Love and Deception; Contract Marriage

Serena's POV:

"I do," I muttered, my face expressionless. I found it difficult to look at the face of my boss who was now my husband.

The request for the impromptu wedding came to me as a shock, but I loved the benefits that came with it.

I had made up my mind to do anything to save my sick father who had sacrificed so much for me. He was my only family and the only parent I knew as my mum left us after we lost our only property in a fire accident when I was five.

I also needed an upgrade in my life, my income could barely sustain myself, and my father neither could it bring me out of debt. Things had been very rough for me as an adult and I often wondered what good opportunities could come my way as a college dropout.

Soon I would be referred to as Serena Hayes and would have to pretend to be happy and in love until this contract expired. This is not the kind of life I planned for myself, but they say desperate times call for desperate measures, right?

I only hoped to be able to find love after the expiration of the contract, at least by then I would no longer be tagged poor, and my dad would be in better health.

Adrian's height covered my whole length. No doubt he was the tall, handsome, and very wealthy CEO every woman dreamt of having by their side. His grey oceanic eyes shone as he raised my veil and planted a soft kiss on my lips. Strangely, that sent shivers down my spine.

Could that be love?

Well, not the kind of love I dreamt of as a teenager. True love I believe is more than beautiful looks and appearances and is not built on contracts and lies.

Having worked for Mr. Adrian Hayes for a while now, I was certain he wasn't the kind of man I could fall in love with. He was the rudest man I had ever met, with zero regard for anyone. He was very stubborn and had a mind of his own. I wondered how he related with his staff at the office because he brought hell on me every day I was present to work at his mansion.

I quickly broke out of my thoughts and gazed at the men and women seated on the chairs in the gathering. Smiles were plastered on their faces, but not mine.

Soon enough, we were at the entrance of the church with our friends and well-wishers who struggled for a spot and picture with the latest couple in town. Adrian's family and colleagues from his workplace were present to support him, and Laura my best friend was also present to support me.

My beloved father, who had been battling with Coronary Heart Disease could not attend as he was already receiving treatment in one of the best hospitals. The very moment the contract was signed, Adrian transferred a huge sum of money to cater for my Dad's treatment. The thought of that made me wear a little smile.

We headed to the reception venue which was not far from the church, and a few hours later the event came to an end. Nathan, Adrian's driver pulled up in the large compound and we hopped in the backseat as he drove out, guests and well-wishers waved happily at us.

After a while of driving, he pulled up at the front of the big, beautiful compound. The gate was locked, but the honk of the car's horn caused the gardener who worked from inside to open up.

Nathan parked in the lot and headed to the back door to help the CEO out like he always did. Somehow, I expected him to also assist me with the door but he didn't. Well, what was I even thinking, he still saw me as the maid of the house, but soon he would realize I was now his boss's wife.

Adrian walked ahead of me, while I followed him behind. Before I could get inside the living room, the door was shut in my face.

"What?" I exclaimed quietly. Was it not too early for him to resume this crazy attitude of his?

I opened the door and quietly walked in, hiding the dissatisfaction I felt. As I headed to my room, I heard my name.

"Serena !"

"Get your stuff out of my room," Adrian commanded and I nodded as I rushed into the master bedroom to retrieve a few of my clothes. It was his idea that I got dressed in his room earlier that day, while the photographer took pictures of me in my wedding attire.

"Pack your bags from the room you occupy and meet me here."

I didn't know his plans but I dared not question him. I quickly changed into my maid uniform, packed my bags, and met him in the living room.

He was already in his nightwear. With the water dripping from his head, I knew he had taken a bath.

"Sir, I have done as you asked me to," I said, with my hands behind me.

"Good, I see you're back in your uniform. It shows you understand your position whenever we're in this house. "Come with me." He instructed, headed to the door of one of the rooms in the house.

"This will be your new room."

"Okay Sir, thank you, I don't take this for granted," I said to him as he turned to walk away.

"You may take it for granted if you deem it fit," Adrian, with a straight face, declared. "I'm only trying to keep to my part of the contract by making you more comfortable. You have done something to get this in return, haven't you?"

"I have," I said, nodding my head.

I kept my bags inside and rushed out to meet him.

"Would you love to have anything before going to bed Sir?"

"A mug of black tea would do."

I served him for a short while and headed back to my new room.

The space of the room was better than the one I always stayed in whenever I slept over at Adrian's house.

As my eyes scanned the room, I remembered the night I pleaded with Mr. Adrian to pay me my salary upfront as I needed to urgently buy some medications for my sick dad. I had summoned so much courage to make that request even though I wasn't expecting a positive response. He looked very worried a few days before that day, but I couldn't ask him what the problem was as I wasn't expected to know more than he told me when it came to his personal affairs.

He dismissed me angrily, saying he didn't run a charity organization, but to my surprise, he came back from work the next day and offered to take care of my father and pay me a huge sum of money if I could also be of help to him.

He wanted to save his seat in his father's finance company as CEO, and to do that he needed to be married with a child at least within three years of occupying that position.

