Married By Contract

Alicia Harris stared at the rows of office buildings that loomed above her, their glass facades reflecting the bustling city life. Armed with a freshly printed resume and a determined spirit, she embarked on the daunting task of job hunting. The modern world was unforgiving, and securing a stable position seemed like an uphill battle.

Alicia has been traveling all round the city for the past few days, Searching for a job but her endeavor proved abortive. Life wasn't as easy as she thought it would be, Years ago. Ever since she lost her Dad to a ghastly accident, Alicia has been trying to make ends meet.

Living alone without a Mum , Dad and family members, she has been going through hell. Not even a sibling to call her own. The only person she has in her life was her Friend, Sam who isn't always available.

Alicia entered a sleek corporate building, the polished floors echoing the click of her heels. Navigating through the maze of cubicles, she finally reached the HR department. As she handed over her resume to the receptionist, her thoughts raced between hope and uncertainty.

" Oh God, this is my last hope. Please help me, I promise to be obedient to you Lord" She prayed inside her mind as she watched the Receptionist left her desk to hand over the Resume to the appropriate person.

She heaved deeply , found a seat and then sat down. Few months ago, she was doing well living under the care of her Daddy who was the only person she has left. She didn't know a day will arrive soon that her Daddy will leave her to cater for her self.

" Isn't this too much?" She held her head with her hands. " Why didn't he warn me that he'll be leaving me soon?" Her eye twitched but Alicia was quick to control herself. See didn't want to be seen crying in public. She has done that few days after losing her Dear Daddy but people only added to her pain.

What was the use of crying in public when no one was willing to help her?

Meanwhile, on the upper floors, Gregg Allman, a charismatic billionaire with a reputation for shrewd business deals, reviewed potential candidates for a crucial role in his expanding empire. His eyes fell on Alicia's resume, and a spark of recognition ignited within him. The name stirred distant memories of a childhood friendship abruptly severed by life's circumstances.

" Hmm, this name..." He mumbled then lifted up his head , looking at his secretary that brought the Resume to his office. " Where's the lady?" He asked her.

" She's at the HR Department, Sir" The secretary bowed her head.

" What does she look like?" He threw another question at her.

The Secretary was puzzled by the Question, she doesn't know the Owner of the Resume. It was brought to her by the Receptionist not by the lady herself.

" I have no idea, Sir. The Receptionist brought it. Why don't you look at her passport, sir? It's on the resume" She said in a professional way.

Gregg nodded his head, he should have looked at the picture attached to it before asking unnecessary questions.

" You can leave" He waved her off. But the secretary still has something to say which was related to the company and not what he was requesting for about the lady.

He didn't wait for any more response from the secretary as something pricked his mind. There was no vacancy at that moment in the company but what if he use her for what he wants? He rose to his feet and hurried out of the office to catch up with Alicia before she could leave.

And luckily, Alicia was about to leave the HR Department when she heard a voice behind her.

"Excuse me," Gregg said, catching up to her. "Alicia Harris, isn't it?"

Surprised, Alicia nodded. "Yes, that's me. Have we met?"

Gregg's lips curved into a knowing smile. "We might have, a long time ago. Fate works in mysterious ways. How about we catch up over coffee? I have a proposal that might interest you."

Intrigued and eager to explore any opportunity, Alicia agreed. They found themselves in a nearby café, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee enveloping them. Gregg got straight to the point.

"I've been looking for someone with your skills, Alicia. How about we make this interesting? I'm in need of a companion, and I propose a marriage contract."

Alicia's eyes widened in surprise. "Marriage contract? What does that entail?"

Gregg leaned back, studying her reaction. "Simply put, we marry on paper. You'll enjoy financial security, and in return, you'll accompany me to social events. It's a business arrangement, but with a substantial monthly pay. Consider it a mutually beneficial contract."

Alicia hesitated, the complexity of the proposal sinking in. Yet, the allure of financial stability and the mysterious connection she felt with Gregg tempted her to entertain the idea.

His face looked familiar. Though it has been long she saw that face. The face was that of a Boy, her childhood friend whom she grew to be so connected to until they have to leave their hometown after her Mum's death. But how can that Boy become the person sitting in front of her? She brushed the thought Aside.

"Think about it," Gregg urged. "I'll give you time to decide." He said.

" How long can you give me? You know this needs a thorough thinking. I can't just decide instantly" She lifted one shoulder up. Gregg knew that, he wouldn't want her to agree to what she doesn't want too.

" Miss Alicia, take your time but it has to be urgent. I need you to give me the feedback in few days as this has to do with my living" He said.

Alicia Sighed, she looked at her resume in front of him and she sighed again.

" Here's my Card, don't hesitate to give me a call when you decide..." Gregg stood up. " I hope to get a positive response from you" He gave her a smile before walking away.

