THE CEO'S CONTRACT WIFE

The hospital bill in my hand was shaking. ₦850,000. Due in 48 hours. Or they would discharge Mama without finishing her surgery I pressed it to my chest in the hallway of National Hospital, Abuja. Fashion school taught me how to design dresses, not how to print money. My phone rang. Unknown number. "Miss Sophia? This is Mr. David's assistant from Davis and Co. He'd like to see you. Today." Two hours later I was in a glass office in Wuse 2. The AC was cold. The man behind the desk didn't look up. David Davis. CEO of Davis and Co. His face was on the news last week after he bought another company. "You're the designer my sister used for her birthday," he said. Voice was sharp, no smile. "She says you're good." "Thank you, sir." He leaned back. "My board is pressuring me to marry. If I don't marry in 6 months, I lose control of Davis and Co. I don't believe in love. I believe in contracts." I swallowed. "What contract, sir?" "Six months. You'll be my wife on paper. Come to events. Play the part. In return, I clear your debts. ₦5 million upfront." The air left my lungs. ₦5 million. That would pay Mama's bill, our rent, and her drugs for 6 months. "This is crazy," I said. "You don't even know me." "I know enough," he said. He pushed a folder to me. "Sign. Or don't. My heart broke. I remembered mama is very sick and we need this money within 48hrs from now. I opened the folder. The first page said MARRIAGE CONTRACT The last line said Wife- Sophia Eze Mama's voice was in my head. "My daughter, don't cry. God will provide." My hand was trembling when I picked the pen. And I signed my name.