The Lying Agreement

Chapter 3

Engagement Day

"I can't believe you're getting married. Mi bébé." Samara shared a very long embrace with her mother, Monica as she prepared to finally leave their secret rented house.

"I'll see you there later, Mama. I love you." She hugged her mother again as two men accompanied her inside the small house and carrried most of her valuable things. Some of her clothes, a lot of stacked books, and others.

She'd already gotten a tour from the mistress of the large family mansion called Littman Grove Estate. It's been in the family for ages and it came from their noble ancestors. Samara was told that it was one of the multiple estates in the country—not including the ones scattered all over the globe.

She doesn't even plan on knowing which and where they are because she doesn't plan on being part for he family for a long time. It's better if she stayed in one place and end her term here.

She was also introduced to the old Pierre Huntington a few days ago and the grandfather was very much delighted to welcome her to the family. She wasn't supposed to feel good about it but growing up without any grandparent, she finally understood why everyone loved their grandparents so much.

She had to remind herself that she was just doing her end of the bargain as what her 'fiancé' asked. One of the many terms was to avoid breaking the old man's heart—at any cost. She must make him happy and be the happiest bride and new granddaughter for his sake.

Samara was introduced to her apartments—a wing of the old and regal castle that would be her quarters. It had everything she needed. A library and office, a drawing room where she can host guests, her room, a large closet filled with only a few of her stuff, a dressing room, a gym, and other wings of the house she's not interested to be in.

"This is where you will temporarily stay until the wedding. Here is your dressing room and these ladies will help you get ready for the party later." Her maid, Alessandra said as women flocked to her and started asking her questions about hygiene and beauty.

Not long after, she was primped and prepped. Hair was blown out and a few dresses she had to put on.

"Now, this Dior looks perfect on you, dear." A visibly famous and gay stylist named 'Adolfo' who styles famous stars showed her an array of dresses. "And this Jenny Packham is sent and requested to be worn for the announcement. Of course, this will be a change. We need Dior for the publicity."

Samara couldn't believe her ears. She knew the prices of designer items and never in her million years could she ever afford them. Unless she became part of this family, of course.

The engagement announcement was broadcasted on the news a few days ago before she visited the house. It was all over—tabloids, news, social media, everywhere. She couldn't believe the calls and messages she received from everyone she knew. She couldn't even walk and visit bookstores quietly. That's why her 'fiancé' sent men to guard her.

She almost laughed at how he seemed to know her almost every move and how he was always ahead of her. The last she saw him was last night, inside a fine dining restaurant he seemingly reserved for both of them and other men to guard. It was so that they could finalize their agreement and rehearse their movement for tonight.

"I don't feel comfortable talking about this now." She spoke quietly as she looked around at the men surrounding them.

Paul cleared his throat and asked all of them to leave.

"Comfortable now?"

She nodded.

"Again, consummation. Where do you stand?" Samara read the contract yet she still hadn't figured out the answer.

She had never talked about s*x in front of a man she didn't consider a friend.

"I need your answer. We can't stay here the whole night." He didn't sound forcing. Quite curious, instead.

"I... I'm not. I don't know, alright! What are we even? I'm even sure if all this is right." She felt small. She didn't know how to tell the stranger over how knew all this was to her. How she didn't have a boyfriend. Not a single experience. Nada. She hadn't even kissed a guy, yet.

"Hmm..." He leaned on both his hands on the table.

"Alright. Let me make this simple for you. I will perform my duties that I am due. And in turn, you as well, will perform yours. Don't think too hard. Just consider it as our responsibility and part of the job. Like I said, let's just do well." He leaned back and touched his lips and Samara couldn't help but look at them.

"After all, you seem to be the one who'd lose more in this agreement..." What he said stopped her from her wrong thoughts.

"Excuse me?"

"Come on. Let's not kid ourselves. You're as clear as the Blue Lake." For some reason, something shook inside of Samara.

"What makes you think that?" She answered, trying to prove him wrong.

"The way you move, the way you're so cautious of any man's touch. Your demeanor. You're obvious discontent and dislike of promiscuity in public while on our way here. Should I continue?"

"How are you so certain that all those things you mentioned determine my innocence?" Samara couldn't believe herself. Why would she even feed into a p*****t's opinion?

"Am I wrong?"

"Yes. A hundred percent."

"Very well. So you'll sleep with me, then?"

Samara choked on her drink. A very wrong thing to do when you're in the middle of a very delicate conversation.

"What!?"

"I don't hear your refusal. I take that section on the agreement is done?"

"No, I will not! Never in a million years."

"Ah, see. Prude."

"I'm not a prude. Nor am I innocent!"

"Then how can you deny your future husband i*********e—the very foundation of a healthy marriage?"

Samara wasn't sure if the guy was shitting on her or was being genuine. She didn't have the energy to fight with him anymore.

"You know what, this conversation is far from productive. If you have nothing else but lewd parts of the agreement to talk about then—"

He chuckled. It was the first time she ever heard him chuckle. He always looked gloomy and almost like he looked at her pitifully and nonchalantly the last time they saw each other. Now was better. He still looked at her weirdly. Maybe now, like a plaything he can just control.

"Settle down. We're not quite finished. As what I've said, I will not force you to do anything you refuse to see the need of. This may be a marriage of convenience but I would not want anyone to be forced on this."

"So you didn't object on this?"

They locked eyes for a very short time. She looked away first.

"How could I not? You were a stranger with no connection nor any information except for a few academic achievements and multiple philanthropic articles on the tabloids and on the web. But... My grandfather has high hopes for this and this was what my father wanted..."

"Okay. That's good to know. At least we're on the same page. I'll sign the contract."

"Are you certain? Have you read the other terms thoroughly?"

"Why? You going to swindle me?"

"No, I just..."

'Don't worry. I might just give everything to you voluntarily. You wouldn't need to swindle or deceive me.' A tiny voice in Samara's head said.

Samara felt like a moth. And a moth should never fly too close to a fire. It was indeed a dangerous game to play.