Relationship by Contract, Love by Accident

HENRY POV I read through the contract terms and they weren't as bad as I thought they would be. All she was asking of me was that we pretend as though we were lovers: No kissing, no touching, no drooling, just pure pretense. Her main aim was to discourage Jake the cultist from chasing after her, and yeah, I am the “supposed” solution. The deal was bad for me. I shouldn't have taken it, but I didn't have much of a choice. It's either I risk it and taste wealth, or I reject it and let poverty do its work. After going through the message for the last time — I replied her, indicating my willingness to sign whatever she wanted. We agreed to meet the next day after school, under a mango tree that stood opposite the football field. I switched off my phone, and heaved a sign of relief. One thing I am sure of is that this school won't be the end of me. My name is Henry, a 20 years old engineering student of the university of Betney. I am currently in my second year, and permit me to say that it has been hell. ***The Next Day*** I walked down the stairs, ignoring David who kept calling out to me. I can't seem to understand how someone would betray a friend during exams and still pretend as though nothing happened. The result would be out in a few days, only God knows what I would score. I walked straight to the mango tree where I saw Jane patiently waiting for me. She had a very nice shape and her hair danced in the gentle breeze. As a matter of fact, this is actually the first time I have set my eyes on her. I could feel my body become uneasy as I approached her, not because of the contract, but because of the fact that I kept picturing how beautiful she would be if she turned to look at me. I couldn't help but smile, revealing my yellow set of teeth. Before I could process how to introduce myself, she turned around in a swift movement and landed a hard resounding slap on my cheeks. At that moment, my smile disappeared. I held both my cheeks, looking at her in absolute shock. I didn't expect that reaction from her. “I thought you were Jake, you shouldn't sneak up on a woman like that.” She said, acting as though nothing happened. The little feelings that were developing inside of me vanished instantly. It was replaced by pure hatred. She couldn't even apologize for slapping me wrongly. She said she thought I was Jake? Does it mean that anyone who approaches her will first receive a slap before questions are asked? “You can't apologize?” I asked, trying hard to hold back my tears. If my brain wasn't fixed in place, I am pretty sure it would have popped out of my head. “Why should I?” Wow! So because she is rich, it now means that she can do whatever she likes and go scot free. Poverty, I blame you for this. If I had money, what would make this ape slap me and refuse to apologize? It's because I don't have money. “Do you want the contract or you want an apology?” She asked, getting impatient. “Tell me why you can't apologize? It's not—” I tried saying before she cut me off. “You really have pride for someone who has nothing. Now listen to me baby boy, you either focus on what we are here to do, or you go ahead ranting.” She said, bringing out a file from her bag. “I am pretty sure you know what happens in the streets. I hope you are well aware that where you would live in the streets is so disgusting that even a chicken would see it as an insult.” She continued. I didn't pull my hand away from my cheeks. She is really heartless. She brought out a file containing the documents for the contract and asked me to go through it. She told me to look at it carefully before I sign, so I would be aware of what I was getting myself into. I didn't bother to listen to her and I signed. Anyways, I have already read the terms and conditions using the soft copy she sent yesterday. I didn't have much time for long stories. “Wow, you are more desperate than I thought.” She said, smiling to herself. I refused to give a reply. She should just get this whole signing process over with. She placed the signed documents into the file and dropped it in her bag. “I do have a few rules though—” She paused. “This is nothing but a contract; no catching feelings, no drooling and no touching. Also, I don't want to hear a thing about this deal from the mouth of a third party else there will be consequences, understand?” She said, stressing on the consequences. “Yes I do.” “We can hold hands in public but kissing isn't allowed. I won't want you spreading your mouth germs to me.” She said irritatedly. Wonderful! “One last thing. It is actually very important. Let’s just say that I omitted it from being put in writing in the contract.” She said, becoming serious all of a sudden. “You aren’t the first boy that I have contracted.” Really? That's the important information? “Is that all?” I asked. “Not really. You see, I have contracted three other boys before I met you. Sadly, they are no longer with us.” She said calmly. What!!! “I don't really understand the phrase “no longer with us”. Please explain further. What do you mean?” I asked. “Let me put it in simple words – they are dead.” She said, her face devoid of emotions. I didn't know how to react. I was so shocked that I couldn't find the right words to respond with. She mean to tell me that I wasn't the first one she had approached? The rest were dead? And she's so calm saying it as though it was nothing? Is she a human by any chance? Doesn't she have a conscience? “What killed them?” I asked, scared of what her answer would be. “I believe you already know the answer to that.” She replied. “I don't want to be a part of this. I want out!” I screamed. “Sorry cupcake, but you already signed the deal. You are not going anywhere. Besides, I have placed a few of my bodyguards on standby. They would monitor your movements and help keep you safe.” She said, probably believing that her words had some form of reassurance in them. “I'm sorry, but I'd rather go to prison than to perish in the hands of Jake. I want nothing to do with this.” “Then your siblings will never attend a university.” She replied, smiling as though she had hit a jackpot. I stopped in my tracks, my blood froze over. She was right. If I went to prison, I won't be able to complete my education. If that happens, I won't be able to train my siblings in school. It will be all my fault. “How do you know about my siblings?” “Lucky guess, you might say. I can help train them in school if you agree to go on with the deal.” She replied, still smiling to herself. “What if something bad happens to me?” “Then the deal is off.” I looked at her with tears in my eyes. My life didn't matter to her at all. I was just a pawn in her selfish game, and I couldn't do anything about it. The reward was great, yes I agree. But the risk was greater. “Why should I trust you?” “You don't need to. Just do as I say and everything will go on just fine.” She replied, still maintaining her smile. After a brief moment of silence, she wore her bag and walked up to me, cupping my cheeks in her hand. I was irritated, but I couldn't do anything. I had far much more important things to worry about. “Sweetheart, are you scared?” She asked, her hands still on my cheeks. I didn't give a response. I was looking directly at her, but to be honest, I wasn't seeing her. My mind was wandering into different places, making a series of calculations within seconds. She pulled her hands away from my face, still smiling to herself. I don't really understand what she is smiling about. “I know you don't have any place to sleep tonight. So I took the burden of securing a room for you in “Saint Abraham” lodge. All you will need have already been provided. Just move in with your clothes.” She said, moving away from me. I didn't know when I muttered a “thank you” to her. She placed her hand into her bag, handed me a key to the lodge, and told me the room number. She arranged her clothes, and walked away from me, boarding a car that sat waiting a few metres away from us. I didn’t know if I had just made the biggest mistake of my life. Several thoughts lingered on my mind: Should I go on? Is the risk worth it? I have siblings that I don't want to disappoint. But at what cost? TBC.