The Contracted Bond

CHAPTER FIVE

Hannah felt devastated. She had been searching all over town for a job, specifically one with a decent salary. As she walked around, she said a little prayer, hoping for a miracle or even just some unexpected money to appear. She considered going back to the bar that evening to apologize to her boss, hoping they would take her back. It would provide temporary relief at least.

When evening arrived, she made her way to the bar. However, when she entered, she met her manager talking to a man at the bar stand

“That’s her” the manager suddenly said making Hannah feel frightened

"Miss Hannah?" the stranger asked.

Hannah looked up, slightly flustered. "Who are you?" she inquired cautiously.

"Can we talk for a minute? I promise I won't bite," the stranger reassured her, extending a card towards her. It read "James Harold" and bore the logo of John Corporation, one of the largest companies in town. Hannah recognized the name and felt a glimmer of hope. Had she somehow landed a job there?

Still, she tried not to get her hopes up too high. After all, she hadn't applied for a job at John Corporation, and it could all be a misunderstanding or a scam.

"Miss," James interrupted her thoughts, noticing her hesitation.

"Yes?" Hannah replied, her voice filled with curiosity and cautious optimism.

"I have a job opportunity for you—a job worth thousands of dollars," James revealed, trying to put her at ease.

Hannah couldn't believe what she was hearing. Could this be real, or was it too good to be true?

"I understand your skepticism, but it's not a scam," James continued, sensing her concerns. "You can look up my name and the company online. I assure you, we mean no harm."

He paused for a moment before adding, "If you're interested, meet me at Flore Cafe tomorrow at 2 PM. We can discuss the details further."

With that, James left, leaving Hannah speechless and uncertain about what to do. Was this an extraordinary stroke of luck or perhaps just a dream? She pinched her arm, half-expecting to wake up from this surreal encounter.

Hannah couldn't sleep and kept tossing and turning in her bed. Her mind was filled with thoughts, and she felt desperate. She knew that finding a good job was what she needed to do, but there was also the pressing matter of coming up with the hospital bill within two weeks. She refused to give up on her mom. Just as she closed her eyes for a moment, the doorbell rang, jolting her awake.

"Is it already 10 AM?! Damn!" Hannah exclaimed as she quickly got out of bed to open the door.

"Gosh, Hannah, I've been knocking forever!" Olivia came in, pushing Hannah slightly with her grocery bag. Olivia was Hannah's best friend and probably her only friend. They had been together since high school and college, and now they lived together.

"You didn't come in last night," Hannah commented as she followed Olivia inside.

"I was on a night shift," Olivia replied.

"Weren't you on night shifts all last week, and now again this week?"

"I switched shifts with someone. I knew you'd come home with another sad story, and I wasn't ready to listen," Olivia sarcastically remarked.

"Well, I actually have good news this time. Jokes on you," Hannah retorted.

"Really?!" Olivia exclaimed, almost jumping with joy as she started arranging the groceries she had bought.

"Well..." Hannah began, handing the corporate card to Olivia.

"What's this?" Olivia asked, making a puzzled face.

"Come on, Olivia, you know about John Corporation."

"Oh yeah!"

"Did you get a job there?" Olivia asked, her smile widening.

"Not exactly," Hannah replied.

"But he asked me to meet him today," Hannah continued.

"Well, you're going, right?" Olivia asked, almost rhetorically. She didn't expect Hannah to say no anyway.

"Don't you think it's suspicious, Olivia?"

"Just go. There's no harm in trying," Olivia reassured her.

"I mean, what could they scam you with? You don't even have money for them to take," Olivia chuckled.

"Nice one, Olivia. Thanks for the advice," Hannah replied sarcastically.

"But you're right, anyway," she added.

"You see?" Olivia said, as she started preparing breakfast.

"So, what time are you meeting him? I can come along in case something bad happens," Olivia continued, laughing.

"Be serious, Olivia."

"I'm meeting him at Flore Cafe at 2 PM."

"Well, then we'll go together. I can give you a ride," Olivia offered.

