Contracted Hearts

Chapter 4

“You can sign here after going through the terms of the contract. “ Alex said, tapping the space beneath the contract paper where Emma was meant to append her signature.

She carefully read through the contract and gasped when she saw the amount of money she was going to pay.

“20 million dollars?” Emma asked.

“Yes, I'll make a down payment of 10 million dollars. That should be more than enough to cater for your sister's surgery and other things you might need.” Alex responded.

Immediately after Emma signed the contract, she heard her phone beep and saw that 10 million dollars had been transferred to her bank account. It felt surreal. She looked at Alex, disbelief evident on her face, and he returned a knowing look to her and gave her a slight reassuring nod.

“As things progress, I'll clarify the details of our arrangement, but for now we have to make it appear real and natural. I don't want my father to have any doubts, “ Alex said.

“I understand perfectly, I'll try to make it seem as real as possible. “ Emma replied as she got up from her seat, preparing to head out of Alex's office.

“Dinner at Lux Hotel this evening. I'll pick you up at 8 pm from your house. I'm sure you don't mind,” Alex said, his tone leaving little room for argument.

“I don't. I'll be ready.” Emma said, a smile crossing her face as she left the office.

She went straight to the Hospital where her sister was and proceeded to make payments. “I want surgery to be carried out as soon as possible. I don't want anything bad to happen to her”, She told the Doctor.

“I'll see to it that your sister is fine.” The Doctor replied, giving a comforting pat on her shoulder.

Emma’s phone rang just then, and she saw it was Bryan, her boyfriend, calling. She scoffed and immediately cut off the call. She also saw he had dropped tons of messages for her. She was tempted to respond to him, but she held herself back and ignored them. She didn't want anything to do with him again. He was a gold digger and a cheat, and she couldn't believe she fell for someone like him.

By exactly 8 p.m., Alexander arrived at Emma's house in a sleek, black Rolls-Royce Phantom, the car's presence as commanding as the man himself. He stepped out, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit, and approached the door.

Emma opened it, looking stunning in an elegant evening gown. Her heart skipped a beat at the sight of Alexander. He looked dashing and he exuded confidence and power.

“You look beautiful.” He said in his calm, smooth baritone voice, his piercing blue eyes resting squarely on her.

“Thank you,” Emma replied sheepishly, feeling a blush rise to her cheeks. She shyly averted his intense gaze.

They arrived at the Hotel after a 30-minute drive. As they stepped out of the car, the valet took the keys, and they were greeted by the hotel’s staff with utmost respect.

Emma felt a wave of nerves wash over her as they walked into the grand lobby. She glanced around and noticed people staring at them. Whispers filled the air, and she could see phones being raised, snapping pictures of them.

Alex seemed unfazed by the attention, his expression calm and composed. He placed a reassuring hand on Emma's back, guiding her through the crowd. "Just smile," he whispered.

Emma took a deep breath and smiled, trying to ignore the curious eyes following them. She felt like she was on display, but she also felt a sense of pride. Being with Alex meant entering a different world, and she needed to get used to it.

"Is that Alexander Cole with a woman?" someone whispered loudly enough for Emma to hear.

"It must be serious if he's bringing her here," another person murmured.

Emma’s cheeks flushed, but she kept her head held high. They reached the restaurant, and the staff greeted them with a warm smile. "Mr. Cole, Ms. Emma, welcome. Your table is ready.”

They were led to a private dining area with a stunning view of the city. As they settled into their seats, the buzz of conversation continued outside. Emma could see more people sneaking glances through the glass walls of the private room.

"Don't worry about them," Alexander said, sensing her discomfort. "They're just curious. It will pass."

Emma nodded, trying to focus on the moment. The waiter poured champagne into their glasses, and they toasted to new beginnings.

Emma nodded, trying to focus on the moment. The waiter poured champagne into their glasses, and they toasted to new beginnings. The meal that followed was exquisite, each course a work of art.

As they dined, Emma began to relax. Alexander's presence was calming, and his confidence was contagious. They talked and laughed, and for a while, it felt like they were the only two people in the world.

However, Emma couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. She noticed a group of young women at a nearby table, their eyes fixed on her and Alexander. One of them even pointed her phone in their direction, trying to capture a picture.

"Is it always like this?" Emma asked quietly, leaning closer to Alexander.

"Mostly," Alexander admitted. "People are always curious about who I'm with. It's part of the territory."

Emma sighed, feeling the weight of the attention. "I'll have to get used to it, I suppose."

"You will," Alexander assured her. "And I'll be right here with you."

After dinner, they took a stroll through the hotel's garden. The cool night air was refreshing, and the garden was beautifully lit with fairy lights. It felt like a different world, far from the prying eyes of the crowd inside.

"Thank you for tonight," Emma said, looking up at Alexander. "I needed this."

"You're welcome," Alexander replied, his eyes softening. "You deserve to be treated well, Emma."

They continued their walk, enjoying the peaceful moment. But as they returned to the hotel lobby, the attention resumed. More people were gathered now, their phones out, snapping pictures and recording videos.

Alexander sighed, placing a protective arm around Emma. "Let's get back to the car.”

They made their way through the crowd, and Emma did her best to ignore the flashes and murmurs. “Emma.” She heard a familiar voice call her name, she turned her head in the direction of the voice and she froze.

It was her boyfriend, Bryan.