A Deal With The Billionaire: A Contract Marriage

A DEAL WITH THE BILLIONAIRE

(A Contract Marriage)

EPISODE ONE

Theme: Campaign Manager

IN CONNECTICUT, UNITED STATE.

CHRISTOPHER CRAWFORD'S HOME

After a long night of love making filled with confessions of love and promises, Christopher and Jessica went to bed cuddling each other. At 3:00 a.m just few hours into their sleep, Jessica phone rang and she turned away from Christopher to reach out for the cellphone on the bedside drawer. An incoming call from Sir Antonio displayed on the screen of her cellphone. Jessica got out of bed to answer the call, the sharp turns she made got Christopher half woken. It was strange for a lady to be called at that hour for work but it was surprising how Christopher wasn't moved. He seemed unbothered that his girlfriend was being called that late by a man. It wasn't the first time and it might also not stop anytime soon. "Hello Jessica, sorry for calling you at this time of the night." Mr Antonio apologized.

Jessica yawned. "It's alright. You won't be calling at the time if it isn't important." Jessica replied, trying to keep her voice low. "I got some connections from an old friend. So I need you to be here as early as possible. We have to visit some local areas." Mr Antonio said. Jessica sensed the excitement in his tone as he briefed her about the new connections and ideas he got from an old friend who was once a governor in Illinois. And she listened attentively to his words.

Jessica Campbell, a tall, leggy and strikingly beautiful twenty five years old woman. She happens to be the campaign manager of Mr Antonio. Mr Antonio Sanchez, a one time Senator declared his aspiration to become the next governor of Idaho. Although faced with strong oppositions one of which is the present governor of Idaho who intends to run for a second term in office. But Antonio knew his chances were not so limited because he is one of the most popular and loved senator in Idaho. Still yet, a lot needs to be put to work to kick out an incumbent governor.

This comes with the cost of Jessica's availability at all times, receiving calls at early hours of the day and late nights and also traveling around several cities in Idaho. "I have a strong feeling these ideas would help me win the position and the people will love me more." Mr Antonio ended. Jessica heaved a sigh, everything he had said wasn't so bad at all. "I want you here at least by noon." Mr Antonio added. "Alright sir." Jessica answered before hanging up the call. She glanced back at Christopher who was soundly sleep. She set the alarm to 6:00 a.m and hurried back to the bed into the arms of her lover. Time clicked by quickly and Jessica was the first to rise to the beauty of dawn. She leaned down to place a kiss on her boyfriend's cheeks to wake him up.

"Hey love, wake up. It's morning." She mouthed and he stirred in his sleep at the sound of her voice. The handsome looking Christopher opened his eyes slowly, yawned as he met his girlfriend's gaze. He found out that she was all dressed causing him to sit up on the bed abruptly. "Babe, where are you going?" Christopher rubbed his sleepy eyes. Jessica sat down at the edge of the bed. "Mr Antonio called me few hours ago so I have to head back to Idaho." She answered. "No..no..babe, you are not going back to Idaho. You just got here about two days ago after being away for close two months and now you are leaving again." Christopher arched his eyebrows and scrunched up his face. "Listen love, I know..." she paused to study his expression. He wasn't happy. "I know I planned to stay for a week but you need to understand that my boss needs me and -" Christopher interrupted her. "I need you too, Jess." "I am sorry. But I promised that I'll be with you soon." She leaned in and kissed his lips. Christopher made an attempt to deepen the kiss but his girlfriend pulled away from him. "I have to go now." Jessica threw kisses all over his face while he grumbled. "Take care of yourself. And always remember that I love you so much." There was nothing he could do or say to stop her from going to Idaho. "I love you too. Give me a call when you reach Idaho." Christopher forced a smile on his face. Jessica stood up from the bed. "Bye." She grabbed her handbag and then exited the room. Christopher sighed. He hopped out of bed to prepare for work.

A DEAL WITH THE BILLIONAIRE

(A Contract Marriage)

EPISODE TWO

THEME: A Condition

IN CONNECTICUT: VALLEY HOSPITAL

TWO WEEKS LATER

Christopher Crawford is a perfect combination of good looks and wealth. A handsome thirty years old young looking man. And he is a managing director at Crawford Corporation. On a Saturday afternoon, Christopher received a call from his mom that his father collapsed at work and has been taken to the hospital. He rushed down to valley hospital where he met his mom, elder sister, her husband and his younger sister sitting in the hallway as they waited for the doctor to come out from the private ward to give feedback about Mr Crawford's condition.

