Chapter 2 Contract marriage

It was all over the news-every channel, every social media platform, shared by thousands.

Damiete was trending-for all the wrong reasons.

"Trouble in paradise as the city's hot stuff gets slapped by one of his many flings." That was the headline.

Damiete leaned back in his chair, a lit cigarette between his fingers. His cheek no longer ached, but his ego sure did.

Who the hell did she think she was?

"This is bad, sir," Nick, the head of his PR team, muttered as he paced the room with a tablet in hand. He acted like he was the one who got slapped in front of cameras.

"We need to fix this," said Agnes, his personal assistant. "Your reputation is on the line."

He tapped the cigar against the ashtray, letting ashes fall. "This is why I pay you. So... what do we do?"

The two exchanged a glance, racking their brains for a solution. After a long moment, Agnes' face lit up.

"Marriage," she blurted out. "You need to get married, sir."

Damiete and Nick looked at her like she'd just uttered an abominable word.

Marriage?

He was the last man on earth you'd expect to walk down an aisle.

Commitment? Never heard of it.

Why settle for one when he could have them all? That was his motto.

"Are you insane?" Nick stared her down. "You want him to get married? That's absurd."

"Yes," Agnes said firmly. "Just hear me out before you drive a stake through my heart ."

She turned to Damiete. He gave her a nod to go ahead.

"Mr. Damiete, forgive me for being blunt," she began. "But you can only inherit your late father's properties if you maintain a clean, stable image, right?"

He nodded once.

"And everyone knows you can't stick to one woman. What better way to clean up your image than marriage?"

He exhaled a stream of smoke, considering her words. Time was running out. He had one year to prove he was worthy of the empire his father left behind.

"A contract marriage?" he asked slowly. "Is that what you're suggesting?

"Yes, sir," Agnes smiled. He was catching on. "Just pretend for a few months, secure the inheritance, then you can go back to living however you please."

"We'll need someone suitable," Nick added. "Not one of those clingy types that follow the boss around." He hated those shameless ladies.

Damiete smirked. He already knew the perfect woman for the job.

Back at Hazel's apartment...

"Calm down, Hazel," said Beatrice, her best friend. Hazel had been crying non-stop since the fashion show ended in disaster.

Hazel turned toward her, eyes swollen and red. "My life is ruined. All because of that bastard!"

Beatrice pulled her into a hug, stroking her back. "It's not the end of the world. You're strong. You'll get through this."

"How, Beatrice?" Hazel sobbed, her body shaking with heart wrenching sobs. "He destroyed my image. My career's over!"

Her phone rang. She ignored it.

It rang again. And again.

"You should answer," Beatrice urged.

Hazel sighed and picked it up. It was an unknown number. "Hello?" she answered, her voice flat.

"Have I reached Miss Hazel?" A soft, feminine voice asked. It was Agnes.

"Yes. Who's this?"

"No need to worry," Agnes replied. "We've reviewed your work and we're interested in sponsoring your fashion brand."

The tears stopped immediately. Hazel blinked. "Could you... repeat that?"

"We want to fully sponsor your brand-with all the funds you need to launch." Agnes repeated once more.

Hazel shot up, trembling with excitement. Beatrice watched her nervously. What was happening again?

"We'd love to meet in person to discuss the terms of our partnership," Agnes added. "Only if you're interested."

"I'm available anytime," Hazel said quickly. "Even tonight, if that works for you."

"Perfect. The address will be sent to you shortly." The call ended.

"What just happened?" Beatrice asked, concerned.

Hazel screamed and threw her arms around her. "I've got a new sponsor!"

"Oh my God!" Beatrice shrieked. "I'm so happy for you!"

Hazel's phone pinged. The address had come through. She had to get ready!

DAMIETE PENTHOUSE

"Have a seat," Agnes gestured, and Hazel took a seat on one of the most comfortable couch.

"The boss will be with us shortly. Can I get you anything while we wait?"

"I'm good, thank you," Hazel replied with a polite smile.

She let her eyes wander around the lavish penthouse. It screamed wealth and power. Then came the sound of the door opening.

She adjusted her skirt out of habit. No wrinkles. No reason. Her eyes locked on the taller man of the two who were entering the room.

Damiete. With that smug smile on his face-the same smile that made her blood boil.

She stood up instantly. "What is this?! Haven't you done enough?" she demanded, trying to control the storm that was raging inside her.

"Please, ma'am," Agnes tried to calm her. "Just-"

Hazel raised a hand. "I don't want to hear anything." She grabbed her purse and stormed toward the door.

"Ten million dollars."

She froze, her back turned to them.

"Ten million," Damiete said again, "plus full sponsorship of any fashion line you're launching."

Hazel slowly turned to face him. "For what?"

Damiete sat, crossing one leg over the other. "Sit down, and I'll tell you more."

She returned to the seat, ready to rip him to pieces if he said anything foolish.

"A contract marriage," he said bluntly.

"What?!" she gasped. "What kind of sick joke is this?"

"If you agree to a one-year contract marriage with me," he said calmly, "the money and sponsorship are yours."

Hazel stared at him, stunned.

She needed help-but not from him.

A deal with Damiete Torres was like shaking hands with the devil, that was the last thing she wanted but the offer was enticing.

Ten million dollars and a sponsorship? She stayed silent weighing her choices. With that money, she could pearl,her daughter the life she deserves.

A year, just a year and she'd be rich. "I'll do it." She muttered. "On my own terms."

Agnes and Nick were elated. Damiete was happy, the pawn had taken the bait.

"No sex, no physical touch." She knew Damiete well enough.

"I have no objection, it's a contract marriage after all." He said. "you'll be moving in by tomorrow." He Informed her.

Agnes produced the contract, and she set it before the table, placing a pen on it.

"If you agree to the terms, please sign."

Hazel took her time to read the contract, when she was satisfied she signed and he did too. It was official, she was now Mrs Hazel Damiete Torres.