Wife in Contract

Chapter 2

Isabella's POV

I woke up in an unfamiliar room, disoriented and confused.

I glanced around and scanned the room until my eyes landed on a man sitting in a chair, his gaze dark and cold.

"You're awake," he coldly uttered.

There was no hint of concern in his eyes, only an icy demeanour.

I placed a hand on my head. My thoughts racing as I try to recall what happened.

"Who are you? Where am I?" I asked completely confused.

I couldn't fully understand what had happened but when my eyes landed on the IV fluid attached to my hand I finally realized that I was in the hospital.

Memories of the accident flooded my mind, followed by fragments of the wedding.

I need to stop the wedding. I have to leave.

Without hesitation, I forcefully removed the IV attached to my hand. "I have to go," I said, in a hurry.

I was about to stand up when the man held my wrist firmly.

"We must wait for the test results before you can be discharged," he said.

I shook my head as I tried to free myself from his grasp.

"Stay still. I don't have time for this. Let's wait for your test results," he demanded, his tone commanding.

He looks mad and it scares me. His tone is filled with authority making me follow everything he said.

Having no choice I leaned my back against the headrest of the bed.

We waited for what felt like an hour until the nurse arrived, carrying the test results.

Thankfully, there were no major fractures or severe injuries. The doctor prescribed medication for the cut on my forehead, and after that, I was given the green light to leave the hospital.

I followed the man as we made our way to the parking lot.

"Where's my car?" I asked.

He stopped walking and turned to face me.

"The police took it. I can drive you to the police station if you want to retrieve your car and give your statement."

"Drive me to the church," I responded instead, determination lacing my voice.

"I don't have time, miss. Just take a cab or something," he replied dismissively and handed me some money.

I don't know but for some reason, I feel like crying. I felt as though the universe was constantly rejecting me.

"Why are you crying?"

He looked at me with a puzzled expression.

"Everyone rejects me," I choked out between sobs, my emotions getting the better of me.

Perhaps it was the lingering effects of the anaesthesia that prevented me from controlling my words or actions.

When I stared at the man's face I could tell that his patience on me was growing thin. He constantly checked his wristwatch as if he had important matters to attend to and I was stopping him from leaving.

With a deep breath, he opened the door to the passenger seat of his car.

"Get in," he said through pursed lips.

I stared at him intently wondering if I heard him right.

His asking me to get inside his car?

With tears streaming down my face I stepped inside his car.

None of us dared to start a conversation and I am glad for that because I have no energy to talk.

All I want is to go to the church with the hope that I still have the chance to stop the wedding.

When we arrived I didn't waste any time and immediately stepped out of the car.

I thought he would finally leave but I could feel him following me.

I didn't say anything and just ignored him. I have an important thing to do.

As I get closer to the church I can feel my knees getting weak but I gather all my remaining strength and step inside the church.

Tears fell from my eyes once again when all I saw were petals of white roses scattered on the floor.

It's over.

Amara and Nicholas are now married.

I failed to stop the wedding from happening.

I ended up falling on the floor when I could no longer hold the pain.

When I felt a warm hand holding my shoulder I found myself embracing him. Trying to find a strength in stranger's arm. I cried on his shoulder not minding what he would think of me.

I don't know how long I had been crying but when I stopped he helped me to stand up and guided me towards the nearest wooden bench.

Embarrassment crept into my system when I finally realized what I had done. I can no longer look at him.

Right at this moment all I want is to be swallowed by the ground.

Our silence broke when his phone rang. I have no plans of listening to the conversation but I have no strength to walk away.

I felt like when I stood up I would end up falling on the floor once again so I'll just sit here...quietly.

"Hello, Mom," he said.

He fell silent once again and when I looked at him I saw his eyebrows furrowed as if he was having a serious conversation with his mother.

"Mom, I'm fine. How many times do I have to tell you that I don't need a wife?"

I don't want to eavesdrop but I can't help to feel curious about whatever conversation they are having.

When he turned his head on me I immediately looked away and started playing with my fingers just to keep myself busy.

"I'll call you later, Mom,"

When he ended my call I slowly raised my head and looked at him once again.

"Are we done here?" he coldly asked.

