The Best Friend's Contract

20 Years Ago. . .

Kenna sits quietly at the backseat of the car, playing with her tiny fingers as she waits for her mother to appear from the office building her father owns but she had waited for the past thirty-five minutes, her mother had not yet appeared. She knows how well-attached she is to her work.

Just as she's about to let out a deep sigh, a familiar woman with dark brown hair and light blue eyes begin to walk towards the car's direction. Kenna's lips curve up into a smile, eyeing her mother as she enters the car, giving her an apologetic smile.

''I'm sorry, Kenna. Forgive me?'' Her mother says, causing her to nod her head. Even though she's only a six-year-old, she understands?quite?a lot about her parents' busy career. She had heard enough excuses.

In fact, Kenna has a soft-heart, known by their family chauffeur, Jeffrey. She gets attach to someone easily and she forgives them like a speed of lightning as soon as they seek for forgiveness. . . that's why Jeffrey is fond of her.

''Straight to the kindergarten, ma'am?'' Jeffrey asks, looking up at the rear-view mirror as both of his hands are gripping onto the steering wheel.

Jeffrey has worked for the family ever since he got out of high school. He's around the same age as Kenna's father, if not a couple of years older. Even though, they're not too much years apart, Jeffrey has a visible crease near his eyes and in the middle of his forehead, making him look older than he is supposed to look, somehow.

''Yes, Jeffrey.'' Mother replies, applying another layer of red lipstick onto her lips before closing onto the compact mirror, putting it back insider her leather handbag.

Kenna stares at her mother, eyeing the way she sits with full of grace and poise, defining herself as a woman. Her dark brown hair curls nicely down onto her shoulders, making her look?professional?yet casual, at the same time. Even as someone who spends more time at the office than at home, she has never asked for a break nor complain.

''Excited, sweetheart? You'll get to meet new people and make friends, '' She says, turning to look at Kenna and see that she has been playing with the hair-tie in her hand. She would always bring it anywhere she goes as it is known as her?lucky?hair-tie, something not easily achieved.

''What if they hate me? What if I won't make new friends?'' Kenna asks, her voice loud enough to hear yet quite low if her mother was standing further.

Her mother grabs onto her hand, gripping it as a sign of support before smiling down at her. ''Kenna, honey, you are the most wonderful girl in the world. You are smart, beautiful, talented, funny. . . we have to work a little on the funny?part?but you are capable of everything, '' Both Kenna and her mother chuckle, happy that her mother is boosting her confident level for her to make new friends.

The car comes to a stop, Jeffrey turning to look at them with a smile as soon as his eyes landed on her. Then, Kenna and her mother step out of the car as they walk towards the entrance of the kindergarten, hand-in-hand.

''Hi, you must be Mrs. Roosevelt, '' A woman starts to make her way towards them as they stand in the middle. ''I'm Ms. Cooper. It's a pleasure to finally meet you, '' The woman continues to say as Kenna's mother shake hands with her, leaving Kenna stand with a slight smile.

''Likewise, Ms. Cooper.'' Kenna's mother reassure.

The woman known as 'Ms. Cooper' turns to look at Kenna, her brown eyes glint with amusement. ''You must be Kenna, '' She says, crouching down to Kenna's height. ''There are a couple of kids who are also registering today, Kenna. . . why don't you join them at the playground?'' She turns to point her at the playground which can be seen from the inside through the glass window.

Kenna's eyes meet her mother's as she nods, ''Go on, Kenna. Make some friends, '' Her mother says, causing her to walk straight towards the playground after glancing twice at her mother who is currently talking to Ms. Cooper.

As soon as Kenna steps outside at the playground, she is met with a couple of boys playing near the sandbox while another boy is playing alone near the slides. Kenna is left furrowing her brows as she realises that there are only boys here in the playground. . . leaving her head towards the swing, gripping tightly onto the sides as she gets on.

The swing begins to move back and forth as she looks up at the blue sky, attracting her. Her hands are loosening the grip onto the sides before her lips curved up into a small smile, enjoying the birds chirping on the branches.

