Bound by contract
1728 Words
Of all the ways I imagined myself spending the weekend, meeting the father of the man I had a one-night stand with was not one of them.
It's been exactly five days since I got myself in this mess. Five days since, I caught my boyfriend with another lady and ended up having a one-nightstand with a stranger who turns out to be my boss. Four days since, I reluctantly signed the contract.
" You'll be my wife in public appearances for a period of one year. Complete secrecy and absolute obedience are paramount. We'll depict the perfect couple's life only in public, but while indoors, we stay clear of each other. You have every right to do whatever you want as long as it doesn't affect our charade.
In return, your mother's medical bills will be taken care of once you sign the contract ”
Those were his words. I never intended to agree, but when he mentioned covering my mother's medical bills, I couldn't refuse. My mother had been battling advanced cancer for years and the cost of her treatment had drained my savings. After my father was murdered, I was left alone to manage everything. My mother is the only parent figure I have, so I was determined to save her.
But it feels so wrong. Selling my marital status for a year in exchange for financial freedom? It felt wrong, a betrayal of everything I believed in. But then again, what’s the worst that could happen?
“Uhm Evelyn”
Asher's voice interrupted my trail of thoughts. I glanced up at him, and he handed a shiny diamond ring to me. My eyes widened at its brilliance, but I quickly masked my surprise.
“Wear it. If we're acting like couples, we need to be more convincing about it ”
He implied and I stifled a scoff.
Really romantic
I nodded as I slid into the ring. It fits so perfectly. The diamond sparkled in the dim light of the car.
We arrived at the grand estate where we'd meet with his father. The mansion loomed before us and my stomach curled in anxiety. I took a deep breath trying to steady myself.
“You ready?”
Asher asked and I nodded. He took my hands into his and I quivered a bit.
I tightened my grip on his hand as we walked into the mansion. I was nervous…really. The whole place screams luxury. The maids kept greeting us and I managed to reply with polite smiles while trying to calm the storm within me.
Finally, we arrived at a large room where the former CEO, Asher's father, awaited us. His eyes, sharp and discerning, landed on me immediately before averting it to Asher.
“ Asher, you really came ". He snickered.
“ Meet Evelyn, my fiancée. ”
Asher replied with a smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
His father's eyes widened, his expression impressed.
" Ahh, a true Reed move" He cackled
I offered a nervous smile as I shook his hand, trying to ignore the uneasy feeling in my palms.
“Mr Reed” I began, my voice trembling slightly. “It's a pleasure to meet you”
“Call me Charles,” he replied with a warm smile. “You're so lovely.”
My cheeks flushed at the compliment.
“Thank you
I replied, surprised at how composed my voice sounded despite the nervousness I felt within.
“ Ahh you must be hungry.”
He exclaimed, and he then led us to the dining room.
The dining table was laden with an array of dishes, including roasted chicken, garlic, mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables. The aroma of freshly baked cookies wafted through the air, making my stomach rumble.
Charles took a seat from us, his eyes fixed on me.
“So Evelyn,” he began. “Tell me more about you.”
I swallowed hard.
“Well sir, I work at ReedCorp as. .”
“ReedCorp?” He asked, his brow etched in confusion. “Did you just meet?”
I glanced at Asher, who gave me a small nod, encouraging me to stick to our story. " No. We met through mutual friends, and we hit off immediately. It was only coincidental that I work at ReedCorp "
“Oh I see”, he laughed.
“ You see, Asher is very strong-headed. I've been pestering him to bring me a wife for a while now. You don't know how happy I am to see you.”
He said, giving me a small smile, which I returned.
He was about to say another thing when Asher chimed in.
“ Anyone hungry? I'm starving”
I gave him an appreciative stare. The meal was awkward with Charles constantly asking me questions, and he seemed satisfied with my answers. He continued with small talk, discussing various topics, and my tension eased.
Once we'd done eating, Charles pushed his chair back and stood up.
“ I need to talk to Asher. Can you excuse us for a while? ”
He said and I nodded.
