Chapter 3 Terms and Warnings

The lawyer cleared his throat, and Anna snapped back to her senses immediately.

"You both have to sign two contracts each," he said. "You'll each take one copy, and I'll keep the remaining two."

They both did as instructed.

"Okay, I'll leave you two now so you can handle the rest," the lawyer said, gathering his files.

"Okay, Mr. Lawyer," Anna replied.

"Till then," Joan added.

"Thank you for your services," Joan said as the lawyer nodded and exited the office.

Joan turned to Anna. "Hey, Ms. Anna, let's proceed with the reading of the contract."

"Alright, Mr. Joan."

"As you can see," Joan began, "according to the contract, there will be no feelings attached. No unnecessary conversations, whether inside or outside. We can only hug and hold hands in public - but once we're indoors, we split. You're not to come near my room, and the cooks will provide you with whatever you need. You can call me 'Joan' in front of everyone, but when we're alone, strictly 'Mr. Joan.' Stay away from my study, don't touch my things, and don't ask me about my family - and I won't ask about yours either."

Anna was momentarily speechless. "Excuse me, sir... are these really the rules for our marriage? Isn't this a bit too much?"

"It's not," Joan replied curtly. "It'll all be over in two months. Besides, I'm paying you a huge sum and helping you pay off your debt. So, it's a fifty-fifty deal," he said coldly.

Anna mumbled, "Yeah... fifty-fifty."

"So, sir, if that's all, I'll be taking my leave now."

"Wait. Before you go... I'll be announcing our marriage to the media first week of next month. You need to prepare yourself. As you know, I'm a man of principle and well-known in this city. The paparazzi will be all over you - they'll want to know who my wife is." He adjusted his tie.

"Alright, sir. I'm fully aware of what I'm getting into, and I'm prepared for it," Anna said confidently. She grabbed her bag from the chair and left his office.

Joan let out a deep sigh and muttered with a small smile, "Huh... I like her spirit."

---

Anna walked down the alley leading to the hospital where her dad was admitted, counting her steps and softly humming her father's favorite song.

"Hey bestie, you're back!" Zendaya called out, rushing to grab Anna's hand. "Where have you been since morning? I've been calling, but your phone's off!"

"Oh yeah, my battery died."

Before Anna could say more, she spotted Felix approaching. Instinctively, she slipped her hand from Zendaya's and quickly pulled Felix aside.

"What are you doing here, Felix?" she asked sharply.

"I... I..."

"Stop. Felix, I know I agreed to your offer, but that doesn't mean you can just show up whenever you like. I don't want my dad knowing this marriage is a contract, and for my bestie here - I'll be the one to tell her everything. Got it?"

"Whoa, wait! Gosh, Anna, you talk so fast. Listen, I'm not here for any of that. I came for-"

A light touch on Anna's shoulder made her turn. It was Zendaya.

"Oh, Zen, sorry I left you there."

"Wait... do you two know each other?"

"No."

"Yes."

They both answered at the same time.

"Uhm... Anna?" Zendaya narrowed her eyes.

Anna stammered. "Okay... this guy here is Felix. He... um... helped me find my wallet at a coffee shop near my old company."

"Yep, that's me," Felix added quickly.

"Okay... anyway, Mr. Felix is my boss," Zendaya said.

"What?!" Anna exclaimed in shock.

Zendaya looked confused. "Yeah, he's my boss. He just came to drop off a document I need to review because I missed today's meeting."

"Ah... oh, so he's truly your boss. Mr. Felix, we meet again. Zendaya is my bestie, my childhood bestie. I asked her to stay with my dad at the hospital today because I had an important meeting."

"I've known Zendaya for three years now," Felix said with a smile. "She's a good person and does her job well. Nice to know she's your bestie." He checked his watch. "Alright, I have to get going."

"Zendaya."

"Yes, boss?"

"See you tomorrow at the office."

"Yes, sir."

"Goodnight, sir."

"Bye, Felix," Anna added.

---

"I'm exhausted," Anna sighed as she sank into a chair on the hospital balcony. "I love this breeze... and look at the stars - they're so bright tonight."

Zendaya handed her a cup of hot coffee. "Thank you, bestie. I really needed this."

"Anything for you," Zendaya smiled.

"So, how's my dad?"

"He's fine. Well... guess what?"

"Just say it. You know I'm terrible at guessing."

"You're such a killjoy," Zendaya teased, shifting closer. "Okay, the good news is - the doctor said your dad's fully recovered!"

"Oh my God," Anna sighed in relief. "Thank you, God."

"But... the bad news," Zendaya added, "is that the doctor said you have to settle the hospital bill before the third week of next month. He's giving you a grace period to come up with the money."

Anna threw her hands up. "I knew it. Money, money, money - all the time."

"Take it easy, bestie. You need to find a job soon to pay off your debt. Remember, you also owe your company."

"Ugh, don't remind me. I'm trying my best. I can't kill myself."

"Don't worry, Anna. I'll support you with the little I have."

A tear rolled down Anna's cheek as she hugged Zendaya. "Thank you so much, bestie."

"It's nothing, my baby girl. Anything for you."

---

"Alright, Zen. You should go home and rest. I'll stay with my dad tonight. He might be discharged tomorrow morning."

Zendaya grabbed her hand. "You think I'll let you leave without telling me where you've been all day?"

"Zen, not now. I'm stressed. I need food and sleep."

"Nope. You promised to tell me everything when you returned. And here you are. Spill it." She flicked her fingers dramatically.

"Okay, okay. You win. Remember when I lost my job because of Dad's accident and I owe my company ten million naira?"

"Of course. I remember."

"Well... I lied about Felix. We actually met the day I lost my job. He saw me crying and gave me his handkerchief. Then he took me to a coffee shop, and we talked. I told him everything. He offered to connect me to his billionaire friend for a contract marriage. I thought about it for a while and decided to meet the guy. That's where I was today."

Zendaya's eyes widened. "No, bestie. No. I can't let you do this. This is your first relationship and it's fake? No way."

"Zen, lower your voice. People are staring."

"Call him now, cancel it. Or I'll call Felix myself."

"Stop it! Do you think I like this? But if I don't pay my debt, I'll be in jail - and who'll take care of Dad? It's only two months. One-time offer, Zen."

Zendaya's face softened. "Fine. If you're doing this, you have my support. But if he mistreats you, I'm coming for you."

"You're the best."

"By the way, what's the billionaire's name?"

"Zen, stop." Anna laughed. "It's Mr. Joan Chanwell."

Zendaya gasped. "Wait - the Joan Chanwell? Girl, you hit the jackpot. He's every girl's dream."

"Is he really that famous?"

"Of course! I heard he dated a girl when he was broke and she ran off with his money. Since then, no one's seen him with another woman. Social media will go wild when he announces this marriage."

"Zen, you and gossip."

"I'm serious! Who knows? He might fall for you."

"Stop dreaming. He'll never fall for a girl who lost her job and owes ten million naira."

"What's his reason for this marriage anyway?"

"He said he needs to secure a huge contract, but it's only open to married men."

"Hmm." Zendaya smirked. "Like I said, if he acts up - call me."

"Yes, boss." They both laughed.

---

But just as Anna raised her cup of coffee to take a sip, a message notification popped up on her phone.

It was from an unknown number.

"You don't know me, but stay away from Joan Chanwell if you value your life."

Anna's hand froze mid-air.

"Zen..." she whispered. "You need to see this."