''You're on my swing, '' A boy says and before she can turn to react, she is left falling onto the ground as she tries to support herself from hitting her own face. Both of her eyes wander to look at the figure behind her, seeing that a boy with brown hair and light brown eyes staring back at her with a slight frown in between his eyebrows.

''What is wrong with you?'' Kenna asks, her eyes are almost tearing up with tears yet she holds it back. She looks away, wiping her tears as she tries to stand up before eyeing the scratch and cut on her right knee.

''Aidan Gabriel Ashton!'' An unfamiliar woman steps out towards the playground with wide eyes as she makes her way towards them in a hurry. She grabs onto Aidan's arm as she turns to look at Kenna, ''What did you do?'' She asks her son who has just rolled his eyes, simply?not caring.

''She was on my swing, '' Aidan replies, quickly crossing his arms.

The woman walks towards Kenna, her eyes showing worry before eyeing down the blood on her knee. Her eyes widen as she turns to her son, ''You do not act like this with or towards any girls, Aidan. What did I tell you. . . '' Just as she was about to speak, Aidan has cut her to it.

''It's very ungentlemanly to hurt a girl and it's also disrespectful to hurt anyone without a reason but?never?hurt a girl, '' He breathes out, somehow getting bored of saying the same thing for more than once.

''Kenna?'' Kenna's eyes wander to her mother who looks at them three in surprise before making her way towards them. She eyes the scratch on Kenna's knee, ''What happened?'' She asks, worriedly.

Just like that, Kenna sits all by herself in one of the classroom, her eyes wandering around the room and down at her knee which has been plastered with bandage. Her eyebrows furrow at the sound of her mother talking about how she was injured without a reason.

''Right now.'' Someone says before the door closes again, everything goes?dead?silent, immediately.

Within seconds, Aidan appears near the door which causes Kenna to look up at him, seeing that he's playing with the tip of his fingers but his eyes are looking at her. Then, he takes a seat the opposite from her, ''Hi, ''

''Hi. . . '' Kenna replies, slowly.

Kenna and Aidan both stare at one another with an expressionless face but as children, they feel nothing except for the amount of attraction towards one's beauty.

''I'm sorry for pushing you down the swing.'' He says and Kenna looks up at the door, seeing that her mother is standing there with Aidan's mother, staring, as well. She holds onto her own tiny fingers underneath the table before eyeing Aidan again who seems to be thinking of something else before giving her his hand, ''Friends?'' He asks.

As known by Jeffrey, Kenna will always be the one to forgive. She was raised with manners and she will always follow them, ''Friends, '' She breathes out, shaking hands.

''Your eyes are?really?pretty, '' Aidan says as he tilt his head to the side which causes Kenna to smile.

''Yours, too.'' Kenna replies and they both begin to talk about other things in which Kenna feels comfortable quite, quickly. She has never felt that way before especially with someone who had pushed her down the swing but for some reason, she feels like they'll be friends for a really long time.

Both of their mothers stared at them with a smile on their faces as they get acquainted. None of them knew that, ever since that day. . . they managed to be the best of friends. It was a?worthwhile?journey and it was their journey.

Aidan

My eyes widen at the sight of my mother entering my office with a smirk on her face, leaving me groaning, knowing of what she's going to say. The same thing she has been saying for the past few months, leaving me frustrated.

''What are you doing here?'' She asks, eyebrows furrowed as she eyes the files on my desk. Then, she turns to look at Flynn, my assistant for the past three years. One of her hand goes up to lift her sunglasses, ''Aidan Gabriel Ashton, didn't I tell you to go and meet-''

I cut her off, dropping the pen onto one of the files before pulling onto my sleeves onto my elbows. Without me realising, I've already clenched my jaw as I sigh deeply, a sign of displeased by her.

''I'm always busy, '' I respond, ''I don't have time to go on dates, '' My voice sounded low and almost inaudible it was loud enough for my own mother to hear; knowing that she is always unsatisfied by my answer.

''Bullshit, '' She replies, causing my eyes to widen.