“Y-yeah sure”
I stood up and made my way out. The cool breeze enveloped me, as if rewarding me for going through the tension.
“Hey!” A deep voice said next to me. I turned and was immediately struck by the beauty of the man. He had striking blue eyes and sharp jawlines. He exuded a captivating aura.
“Hi,” I said, forcing a smile.
“I'm Jace”. He stretched his hand for a handshake.
“Evelyn” I accepted the handshake.
“A nice name for a pretty lady,” he said, kissing my knuckles.
“Thank you,” I replied, withdrawing my hands instantly.
“You are Asher's fiancée.”
“Yeah” I said, a sigh slipping
“You don't seem too happy about it” He started at me intensely, and I quivered under the scrutiny of his gaze.
“Oh! I am, I am really happy". I rushed my words and laughed awkwardly.
Why would he think that?
He stared at me before letting out a chuckle.
“Asher is a tough nut to c***k” he said, but I simply nodded.
“How did you two end up together?” he pressed further. He threw a quick glance behind me and smirked before returning his focus to me.
I was about to answer the question when I felt a hand grip my waist tight, the scent of mint filled my nostrils.
“What are you two talking about?”
I heard a deep masculine voice thundering. I could recognize the voice from anywhere.
“Oh hi, Asher. We were just talking about you,” Jace said, grinning heavily.
Asher's grip on my waist tightened and I winced slightly.
“ How about you join us and stop being an a*s", Jace added, a smirk dancing on his lips?
"And how about you f**k off and stop touching what is mine?"
Asher replied, maintaining a calm demeanor despite looking angry as hell.
I was a bit taken aback by the tense atmosphere, but I figured maybe there was some sort of bad blood between them.
Jace let out a chuckle.
“ Easy there, brother. You don't have to be so pissed. ”
Brother? Wow! Shocker.
They didn't seem like siblings to me at all, especially at that moment when they both looked like they'd kill each other. I wanted to intervene in their staring competition, but I figured it was better to just stay behind.
Asher's face hardened. He wanted to say something but, as if having another thought, he didn't. He turned to me and dragged me with him as he walked away.
I struggled to keep up with his pace because of the heels I was wearing and the long dress. I tried to wiggle my hand out of his grip but one look from him made me go still. He's so scary right now.
He dragged me into a room and slammed the door shut. I gulped down nervously when I saw his expression.
“I believe flirting with my brother was not part of the contract you signed, Ms Brooks”, he said, his voice cold and menacing.
“I wasn't flirting with him, we were only talking before, you so rudely interrupted and dragged me away like I'm your rag doll.”
I shot back. He ducked his head towards me and I took a step back, intimidated by his hovering figure. He took a step towards me and I recounted mine. He did it again, and I did until I felt my back caress the wall.
Shit
“You won't talk to my brother ever again, Ms Brooks” he said in his calm, deadly voice, and I gulped down, but I refused to be fazed.
“ I will speak with whoever I want to. You don't get to tell me who I should or shouldn't talk to, Mr Reed”, I replied and stared at him with the same menacing look.
He inhaled sharply to keep his anger in check.
“Do not test my patience, Evelyn” he said through gritted teeth.
“Or what”
I snapped back. I refused to let him know I was intimidated by him.
“Or I'll punish you” he said, his breath so close to my face.
“I'll give you the type of punishment that will drive you to the edge, the line between pleasure and pain will blur, and you won't be able to tell them apart. I'll make you beg on your knees to make you mine” he whispered into my ear, and a slight gasp escaped my lips. My cheeks grew hot as the memories of our night at the bar came flooding in.
This man has no idea what he's doing to me.
“ Playing mute now, Ms Brooks? You were more interesting earlier "
I wanted to say something but stopped when his thumb traced my lower lips. “ Stay away from Jace and I mean it ”
His expression was hard, and I knew he meant every single word.
“Dinner is up. We should get going.”
He then walked out of the door. I followed suite, trailing behind.
- Writer