"Mom, how is dad doing?" Christopher asked as he got closer to his family members. "We are yet to hear from the doctor." Mrs Ashley King, the first child of Mr Crawford, a wife to Mr Matthew King and a mother of three children responded to her brother's question. "I hope he is fine." Mrs Hope Crawford mumbled to herself. Christopher went close to his mother and crouched down in front of her, holding her hands in the process. "I believe dad will be fine." Christopher gave her hand a small squeeze.

Tears sting in Mrs Crawford's eyes just at the mere thought of losing her husband. "He doesn't listen to me anymore. I told him not to go to work on a weekend but he was so adamant about meeting this particular Italian investor." Mrs Hope Crawford blinked back tears. "Mom, you know dad always like to be the one to negotiate with foreign investors." Mrs Ashley King said. Mrs Hope Crawford nodded in agreement. "Yes I know. But Christopher once did a good job at negotiating with an investor. So why won't your dad let him handle the works at the company?" She sniffed and stared at her only son. "I agree with you. Dad should retire already so Christopher can take over. He is old and the stress from work is too hard and it is wearing him out." Miss Ava Crawford, twenty three years old and the last child of Crawford agreed to her mom's words. "Mom, please let dad be the one to make such decisions himself. If he thinks that he can still handle works at the company then it is fine." Christopher said in a calm tone. "So we can always be here at the hospital every time? No, I don't agree and he has to retire from work. I am going to make sure of it." Mrs Hope Crawford replied with a serious look on her face. "Relax mom...dad will be fine." Christopher gave her a reassuring look. He stood up to his feet.