''Excuse me?'' I raise an eyebrow, waiting for her to continue on as she takes a few steps closer towards me. Her right hand holding onto her phone, shoving it towards my face, making me lean my head back in surprise.

''Scandals. . . '' She scoffs, shaking her head, ''Don't feed me with lies as if I'm a child, Gabriel. We both know about your pathetic reputation, '' She scrolls down her phone, her nose scrunching in disgust; showing it clearly through her expressions, ''Look at this, '' She adds.

I lean to look at her phone, my picture was taken randomly a few days ago while someone was holding onto my forearm as we were entering the hotel. Within seconds, I am already pinching the bridge of my nose before leaning my head back in disbelief.

''Why are you even keeping up with these things?'' I ask, completely?dissatisfied. Especially at my age for being an adult and old enough to control my own life yet she's busy trying to alter mine. Days spent with her telling me to get married. . . have a permanent commitment.

It's not as easy as?ABC. I mean, I can't just walk down the street and ask a stranger to marry me. First of all, that's just?plain?stupid. Second, I can't marry someone I don't love because marriage is not a temporary thing. It'll have to last forever-so, I have to marry someone special.

But as for now, no one owns my heart, yet.

''Because you're my son and you're embarrassing our family with your one night stands. Where's the benefit of it all? What about the dates I've set you up?'' She takes a seat near my desk as sigh, once more. My eyes wander to Flynn who is currently, awkwardly?standing beside me, giving him signs to make an excuse for us to leave.

He seems to be getting my signals as he clears his throat, ''Unfortunately, Mrs. Ashton. . . Aidan has another meeting in five and it's very-'' He is cut off by my mother glaring at him, ''Uh. . . I think it's important, '' He adds, his voice almost inaudible as she sighs, deeply.

''Flynn, do you want me to fire you?'' She asks, leaving me roll my eyes in disbelief. My arms are crossed as I keep on closing my eyes; hoping this is just a dream, might as well be a nightmare that it shall end soon.

''He works for me. You can't do that, '' I answer and she raises an eyebrow, her lips are curving up into one of her?devious?smiles before chuckling.

''And you work for me. I can do as I please, '' She says.

''What's it with you about my life? Why are you so eager for me to get married?'' My voice raising as I try my best to control my temper but I'm not so sure of holding it in any deeper due to the fact that she's doing her best to make me lose control.

Mother rolls her eyes, ''Because you're wasting your time. Set your brother as an example, he got himself a wife and they currently have a lovely daughter. All I'm asking you to do is be a responsible man instead of wasting your money for women who doesn't secure your future. You're acting like a spoiled man-stop that, '' She says, deadly serious.

As soon as I'm about to say another word, she has already cut me to it. Her index finger raising up to silent me before showing an unknown picture of a woman on her phone with a?cheeky?smile plastered on her face.

''Family gathering. This?Sunday, '' She says, eyes showing determination. ''Bring your future wife or you'll have to marry the woman of my choice. Perhaps one of the dates you've canceled? Maybe even Shin-hye, '' She repeats before standing up, clearing her throat.

As she starts to walk away, ''It's in three days. How am I supposed to find someone to marry in three days? You're out of your mind, '' I reply, clenching my jaw, hard.

''Aidan Gabriel Ashton, you managed to scoop yourself different one night stands in about at least an hour, how hard can it be to find yourself a?wife?'' She stops for awhile, ''I assume you're already interested in someone as of why you've rejected all of the dates I've assigned you to go to, '' She puts her sunglasses on, head held high.

''I?mean, look at me, I got married when I was nineteen. Got you, your brother and your sister and I'm still not in my fifties. Stop giving excuses, Aidan and start showing me your?damn?commitment because that's how I raised my sons, '' She turns around as she heads towards the door, leaving me sigh again, closing my eyes in disbelieved.

''Remember, this Sunday, don't disappoint me.'' She adds before finally stepping out of my office, leaving me stare at the spot she once stood. My mind goes blank at the sight of her disappearance-yet, left me with a whole burden on my shoulders.

