elise Jones shall have no right to split up the property. I quietly read the clause. I pursed my lips while thinking. Does it mean that I won't get any money or property from him after this? Right?

So, if he ever decides that he doesn't need me anymore, where does that leave me? Would I go back to that house? No way. I'd rather live off the streets, I think.

"You need to sign those," he said as he handed me a black fountain pen. His cold voice brought me back to the present.

I took it and signed the pages without a word. It's not like I have a choice here. As he had said, he already bought me. The reason why we still need a contract is beyond me. For formality? So that he has something to hold against me? I don't know.

I gave him back the pen and papers after I signed all of them.

He then handed me more papers that he took out from his drawer.

“From now on, you will be Heather Naismith.” he's talking like he's discussing something about business. He sounded professional and... Emotionless.

I looked at the documents and saw a birth certificate, identification cards, and even diplomas from prestigious schools. The IDs have my face but the name on it is Heather Naismith, just like what he said. There are social security IDs, a passport, and even a driver's license when I don't even know how to drive!

“But why?” I asked confusedly. Why do I need to fake my identity?

“I am a high-profile person. It would be a big scandal in the business world if they knew that I married a promo girl.” He said distastefully and it made my blood boil instantly.

Did he just insult me?! Again?

“Why don’t you get someone else instead?!” I spat with bitterness dripping in my voice. "Someone good enough for your reputation?"

“That’s out of the question. I already bought you. Deal with it." he snapped angrily. I gasped in fear. He looked scary when he acted cold, but more so when he is angry like this. I felt like I was dealing with the devil himself.

He stared at me until he made sure that I wouldn't talk back anymore.

"Now, study these." he handed me another bunch of papers. What the hell are these for? Why do I need to study?

I have long dropped out of high school!

"It has the story of how we supposedly met, dated, and became engaged. You have to memorize the events written there," he explained. His voice is now back to a business-like tone.

I scratched my head in confusion. Does he have a ready backstory for our "romantic story"? And looking back, I have a closet full of clothes that were specifically bought for me. I even have a fake identity complete with all the supporting documents!

"What the f**k?!" I blurted out while staring at him.

"Did you just curse on me?" his face darkened.

"Of course not! I was just wondering... How long have you been planning to take me?!" I asked him incredulously while waving the papers in my hand.

"Surely this will take time!" I added, but he just stared at me.

"I didn't give you the right to question me. From now on, you will do just exactly as I say," he ordered.

My lips parted in shock. What am I to him?

"Do you think I'm a puppet?!" I almost screamed, which only made his face harden even more.

He looked scary, but hell will be damned if I back down without a fight.

"Don't try my patience woman!" he hissed through gritted teeth. Okay. Now we're both mad!

"I'm not trying to do anything! I was just asking questions like any other normal person would, given this situation!" I stared back at him. I want to show him that I am not a battery-operated toy that he can play with however he wants.

"You are now my property! End of discussion!" he slammed his palms into the wooden desk. It made a thundering sound that echoed inside the room. It made me jump from my seat.

"You have to do everything I want, whether you like it or not!" he growled.

I gasped as fear crept into my whole system. Now, he looked damn scary. I feel like he could rip me into pieces if he wanted to.

"There, that's better," he uttered before leaning back into his chair while I remained sitting upright. My eyes were fixed on him in the fear that he would suddenly hurt me if ever I blinked.

"Tomorrow, I will fly to Paris for a business trip. You will be coming with me,” he said after a while.

My mind was in a dispute when I heard that. Paris? Will I go to Paris? With him?

I shook my head to clear my thoughts. Don’t be so naïve, Elise. I berated myself.

“Why?” I asked, trying to make my voice sound firm.

“Just go and pack. I told you, no questions.” He shortly quipped before turning his attention to the papers on his desk.

I wanted to smack him in the head for ignoring me, but never mind! I don't want him to lose his patience. I still don't know what he's capable of. For all I know, he could be a cold-blooded murderer or something of that sort.

So, instead of arguing, I stood up and marched my way out of his room. I badly wanted to slam his door but decided against it. I looked around after closing the door behind me. I should go back to my room now. But where is that?

I was so busy checking him out on our way here that I didn’t notice which way we were going.

“You’re such an i***t!” I murmured to myself. I walked and took a right turn from his office.

I found myself in the middle of an elegant living room. It looked so expensive despite the minimalist theme. My mouth hung open as I looked around. Most of the walls are made of glass that gives natural lighting inside the unit. I walked over to the balcony.

I’m guessing that we’re in a luxury penthouse considering the height of this unit.

It is so far up from the ground. I bent over to the glass railing to look down, only to take a step back immediately. It’s damn scary! I felt like my heart suddenly jumped to my throat in fear! I would surely break into pieces if ever I fell from here. I shook my head to push away the graphic image that popped inside my head.

I was about to go back when something on the far end of the balcony got my attention.

A f*****g infinity pool!

Woah!

It looked like its blue water was connected to the sky. But after looking closely, I noticed that there was a clear glass wall at the end of it. Two lounges were put into the shallow part of the pool. I suddenly wanted to jump and take a dip. The clear water looked so inviting.

I sighed dreamily.

Looking at all these luxuries, I think I would be willing to do anything for him just so I could experience all of this! If he wants me to be his wife, then so be it. There's nothing to lose for me anyway. I could even be his slave and I won’t complain! Suddenly, wild images popped inside my head. It includes the man and me in different compromising positions!

I grinned at those thoughts before turning on my heels. I should go back to my room and pack! That is if I ever find my way back there.

Paris here I come!