I wasn't cool with the fact that I had to get pregnant and bear a child for him while married on contract, but he managed to convince me we could get a divorce when the child was three years old and I could go back to being single again. The money he offered was huge, and I sure needed my dad to receive urgent medical attention, as well as save up enough money to go back to college and also change my life completely for good. I quickly accepted the offer before he changed his mind. After all, it was an honour for a poor girl like me to have a child for one of the wealthiest men in the City, or so I thought.

As I lay down to have some rest, I imagined how my life would turn out for the next three years. I had signed the contract and received part of the money I was promised, I had to play my part religiously.

Serena's POV:

It was a week after the wedding, and another extra week as a maid to Mr. Hayes.

I jumped off the bed and headed to the window to observe the weather before rubbing my hands over my face. I had a lot to do today, including preparing a fresh meal for Adrian before he left for work.

I heaved a sigh as I headed to the kitchen, wishing I could get the day off as I had barely had enough sleep the previous night. I reached for a bowl, picked up crops of potatoes, and chopped them into chips after peeling the outer skin.

In less than an hour, the potato chips, chili sauce, poached eggs, and black tea were served on the dining table.

Mr. Hayes usually showed up at dining the table every morning by 8 am or 10 minutes earlier, so I presumed he would show up any moment as it was already 7.58 am.

I felt sick as my head ached at short intervals, but I wouldn't dare go back to bed. I had to stay around the kitchen until I was certain Mr. Hayes no longer needed my services for the morning.

At exactly 8 am, I heard the door of his room creak open.

"Good morning, Mr. Hayes," I greeted him as usual. "How was the night for you?" I asked and grabbed a jug from the large table. I quickly filled it up with water and dropped it beside the food tray.

"Do you need something else?" I questioned, watching him taste the black tea I made.

"No," he shook his head. "How was the night?"

"I had a good night's rest," I lied. "I would love to discuss something with you Sir." I cleared my throat.

His gaze met mine. "Can't it wait till I'm back from work today?" He asked, lifting the tea cup and sipping from it.

"It's about my dad."

"I didn't ask you to go ahead Serena, but since you can't wait for instructions, speak already.

"He's asked me to come see him at the hospital, and I would like to get your permission to go today. Can I go there when you're out for work? I promise I'll be quick and get back before you return."

"Off-work hours were not given to you on weekdays the last time I checked," he scoffed. "What makes you think I will give you a day off whenever you feel like having one?"

I swallowed hard, not knowing what to say next.

"Why do you choose to bother me this peaceful morning? Did you not pay a caregiver to take care of him as I instructed?"

"I did Sir, but I need to see how he's faring, he's my only family and I haven't seen him for a week now. Our wedding day was supposed to be my off-work day, and I can't wait till next month to see him."

"Please Sir, permit me to go," I knelt before him and prayed to get a positive response.

"You should go." He left the table, picked up a notepad, and headed outside the living room.

"Do you give me your permission, Mr. Hayes?" I asked, I had to be sure he meant what I was thinking.

"Yes, make sure I don't find you when I return from work, I must not be hungry tonight."

"I promise not to take too much time, Sir," I smiled. "Thank you, Mr. Hayes, I'm grateful."

"Get me my suitcase and meet me in the car."

"Nathan will take you there and bring you back," he said as he shut the car door.

As I headed back to the house, I wondered why Mr. Hayes permitted me to go.

"Why was he nice all of a sudden?

I got into my bathroom, had a quick shower, and got dressed, after packing some food and fruits for my dad in the kitchen.

By the time Nathan got back that morning, I was all set.

As he drove me to the hospital, I couldn't help but remember how my dad did all sorts of menial jobs to pay my school fees and provide food and shelter for us before his health began to fail. He was so kind and too patient with my mother, who left him after we lost our house in a fire accident. She claimed that he didn't have the resources to give her the kind of life she deserved.

I guess she still sleeps around with any man who can pay her handsomely, her tales were all over the place before she left town with a young man old enough to be her son. It's such a shame she's my mother, she was never part of my life while I grew up and I never want to be associated with her.

"Are you okay Ma'am?" Nathan asked, looking at me through the rear mirror.

"Sure," I quickly dried the tears on my cheeks and looked towards the window, trying to distract myself from my thoughts.

Seeing my father made my day, he looked much stronger and healthier compared to the last time I saw him. I couldn't tell if it was his diet or the medications being administered to him, but I was glad he looked good. He too couldn't hide his excitement, he grinned at me all through my stay with him at the hospital.

"My child, I'm so happy to see you, how is married life? How are you enjoying your honeymoon?" he asked squeezing my hand softly.

"It feels good to be married to one of the wealthiest men in town dad, he treats me well, and we plan to take a trip out of the city soon, but for now he has a lot of work engagements to do." I too was marvelled at how fast those lies came out of my mouth. Some things are better left unsaid right?

I loved my dad so much and shared a lot of secrets with him, but this contract was a delicate issue that couldn't be discussed with anyone. It wouldn't even do him any good if he knew about it, he would certainly feel bad and indebted, knowing I made that decision because of him.

"I'm happy to hear that, I knew the rumors about him being rude and wicked weren't entirely true. I have peace of mind knowing you're happily married, every other gift we're getting from him is a plus. Say hi to him when you get home, I hope to see him come with you on your next visit." I nodded, hugged him, and headed towards the ward exit.