It was exactly 2:30 pm when Hannah got to the cafe. Olivia thought it would be better for Hannah to arrive a little late to avoid seeming desperate.

"Should I wait here or..." Olivia began to ask.

"Please follow me," Hannah replied before Olivia could finish.

Hannah wondered what kind of job could be worth thousands of dollars. She held her resume tightly, afraid that someone might try to steal it. She didn't want to take any chances.

"I'll just wait here, babe. What if following you ruins your chances?" Olivia said, adjusting her car seat to a reclining position and clicking her phone with her long nails, making annoying sounds.

"You have a point," Hannah replied, looking towards the cafe, trying to see through the glass, searching for James.

She got out of the car and went inside the cafe.

"You came!" James exclaimed when he saw Hannah sitting down.

"Yes, I came, and I came prepared," she replied, handing him her resume.

James couldn't help but laugh.

"Why are you laughing?" Hannah was starting to get annoyed.

"Trust me, you won't need that."

"Let me introduce myself properly. I'm James Harold, personal assistant and right-hand man to William John."

"Do you know William John?" James asked before continuing.

Hannah slightly nodded

"Okay, good."

"William is the CEO of the John Corporation, and his grandfather is the director”.

"Yes," Hannah replied, trying to understand.

"So, what does this have to do with me, sir?" Hannah continued.

"Call me James."

"Well, in order for William to take over the company, he needs to find a suitable wife, and..."

James cleared his throat before continuing.

"William hasn't been interested in getting married or having a woman by his side."

"So, how will he take over the company?" Hannah asked, looking confused.

"That's where you come in."

Hannah raised an eyebrow, looking at James with confusion and trying to question her thoughts.

"How?"

"By marrying William."

Hannah burst out laughing loudly, and everyone in the cafe turned to look at her.

"Wait, you're not joking?" Hannah asked James after realizing he looked serious.

"Look, it's just a contract marriage until he gets the company. You can go your separate ways."

"We will pay for your mom's medical bills and also pay..."

"Wait, for real?” Hannah asked with her eyes flushed

"Yes, and you'll also receive three million dollars after completing the contract."

Hannah laughed again, this time at how ridiculously wealthy people can be.

James raised an eyebrow, questioning her reason for laughing.

"Fine, when do I start? It's just a marriage, right? Very easy," Hannah said, feeling more relaxed now.

James chuckled.

"I mean, it's just a marriage on paper, and after that, I get my money."

"For how long, though?" Hannah asked, finally catching her breath.

"For ten months," James replied, bringing out a file.

"This is the contract file. You can read through it."

Hannah read through the contract, chuckling or grumbling at some points.

"Do you need time?"

"No, no, I'm ready now," Hannah replied, picking up the pen to sign.

Hannah felt overwhelmed yet excited. Someone was offering to pay for her mom's medical bills, and all she had to do was marry him on paper. She couldn't believe her luck, even if it meant dealing with the absurdity of rich people.

"Good. You'll have to come with me," James said.

"Where am I staying?" Hannah asked, confused.

"Didn't you see that in the contract?"

"No, I didn't," Hannah realized she must have skipped that part out of excitement.

"Well, it's mentioned there. I'll drop you off at his house, and we can discuss further details there."

“If you are marrying him, you need to make it look real”

"Remember, you've signed the contract. There's no going back," James continued.

Hannah had read the last part of the contract, stating that if she backed out, she would have to pay back the three million dollars. Doubts started to creep in, and she began questioning if she was making a mistake. What if William turned out to be a bad person? Not that she cared much, as she only had to endure him for ten months

James got up and gestured for Hannah to follow him.

"My friend is outside. Can I talk to her for a minute?" Hannah asked.

"The contract states that no one can know about this. You know that, right?"

"Oops."

"She's smart; she'll probably figure it out. She followed me here, thinking it was a real job," Hannah said stretching the word ‘job’

Sarcastically

Hannah spoke to Olivia before joining James in his car. They arrived at William's house. Hannah followed James as he pressed the elevator button for the 100th floor.

"Wow, he lives in a penthouse," Hannah thought to herself.

Finally, they reached his door, and James rang the doorbell.