A lie that bounds us

Episode five

Alisa

“ Sure,” he said, as I led the way out not waiting for him.

What would I say to Michael, my once perfect life was coming to an end, and different thoughts ran through my head.

I stood outside the church, my mind reeling from the chaos that had just erupted. Adrian's announcement still echoed in my ears, and I couldn't shake off the feeling of humiliation and anger. How could he do this to me, to my family?

"Hey, Alisa," Adrian's voice called out, his tone smooth and calm. "We're here to sort this out, right?"

I turned to face him, my eyes blazing with fury. "What have I done to deserve this from you, Adrian? You've ruined my life."

Adrian chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Oh, come on, Alisa. It's not that bad. And I'm willing to make it up to you."

I raised an eyebrow, sceptical. "How? Make it up to me? After dragging my name to the mud, of all the ladies in there, why me?"

Adrian pulled out a contract from his pocket and handed it to me ignoring my questions. "I want you to pretend to be my wife for six months. Just until I can sort out this mess and figure out what to do about the baby."

“ What baby!! I'm not pregnant for God's sake”.

“ Shush! They are listening to us, Lisa. Moreover, nobody will ever believe you,” he added with a smirk.

“ Don't call me that, please “.

We were not on good terms to start shortening our names.

My eyes scanned the contract, my mind racing. This was insane.

I glared at Adrian, my arms crossed as I stood in the church parking lot.

"You expect me to sign a contract pretending to be your wife? After what you just did to me?"

Adrian shrugged, his expression unyielding. "It's a business arrangement, Alisa. Nothing more."

"Business arrangement?" I repeated, my voice rising. "You humiliated me in front of my family and friends, and now you want me to play along with your lie?"

Adrian sighed, his eyes rolling. "Alisa, please. You're not thinking clearly. This is the best solution for everyone involved."

I laughed, a bitter sound. "The best solution? You mean the best solution for you, Adrian. You're the one who gets to save face, who gets to keep your reputation intact."

Adrian's expression turned cold. "I'm offering you a generous deal, Alisa. A luxurious lifestyle, a substantial allowance...you'll be set for life."

I snorted. "You think money can fix this? You think a fancy house and a credit card can erase what you did to me?"

Adrian's eyes narrowed. "Fine. What do you want, then?"

I took a deep breath, my mind racing. "I want a guarantee that you'll publicly clear my name. I want a statement, signed and dated, admitting that the announcement was a lie."

Adrian hesitated, his expression calculating. "I can do that," he said finally. "But you have to agree to six months."

I nodded, my heart racing. "And one more thing."

Adrian raised an eyebrow. "What's that?"

"I want a clause in the contract that says if I find out you're lying to me, or if you try to harm me or my family in any way...the deal is off. And I get to walk away with everything you've promised me."

Adrian's smile was slow and calculating. "You drive a hard bargain, Alisa. But I accept your terms.”

Adrian's words echoed in my head - no one would believe me over him. He was too influential, too powerful.

I heaved a sigh, trying to look calm.

Adrian smiled. "You'll be well taken care of, Alisa. You'll have a luxurious lifestyle and a generous allowance. And when the six months are up, we'll go our separate ways, and you'll be free to live your life as you see fit." He said again as some sort of assurance

I already had that life, at least what now?

I hesitated, my mind torn. This was a chance to clear my name, to prove that Adrian's announcement was a lie. But at what cost? I would have to pretend to be his wife, to play along with his charade.

"Fine," I said finally, my voice firm. "I'll do it. But I better not find out that you're trying to use me as some sort of accomplice, Adrian. I swear, I'll make you regret the day you ever crossed me."

Adrian grinned, his eyes gleaming with triumph. "I wouldn't have it any other way, Alyssa. Let's make this work, shall we?"

I nodded, feeling a sense of resignation wash over me. I was trapped, caught in Adrian's web of deceit. And I had no choice but to play along, for now.

Till I figured my way out, I'm supposed to be super smart right?

“ You write pretty good books for a fragile-looking lady,” he said, out of the blue.

“ Do I have to keep shut when you make demeaning remarks about me?”

“ You overlooked the fact that I complimented your books?”

"I don't need your compliments, Adrian," I said, my voice firm. "And I certainly don't need your condescending remarks. If you want me to sign this contract and play along with your charade, then you'll treat me with respect. No more belittling comments, no more demeaning remarks. Am I clear?"

Adrian raised an eyebrow, a hint of surprise on his face. "You're quite feisty, aren't you?" he said, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Don't underestimate me, Adrian," I warned. "I may look fragile, but I'm not. And I won't be treated like a delicate flower. I demand respect, and I expect it."

Adrian chuckled, a low, husky sound. "I think I'm starting to like you, Alisa," he said, his eyes glinting with amusement. "You're not what I expected."

"I'm not here to entertain you, Adrian," I said, my voice cold. "I'm here to negotiate a contract. Let's keep it professional."

Adrian nodded, his expression sobering. "Very well. I apologize if my remark offended you. Let's focus on the contract, then."

I nodded, my eyes narrowing. "Let's get one thing clear, Adrian. I may be signing this contract, but I'm not going to make it easy for you. I'll play along with your charade, but I'll be watching you, waiting for my chance to strike. And when I do, you'll know it.”

“ Go home Adrian, I'll handle the family”. I said, giving him a glare when he wanted to protest.

After he left, I heaved a sigh and marched back into the church.