Chapter 5 .

As Alicia stepped into her apartment, the memory of Gregg's mother lingered in her mind like a gentle refrain. Eleanor's warmth, her genuine desire for her son's happiness, and the tales of Gregg's childhood painted a vivid picture of a woman who longed for a connection that transcended the surface.

The city lights outside Alicia's window flickered, mirroring the myriad thoughts swirling within her. The events of the day had left an indelible mark on her, and the realization that Gregg's mother believed their union to be real tugged at her heartstrings.

Alicia paced the room, her mind a canvas of contemplation. The weight of their arrangement, initially approached with practicality, now bore the weight of Eleanor's expectations. Compassion welled within her, intertwining with the complexities of their unconventional journey.

The thought of Gregg's sick mother, envisioning a happiness that was, for all intents and purposes, a façade, struck Alicia with a sense of pity. She couldn't shake the image of Eleanor's eyes, filled with hope and a mother's unspoken plea for her son's contentment.

" What if she later finds out we are faking it? She's sick, her health might deteriorate. Who knows what will happen to the poor woman?" Alicia shook her head. For the first time after the contract, she felt like not doing it again. She felt for Eleanor, She was a Caring mother who wants only happiness for her son.

Seated by the window, Alicia stared out at the cityscape, a myriad of questions weaving through her thoughts. Was their arrangement fair to Eleanor, who saw it as a promise of her son finding happiness? Could Alicia navigate the delicate balance between the terms of their contract and the compassionate understanding she now possessed for Eleanor?

" Maybe I should call Gregg and tell him I'm no interested in this again. But what if I ruin everything? What if Eleanor becomes weak? What if She and her son start having Misunderstanding because of me?" She gasped worriedly.

The soft glow of the city below seemed to whisper the answers, though they remained elusive. Alicia grappled with the realization that their connection, though genuine in its roots, now bore the weight of expectations beyond their own understanding.

Alicia's phone buzzed, interrupting the quiet contemplation. It was a message from Gregg, expressing gratitude for accompanying him to see his mother. The message carried a sincerity that mirrored the vulnerability Alicia had glimpsed in Gregg during their visit.

" Oh God" She exhaled. She now realized the Marriage contract was because of his sick Mum. Maybe the woman has been pestering him to get married and he could only think of this to ease her mind.

She didn't return back the message because she had no idea what she was going to reply him.

The days that followed were a delicate dance between the demands of their public facade and the undercurrents of genuine connection. Alicia attended social events with Gregg, their interactions evolving beyond the scripted gestures. Eleanor's belief in their happiness cast a subtle shadow over their actions, adding a layer of complexity to their unfolding story.

Alicia, driven by a sense of duty and compassion, found herself offering genuine smiles and engaging in conversations that transcended the expectations of their contract. She discovered a shared humor and understanding with Gregg that mirrored the friendship they had forged in their childhood.

Yet, the weight of Eleanor's hope lingered, a silent reminder of the intricacies woven into their union. Alicia couldn't escape the realization that, for Gregg's mother, this was more than a mere contract – it was a lifeline to a happiness she fervently wished for her son.

One evening, as Alicia prepared to attend yet another high-profile event, she caught her reflection in the mirror. The woman staring back seemed a different– poised and elegant on the outside, yet harboring a compassion that sought to reconcile the complexities of her heart.

With each day spent with Gregg, Alicia could feel they've once met. He possessed the features of that little Boy back then. His laughter when he was with her in public and the way he spoke to her.

For unknown reasons known only by her heart, Alicia started to develop some feelings for Gregg. But she had to control herself and let the thought waved off. She can't fall in love with Gregg, not when she already has someone in her heart.

That Boy from her childhood was the man in her heart, she knew that someday she was going to find him and they'll get married. Who knows, He might be looking for her too.

But looking at herself in the mirror again, Gregg has done some transformation on her. She doesn't look like Alicia of a month ago, she now looks responsible and Rich.

Her dresses were made from finest fabrics, she has her own personal car and a chauffeur that drover her around. But she was still living in her home, the one her Dad bought with his hard earned money.

" Miss Alicia, we are running late" The chauffeur interrupted her thoughts. " Sorry, on my way" She Hurriedly picked up her bag and left the room. The chauffeur was waiting for her in the living room with a designer jacket.

" Miss Alicia, This is from Mr. Gregg. He said you should wear this as it is cold outside" He handed over the jacket to her. Alicia smiled, That jacket was the latest design released by the company the previous day.

" This is so pretty" She put it on. " Where are we going today?" She asked the chauffeur after she has worn the Dress. " Oh, He's going for a Birthday party today for the last born of the Crystal's" Alicia nodded her head.

She has seen the News about the birthday party three days ago and he hoped Gregg would go too. She has been hearing about the CRYSTAL'S and she wished that one Day, she could step her foot in to the house to see what it looked like.