A CONTRACT MARRIAGE
563 Words
Clarice's POV
Chapter 2
"What? What do you mean I'll be your wife?" I asked in disbelief, my voice shaky. "I mean, I've only just met you, and you expect me to marry you?" I chose my words carefully, trying to gauge if this was some cruel joke. His expression remained unreadable, but the seriousness in his eyes was undeniable. My thoughts spiraled. Why me? Was it because I didn’t fawn over him like the other women?
I couldn't afford to jeopardize my job, not with my mom’s escalating medical bills. This job was my lifeline. But marrying a man I barely knew? It seemed absurd. I took a deep breath, preparing to speak, but he cut me off.
"Your mom is very ill, and you're here to gather funds, right?" His voice was firm, his gaze piercing. I froze, the shock evident on my face. How did he know about my mom? Panic set in as I wondered if he had done something to her.
"Listen, Clarice, let's get straight to the point. You want your mom healed, and I want more money. I believe we can help each other." He slid a document across the sleek white table. "What's this?" I asked, cautiously taking a seat.
"That," he said, leaning back in his chair, "is your one-time opportunity. I've arranged for the best doctors to treat your mom. Right now, she's undergoing surgery."
His words hit me like a tidal wave. My mind raced, struggling to process the reality. My mom, the woman who had always been my rock, was finally getting the help she needed. Tears welled up in my eyes, spilling over. "Thank you so much, Bruce," I whispered, my voice trembling with emotion.
"You don't need to thank me," he replied, his tone impassive. "This is strictly business. I need a wife to close a significant deal. This marriage is purely contractual. It's your mother's life for my business deal."
His cold pragmatism stung, but I couldn’t deny the relief flooding through me. My questions swirled, but one stood out. "Why me?" I asked softly, avoiding his gaze, fearing I might have overstepped.
He sighed, clearly irritated by the question. "Because you don't seem interested in me. That makes you the perfect candidate," he said, his voice steady, revealing his calculated logic.
I stood, ready to leave. "Oh, and Clarice," he added, "don't think of leaving work to see your mom. Focus on your job. Also, get yourself a ring. Make sure it’s expensive." He handed me an envelope, thick with cash.
I stared at it in disbelief. "What kind of ring costs this much?" I muttered. This was more than my monthly salary. I wouldn’t spend it all on a ring, that’s for sure.
As I left his office, my excitement was palpable. Elena and some colleagues intercepted me, curiosity written all over their faces. "What happened in there?" Elena whispered, pulling me aside.
I forced a smile, deciding it was best to keep this under wraps. "Nothing important. Just an errand," I said, showing them the envelope. "I guess I'm more of an errand girl than an employee."
Their reactions were mixed—envy, curiosity, and disappointment. "You're lucky," one of them muttered.
"Yeah, lucky," I echoed, my thoughts drifting to my mom. She was getting the care she needed, and that was all that mattered.
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