I am suddenly remembering back the date with Shin-hye. Don't get me wrong, she's a decent young woman with beautiful features. Apart from that, she is also the heiress to the finest hotel in?Korea?which means that she has a lot of connection but she lacks a lot.

What's so good about an heiress that knows very little about business? All I can say is that, she was fed with silver spoons and the?title?was given. Her parents worked hard while she was spending their money carelessly. How could mother had chosen her?

''Should I call Kenna, Mr. Ashton? Maybe, she'll be able to comfort you.'' Flynn says, making me look up at him before instantly, caught up with an idea of my own. My eyes widen as I think of the possibilities of making it true-Kenna and I have always been close, it might happen.

''Actually, I'm meeting her right now. Tell Gerald, '' I respond, smiling to myself. Without further ado, I quickly make my way towards my desk before taking my phone after grabbing onto my coat, looking up at Flynn who is currently hesitating on something.

''Why are you still here?'' I ask.

''Uh, but you have an actual meeting in half an hour, '' He replies before standing in front of me, the desk separating us. My eyebrows furrow as he hesitates to speak again-Flynn has been careful whenever he speaks, afraid I might respond as my mother as I am known to have a bad temper, which is very true.

''So? Just cancel it, '' I breathe out, slightly annoyed.

''It's a very important meeting, Mr. Ashton. I can't just cancel the meeting because they'll flip and it's n-never good when they flip, '' He stutters while I roll my eyes, taking a few steps closer towards him as I harden my gaze, making sure that he gets the?memo.

''Cancel it. Do as I say, Flynn. We don't want you losing your job, '' I speak and he gulps, sweats begin to form on his forehead as he nods. With a small smile appearing on my face, I begin to make my way out of my office-letting him trail behind me in a hurry.

As I stand in front of the elevator, I wait for Flynn to press onto the button in which he does before standing beside me. He clears his throat, waiting for the elevator to arrive at our floor. As soon as the elevator doors' open, I am left looking at my employees, their eyes widening.

Both Flynn and I enter the elevator that has gone silent as soon as the doors were opened. With both of my hands in my slacks' pocket, I wait for Flynn to press onto the 'G' button while I stand in the middle-my employees pushing themselves towards the wall as far as possible.

We walk out of the elevator, receiving greetings and smiles from the other employees as we walk out, meeting with Gerald who is already waiting beside my car. He opens the door for me, letting me enter the backseat while Flynn goes straight towards the passenger's seat.

''Call Kenna, '' I say as soon as he buckles his seatbelt. He looks up at the rear-view mirror, searching for my gaze before nodding. Then, he looks inside his pocket for his phone before a panic-look appears on his face, making his hands shake, ''Are you going to call her?'' I ask.

The look on his face shows just how much he wants to throw himself out of the car instead of answering my question. He turns to look at me with his eyes avoiding making any eye contact with me as the car drives forward, ''I'm disappointed to tell you this, Mr. Ashton but I might have left my phone in your office. . . '' He stutters slightly, as I continue to stare.

''Might have?'' I raise an eyebrow and he leans back into his seat, turning to look at Gerald who continues to drive down the road before looking up at the rear-view mirror. ''Gerald, we're turning around so that Flynn here, can get his phone, '' I say after clearing my throat.

''We don't have to turn around. . . '' Flynn breathes but as soon as he caught the look on my face, he nods his head before looking out at the window while I keep on scrolling onto my phone without looking up front.

Flynn runs out of the car, in a hurry.

I look down at my wrist watch, checking the time as I see him entering the building. If my calculations are correct, he'll be able to make it back to the car in less than ten minutes. With him running instead of walking, it might even be less than six minutes.

My eyes wander to Flynn who enters the car again, breathing heavily from running as he holds his phone near to his lap. I check the time again, seeing that it took him exactly eight minutes to take his phone which meant he might've carelessly spent the two minutes.

''Now, call Kenna.'' I say and he turns to look at me, eyes slightly widening but he does as told, scrolling through the contacts before pressing onto Kenna's name-putting the phone onto his ear, waiting for her to pick up.