The door to the private ward opened and a doctor and two nurses stepped out to the Crawford family. Mrs Hope Crawford stood up quickly and the rest of the family rushed to meet the doctor. "Doctor, how is my husband?" "How is my dad doing?" "Is my dad okay?" The Crawford questioned at the same time with an uncertain, sad and unhappy looks on their face. The doctor who has been the Crawford family doctor for years now smiled. "Mr Crawford is doing just fine." He said. Sighs of relief escaped from each of them. "So what went wrong again?" Mrs Hope Crawford asked. "He suffered from a mild heart attack but we were able to resuscitate him. But I'll advice that he stays away from work and have a bed rest until he gets better." Doctor Jeremiah explained Mr Crawford's health condition and how he thinks the old man can get better. The Crawford family nodded in understanding and thanked the doctor that was almost mr Crawford's age before he walked away with the nurses following closely behind him. The Crawford family filed into the private ward at the permission of the doctor that they could see him. Mr Crawford sat up on the bed with two pillows popped behind him to help him stay comfortable while talking to his family. He didn't want to lay on his back looking so sick so it won't scare his wife. He didn't want to give his family the impression that it might take long for him to recover. Mr Crawford had a small smile on his face. "What's that look on your face, darling?" Mrs Crawford shot her husband a glare knowing that he was trying to joke around. "Come on darling, look at me, I am doing just fine. It is just a mild heart attack." He chuckled. Mrs Crawford sighed. "You scared me. I am sick and tired of rushing to this hospital at a call." Mr Crawford arched his eyebrows. "Oh! Are you complaining? I thought we vowed in sickness, good health and till death do us apart." He said with a feigned frown on his face. Mrs Hope Crawford furrowed her eyebrows. "Do you think I am quitting on you? How can you think of me that way?!" She raised her voice slightly. "That's how I see it. I need you by my side even if I might die soon." Mr James Crawford said. Mrs Hope Crawford shook her head. "I can't believe this is happening! How dare you talk about death so easily? How do you want me to deal with these children?!" She grimaced with tears forming at the corners of her eyes. She was scared of losing her husband to death. Christopher and the rest of the family laughed. They knew their father was teasing their mother again. "It is clear that your mom still loves me very much." Mr Crawford laughed. Mrs Hope Crawford looked back at her children. "How can you laugh in this situation?" She demanded. "Mom, it's clear dad is fine. How can he still crack jokes and tease you in this condition...he is fine." Christopher chuckled. "Don't mind your mom, she is just scared of loosing me." Mr Crawford shot his wife a wink. Mrs Crawford tried not to burst into tears at that moment, realizing that her husband had just pulled his teasing game on her again. "This is not funny, Crawford." She pointed a finger at him. He stretched out his hand towards his wife. "Come here." And she didn't hesitate to go to him. "Sit down." He instructed her to sit next to him on the bed and she did. Mrs Ashley King, her husband and Ava sat on the long couch while Christopher choose to stand. "I am sorry darling for scaring you. And I promise this won't happen again." Mr Crawford apologized to his wife. "You said these same words the last time." Mrs Crawford frown deepened. "I never made such promise to you. All I do is apologize to you." Mr Crawford interjected as he kissed the back of her palm. "Listen Crawford, how do you want me to believe you?" Mrs Crawford huffed. Mr James Crawford heaved a sigh. "What do you want? How do I make you believe me? Of course, I always have my plans. And I have made my decisions." He looked at Christopher. "What decisions?" Mrs Hope Crawford demanded. "I want Christopher to take over the company. I am retiring from my position as the chief executive officer of Crawford Corporation." Mr Crawford announced. A smile formed on Mrs Crawford face. "You have made a wise decision, honey." Christopher exchanged glances with his siblings before looking back at his father. "Are you sure dad?" He asked. Mr Crawford nodded his head in response. "You are the rightful heir to the Crawford Corporation." "Congratulations, Christopher." Mr Matthew King spoke up for the first time since he has been at the hospital. Gentle and calm, he is a man of little words. "Not too soon, Matthew. But if Christopher becomes the chief executive officer then that means you will take over his position as the managing director." Mr Crawford looked straight at his first child who has a surprised look on her expression. "Really dad?!" Mrs Ashley gasped out. "Yes. Matthew is doing a great job at the company as a business expert. And since he is part of the family now then he should have a share at Crawford Corporation too." Mr James Crawford responded. "This is the best decision you ha "You said this same line when I bought you a million dollar handbag. Right?" Mr Crawford asked, looking at the rest of the family and they laughed. "Come on honey, it's the best because you have chosen your health over-" "I am not done stating my decisions. Let me finish before you start up your lectures." Mr Crawford interrupted his wife. "What else do you have to say?" Mrs Crawford questioned. Then Mr James Crawford dropped the bomb which Christopher or anyone never expected at that moment. "Christopher needs to get married before attaining the position as the CEO." He stated. "Oops..." Ava muttered. "That shouldn't be a problem. He has a girlfriend and they have been dating for years now. Right son?" Mrs Crawford looked at her son. Christopher smiled. His father's condition wasn't a hard one even though he never expected it. Getting married before becoming a chief executive officer at the company. He has a girlfriend. The love of his life, Jessica Campbell. All he needs to do is propose to her, she would say yes and they would get married and fulfill the plans they had mapped out for the future. Christopher thought. "Getting married to the right woman is the most important when choosing a life partner. It doesn't matter if you have been dating her for years, she still might not be the one for you. Son, think-" Mrs Crawford cuts in. "Jessica is a good girl. I have met her a few times." "Yes dad, Jessica is the right woman for Christopher and they both love each other so much." Mrs Ashley King added. "Alright, if you all think she is the perfect woman for him. If you start a family of your own, it adds to your badge of capability towards running the company as a responsible man. Invite your fiancée over for dinner and let us make the necessary arrangements in three weeks." Mr James Crawford stated his demands. "Three weeks?" Christopher gasped out with his jaw dropping immediately. Mr Crawford shook his head. "Yes, three weeks. Is there a problem?" He asked. "No there is no problem. But dad don't you think three weeks -" "Too fast? Too early? Too late? Come on Christopher, we don't have all the time to waste. I want to retire to be with my wife. So I'll run the company as the chief executive officer temporarily until you bring your woman home." Mr Crawford said, a more serious look on his face. "But the doctor said you need to rest." Mrs Crawford countered immediately. "A good reason why you should persuade your son to bring his woman home." Mr Crawford replied. "But dad I can run the company as the CEO and bring my woman along-" Mr Crawford interrupted him by raising his hand up. "For now I'll run the company in your place but after you get married I'll step down." Christopher tried to protest but his dad silenced him. "I am not changing my mind." He said in resignation. "Okay dad." Christopher agreed. He knew that was final. His father already made up his mind.

A DEAL WITH THE BILLIONAIRE

(A Contract Marriage)

EPISODE THREE

THEME: She is not ready

IN CONNECTICUT

CHRISTOPHER'S APARTMENT

Christopher rushed to the door when the bell jangled. He unlocked the door and was greeted by a grin from the slender looking man standing on the porch. "Hey buddy," Benjamin Williams raised his hand up in a bid to give his best friend a high five. "Come in." Christopher slapped his hand and stepped aside for Benjamin Williams to walk into the apartment. "How are you doing?" Benjamin asked. "Do I look okay to you?" Christopher furrowed his eyebrows and pointed to himself. "You look like a sex starved puppy." Benjamin laughed as he sat on the comfy couch and crossed his legs. "Get me water." He said. "Are you trying to take advantage of me because I asked you to help me out?" Christopher frowned. "Is that how you see it?" Benjamin smirked. "Don't give me that look." Christopher pointed at him. "Tsk tsk I don't even know what help I am about to render. I am only teaching you a simple courtesy. You should serve a guest before choking he or she with your demands and troubles." Benjamin said. "This is -" Benjamin cuts in. "You need to be fast because I don't want to turn up late for a shoot." He glanced down at his wrist watch with a feigned serious look on his face. "At your service, majesty." Christopher gave him a mock bow before walking away into the kitchen.