I slowly nodded my head and when I did that he stood up and walked out of the church so I followed him.

It must have annoyed him that I was following him so before he could step inside the car he turned around to face me.

"Do you want me to drive you to the police station?"

I fell silent.

I stared at his face intently.

I don't want to go home that's what I want to say.

I want to run away because I can't bear seeing Nicholas and Amara living happily while I am in misery.

All I want is to leave this place and maybe he can help me.

"Let's get married," I uttered the most hilarious word you can hear from a stranger.

I am desperate to leave this place. I will do everything just to leave this week's place.

I want to start a new life and maybe he can help me with that.

"You hit your head badly. I'll take you to the hospital again to have you checked," the man suggested and tried holding me, urging me to step inside the car but I forcefully removed his hold.

"Let's get married," I repeated.

He looks done with me. Probably in his mind, I am insane.

"Do you even know me?" he asked, his words finally sinking in.

I know proposing a marriage to a stranger sounds insane but I have no choice. I am desperate to escape this misery.

"I'm Isabella Rosewood," I introduced myself and extended my hand but he just ignored it.

"I'll get you treated,"

He made another attempt to pull me towards the car but I stood firmly.

"I'm perfectly fine. Just help me leave Madrid," I pleaded.

He look at me with furrowed eyebrows, confusion evident in his face.

"And what would I get in return? A wife?" he sarcastically asked, mocking my offer.

"I will do everything you want. All I ask in return is your help to leave Madrid," I insisted.

He didn't say anything but he stared at me intently.

I watched him as he folded his arms on his arm. I could feel my heart beating in an abnormal rhythm when his gaze lingered.

"Why do you want to leave Madrid?" he finally asked.

I swallowed the lump in my throat before giving him my answer. "Living in this place is painful."

He continued staring at me.

I started praying that he would accept my offer. He is my only hope. I badly need his help.

"Fine, but I'll have terms and conditions,"

I was happy at the same time nervous when he said those words.

I swallowed my nervousness and nodded my head. I had nothing left to lose. As long as I can escape this country, I will do everything he asks me to.

Besides, he looks decent.

He doesn't look like someone who would force women into unwanted situations.

I am certain that women lined up to be with him because I must admit he looks attractive.

With his sculpted face, light stubble, and captivating blue eyes, he could easily be mistaken for a Greek god.

"Are you sure about this, woman?" he asked, his gaze piercing.

I met his eyes head-on and summoned my courage. With a brave nod, I stepped inside his car.

I focused her gaze forward. My mind is consumed by the wedding I had failed to prevent from happening.

Images of Nicholas and Amara lying together in bed played on repeat in my mind like a broken cassette.

"Isabella,"

His voice calling my name jolted me from my thoughts.

His voice sounded pleasing to my ears.

"W-What?" I asked, confusion evident as I scanned the surroundings.

Then it dawned on me that the car was parked outside a well-known hotel in Madrid—probably where the man was staying.

"Let's go," he commanded so I followed him without asking any question.

I can hear my heart pounding loudly in my chest, but I must set aside my pain.

After a few minutes of walking the man led me into a room. I don't know if I set foot inside.

I am hesitant but seeing annoyance on his face forced me to enter the room.

I surveyed the room—it was a presidential suite which made me wonder if he is an elite.

"What's your name?" I asked out of curiosity.

We will get married so maybe it's just right for me to ask his name.

He looked at me intently. "Caspian Lewis," he replied, his name rolling off his tongue perfectly.

"C-Caspian," I stuttered and for some reason, my voice trembled as I said his name.

"So, what are your terms and conditions?" I asked, attempting to sound brave despite the trembling within me.

"A one-year marriage contract. We will be married for a year, and during that time, you must live with me," he explained.

"Is that all?" I asked trying to conceal the fear inside me.

He took a step forward, cornering me against the wall as his hand rested on my side. Leaning closer, he locked eyes with me.

"To maintain the illusion of our marriage, I cannot be seen with other women. But I have needs, Isabella,"

I get what he is trying to say. I am not that naive to miss his meaning.

But am I ready to surrender my purity, something I had protected even from Nicholas, the man I loved the most, to satisfy the terms of our contract?

Am I ready to give myself to a man I barely knew?