the contract

2

Stephanie drove to Esther's office, her mind racing with questions and concerns about the document Mr. Leonard had given her. As she entered the office, Esther greeted her with a professional smile and motioned for her to take a seat.

Esther pulled out a file from her desk drawer and extracted a few documents, her movements swift and efficient. She placed them on the desk in front of Stephanie, her eyes scanning the pages before she began to explain.

"This document, Stephanie, entails that you give yourself willingly for the experimentation to be undergone on you," Esther said, her voice measured and professional. "While they pay you a token of $10,000,000."

Stephanie's eyes widened as she repeated the amount, her voice barely above a whisper. "$10,000,000?" she asked, her tone laced with surprise.

Esther nodded, her expression serious. "Yes, that's right. But let me continue. You signing this means whatever you underwent in the operation is to be kept from the general public. And you will be kept in the laboratory and be monitored by their specialists, till the experiment has had an effect on you."

Stephanie's face was set in a determined expression, her eyes fixed intently on Esther's face. She leaned forward slightly, her hands clasped together in her lap.

"What do you think about this?" Stephanie asked Esther, her voice firm and direct. Her eyes searched Esther's face, seeking any hint of doubt or concern.

Esther leaned back in her chair, steepling her fingers together. "I think the stake is high, but fairly speaking, this is a profound experiment," she said, her voice measured and professional. "There would be casualties, and you're risking your life."

Stephanie nodded, her eyes never leaving Esther's face. "Do I get the payment immediately?" she asked, her voice practical and direct.

Esther shook her head. "No, there would be part payment after signing, and another made after the experiment has been carried out," she explained, her voice clear and concise.

Esther's eyes narrowed slightly as she observed Stephanie's expression. "Mrs. Magdalene could provide much help, to refund to the bank," she said, her voice drifting from professionalism to a matter of caution.

Stephanie's gaze lingered on Esther's face, her eyes searching for any hint of doubt or concern. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice laced with a hint of wariness.

Esther leaned forward, her hands clasped together on the desk. "I mean that this experiment is not without risks, Stephanie. You're putting your life in their hands. If anything goes wrong..."

Stephanie's face set in a determined expression. "I understand the risks, Esther. But I need to know if it's worth it."

Esther nodded, her expression somber. "I understand. But let me ask you this: are you prepared to face the consequences if something goes wrong?"

Stephanie's eyes locked onto Esther's, her gaze unwavering. "I'll do whatever it takes, Esther. I need this."

Just then, Esther noticed another piece of document on the table. "Is that for me?" she asked, her eyes fixed on the document.

Stephanie handed it over to her, and Esther's eyes scanned the pages, her expression changing from professional to shocked. "A contract marriage?" she asked, her voice laced with surprise.

Stephanie's face went pale, her eyes darting to the document and back to Esther. "What does it mean?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Esther's eyes locked onto Stephanie's, her expression grave. "It means that you're not just signing up for an experiment, Stephanie. You're signing up for a life commitment.".

Stephanie's gaze narrowed, her eyes fixed intently on Esther's face. "I visited Arnold Leigh, and that document is the only option he gave me to help me get back on my feet," she said, her voice firm but laced with a hint of desperation.

Esther's expression softened, her eyes filled with a mix of admiration and concern. "You are really strong, Stephanie," she said, her voice gentle. "I can see that you're willing to do whatever it takes to get back on your feet."

Stephanie's jaw clenched, her determination evident. "I am. So, are you willing to help me with the documents?"

Esther nodded, her eyes scanning the papers in front of her. "Yes, of course. But first, let me ask you, are you willing to sign both documents?"

Stephanie's response was immediate. "Yes. But please state the terms of the contract marriage."

Esther's eyes locked onto the document, her expression serious. "It says you would be married to Arnold Leigh for 5 years, s****l activities excluded. In return, he pays a monthly allowance, which is yet negotiable. After 5 years, the contract is terminated, and you receive an agreed-upon profit."

Stephanie's eyes widened slightly, her brow furrowed in concentration. "Is that all?"

Esther's gaze lingered on the document before she continued. "After signing this contract, you move in with him, and this agreement is between you two only, no disclosure to any other party."

Stephanie's expression turned inquisitive. "OK, so when do I start to become his wife?"

Esther's eyes met Stephanie's, her gaze steady. "The moment you sign this contract, every other formality to justify you as his wife is an extra."