Alicia walked through the city streets, her mind buzzing with a mixture of confusion and intrigue. The proposal Gregg Allman had presented lingered like a question mark in the air. The vibrant city lights reflected in her eyes, mirroring the internal turmoil of her thoughts.

Who wouldn't want to accept the proposal with Gregg Allman? Though she hasn't seen him face to face until that day, she has been hearing about him from her Dad and her Friend, Sam. He's a young Billionaire who doesn't take back his words.

Other Girls would have take the job instantly without Having to think about it first. But Alicia wouldn't pus herself in to what she's going to regret in the future just because she needed a job to take care of herself.

Entering her modest apartment, Alicia kicked off her shoes and sank onto the couch. The city's hum echoed through the walls, creating a backdrop for the whirlwind of emotions she was experiencing. The thought of a marriage contract with a man she has never met, a billionaire no less, seemed like a plot lifted from the pages of a novel.

" I really Need a Job. What am I going to do now?" She Shook her head. Her legs ached from walking all the way home. She didn't even have a penny to spend on a Public Bus talk more of a Taxi. Her Daddy didn't leave her with anything, He left her to cater for herself.

She retrieved Gregg's business card from her bag, turning it over in her hands as if seeking answers in its glossy surface. HAVEN was broadly written on it. It was indeed an Haven, no doubt about that. The company was so Quiet that you wouldn't know there were people working in there .

As she sat on her couch, surrounded by the silence of her apartment, Alicia allowed herself to revisit the past. She recalled the laughter, the shared secrets, and the innocent dreams she and her Dad had woven together before being separated.

" I missed you so much Daddy, how I wish you will come back" She wiped the drop of tears on her face and inhaled deeply. Crying won't help her, it's better she stop it but she couldn't just help it. She was all alone with no one to call her own. Now, she feels what Orphans feels.

The city's skyline shimmered through her window, a tapestry of lights that spoke of both opportunity and challenge. Alicia wrestled with the idea of a marriage contract, a union on paper that held the promise of financial stability. It was a good offer, one that could alleviate the uncertainties of her current job hunt. Yet, beneath the reality, a deeper connection tugged at her heartstrings.

She found herself lost in a sea of contemplation, the waves of uncertainty crashing against the shores of her thoughts. Could she enter into such a peculiar arrangement, and what mysteries would it unlock? The question of whether Gregg's proposal was driven solely by business or if there was a something different lingering in the shadows remained unanswered.

" This is Normal between Business dude, they'll go extra miles to do something like this for their Business to rise. But is he doing this for that? Or does he have his own motive?" She couldn't fathom.

Alicia's fingers traced the edge of Gregg's business card as she mulled over the possibilities. She imagined the high-society events, the glamorous façade of a life entwined with a billionaire. The allure of financial security beckoned.

As the night deepened, Alicia's apartment became a haven for contemplation. The soft glow of the city outside painted a canvas of reflection on her face. She gazed at her reflection in the window, questioning the path laid out before her. The city below seemed to hold the answers to her unspoken inquiries, its rhythm a comforting backdrop to the turbulence within.

The notion of destiny danced in her mind like a delicate waltz. Was this unexpected encounter with Gregg a mere coincidence, or was it a carefully orchestrated twist of fate? The universe seemed to be whispering its secrets, urging Alicia to listen.

With resolve building within her, Alicia decided to explore the possibility further. She retrieved a notebook and pen, the blank pages inviting her to pen down the swirling thoughts and emotions. Each stroke of the pen became a step towards clarity, a journey into the unknown depths of her own desires and aspirations.

That was her first time writing in that book Gifted to her by her late Dad. She decided to make it her Diary, starting with her encounter with Gregg that day and his proposal.

The city outside continued its relentless pace, but within the walls of Alicia's apartment, a quiet determination took root. The decision to embrace or reject Gregg's proposal hung in the balance, and as Alicia poured her thoughts onto the pages, she felt a sense of empowerment.

" Should I Call Sam and ask for his Assistant? Maybe he's going to give me an Advice that will work" She reached for her phone to contact her friend but then changed her mind. " What if Sam tries to talk me out of this? Or what if he thinks I'll be after Gregg's Money? He's over protective at times and I know he's going to stop me from doing this" She nodded her head in affirmation.

She closed the Book, dropped it on the bed side table and took in a deep breath. " I have to accept this offer, I need the money. And come to think of it, he is going to turn me in to a princess. Who knows, he might decide to make me his real wife if I act Nicely" She giggled

Alicia went inside the bathroom for a fresh shower for the night. Even though she didn't have anything to eat at home that day, she wouldn't keep herself messy. She went to the kitchen and the only thing she could find was water.

" Better than nothing" She Uncapped it and gulped down the entire water in the Bottle. " Time to sleep. Who knows what I am going to eat tomorrow after telling Gregg I agreed to his proposal?" She happily went back to the room and lay down on her bed.

