The Orchestrated Lie

Chapter 7

My fingers brushed over the thick, expensive paper of the envelope Stefan had left behind. I hadn’t opened it yet. A part of me felt the urge to destroy it, to show Stefan that I was not a mere pawn in his game. However, a persistent thought in my mind suggested that perhaps I should understand the situation first.

With a deep breath, I opened the sealed document and retrieved a neatly written paper. As I glanced at the initial sentences, every word felt heavy, burdening me as I read. It was a contract, with all the stipulations Stefan had hinted at, but seeing it in black and white was like feeling cold iron cuffs snap shut around my wrists.

“‘Hereby agrees to be the legal wife of Stefan Hunt in name and duty…,’” I read aloud in a low voice, my stomach twisting. I felt the urge to discard the paper, but I pushed myself to continue reading.

Each sentence seemed more burdensome than the previous one, each request a signal that Stefan's kindness was merely a strategic move in his twisted game. The text began to become fuzzy, and I shut my eyes, sensing the intense frustration and anger. How did I end up here in my life?Betrayed by Adrian, abandoned by family, and now trapped in this absurd contract with a man I barely knew.

“Shania?”

The unexpected voice broke my thoughts, and I looked up to see Adrian standing in the doorway, his face dark with an expression I recognized all too well. His gaze shifted from the documents I was holding to my expression, causing his lips to curl into a self-satisfied, disdainful grin.

“So, this is it, huh?” he sneered. “Moving on with the billionaire?”

I stood up, trying to hide the document as I squared my shoulders. “What are you doing here, Adrian?”

“I came to talk to my wife,” he replied with a mocking emphasis on the last word, his eyes narrowing. “And maybe remind you that you’re still bound to me until I say otherwise.”

The sheer audacity of his words made my blood boil. I tried to stay calm, but the bitterness in my voice was undeniable. “Bound to you? After everything you’ve done? After you slept with my sister?”

Adrian’s expression shifted, a cruel glint sparking in his eyes. “Oh, come on, Shania. Don’t act like you’re so innocent. We both know you’ve made mistakes too.” His gaze flicked to the contract in my hand, a smirk twisting his lips. “Or do you really expect anyone to believe you’re the victim here?”

"I'm completely different from you, Adrian," I said angrily, my voice shaking. "You deceived me, lied to me, and manipulated me. And now, after all that, you're going to lecture me?"

He moved nearer, his gaze icy. “Don’t pretend you’re any better, Shania. You think running to Stefan will fix everything? You think he actually cares about you? He’s using you, just like I did.”

The words hit home, causing my determination to falter. Despite my hopes that Stefan was unique, Adrian's accusation felt all too real. Stefan was using me, orchestrating my life to fit his needs. But it was different, wasn’t it? Stefan hadn’t pretended to love me.

“At least, he didn't try to be someone he’s not. Stefan and I's relationship is private," I stated confidently, looking directly at Adrian. “And as for you, you’ve lost the right to have any say in my life. We’re done.”

Adrian laughed, a cold, mirthless sound. “Oh, we’re not done, Shania. Not by a long shot. Until those divorce papers are signed, you’re still mine.”

I felt a slight sense of fear in my chest, but I made sure not to show it to him. "If that's true, maybe I should bring up all the things you've done to me. All the ways you hurt me. You really think you have the upper hand here?”

He clenched his jaw, clearly angered by my defiance. “Be careful, Shania. You believe Stefan is your hero, but you are unaware of his true character."

"What information do you have about him?" I asked, crossing my arms, even as a knot of uncertainty formed in my stomach.

Adrian’s smirk widened. "I've heard some things. Men in power like Stefan don't reach their positions by being nice. He will use you and discard you once he's finished with you."

I let out a fake laugh, but even to myself, it sounded empty.“So, you’re warning me out of… what? Some twisted sense of loyalty?”

“Hardly,” he shot back. “Consider it a reminder that you’re disposable to men like him. But if you’re determined to play his game, don’t expect any sympathy from me when it all falls apart.”

I glared at him, feeling a mix of anger and dread twist in my gut. “You don’t get to come here and make threats. You’ve already done enough damage. Now leave.”

But Adrian didn’t move. Instead, he c****d his head and observed me with a sly grin. "Oh, Shania, you are completely unaware of what you're getting yourself into. If this situation backfires on you, don't expect sympathy from me."

He left without saying anything else, turning abruptly and exiting, leaving me stunned and out of breath. His words continued to ring in my head, making me doubt myself even though I tried to push it away.

I looked at the contract I was holding, feeling overwhelmed by its significance.Was Adrian right? Was I really just a pawn in Stefan’s game?

I pushed the thought away, anger flaring up in its place. Stefan was mostly truthful about his plans and didn't pretend to be someone he wasn't. If he was exploiting me, perhaps it was my turn to reciprocate. I set the contract down on the table and took a deep breath to relax my mixed feelings. If I chose to take part, it would be on my terms.

While Stefan may believe he has control, I refuse to be a victim any longer.

I picked up my phone and called Stefan, each ring feeling like a countdown to something I couldn’t predict. Finally, he answered, his voice smooth and detached as always.

“Shania. To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“Let’s do it,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. “I’ll sign your contract. But I have a few conditions of my own.”

There was a brief pause on the other end of the line, and then Stefan’s low chuckle. “Oh? And what might those be?”

“I want guarantees,” I replied, my voice firm. “If I’m going to be part of whatever plan you have, I want to know that you’re not going to leave me hanging once it’s over. I want a clean break when this is done. No more manipulation, no more controlling my life.”

Stefan's laughter had a chill to it, almost taunting. "Do you believe you have the authority to make requests?"

"I believe you rely on me," I responded, feeling a rush of assurance. "If you want me to participate, you must agree to my conditions," I stated firmly. There was a brief moment of silence, and I briefly wondered if he would decline.

However, he eventually sighed in resignation. "Okay. I will provide you with the reassurances you want to put your mind at ease. Just know that you are not the one in charge, Shania."

"I'm not looking to control the situation," I responded calmly. "I just want assurance that I'm not being lured into another dangerous situation."

“Smart move,” Stefan murmured, his voice tinged with amusement. “But remember, Shania, the only reason I’m allowing this is because it suits me. Don't assume you've controlled me," He stated firmly before ending the call, leaving a slight tremble in my hands.

While I had achieved a minor triumph, I was aware that it was only temporary. Stefan remained true to himself, following his own set of rules.And now, I was officially tangled up in his world.