Billionaire's contract

It's Saturday morning, Aria woke up to the sound of silence. No alarm wailing, no rush to get to work.

She stretched, exhaled and swayed her legs over the side of the bed, her feet touching the tattered carpet.

Aria walked to the kitchen, massaging her eyelids to remove the sleep from her eyes, in search of her first meal of the day. She opened the fridge, revealing an almost empty shelf..

A partial empty jar of jam, a withered lettuce, and a carton of outdated milk stared back at her.

The cabinets weren't any better...stodgy cereal, expired crackers, and a bag of flour.

She sighed, settling for toast with jam. Not her favorite, but it would do for just this morning.

Aria kept on thinking about her financial struggles as she waited patiently for the toasted bread to pop out. Rent was unpaid, and her funds was declining rapidly.

How would she make ends meet?

The toasted bread popped out, interrupting her thoughts.

Just as She took a bite of her toasted bread, she heard a resounding knock on her door. Aria knew who it was already,only her best friend visited her.

"Aria, girl! Open up!" Beatrice's cheerful voice shouted from outside.

Aria lit up, welcoming the amusement. She unlocked the door to find Beatrice holding a shopping bag and flashing a bright smile.

"Hey, babes! I brought breakfast" Beatrice said, waving the bag.

Aria's eyes widened as Beatrice revealed a spread of fresh pastries, fruit, and coffee.

"Thank goodness! My fridge is practically empty" Aria admitted.

Beatrice arched her brows. "Babygirl, when did you last go grocery shopping?"

Aria sighed. "I've been postponing it. You know how it is"

"Sit down and let's discuss" Beatrice said, suddenly looking serious and they sat down.

"Now what?"

"I kinda found a job for you, but I don't think you will like it"

"What type of job?"

Beatrice took a deep breath. "It's...a dancing job at a club"

Aria raised an eyebrow. "Dancing? What kind of dancing?"

"Strip dancing, Aria"Her eyes widened in shock.

"Hear me out, Aria. This job pays incredibly well. You'll make more in one night than you do in a week teaching. You can finally pay off your debts and start fresh" she said and Aria shook her head firmly.

"No way, Bea. I'm a teacher, not a stripper. I have standards"

Beatrice sighed. "I knew you'd react like this. But think about it, Aria. This is a chance, you can't keep struggling financially"

"I appreciate your concern, Bea, but I'll find another way. This isn't for me"

"Okay, I get it. But promise me you'll have a second thought if things get worse?"

Aria hesitated before nodding. "I'll have a rethink about it, Bea. But I'm uncertain if it'll come to that"

"I'm glad we've resolved the issue, Aria" Beatrice said, getting to her feet.

"That's basically why I stopped by.... to inform you about the vacancy. Now that we've discussed it, I have other places to be"

Aria walked her to the door.

"Thanks for thinking of me, Bea. I appreciate it"

Beatrice smiled and hugged her.

"Anytime, baby girl. Please take good care and reconsider what I said'' with that Beatrice left, leaving Aria to think of her financial distress and the enticing but distasteful job offer. She shut the door and leaned against it, her thoughts churning.

She had been providing for herself since she left the orphanage, where she spent 18 years of her life. The doubts surrounding her parent's fate still dwelled. Were they alive? No one had ever told her they were no more, leaving her a spark of optimism.

She shoved the thoughts aside, focusing on her present predicament. The teaching job she landed a few months ago was her lifeline. It hardly covered her expenditures, but it was quite okay.

Aria stood for some minutes, lost in thought, she heard a knock on her door bringing her back to reality.

Who could that be? Beatrice had just left, and she wasn't expecting anyone else.

Aria snuck a look through the peephole and saw a man standing outside in a black suit and sunglasses and she became baffled pondering who the person was.

"How can I help you?" she asked as she unlocked the door.

"Miss, I'm here to relay information from Mr. Sebastian Green, Chief executive officer of Green's Corporation," he replied.

Aria's mouth dropped open in surprise. Sebastian Green, the billionaire mogul? What could he want from her?

"Mr. Green requests your presence at his office. He'd like to discuss a matter that will be beneficial to you both" the man continued.