"That's an impossible mission," I said to myself knowing who my boss was. What I didn't know was how long I could continue lying and making excuses for him before my dad.

Adrian's POV:

"Good morning, Mr. Hayes." Emily, my secretary wandered into my large office, her hand behind her. "Welcome back Sir."

"Thank you," I replied with a straight face. "What have you been up to, you were not on your seat when I got in, is that how you've been moving around aimlessly in my absence?" I sat on my chair, resting my hand on the table and waiting to hear her excuse.

"I was carrying out a task for Mr. Maxwell Sir, he sent me on an errand," she said, looking defensive.

"Get out of my sight, I'll call you when I need you." She hurriedly walked out of my office.

I felt quite relaxed while I was away because I believed Maxwell would do a good job managing the staff and other company affairs in my absence. It was my first day at work as a married man, and the thought made me sigh.

Honeymoon didn't feel like Honeymoon. I just had to stay away from work to avoid any form of suspicion.

Serena is a pretty woman, no doubt. Being with her in the same space and looking at her closely made me realize that. I probably didn't notice before now, maybe cos she was always looking tattered and wearing very big clothes that covered her beautiful figure, or I just chose not to notice. Well, that doesn't change the fact that she's my wife only on paper and nothing more.

The sudden marriage with Serena was first suggested by my best friend, Maxwell. That was one of our little secrets, I just hoped he wouldn't mention it to anyone. Serena and I still had more tasks ahead, one of which was making babies; we needed to have a baby at least before the deadline the company gave me.

I wondered how that would happen, I thought of us going through one of those assisted reproduction procedures.

The thought of having a sexual relationship with someone I couldn't even get along with was terrifying.

"My goodness," I cried out after heaving a sigh, my hands resting on my chair.

For goodness' sake, marriage was the least on my to-do list, if not for the so-called new rules and regulations of the company I wouldn't have even been married by now.

While I was lost in my thoughts, the door of my office opened.

I lifted my head, to see who was interrupting my quiet moment.

"Hey," the voice was familiar. "How are you today?"

"Maxwell,"

"Are you okay?" he asked, as he walked towards me and took a seat before I could ask him to.

"You look troubled, what bothers you, my friend?"

"I am all right," I responded, forcing a small smile. "I am only tired, nothing more."

"How is she?" he nodded and asked. "Your wife, I mean."

"Oh please," I looked at the door to ensure it was shut and back at my friend's face. "She is not my wife."

"Well," he laughed. "She is your wife, technically. You married her, even though it is on contract."

"I thought so too," she should be fine. She went to see her dad at the hospital.

"Thank you for looking after the company while I was away. I owe you big. Don't you think you need a week off?"

"I think I do," Maxwell nodded. "But not yet, you just got back. There are things I should make you understand before I sign that letter, don't you think?"

I nodded. He was right after all.

After a short while of silence, Maxwell got on his feet. He got water from the refrigerator by my window and served himself.

"So, what's your plan? "I mean, what are your plans to keep the seat as the CEO of this Finance Company?"

"Plans? I'm married already, just as they asked me to. What else do they want?"

"You and I know that's not all on the list, man," Maxwell took a seat and placed a bottle of water on the table. "Drink some, you need it."

Without hesitation, I did. "I know," but I still have a year to fulfill the other part of the requirement. I just got married, y'all should give me a little break."

"Babies take nine months to develop properly in their mother's belly, I guess you already know that. You should get to work, start trying to get her pregnant at least," he leaned forward and whispered in my ears.

"I'm doing my best Maxwell, It's barely a week after my wedding. As if marrying someone I'm not in love with is not enough, you expect me to sleep with her as soon as possible? Really?"

"Uhhmm, I understand your...

"You understand nothing, Maxwell, I won't let you pressure me just like the others. If not that they might go as far as investigating, I would have just quietly adopted a child after nine months of being married." I was already infuriated but had to keep my voice low so no one would hear us.

"I was only looking out for a friend. Is there anything wrong with that? I believe you would do the same for me."

"Well thank you, but I need some time," I replied my friend who got on his feet.

"Are you on your way out?"

"Yes," Maxwell replied. "I have to attend to some files before the day ends. I'll see you sometime later, maybe tomorrow."

"All right," I gave a nod. I wanted to be alone, after all.

When the door shut, I got on my feet, pacing about my office.

My friend was right, something had to be done quickly.

I didn't even run any fertility checks on her before the wedding because of how everything was done hurriedly. "What was I thinking?"

"I just hope she can bear kids," I muttered to myself.

I noticed I was getting too worried over something I had not even attempted, so I decided to face the task for the day and do a little work before my usual closing time.

Discussing it with Serena was the next step, I had to keep my pride aside and do the needful. After all, I signed for it.

It was sad that these new company laws had to be adjusted just before I got voted in as CEO of the Company. Why now? Was it possible my dad had a hand in it? He had once expressed his concern about me not having a love life at 30 and I dismissed the conversation angrily.

If he plotted this whole thing with the board, how come he's not surprised about my sudden wedding?