The next morning showed Alicia pacing around her room with her phone in her right hand and Gregg's card on the left. She was contemplating of calling Gregg that morning.. wouldn't he think she already agreed to it the previous day but was only acting like she didn't?

She didn't want him to think she was so desperate for that Job. Alicia Inhaled deeply, sat on the stool in front of the dressing Table and then dialed Gregg's Number.

"Hello?" Gregg's voice, smooth and confident, resonated through the receiver.

"Hi, Gregg. It's Alicia," she said, her tone a blend of certainty and a touch of nervousness.

"Alicia! I was hoping to hear from you. Have you made a decision?" Gregg's curiosity tinged with optimism echoed in his words. He too has been waiting for her call that morning. He thought she was never going to call again, he wanted to call her but remembered he made a mistake for not taking her Number.

Alicia was just the perfect girl to help him with what he Wanted; A marriage Contract. He would have chosen from the Dozens of girls that were always lingering around him for a relationship but he wouldn't want his reputation to be ruined.

He had a feeling Alicia wouldn't Call him out to tarnish his image after the contract is over because in her resume, She was a Nobody. No one is going to believe her if she tries that , she has no money and she wasn't from a wealthy family.

Alicia hesitated for a moment, the weight of her choice palpable in the silence. "Yes, Gregg. I've thought about it, and I've decided to accept your proposal." She finally let out.

A spark of satisfaction colored Gregg's response. "That's wonderful news! I believe this is the beginning of an intriguing journey for both of us. Shall we meet to discuss the details in person?" He requested.

Alicia agreed, setting a time and place for their meeting. As she hung up the phone, a mixture of excitement and uncertainty washed over her. The decision was made, and the path ahead seemed both thrilling and mysterious.

" I hope I don't regret this" She left the house after dressing up. Alicia could only take water that morning too hoping Gregg was going to buy her breakfast out there.

Their meeting took place in a posh restaurant overlooking the city skyline, the perfect backdrop for a conversation that would shape the course of their unconventional union. Gregg greeted Alicia with a warm smile, his eyes holding a glint of satisfaction.

"Thank you for joining me, Alicia. I'm thrilled that you've decided to embark on this journey with me," Gregg said, gesturing for her to take a seat.

Alicia reciprocated with a polite smile, her eyes revealing a blend of determination and curiosity. "I believe this is a unique opportunity, and I'm ready to explore what it entails."

Gregg nodded, signaling a waiter to bring a bottle of wine. As they delved into the details of the marriage contract, Alicia wished he could ask her if she was hungry or not but he didn't. She couldn't even concentrate much on what he was saying as her Stomach was calling out for food.

"As per our agreement," Gregg explained, "You'll accompany me to social events, be present at public functions, and maintain a certain image in the public eye. In return, you'll receive a substantial monthly stipend, access to a comfortable lifestyle, and the financial stability you seek."

Alicia listened attentively, absorbing the terms of their contract. The details felt both surreal and calculated, like pieces of a puzzle falling into place. Yet, beneath the business-like discussions, a connection lingered.

"I understand, Gregg. I'm committed to fulfilling my end of the agreement," Alicia replied, her gaze steady.

" What about the payment?" She asked him as she pushed the Contract Document back to him, having signed it. " Oh that, Everything is sorted out and you are going to receive your upfront Now" He passed her another papers to write down her account details and so, she did.

Alicia watched as he punched in her digits and within a second, an alert enter her phone. She would have screamed if she was at home but she couldn't. In her entire life, she has never received something as huge as that in her name.

If the upfront was like that, then what would the other stipends he promised to give her be like? With that alone, she was already a Millionaire.

Gregg raised his glass, a symbolic toast to their pact. "To a partnership that transcends the ordinary. May our journey be as intriguing as the circumstances that brought us together."

As their glasses clinked, Alicia couldn't ignore the undercurrents of emotion beneath the surface.

Before she returned home that day, she bought all the foodstuffs that would last her for more than a month. Alicia was the happiest girl that day, she ate so well, drank to her satisfaction and slept all through out the day.

Two days after agreeing to the marriage contract, Alicia received a message from Gregg. She was to escort him to a public Party where All the Business Tycoons in the city went to. She didn't know what dress to wear to impress but that was taken care of by Gregg.

He sent her a package of A beautiful black dress, A Black heels with petals designed on it and a Black diamond pouch to match. She has never worn a dress as expensive as that ever in her life which made her feel uncomfortable. But she had to wear it for Gregg and because it was part of the contract that he would provide her with anything she wants.

Days turned into weeks, and Alicia found herself navigating the intricacies of high-society events and public appearances alongside Gregg. The city's elite regarded them as a power couple, their union a subject of fascination and speculation.