Gerald drives back down the road, heading towards the hospital. The road appears to be less busy today than it has ever been before which is slightly surprising.

''Kenna, it's Flynn. Mr. Ashton would like to speak with you, '' He says as soon as she picked up the call before turning around to give me his phone. Then, he leans back onto his seat, still trying to control his heavy breathing which makes me frown, he has always been the one to run back and forth trying to get files and even my coffee, why does this suddenly tire him?

''You could've called me yourself, '' She says through the other line. ''But then, that wouldn't be the Aidan I know. . . now, what do you want?'' She asks, her voice sounded a little bit cheerful which causes me to smile as I look out of the window.

''Hello to you, too. You sound cheery, '' I reply before hearing the sound of her surroundings, it might appear that she's still at the hospital, according to the time-it's a couple of minutes until lunch hours.

''I'm always cheery. Unlike you, '' She chuckles, ''You're like another version of Grumpy from Snow White-the resemblances are there which is not surprising.'' She continues to speak which causes my lips to curve up into a wider smile, thinking of her rolling her eyes as she has always have whenever she has to deal with my 'annoying' attitude.

''I'm picking you up for lunch, '' I mutter.

''Actually, I'm on my way to have lunch with my co-workers.'' She replies and I immediately turn to look at the entrance of the hospital, seeing that she is standing alone in the middle, her phone attached onto her ear as her eyes wander to look around.

Without me realising, I've already let out a soft chuckle before eyeing her. She has her hair tied up into a ponytail instead of a regular half up and half down style. Just as Gerald parks the car a bit closer towards her, ''You're a bad liar. . . you know that, right?'' I ask, smirking.

''On what proof, Aidan?'' She smiles down at the ground as I press down the window, yet she still hasn't noticed my presence. Both of her eyes are wandering someplace else instead of landing onto the car or more, onto me.

''Wait here, '' I say towards Gerald after hanging the phone call and stepping out of the car, heading straight towards Kenna. My eyes stay focus onto her back, seeing that she's smiling as she talks to herself, making me slow my steps.

She sighs, ''Typical Aidan. Calling me for no reason and hanging up without saying goodbye. Remind me again why he's my best friend, '' She mutters under her breath but it appears to be loud enough for me to hear as I'm only a couple of feet away from her.

''Remind me again why I'm friends with a liar, '' I say and she turns to face me, immediately with a surprised look on her face. My lips curve up into a smile as her light blue eyes are staring directly into my brown ones before laughing.

''Says the person who associate with liars every day, '' She replies, crossing her arms while tilting her head to the side.

Kenna and I have been close ever since we were kids. We went through kindergarten, middle school and high school together because we were?just?inseparable. If it weren't for her wanting to go to medical school, we might've been in the same business school. There are a lot of reasons why we're best friends, one of them is because I pushed her down the swing.

Well, that was only the beginning.

''Yet, they weren't terrible at it, '' I state the truth in which she responds with another chuckle, ''Is standing alone waiting for a cab. . . another statement of going to lunch with your co-workers? Because I don't see anyone, '' I add and she rolls her eyes, as?expected.

She breathes out, ''You caught me. Now, what? Are you going to arrest me?'' She raises an eyebrow as I take a few steps closer towards her, grabbing both of her wrist before pretending to cuff onto her wrists with an imaginary one, leaving both of us smirking.

''Arrested. Now you're going to have lunch with me, '' I say, starting to walk towards the car after letting go of her wrists. She follows beside me in her heels as we reach towards the car. Just as Gerald steps out of the car to open the door for us, I held my hand to stop him.

I open the door myself, gesturing for Kenna to step inside first. She smiles at me, shaking her head at my behaviour before stepping inside in which I pursuit after. Gerald steps back into the car before looking up at the rear-view mirror, waiting for me to give a location.

''Hey, Flynn.'' Kenna says as she smiles at him in which he smiles back. Ever since Flynn became my assistant, they are close enough to consider themselves as friends. I've never forbid them to be friends, anyway-easier for me because he can call her for me.

''Hey, Kenna.'' He replies, glancing at my direction.

