Chapter Nine
900 Words
“Phina,” Seraphina hears someone call out to her, and when she looks to see who it is, it turns out to be Adeline.
Adeline approaches her while the man collects the gathered papers from Seraphina. After which, he walks away.
“Who was that?” Adeline asks Seraphina.
“I don’t know. Just a stranger I collided with,” she responds.
“Okay, let’s get going now. I got everything ready.”
*****
Seraphina and Adeline reach the house, and just as they walk in, they are met by Seraphina’s aunt; Laurel.
Laurel had been taking good and proper care of Seraphina and her brother ever since their parents passed away. She never let them feel the absence of a parent.
Laurel had travelled out of the state for work a few weeks ago and has just returned after hearing about Seraphina’s incident.
“Seraphina,” Laurel hugs Phina tightly after she steps into the house.
“Aunt Laurel, what are you doing here? You are back already? Aren’t you supposed to be there till next month?” Phina asks after disengaging from the hug.
“My child, with this condition, you think I can concentrate on anything without seeing you?”
Seraphina smiles, feeling happy about seeing her beloved aunt.
“I’m fine, look,” Seraphina says, spinning for Laurel to see that she is doing well.
“Don’t mind her, Laurel. She is still feeling weak and recovering, but the doctors said she will gain her strength and be back in place soon,” Adeline says to Laurel, chuckling.
“Yes, she has always been a strong lady,” Laurel responds to Adeline. “But it's really bad that you both kept this away from me for this long,” she complains.
“We are sorry. We just didn't want to bother you,” Seraphina says as they walk into the sitting room along with Adeline.
“I’m preparing your favourite delicacy. It will be ready soon.”
Adeline and Seraphina stare at each other, joyfully sucking their tongues at the thought of eating a meal prepared by Laurel after a long while.
Laurel’s meals have always been extremely delicious, and Phina had been missing them ever since Laurel travelled, while Adeline had been missing them ever since she left New York more than a year ago.
******
Later that day, Haynes calls Adeline. His voice is calm, almost casual, but it carries an edge sharp enough to slice steel.
“Miss Everleigh,” he says, ignoring the obvious truth. “The contract must be signed right now. Be prepared.”
Adeline freezes. “Like, right now?”
“Yes. You know the terms. Six months. Publicly married. Privately… whatever you can endure. I will see you by three.”
Adeline feels her chest tighten. The contract wasn’t just a formality; it was a cage. She paces, torn between excitement and fear.
****
“Take good care of yourself, babe. I will be there to see you soon,” Someone says to Seraphina on the phone.
Adeline comes in and giggles at her.
“Okay, love. I will,” Seraphina blushes as she responds, while Adeline keeps sending silly glances at her.
Seraphina was on a call with her boyfriend when Adeline came in.
“Girl, this love is tempting,” Adeline jokes.
“Leave me.”
“I’m going to Haynes’s office now. He asked me to come sign the contract.”
“So this is really happening? I wish you luck, Lady A.”
“Thank you, Lady Phina,” she says, and they both giggle.
“I will come see you tomorrow.”
Adeline leaves.
****
At three, Adeline arrives at Haynes’s office. He greets her with that unreadable expression, eyes dark and assessing, like he is already dissecting her soul.
“Sign here,” he says, sliding a sleek black folder across the table.
Adeline’s hands tremble as she signs. The pen feels heavier than lead.
“Remember,” Haynes whispers, leaning close. “During this contract period, I observe. I learn. I notice everything. Don’t make mistakes,” he continues.
Adeline swallows hard. She has already heard this statement several times and definitely stuck in her head already. “I won’t.”
Haynes straightens, stepping back, expression unreadable. “Good. Now, let’s begin.”
*****
Just outside the office, a woman approaches Haynes’s secretary.
“Good afternoon,” she greets the secretary.
“Welcome, ma’am. How may I help you?” the secretary asks, looking up from her desk with a practiced smile, her fingers pausing mid-typing.
She is a young woman in a neatly tailored blazer, glasses perched lightly on her nose, her posture straight and professional. Years of working for the Van Doren family have taught her how to remain calm and observant, even when unexpected visitors appear.
“I came to see Mr. Van Doren.”
The secretary’s eyes briefly assess the woman standing before her—polite, alert, and already calculating whether this visit was scheduled or not.
“And you are?” she inquires.
“Ariana, Mr. Van Doren’s former secretary,” the woman responds.
“Oh, he is busy now with his wife. I will alert him about your visit when he is done.”
“Wife? He is married?” Ariana asks anxiously.
“Yes.”
Ariana feels devastated, not knowing what to do.
- Writer