Aria's mind was in overdrive, she had only seen Sebastian Green on the news, studied about his business agreements, and really loved his charitable initiatives. But why would he have a mutual interest in her?

"How did he get to know my address?" she asked, trying to pull herself together.

"Mr. Green has his ways, Miss"

"Okay I will consider his request,you can go now"

"Mr. Green requests that you accompany me to his office immediately"

Aria's eyes widened in surprise. "Now? But I'm not prepared for a meeting"

"I deeply apologize for the hassle but Mr. Green's schedule is busy, and he prefers to meet with you today"

Aria paused, not sure of what to do. She hadn't expected this immediate summons.

"What's the purpose of the meeting?" she asked.

"Mr. Green will discuss the details with you personally, Miss"

"Okay, just a moment" she said, taking a step back to grab her bag and keys.

The man gave a nod and smiled toward the exit. "Shall we proceed, Miss?"

Aria inhaled deeply and followed him out of her apartment.

What did Sebastian Green want from her? Was it a business opportunity? A benevolent endeavour?

The man swung the door open to the black Mercedes Benz car and directed her in, Aria settled into the luxurious leather seat gently.

They finally showed up at the glass and steel headquarters of Green's Corporation. Aria's eyes open wide as they pulled up to the spectacular entrance.

The man swung her door open, and Aria stepped out, gazing up at the elevated building. She was fascinated.

"This way please, Miss" the man said, directing her through the rotating doors.

Inside, the foyer filled with suits and business gurus, rushing to their next appointment. Aria followed the man through the multitude, passing security checks and arriving at a exclusive elevator.

He scanned a card, and the doors opened.

"Mr. Green's office" he announced.

Aria walked into the elevator anxiously. The doors closed, and the elevator surged upward.

When the doors opened again, Aria found herself in a luxurious office suite. A modern desk dominated the room, and behind it sat Sebastian Green.

"Ah, Miss Aria. Thank you for coming"he said and Aria's breath caught,she can't believe she's meeting this man in person.

"Please, sit down" he said, smiling to the seat before him and Aria sat, trying to pull herself together.

"I'll hit the nail on the head, Miss Aria" he said, his voice demanding attention.

"What's the issue,sir?"

"Miss Aria, I've been watching you. Your... situation is well-known to me"

"Situation?"

"Miss Aria, I'm ready to offer you a life exceeding your wildest dreams. Join in matrimony with my son, Maverick, and provide him with an heir. In return, you'll receive a significant monthly stipend and a secure future" Sebastian said.

Aria's eyes widened as he handed her a folder containing the arrangement's terms.

"Consider it a business proposal, dear," he added.

"You'll be well looked after, and our family's bequest will be secured"

"What makes you think I'd concur with this?" Aria asked, trying to sound brave.

"Like I said, I know your situation, dear. You have no family, no connections. I'm offering you a lifeline"

Aria held the folder tightly, her eyes locked on Sebastian's.

"I don't think so," she said.

"Miss Aria, this is an opportunity that comes once in a lifetime. You'll want for nothing. My son will provide for you, and our family's legacy will ensure your future" he said and Aria imagined a life of luxury, free from financial struggles. But at what cost?

"What about love? We should marry for love right?" she asked and Sebastian glared at her.

"Love is a premium we can't afford. This is business, Miss Aria. A mutually beneficial arrangement"

"Does your son know about this proposal?"

"My son will do his duty. He understands the importance of securing our family's legacy so don't worry about him"

Aria's heart sank. Duty, not love. A business arrangement, not a marriage.

"What's the expectation for the heir?" she asked.

"A male heir, preferably. To secure our family's future"

She was being asked to bear a child, not for love, but for legacy.

"I need time to think" she said and

Sebastian nodded.

"You have 48 hours. After that, the offer expires" Aria nodded, the folder still clutched in her hand.

She left Sebastian's office, thinking about the offer since she only has 48 hours.

She suddenly felt the urge to use the lavatory. Viewing around, she noticed a hallway to her left and decided to find the lavatory.

Swerving a corner, her eyes read every sign on the doors.

Out of the blue, she paused outside an office door, wearing a gloomy face. Muffled moans roamed through the door, followed by a subtle laugh. Aria's eyebrows shot up, her face warming. What exactly was going on in there?