''Where to, Mr. Ashton?'' Gerald asks.

''Cafe Lalo, '' I answer before turning to look at Kenna, seeing that she's glancing at me with a mischievous smile. She has her arms crossed near her chest before leaning back onto the seat, ''Why are you giving me that look?'' I ask, pretending to be oblivious about it.

If she's able to pick up the tracks, she would've actually guessed it. I've never liked going to?Cafe Lalo?due to the amount of people there but she loves going there, said she has always liked the pies. . . most likely because she's fond of the people who work there. So, with me taking her to one of the places she loves but I don't, she must've guessed that I'm hiding something.

''No reason, '' She replies after peeking down at my phone, seeing that I'm currently holding it without pulling it away from her view. As soon as she sees that I'm currently going through the notes in my phone, she leans back on her seat after clearing her throat.

With a smirk, I continue to scroll.

As we've arrived at?Cafe Lalo, I quickly step out of the car before walking towards her side, opening the door for her. She tucks a few strands of hair behind her ear as she eyes the cafe, her eyes are glinting with happiness-I've assumed she would be.

''Be back in an hour, '' I say towards Gerald before turning to Flynn, ''Here. Go and have lunch, '' I hand him a hundred dollar bill as I make my way inside the cafe with Kenna. Then, I turn to see that Gerald has drove away with Flynn.

''Kenna, it has been awhile since you've been here, '' Samuel, one of the waiters here says with a smile on his face. He turns to look at me, ''You must be Aidan. . . Kenna's friend, '' He adds as he stands in front of us while I turn to see the cafe is filled with people.

I shake hands with Samuel, ''It's nice to finally meet you. Kenna has told me quite a lot about her rather friendly-friend. . . you're different in person, '' He frowns a little bit as she laughs, nodding her head before avoiding my eye contact.

''I'm not surprised, '' I reply, knowing that Kenna must've lied a few things about me. She does that all the time-finding me as her source of enjoyment. As soon as we both turn to look at the tables again, one of the customers are already making their way out.

''Today's your lucky day. . . didn't even have to wait long. I'll take your orders in a bit, '' Samuel says as soon as both Kenna and I are seated near the wall. I carelessly run my hand over my coat while I sit, uncomfortably in my seat with her staring at me.

''You wanted to come here. At least show that you want to be here, '' She says, placing the menu on the middle of the table, ''This is why we don't go to lunch together. It's clear that you don't want to be here, '' She adds, chuckling as she continues to eye the menu.

I clear my throat, ''Says who?''

''Your face, '' She replies.

I stay quiet for a few seconds, ''Let's just order, okay?'' I say before pulling onto the menu from her and she laughs, giving in to me. I am instantly remembered back to us having lunch together. . . I like going to expensive places with less people while Kenna likes the opposite. Preferring to be in an affordable restaurants or cafes, either of us would feel uncomfortable.

She has always been the one who understands more. When we were kids, her father's company almost went bankrupt but my father brought it back up to where it is now. It's now a well-known finance company which is currently expanding, too.

Yet, she saw it when it was the worst. Ever since then, she hated going to expensive places or own anything out of the range of her salary. She has never accepted a penny from her parents because she knew the pain they went through. . . transformed her into who she is now.

If I am ever to compare myself with her, I'd be labelled as the spoiled-rich guy while she's the exact independent angel. That's one of our differences yet it brings the goodness in both of us. . . putting us back to place, always reminded that?nothing?lasts?forever.

''I'm going to go with a regular sandwich and water, '' She mutters, interrupting my thoughts as she looks up at me, ''What about you?'' She asks, waiting for my answer.

As I clear my throat, ''I'll have the same.'' Then, she calls out for Samuel who is walking back towards us with a notepad in his hand-writing down our order before heading back towards the cashier, inserting our orders into the system.

''Okay. . . Aidan, talk to me.'' She says, all of a sudden which causes me to raise an eyebrow at her, ''You're obviously hiding something from me and I can see it through you. You brought me here to my favourite cafe to have lunch-it's not an every day thing for you, '' She adds.

