THE CONTRACT
1903 Words
"I have no other choice but to sign this contract," Aria thought as she stepped out of the taxi.
"I hope I'm making the right decision," she whispered to herself, steeling her resolve as she walked through the building's entrance.
She headed directly to the CEO's office, her footsteps echoing in the polished corridors.
"Aria?" Vincent called out as he spotted her, clearly trying to remember her name.
"Yes, Aria," she replied coolly.
"Good morning, Aria," Vincent said with a professional smile.
"Morning," she responded curtly. "Is Mr. Julian available?"
"Yes, he's been expecting you," Vincent replied, and despite herself, Aria felt a momentary flutter of importance before remembering why he was waiting.
"Can we go now?" Vincent asked, noticing her distant expression.
"Yes, let's get this over with," she said sadly.
They walked to the CEO's office, and Vincent knocked confidently.
"Who is it?" came Julian's voice from within.
"It's Vincent."
They entered to find Julian behind his desk, looking unusually cheerful.
"Good morning, Vincent. Hello, Aria," Julian greeted them with what appeared to be genuine warmth.
"Good morning, sir," they replied in unison.
The previous day, Julian and Vincent had contacted Mr. Lawson, a stern family lawyer who specialized in contract arrangements. Due to the urgency, he sent the drafted contract digitally rather than meeting in person.
"I believe you're ready to proceed with the contract," Julian said, his business-like demeanor returning.
Aria remained silent.
"Miss Aria?" Vincent prompted gently.
"Yes, I'm ready to review the terms and conditions before signing," she replied with quiet determination.
The night before, she had researched contract terminology and legal implications, wanting to understand exactly what she was agreeing to.
"Excellent. Very thorough of you," Julian said, genuinely impressed by her preparation.
"We'll provide you with the contract now for your review," Vincent said, handing her a professional folder.
The document was comprehensive, featuring both their names, the purpose of the arrangement, detailed conditions, and signature lines.
"No romance?" Aria suddenly exclaimed, then immediately looked embarrassed by her outburst.
Julian and Vincent exchanged surprised glances.
"Sorry, it's just... this is really happening," she said, feeling foolish.
She continued reading aloud quietly: "No real emotional entanglements... Appear in public as a couple... Share living space when necessary... No interference in each other's personal affairs."
"This is overwhelming," she whispered.
"Have you finished reviewing the contract?" Julian asked.
"Yes, I understand the terms."
"Can you comply with these conditions?"
"Absolutely," she replied with quiet resolution.
"Then let's proceed."
Aria signed first, her hand trembling slightly. Julian followed with a confident signature, and Vincent signed as their witness.
While Julian and Vincent exchanged satisfied looks, Aria felt only a hollow sense of finality.
"Congratulations, Aria," both men said, though their enthusiasm felt hollow to her.
Aria managed a weak smile. At least now I can afford Lila's medication, she thought, clinging to the one positive outcome.
"You're officially Mrs. "Carrington now," Julian said with a calculated smile, "though only on paper, of course."
Aria nodded sadly, the weight of her decision settling heavily on her shoulders.
"Since you're now my wife, you can choose whether to work," Julian continued.
"I want to work," Aria replied firmly. She needed independence and distraction.
"Very well. I'll discuss with HR about finding an appropriate position for my wife," he said, emphasizing the last word with subtle mockery.
"Thank you."
"You may go now if you wish."
"Goodbye," she said to both men before leaving the office.
Once in the hallway, Aria exhaled deeply. "It is what it is," she murmured to herself.
---
The taxi ride home passed quickly, and Aria found the house empty when she arrived.
Mrs. Craig and Lila must be at church, she thought, remembering that Mrs. Craig was on sabbatical leave.
In her room, she collapsed onto the bed fully clothed, staring at the ceiling.
"Thank you, Lord," she said aloud, though her gratitude was mixed with uncertainty.
Exhaustion overtook her, and she fell into a deep sleep.
---
Later that evening, Mrs. Craig and Lila returned from a christening ceremony they'd attended.
"Aria?" Mrs. Craig called out, but heard no response.
She found Aria sleeping peacefully and decided not to disturb her, instead heading to the kitchen to prepare dinner while Lila settled on the living room sofa for her own nap.
When Aria finally woke, she heard familiar sounds from the kitchen.
"Welcome back," she greeted Mrs. Craig warmly.
"Hello, darling. How did everything go today?" Mrs. Craig asked with genuine concern.
"It went... fine," Aria replied, then proceeded to explain everything that had transpired.
"All those conditions?" Mrs. Craig asked sadly after hearing the details.
"Yes, but it's only for one year. I think I can manage that," Aria said, trying to convince herself as much as Mrs. Craig.
"God will see you through this, sweetheart," Mrs. Craig said hopefully.
---
Meanwhile, at the Carrington mansion, Julian burst through the front door with unusual energy.
"Mother!" he called out, barely acknowledging the staff's greetings.
"I'm upstairs, son," Mrs. Carrington replied.
"I have excellent news for you," Julian said, taking the stairs two at a time.
He entered his mother's room with obvious excitement.
"She accepted!" he announced triumphantly.
"Who accepted what?" Mrs. Carrington asked, confused by his enthusiasm.
"Aria agreed to marry me! In fact, she's my wife now," Julian said, barely able to contain his satisfaction.
"Your wife? When did this happen? So suddenly?" Mrs. Carrington asked with surprise and suspicion.