Uncomfortable, she instantly moved away from the door and continued her search for the lavatory. Finally, she noticed a sign reading "Ladies' Room" and moved towards it.

Once done, she freshened up and pulled herself together before exiting the lavatory.

As she walked out, she spotted a lady coming out from the same office where she'd heard the muffled moans. The lady smoothed her dress, blushing so hard, and quickly walked away without noticing Aria.

She watched the woman disappear around the corner. Her eyes moved back to the office door, pondering what had happened there.

Just then, a tall, dark muscular figure came out from the same office. Aria caught only a view of his back, clad in an ash tailored suit, before he vanished from view.

Her phone vibrated with an incoming text.

Rent is overdue. If payment isn't received within 24 hours, eviction proceedings will begin

Aria's heart sank,she knew it was from the landlord. Where will she see that amount of money in the next 24 hours?

Without hesitating, she rushed back to Sebastian's office. Inhaling deeply, she pushed open the door, and walked inside.

"Ah, Miss Aria. I wasn't expecting you to make up your mind so quickly,"Sebastian said with a gesture.

"I agree to your offer" Aria said and Sebastian's smile broadened.

"Good choice, my dear"

That was when Aria spotted another person in the office, standing with his back to her. The tailored ash suit seemed familiar.

As Sebastian gestured, the man turned to face her and Aria's heart skipped a beat.

It was him – the broad-shouldered figure from earlier.

"Maverick, this is Miss Aria, the woman who will secure our family's legacy" Maverick's piercing look locked onto hers, his expression unreadable.

Sebastian continued. "That's who you'll be marrying, Miss Aria. My son, Maverick Green"

Aria gasped. She felt like she'd stepped into a trap.

Aria squirmed with her hands, her eyes viewing the expensive penthouse. She had never been in a place like this before. The furniture, floor-to-ceiling windows, interior decor and modern art pieces seemed to whisper wealth and elegance.

Maverick was standing by the window, gazing at the cityscape, his back to her. His silence made Aria's anxiety grow.

"Mr. Green...Maverick" she corrected herself, trying to sound calm.

"I thought we were going to talk about the proposal?"

Maverick didn't react, his attention fixed on his phone.

Aria moved uncomfortably. What was he thinking? Did he approve of their arranged marriage? She took a deep breath and approached him.

"Maverick, please. I need to know what you think about this"

He still didn't respond to her questions. His eyes remained fixed on his phone, his teeth gritted.

Aria gave a little cough, trying again. "Maverick, I-"

"Give me a minute" he interrupted.

Aria was so speechless. She withdrew, feeling irritated and embarrassed.

Maverick's persisted silence made her question herself of what she has gotten herself into.

Maverick's finger suddenly paused on his phone, and he turned to face her.

The silence between them told a story. Aria's palms grew sweaty as she waited for him to speak.

"So, you're the lady my father chose," he wrinkled his brows.

"I...I ... .yes" she stuttered.

"You're not actually what I expected"he said checking her out and Aria almost sneered.

"What were you expecting?" she asked.

Maverick's lips curled into a faint, cryptic smile. "Someone more...sophisticated, perhaps"

"Huh?"

"But I can manage you. You're not exactly the type of woman I'm used to" he said.

"And what exactly is wrong with me?"

Maverick's smile twisted. "Your dress sense, for starters. It's...unsophisticated. Not exactly the classy, sophisticated look I prefer"

Aria felt embarrassed, her hands instinctively straightening her squeezed dress. She hadn't expected this meeting, and certainly hadn't dressed for it. Her usual casual attire now felt embarrassingly inadequate.

Maverick's eyes gazed around her, his gaze lingering on her outfit.

"You look like you just got out of bed and put on the first cloth you found on the floor," he said.

"I...I wasn't even expecting this meeting" she stuttered.

Maverick wrinkled an eyebrow. "It's so obvious"

Aria's teeth gritted, stifling the retort that threatened to escape. She wouldn't give Maverick the pleasure of witnessing her frustration.

"As you're aware, our marriage will be a business arrangement"

Aria nodded, familiar with the terms. Sebastian Green had made it clear... produce an heir, secure the family legacy.