Our eyes are focusing into one another as I try to think of the consequences. She might start to freak out about my decision because it's not something a friend would normally ask. Even if it's to help a friend. . . still, it's a?crazy?thing to ask.

''Kenna, will you marry me?'' I ask.

Both of her blue eyes widen in surprise before leaning her head back into laughters, making me stare at her. Her laughter seems to have caught everyone's attention as most of them turn to look at her yet she doesn't bother. As she looks back at me, it shows how she thinks that this is a joke when I'm actually. . . deadly?serious.

Kenna

My stomach begins to hurt as I continue to laugh, wanting to give him some credit for making me genuinely laughing as I've been dealing with enough stress lately at the hospital. My eyes wander to meet Aidan's, seeing that he's only staring at me, expressionless.

''Okay, Aidan. I think it's too early for a birthday prank but where are the cameras?'' I ask, eyes wandering around the cafe, seeing that most of the people here are staring at us. They are all shaking their heads as they turn to look away, leaving me in a confusion of my own.

''White?people, '' Someone says, under his breath.

With an acoustic version of?History?by?One Direction?playing in the background, I begin to realise that Aidan has done nothing but stare at me. His lips have not curved up into a smile or burst out into laughters like how he would always react whenever he makes a silly joke.

He's?exactly?how his employees would describe him. Expressionless. Boring. Evil. Maybe, I exaggerated the last one but that was all they said. . . but, he has never reacted that way towards me. Not even once.

I lean back on my seat, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear as my eyebrows furrow. Deep inside, I start to realise how I'm beginning to feel uncomfortable-more likely with his stare and the way he's just sitting there while I was busy bursting out laughing.

''Are you done?'' He asks, gesturing to my sudden burst. Both of his brown eyes are staring directly into mine, making me feel slightly uncomfortable to make further eye contact; he has been my best friend for years, I've never felt like this around him except now.

''You're not joking. . . are you?'' I ask, my voice low and almost inaudible as I lean forward, not wanting anyone else to hear our conversation except for him. Then, he leans forward, too, with his face inches from mine.

''No, '' He answers before leaning back.

''Wrong answer. Take that back, '' I mutter before leaning back and mentally slapping myself. My eyebrows continue to furrow as his lips curve up into a smile, leaving me with an urge to just smack his face to turn his smile upside down.

''Why would I joke about this? In fact, Kenna. . . I'm actually very serious but you managed to surprise me. I didn't expect a reaction like that when I ask someone to marry me, '' He replies as he leans back, eyeing my every movement which leaves me frustrated.

As I slam my hands onto the table, ''You're asking me to marry you, for god's sake. How do you expect me to react? Jump with joy? You're out of your?damn?mind, '' I continue to say before crossing my arms in disbelief, continuing to catch people's attention.

''If you're not going to marry him, I will.'' The waitress says as she serves our food, both of her dark brown eyes are looking at him before turning to look at me. Her skin's dark glow gives me a slight envy as I frown at my own tanned skin. Without further ado, my eyes are glued to Aidan. . . seeing him slightly surprised.

''Do you want to marry her?'' I ask, pointing at the waitress as she stands beside our table. She has her right hand on her hip before glancing at Aidan who seems to be speechless. In fact, everyone in the cafe has turned to look at us, all of them remaining silence.

Aidan clears his throat, ''No. No, thank you.''

''Well, if you ever change your mind. . . you know where to find me, '' She adds before turning to walk back towards the kitchen, making everyone else continue what they were doing previously while Aidan and I, blankly stare at one another.

I quickly drink my water until my final sip while he stares at me, letting me take my time. As I keep on drinking, I raise my right index finger up as a sign for him to wait. After putting the glass down, I start to breathe heavily which leaves him smirking at me.

''I can't breathe, '' I mutter.

''Fine. I'll give you a minute to breathe, '' He replies before taking a bite of his sandwich, chewing it slowly. Both of his eyes are never leaving mine yet he continues to eat his food as he continuously check the watch on his wrist.

