Game of Chance

Make a decision

NOELLE

I stared at the contract in front of me, the black ink glaring at me like a warning. One year. A legally binding marriage. No emotions. No way out.

My fingers tightened around the pen, my mind screamed at me to stop, to walk away. But walk away to what?

Homelessness? Bankruptcy? Watching my life’s work crumble while I begged investors who no longer answered my calls?

I glanced up at Xavier Everhart who sat across from me, impossibly calm like a king watching a pawn struggle on his chessboard.

His icy blue eyes held no warmth. No hesitation.

“Is there a problem?” He asked.

There were a thousand problems. The biggest one? I was about to marry a man I didn’t love, didn’t trust and didn’t even like.

But I was also about to save myself.

“This... this is just a marriage on paper, right? Neither of us has to perform our... our marital duties, right?” I probed and he leaned back before his lips thinned into a smirk.

“If you wish so.” He added and I nodded.

Taking a deep breath, I signed the document and his lips curled into a slow, victorious smirk. He pulled the contract towards himself, checking the signature.

“Welcome to your new life, Mrs. Xavier Everhart.”

My stomach clenched. God help me.

“Now that we are legally bound, let’s discuss the terms of our arrangement.”

“I already know the terms.” I folded my arms.

“Do you?” His smirk deepened. He reached into the drawer and pulled another document. This time, it wasn’t a contract, it was a list of rules. My eyes narrowed as I scanned the contents:

1 Publicly, we are a devoted couple. No exceptions.

2. You will move into my penthouse when I want you to.

3. You will attend all social events as MY wife

4. My ex and other private information is not your business neither is your business mine.

5. You are not permitted to tell anyone it is just contract. It stays a secret between us both.

6. You have NO right to develop any sort of bonding with my family.

7. No party is allowed to put an abrupt end to the relationship without the other party’s consent and the party who files for divorce must compensate the other party handsomely.

8. You MUST follow me on all social media pages and vice versa.

9. You MUST not be caught in any sort of compromising position with another partner and vice versa.

10. You MUST not fall in love with me.

My breath hitched at the last rule and my eyes snapped to Xavier who watched my reaction with unsettling amusement. He had put in there on purpose

Arrogant bastard.

I scoffed, tossing the paper back at him.

“You don’t have to worry about that. Love isn’t part of the deal.”

“Good.” He said smoothly, standing up, “Then we won’t have any problems. Take a walk with me.”

I didn’t know why he asked but I walked after him and he suddenly held my hands and led me outside.

We stepped onto a private terrace, the air crisp and cool against my skin. I had barely taken in the breathtaking view when I felt it. His touch.

His hands slid to my waist before I could process what was happening. My breath hitched and my body stiffened. Again, he pulled me closer, guiding my head onto his chest as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

I stood frozen. I could hear his heartbeat.

“What are you doing?” I raised my head after being there for about two seconds. He didn’t utter a word and instead, walked back to his office while I walked right after him.

I had barely sat when my phone beeped. My eyes widened in shock and I looked at him.

I scrolled through my phone, my pulse quickening as bold, sensational headlines filled my screen:

‘Power Couple in the Making? Billionaire Heir Xavier Everhart and Skincare Mogul Noelle Vale Spotted in an Intimate Moment.’

‘Power, Beauty and Business – Inside Noelle Vale’s Alleged Relationship with Xavier Everhart’

‘From Boardrooms to Bedrooms -Is Xavier Everhart Ready to Settle Down with Skincare Queen Noelle Vale?’

‘A Love Story Written in Luxury – Is Noelle Vale the future Mrs. Everhart?’

My phone vibrated with endless messages; some from stunned friends, others from tabloids desperate for a comment.

“How did you do it?” I questioned.

“Do what?” He arched his brows but I could tell it was pretense. It was the moments we took a stroll. I knew he had it planned out but how had the pictures travelled far in less than ten minutes to generate those headlines?

My fingers hovered over the keyboard. What could I even say?

That I had just sold myself to a man I barely knew? That I had traded love for survival?

My phone beeped and... it was a credit alert.

“Eight hundred...” I raised my brows.

“I don’t make reckless investments...” He started. “but I am taking a chance on you. My wife cannot be drowning in debts. It’s bad for appearances.”

My wife.

The word felt heavier now, more real. Just as I sat there, still processing everything, he stood, adjusting his watch like this entire conversation was nothing more than a minor task in his day.

“My driver will pick you up at seven. We’re having dinner with my family.” He stated.

“So soon?” I asked before I could stop myself.

“Would you rather I announce our engagement through a press release?”

My jaws clenched. Of course, he was mocking me.

“No.”

“Good. Wear something appropriate and try not to embarrass me. Have a wonderful day, Mrs. Xavier Everhart” He dismissed me with a curt.

Without another glance in my direction, he shifted his attention back to the documents in front of him, flipping the pages like I was gone.

Exhaling softly, I turned on my heels and reached for the door handle. I hesitated for the briefest second, almost as if I was expecting him to say something. The minute I stepped out, the realization of what I had just done hit me.

The debt was gone. Just like that. One transaction and it was all gone but instead of relief, an unsettling tightness curled in my stomach.

I pulled the steering wheel tighter as I pulled into the driveway, exhaustion settling in me. I exhaled and stepped out of the car. All I needed was a hot shower and to melt into my bed but the moment I pushed the door open, a sharp, familiar voice cut through the air.

“Well... well.... well..... Look who finally learned how to sell herself properly.”

I froze mid step. No.

My stomach twisted as I turned my head towards the living room. Sitting comfortably on my couch, legs crossed, was my mother.

Her red lips curled into a smile as she looked at me from head to toe “You must be exhausted, darling. Must be hard work keeping a billionaire entertained,”

My fingers clenched around my keys. The locks. I forgot to change the damn locks.

“Oh, but I do. I have to admit, I didn’t think you had it in you. A man like that. You must have put on quite the show.”

“Get out.” I sat on the sofa. My insides were on fire and all she did was let out a chuckle.

“Tell me, how did you do it?” She paused then chuckled. “Did you whisper something in his ear or was it ..... something a little more.... physical? You must have done something desperate.”

Heat burned up my spine but I refused to react. That was what she wanted.

“I want you out of my house. My life is not your business.”

She exhaled and tilted her head. “If my daughter who has refused to seek help from me is suddenly parading around as someone’s rich little pet, don’t I deserve to know? The whole world is talking about you and that man. You really expect me to believe a man like that is interested in you for anything other than what you can give him in bed?”

“Believe whatever you want.” I responded and stood up. “You don’t have any rights when it comes to me.”

“Just don’t think for a second that this makes you special. You are still that weak little prideful baby.” She spat as she walked right after me and I halted.

“I’d rather be anything than end up like you.”

I didn’t give her the satisfaction of waiting for a response.

“Lock my doors when you leave.” I ordered and walked into my room, locking the door behind me.

The locks. First thing tomorrow, they were getting changed.

One year. Just one year. Then I would have the chance to be free.

My phone buzzed but I ignored it and laid on the bed. I had five hours until his driver comes. Although hesitant at first, something deep in my gut urged me to check. Unknown number.

There was a message from whoever this person.

“You really think marrying him will save you?” It read. “He’s not who you think he is. Check your bank account. Then ask yourself if you really want to go to that dinner.”