Chapter 6 T's and C's

"What's that smirk on your face?" I rolled my eyes in anger. He smiled again and then arched his left brow.

"Your conditions, what are they?"

"This whole thing has to stay between us, not even my parents should know. The thing is, marriage is something very sacred in our home, and my parents would be very disappointed if they ever found out I did something like this."

"That's easy. I mean, that's why it's just the two of us here. No one is supposed to know about this, so we are on the same page. What else?"

"The second thing, this marriage won't be fake. There would be an actual wedding." This might be a contract, but I couldn't stand being deceptive to my entire family. My parents have always looked forward to the day I walk down the aisle. How could I be so heartless as to make them pour such emotions before a fake priest? I didn't think I could live with that.

He didn't look pleased, but he was smart enough to know that I was never going to sign that contract if my conditions weren't met.

"She wants to be my wife," he muttered.

"Did you say something?"

"No, why?" He snapped.

"Whatever! One last thing." I said, ready to dish out the last condition on my plate. I still had his attention.

"No sex," He smiled again. This time, it wasn't the usual indifference or unconcern written on his face.

"As you wish, My Lady, no sex," he bit his lip, maintaining eye contact, "except you want to."

"Never! I would never," I was surprised at how quickly that came out. I could see humor stretched on his face, and that smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.

"You can't be too sure, you know!" The itch to smack that perfectly shaped face of his resurfaced, but I managed to keep my cool and a straight face. Thinking of the number of times some violent thoughts crossed my mind in less than an hour was concerning. How was I going to live with him for 2 whole years? But as a matter of 'need', the incentives that were coming with it were all I prayed for.

I looked through the pages of the document searching for any absurd clause, or something I could address before I sign them. There was none, so I appended my signature as quickly as I could before I changed my mind. At the end of the day, I knew it was going to be a tough one convincing everyone, but I'd be fine.

As soon as I put my signature on those documents, I began to question my decision, and even my stomach began to growl. Very quickly, I helped myself with that glass of water, there was no better time to take a sip. I noticed he just sat there staring at me with that same starched smile, one that screams there was no going back.

"Great. This is all settled now. We need a story."

"What do you mean by story?"

"A storyline we'd stick to. We can't have anyone suspecting anything." His face held some kind of expression. I think I was still booting, It's not every day someone comes across a marriage contract.

"This is already more fucked up than it looks, we don't need anything more complicated. We met at the restaurant, remember? When Ava brought you there."

Technically, that was true.

"Enhh, that works, I guess!" He nodded.

At this point, I wonder if it was time to leave, so I took a glance at the chain wristwatch hanging lazily on my wrist.

"I guess we are done here. Can I leave now? I have to return to work."

"Oh, please." He scuffed. "You really don't need that job anymore. You just signed a contract with me, remember?"

I stared at him blankly, "Of course I do."

"What do you mean you do? Didn't you hear when I mentioned this contract comes with a job that pays thrice what you currently earn?"

"Where's proof?" I asked quickly.

"Where's what?" He asked, somewhat confused.

"Proof!" I answered, my eyes widening. "Look, unless I get an appointment letter stating in clear terms that I have another job, I'm sorry but I ain't quitting my job."

I knew how hard I worked and suffered before I could get that job. I wasn't going to lose it on account of some man. What if he turned on me? I thought.

"I'm a man of my word. Go home, you'll get proof in less than 2 hours. Get all the rest you can, from tomorrow, you work for me."

Was he commanding me?

"You know it sounds less controlling when you say 'Please' go home, right?"

Aside from his face, which was undoubtedly cute, and perfectly sculpted body, nothing about this man was pleasing to my sight. He seemed very grumpy, like one who was always angry. So grumpy.

"Of course not, I only use words like please when necessary. Not when I'm talking to my –" he paused for a stretched second, and continued slowly with a wild and arrogant smile as he said the last word. "Staff".

For the umpteenth time, I felt like snapping his neck with my hands, because did this rude man just call me his staff? Angrily, I turned around and walked out. I had had enough of him to last me a lifetime.

Now, there was no going back, and it was time to face my new reality.