Chapter 3 Sign the Contract

Leaving the hospital behind, Katherine felt a strange mix of relief and urgency. Her destination was clear-Damon's mansion awaited.

Gosh, her fiancé was rich-filthy rich. Standing in front of his mansion, she couldn't hide how amused she was. This wasn't just wealth; it was the kind that whispered power and screamed luxury. The exterior of the house was a masterpiece-modern architecture fused with timeless elegance, every corner crafted to perfection. Smooth stone walls shimmered under the soft evening lights, while the sprawling driveway gleamed like polished marble. At the front, a fountain gushed water so gracefully it looked like a natural spring, bubbling with life and opulence. The gate was well lit, giving it a beautiful outlook. She blinked, stunned. This was the kind of home billionaires owned-not the kind of place she ever expected to be standing in. And yet, here she was, engaged to the man behind it all.

The interior was a pleasant surprise. Lights reflected on the Polish floors caused it to bounce back and give a beautiful scene, highlighting the careful arrangement of furniture and the tasteful decorations that adorned the walls. Every detail felt intentional, creating a welcoming, elegant space. The living room, in particular, was big, giving a quiet and luxurious vibe at first glance.

"Damon, I don't think it's proper for us to leave together! We aren't married yet!" Katherine said nonchalantly as she continued to examine and admire the designs in the living room.

"I don't see anything wrong with it, and I need to see you recover fully for the wedding." Damon said.

"Mara!" Damon called out.

A woman in her mid-fifties emerged from the kitchen, a glass of water she carried which was carefully placed on the tray. But the moment her eyes fell on the lady seated on the sofa, the glass of water she held fell to the ground, causing its content to splash on the tile.

She stared at the man standing a few steps before her and then her gaze landed on the lady on the sofa, her heart threatening to escape from her ribs. Curiosity got the best of her and the shock caused the tightening of her chest and leaving her breathless. The air around her seemed so dense, she tried hard to calm her nerves yet questions kept popping in her head.

She rushed into the kitchen, catching her breath, her trembling hands stretched out to get another glass and fill it, though her mind remained tangled in confusion. This time around she held the glass firmly, and moved with no sound as if the ground beneath her might give way.

Katherine felt uneasy and she knew at once that something wasn't right with the nanny, she tried observing the face to put the pieces together trying to decipher her expressions but the effort proved fruitless. Worn out and drained,she gave up and decided not to think about it anymore.

Mara carefully placed the glass on the table avoiding even the slight sound and with no words she moved her stiff body and hurriedly turned back to the kitchen, the air around her heavy with unease.

Katherine tipped, took the glass from the table and drank the water in one shot, quenching her itching throat and thirst.

"Let's move upstairs, so I can show you to your room!" Damon spoke in the most soft and caring tone he could voice out, his words wrapped in quiet tenderness.

"Not yet, I haven't seen the paperwork! I won't be going upstairs until I sign the contract." She lifted her chin and spoke with fierce courage, her voice steady and unyielding. No trace of hesitation, her countenance demonstrating one ready for a challenge.

Damon leaned against the banister, watching her with a smirk as she attempted to appear stern, her arms crossed and lips pursed. Her mode of seriousness only seemed to be attractive and cute.

He laughed lightly, "Your intimidating aura, it's so cute and lovely." He didn't wait for her reply but dashed up the stairs and in no time came down the stairs holding the neatly drafted paper in his hands. He bent down to match the gap. "For you, my lady of perpetual pouts," he declared with a theatrical bow, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

Without knowing, a smile escaped her lips one she couldn't stop, her heart skipped at the sight of his playful expression. For the first time since waking up, genuine happiness bloomed inside her, soft and warm. Maybe marrying this man wasn't such a bad thing after all. The bridge she had successfully created between them, fell without her knowing, leaving her vulnerable yet strangely at peace. How could she have ever doubted him? His boyish grin, so full of life and sincerity, all this character and quality makes it impossible for him to cause her any harm, instead she would be protected.

She hesitated for her own very idea, the one she proposed confidently. She was having a second thought.The neat, carefully drafted words blurred slightly as she slowly picked up the paper, as if hoping to find some hidden loophole she had missed. Her hand hovered over the pen, fingers trembling with an unwillingness she couldn't hide. But there was no room for escape; she had to force her heavy hands to sign it, the sound of the pen scratching against the paper loud showing her hesitation and final in the heavy silence around her.

He bolted up the sadness within him and plastered a smile on his face. Without words, he took the paper from her shaking hands, his hands brushing hers for a split second. The document suddenly became heavier than it should, he couldn't shake off more like a burden. Without saying a word, he tilted his head, silently gestured with his hands for her to follow him upstairs. Deep down within his heart, he had only one wish which is to tear the paper to pieces, to set it aflame and undo everything it represented.