"I want to make sure we're on the same page. Please review the folder my father gave you, familiarize yourself with the specifics" Aria brought out the folder.

"Any questions ,please don't hesitate to ask"

"I understand the terms, Maverick. Your father explained everything."

"I just want to ensure we're clear on the terms. List them out for me, Aria"

"Marriage, producing an heir to secure the Green family legacy, and-"

Maverick interrupted. "Specifically, what does 'producing an heir' entail?"

"Having a child within two years of marriage, ensuring the continuation of the Green family line"

Maverick nodded curtly. "And what about personal expectations?"

Aria swallowed hard. "Discretion, loyalty, and...no external relationships"

"Anything else?"

"Residing in the Green's estate and participating in family events"

"Is that all?"

Aria double-checked her memory. "That's everything, as far as I recall"

"Well...I have my own terms, separate from my father's proposal" he said.

Maverick handed her a contract.

"This outlines our personal agreement, beyond the business arrangement"

Aria scanned the pages, her eyes widening.

" 'No emotional attachment'?" she read aloud.

Maverick nodded. "We'll maintain a professional distance. No entanglements"

"And 'no questions asked'?"

"About my business dealings, personal life, or past. You won't pry"

" 'Discretion' applies to both of us" Maverick continued.

"No public scandals, no embarrassing the Green family" he said and Aria nodded.

" 'Separate quarters'?" she asked, surprised.

"We'll maintain separate living spaces within the estate. Privacy is essential"

"And what about...intimacy?"

"That's covered under 'fulfilling marital duties.' We'll do all that is necessary to produce an heir"

"That's all right?" she asked.

"One final condition before you sign"

"Outside relationships, I reserve the right to engage in extramarital activities, discreetly. However, you will maintain complete fidelity"

Aria's eyes opened wide.

"That's not cool"

"I'm protecting the Green legacy. My mistakes won't put at risk our agreement, but yours could"

"This is not fair" she said.

Maverick nodded. "Accept it or leave it. This condition is non-negotiable"

"Moving on to intimacy. As outlined in the contract, we'll fulfill our marital duties to produce an heir"

"Yeah"

"Please note that we will schedule intimacy three times a week"

Aria's eyes opened wide.

"Which of the days would you prefer?" Maverick asked.

"I...I really don't know," she stuttered.

Maverick wrinkled an eyebrow. "You have to decide. Monday, Wednesday, Friday? Or Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday?"

"How can you make this so...calculating?"

Maverick nodded. "Planning is key. We're adults, Aria. We know what's expected"

Aria inhaled deeply, trying to pull herself together.

"Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday" she said finally.

"Noted. Those will be our designated nights"

Aria felt cold run down her spine.

"Any questions?" Maverick asked and

Aria shook her head.

Maverick handed her a black pen. "Sign, please"

Aria's took the pen, scanned the contract one last time and with a deep breath, she signed her name.

"It's official" he said as he took the contract.

Maverick handed her a copy. "For your records"

Aria took it...their arrangement was sealed.

"Now that the etiquette are settled, we need to start preparations for the wedding"

Aria nodded.

"A fashionista will arrive very soon to help you choose a wedding gown and attire for the ceremony happening tonight"

Aria was flabbergasted. "It's tonight?"

Maverick nodded. "The wedding will take place tonight, at 8 PM"

"So soon?"

"My father wants this union solidified quickly"

"But I'm not ready..."

"Don't worry my dear" he said and they heard a knock on the door.

"Right on time" Maverick said, rising from his seat.

"That'll be your stylist. I'll leave you to it" Maverick exited the room.

An elegant woman entered, carrying designer luggage and a warm smile.

"Hello, Aria. I'm Vivian, your fashionista. Let's proceed, shall we?" She asked and Aria nodded.

"Don't worry, it's a small, intimate gathering, just Maverick's immediate family and closest relatives"

"Only family?"

Vivian nodded. "Sebastian wants to keep it private. No media, no public spectacle. Just a quiet, elegant ceremony"

Aria exhaled slowly. "That's a relief"

She thought of informing Beatrice of this but doesn't know where to start from.

In just a few hours, she'll become a member of the esteemed Green family.