Chapter 4 It's A Contract And Nothing More

It's been a week since I started running around to pay my wicked half-aunt who was bent on buying my mum's house back from her if I want it because they both own it. It was the family house that was passed from generation to generation.

The money I'm earning from my art is a penny compared to what I need.

It's not fair that I'm losing this house - in fact, life is not fair, I said to myself as I walked out of my penny house to the studio I share with my friend.

"What"?

Hello, Mia, I heard him say as he stepped out from his black Porsche, with confidence and a cold demeanor.

What do you want from me and how did you know my house, has it gotten to the extent that you critique my place too?

I'm not here for that, "Marry me, Mia."

"In exchange, I'll help you buy your mother's house and secure your future."

The proposal caught me off guard, and shock ran through my entire being. I had never envisioned such a situation in my wildest dreams, me? Get married to the Almighty Lorenzo that is so full of himself? Yet the offer, stiff and calculated as it was, carried an unmistakable charm.

"Why do you want to get married to me? " Have you forgotten you hate my gut? - and I for sure do not like you.

Are you in? If not, have a nice day. He was starting to walk back to his Porsche when I called him back, It is evident that he held all the cards and reveled in his power over me. The truth was undeniable.

"I-I need time to think about it," I finally managed to utter, my voice scarcely more than a whisper. My gaze remained locked on his, searching for a hint of warmth or understanding in his frigid eyes.

"Of course," he responded, his tone carrying an air of neutrality that sent a shiver down my spine.

"Take all the time you need." His words hung between us, a stark reminder of the transactional nature of his proposition, and his rude character.

"Have a nice day then," he turned to leave, not even giving room for other conversations.

**********

My heart feels as though it teetered on the edge of a ridge. The decision I'm confronted with is huge, a choice between the past and an uncertain future. The fate of my mother's cherished home hung in the balance, and Alexander's chilling offer holds the power to reshape my life.

I replayed our first encounter, his words, his gaze, trying to maybe give him the benefit of the doubt if maybe he likes me to ask me such a question. But each time, I was met with the cold reality that this was a marriage rooted in want, not love. His disdain for me was palpable, his demeanor a stark contrast to the whirlwind of emotions raging within me.

"Emily, if you are faced with a situation where you pick your dignity and something that matters to you and your family, what will you do? "

"Babe, it's very relative, depends on what I'm giving my dignity up for"

As her words echoed in my ears, I thought about my parent's memories in that house, it's the only thing I have of them.

Instantly, I concluded.

Hello, Lorenzo, let's go ahead with it. But do you mind an open marriage?

I texted him through the number that I got from his business page. - "he didn't even bother to give me his number, how on earth does he think I'll reply him in the first place? "

"Why are you dumb? I saw a text via a random number, you messaged my office line," I had to be disturbed by my secretary calling me.

You couldn't even wait to get back to you myself? Is that how much you want me? - I could read the sarcasm in his text. Anyways this is my number, and let's meet at Slush Cafe by 7 pm.

Anxiety came all over me as I read the text from him, so I'll be going out with the most loved, powerful bachelor in the city. And the fact that he didn't even ask me out on the date. He only picked time, what if I wasn't available?? - I couldn't help but think those thoughts.

"Em, I'm finding it hard to choose a dress, I don't want to look cheap, and neither do I want to look like I dressed up for him"

Go with the red gown. Red sure looks like you are ready to crush them, but then you're hot, and pretty, so show yourself.

Emily dressed me up in a minimal way but also hot. As I drove to the Cafe, all I was thinking is if this is all a prank or something, because why me? And what does he have to gain from this? But then, my future is secured, and I can get my mum's house back.

"I am here, where are you?" I texted him, and I got no response. I was sitting at the table he already booked for us, but it was not gentlemanly of his to keep a lady waiting.

"Hey, I'll be 10 minutes late, something came up, but wait for me." -

He sure knows how to find his way with things, and still shows how rude he is no matter what. Because what in the hell of nonsense is this? I stood up to leave the Cafe when I saw the familiar Porsche parked outside, but he was not the only one there, but a hot, sophisticated dark-skinned lady in his arms around his car.

Woow, just wow, it sure shows someone that is planning to get married soon, I'm not in for this, "I picked up my purse to leave the place". This decision I made is ridiculous in the first place.

Where are you going? I heard him say as I bumped into him at the entrance, I thought I asked you to wait for me. So you didn't learn patience while growing up?

Are you kidding me? You kept me here for about an hour, and while I was ready to leave this behind, I see you occupied with your girl outside, so why disturb me in the first place?

"Oh, I see" You are now jealous, we are not even married yet, and this marriage is on my terms, remember? You are getting paid for this marriage, so you do not have a say. I do things as I feel like. So let's go back to the table Sweetheart. - I heard him say mockingly

Wow, my dignity is gone! But what do I do? I need what he's offering me more than anything. I thought as I followed him back to our table.

"Sign this," This is a contract between us that we'll be married till when I say I don't want you anymore, and also there isn't an open marriage offer here. If you're my wife, you are mine and mine only.

As I went through the contract, I could see the hell I'm getting myself into, but I need to get this done anyways, hoping life will not be bad when I enter his house as his wife. At least I'll be a billionaire's wife.

"Have it, I said to him almost in a whisper as I signed the documents." Okay, we're good here, let's leave this place, I have things to do. He said as he was standing from his seat.

Lorenzo, who is this bitch was the next thing I heard.