Benjamin chuckled at his friend's gesture. The good looking man is a thirty years old model and fashion stylist. His light brown quiff hairstyle revealed his wide forehead. Dark small eyes sitting below a nice trim eyebrows that seems to fit his broad and rounded nose. His slender shoulders and lean chest depicts his profession. Christopher came back with a tray filled with a glass of chilled water and his favorite biscuits.

A wide smile graze Benjamin's face at the sight of his favorite biscuit-crackers. "Please take a seat so we can talk." Benjamin gestured to his best friend to sit on the couch facing him directly. "I missed all your calls but came as soon as I read your message. What's wrong? Is daddy okay?" Benjamin drank from the glass and set it down before munching on the biscuit. Christopher looked up at his best friend, sighed before he spoke up. "Dad is fine. But there is a problem." Benjamin leaned forward placing his elbows on his knees. "Problem? What else is the problem if daddy is doing fine?" He furrowed his eyebrows.

A concerned look crossed his face as Christopher rubbed his palms together. Christopher only does this habit anytime he is really bothered about a situation. "Can you stop the habit and tell me what's wrong?" He questioned frantically. "Dad wants me to be take over the company." Christopher said. Benjamin heaved a sigh of relief. "Is that it? This is great news! Congratulations, CEO Christopher Crawford!" He coaxed. "You can save the congratulations for later. Didn't you hear me say there is a problem?" Christopher hissed. Benjamin smile faded immediately. "Can you just go straight to the point and save my blood pressure from causing any harm to my heart." Benjamin snapped at his best friend, feeling frustrated. "I will take on the position of the CEO at the company but firstly I have to get married." Christopher blurted out. "What? Are you serious?" Benjamin couldn't stop the laughter that erupted from his chest. Well Christopher already expected such reaction from his best friend. "How can he give me such a condition? Get married before becoming a CEO." Christopher grumbled. "I think this is good news." Benjamin sat back on the couch after reaching out for the glass on the table. "You can say that again." Christopher rubbed his temples. "It's simple. Get married." Benjamin said with a shrug. "That's the problem." Christopher replied. Benjamin raised his eyebrows. "I don't think there should be any problem. You have a girlfriend, the woman you love so much and you have been together for years.

All you need to do is propose to her, do the necessary things for a wedding, tie the knot and became the CEO of Crawford Corporation." He stated. "Seriously Benjamin? I feel it's easier said than done. Although I wish everything would happen just as you have said it." Christopher countered. "Why is it not easy when all you have to do now is talk to Jessica. She is your girlfriend. Do what is needful and settle down with her." Benjamin emphasized. "I don't think things will work out with Jessica." Christopher stood up from the couch. "What do you mean?" Benjamin eyebrows drew together. "That's the problem. The reason why I called you over. I spoke to Jessica before I reached out to you right after I left the hospital." Christopher answered. "So what did she say?" Benjamin asked. "I explained everything to her but Jessica is not ready to get married." Christopher replied with a scrunched up face. "What?" Benjamin jaw dropped slightly. Christopher ran one hand into his hair. "I asked Jessica to marry me over the phone but she turned me down. Did I do something wrong?" He wondered. "How am I suppose to know if you have done something wrong? Wait, maybe you didn't use the right words." Benjamin said. "I told her everything. I have never been so careful with choosing my words like I did today." Christopher pointed out. "And she still said no to you?" Benjamin itched the bridge of his nose. He was confused. "Look Ben, the reason why I called you over is to help me provide a solution to this problem. I need to figure out a way to get my girlfriend to say yes to my proposal. I have just three weeks!" Christopher paced to and fro trying to think. "This is serious. You have been dating for almost four years now and she is still not ready to get married. What reason did she give?" Benjamin requested. "Her work. Her boss is running for the governorship seat so she is too busy working as a campaign manager." Christopher huffed. "So when would she be ready for marriage?" Benjamin hissed out. "She didn't say anything about getting married anytime soon. As a matter of fact she pointed out that settling down would affect her job and career." Christopher recounted the words his girlfriend had said to him.