"She accepted my proposal instantly because she cares for me," Julian lied smoothly. "We both prefer privacy to ceremonies—just a simple, intimate arrangement."
"I see," Mrs. Carrington replied thoughtfully. "Even if you prefer a private ceremony, I'd still like to organize something small to celebrate."
"Of course, Mother," Julian agreed reluctantly, already planning how to avoid any such celebration.
---
That evening, Julian sent Aria a text message: Please decline any celebration my mother might suggest. Since everyone will know we're married and it's consensual, we don't need formal occasions.
Aria replied: I'll object to any celebration your mother proposes.
Good night, Julian texted.
Goodbye, Aria responded curtly.
---
The next morning, Aria knocked on Julian's office door.
"Enter," came his voice from within.
"Good morning, sir," Aria greeted him.
"Good morning, my wife," Julian replied with an amused smile.
Aria bristled at the title but knew she had no choice but to accept it.
"I have an important event coming up, and I need you to attend with me. It will be our public debut as a married couple," he explained.
Additionally, we need to upgrade your wardrobe and make other necessary adjustments. Let me know when you're ready to move into the mansion."
"Understood," she replied stiffly.
"You'll need to stop calling me 'sir' in public," he said with amusement.
"I know," she answered.
The conversation felt stilted and uncomfortable, but Aria endured it.
"I'd like to leave now," she said.
"Of course."
As Aria was leaving the building, her phone rang. Mrs. Carrington's name appeared on the screen.
"Hello, Aria," Mrs. Carrington said warmly when Aria answered.
"Hello, ma'am."
"Julian told me you two have formalized your marriage but prefer no ceremony. Is this true?"
Aria hesitated before responding. "Yes, we both agreed to keep things low-key. Since it's mutual, there's no cause for concern."
"Very well, dear. If that's what makes you both happy. I can't wait to have you in our home."
"Thank you," Aria replied.
"Goodbye for now," Mrs. Carrington said before ending the call.
---
That evening, Julian decided to message his "wife."
Hi Aria.
Hi, Mr. Julian, she replied, avoiding the formal "sir" as instructed.
Julian started to type "How are you?" but deleted it, not wanting to appear caring.
You understand that our couple dynamic is for public appearances only?
Yes, I understand.
You'll be assigned a public image consultant—a makeover artist who will ensure you always look appropriate since you're representing me in public. You can dress however you like in private.
Yes, sir, I understand. I'm going to sleep now and may not respond again, Aria replied curtly.
Good night.
She read the message but didn't reply.
"Ridiculous," she muttered to herself. "Is this really the best decision I could make? If I had any other means of supporting Lila, I never would have agreed to marry this arrogant man. We haven't even started, and he's already insufferable."
---
The next morning, Aria was awakened by her phone ringing.
"Hello," she answered groggily.
"Good morning, Miss Aria. I'm calling on behalf of Mr. Julian. He's asked me to help you select clothing and everything else you'll need. When would be convenient for you today?"
"I can meet you in an hour. Please send me the boutique address," Aria replied.
"Certainly, ma'am," the woman said before ending the call.
---
At his office, Julian was expressing his gratitude to Vincent.
"Thank you for all your help with this contract," Julian said.
"Always at your service, boss," Vincent replied.
"I told her about tomorrow's event, and I'm sure she's already selecting appropriate attire," Julian said with satisfaction.
"That's good planning," Vincent agreed. "I need to attend to some matters in my office now."
"See you later then."
---
That evening, Julian called Aria.
"Hello, Aria."
"Hi," she replied with noticeable coldness.
"I trust you found everything you needed today?"
"Yes."
"Tomorrow's event has a black and white dress code. I need you to wear something elegant in those colors and meet me at the mansion by 7 AM."
"Fine," she replied tersely.
"Take care," he said before ending the call.
Aria rolled her eyes as the line went dead.
---
The next morning, Aria arrived at the Carrington mansion promptly, wearing a stunning black and white gown adorned with subtle beadwork that perfectly accentuated her figure. Her hair was professionally styled, and her makeup was flawless.
"Good morning," she greeted the gatekeeper, who opened the gates with obvious admiration.
She acknowledged the household staff with polite nods as she made her way inside and settled into a chair in the living room.
Moments later, Julian descended the staircase, and despite himself, he was struck by her appearance.
She looks absolutely stunning, he thought before quickly suppressing the admiration.
"Good morning, Aria," he said with forced casualness.
"Good morning," she replied.
Julian looked impeccable in his tailored suit, but Aria refused to acknowledge it, focused instead on his insufferable personality.
"Shall we go?" Julian asked.
"Yes."
They walked to the car together, where the driver held their doors open. During the fifteen-minute drive, they stole glances at each other but maintained an uncomfortable silence, neither wanting to show interest in the other.
When they arrived at the event venue, Julian surprised Aria by speaking to the driver.
"I'll open her door," he said.
"Certainly, sir," the driver replied.
What's gotten into him? Aria wondered, confused by this sudden chivalry.
"Please step out," Julian said gently as he opened her door.
"Oh," she said, startled from her thoughts.
"And remember—no calling me 'Mr.' here," he whispered as he helped her out.
"Okay, Julian," she said, his name feeling strange on her lips.
Julian felt conflicted hearing his name without formality—simultaneously irritated and pleased.
He took her hand and drew her close, whispering in her ear with possessive intensity:
"From this moment forward, you belong to me."
- Writer