Aidan must've lost his mind. He has never reacted this way or taken our friendship to the next level-we've always been friends. Close friends and I'm pretty sure, both of us wanted it to last that way. . . except for now. He's acting differently.

Everything around me seems to disappear as I am left on my own, trying to figure out what the?hell?is happening with my life. This morning, I woke up praying for a better reason to wake up every other morning other than waking up for coffee but I did not expect this.

God?must've been confused about my prayer.

''Can you breathe, now?'' He asks, breaking me from my thoughts as I look down at his plate, seeing that he has finished his sandwich.

When he doesn't get a respond from me, he begins to sigh. ''You should've listened to my explanation first because you're overreacting, '' He continues to speak, taking a glance at his phone to check the time before turning to look at me again.

''There's an explanation to this?'' I ask.

''There's an explanation to everything. If only you wouldn't jump to conclusions then, you would've really understood more. The reason why I'm asking you to marry me is because I want you to help me, '' He answers, ''And, you're also the only one who can help.''

''How is marrying you. . . helpful?'' I roll my eyes which causes him to raise an eyebrow. ''I mean, don't get me wrong, Aidan but you're asking me to marry you when you've only seen me naked when I was eight and it wasn't even pleasurable, '' I add, reminded back of the memory when he accidentally walked into the bathroom when mother was bathing me.

He laughs, ''That memory will forever stain my mind.'' Then, he clears his throat, ''But that's not the point, listen. . . if you're not going to marry me, I'll be forced to marry Shin-hye. You know how she is, right?'' He shakes his head, cringing.

I burst into laughters, ''She's?Korean. I don't think that's a problem, '' I furrow my brows as I think back of the night he went on a date with Shin-hye because his mother forced him and the situation was forcing too. . . his mother brought her to his office when he was leaving.

''What does that even mean? I can't marry her. . . we can't even communicate without a?damn?translator, '' He leans back after sighing deeply while I'm too busy laughing back at the memory when he called me continuously that night, complaining about the awful date. ''Apparently, my mother fell in love with their culture that she wanted me to marry a Korean, '' He adds.

''Funny. You speak seven languages yet Korean is not one of them, '' I laugh as I take a bite of my sandwich, ''You could've communicated without a translator. She might've been a great woman to be your wife, '' I say as he groans, clenching his jaw.

''Korean is hard to learn, '' He shrugs.

''Stop giving excuses. You speak fluent Mandarin when it's harder than Korean, '' I chew the sandwich in my mouth as soon as I take another bite, leaving him sigh, again.

''Nationalities or race is not the problem, Kenna. Mother is trying to ruin my life because she has been busy finding me an heiress to marry. If I even agree to marry the woman of her choice, I'm not surprise if she starts to plan the wedding, picking the venue or even tell me the better sex position for her to have a grandchild, '' He says, eyes showing annoyance.

My mind was absolutely losing focus as I laugh, finding this as humouring. The way his eyebrows are frowned and his eyes showed disagreement-it's all clear. We've been best friends for too long that I've completely lost count of how many times he has complained to me.

''Come on, Aidan. I know you. . . you just don't want to get married, '' I mutter, ''That's why this is becoming a problem for you.'' I speak, truthfully of his situation.

''And, that's why I need your help. You're the only one who understands me more. You have always been there for me and right now, I want you to?actually?be able to help me. We just have to get married and that's it. . . she'll have to agree because she loves you, '' He grins.

''I hope you realise what you're talking about. Marriage is a sacred thing for me, Aidan. This is not just a game where you can end whenever you want because this is a very important thing, especially for me. I know how our perspectives are different but you know mine, '' I reply which causes him to clench his jaw at the realisation.

He stays quiet for a few seconds before speaking, ''I'm setting up a contract. You'll be a part of it where it satisfy both sides. All we need to do is get married for a year and when the year is up, we'll get a divorce. We'll convince our parents that it didn't work out and that we're better off as friends, '' His eyes widen with every word, leaving me gape at him.

''What makes you think that she won't ask you to marry again?'' I cross my arms, trying to find an escape to this whole thing but Aidan's clever than that-he's not going to give up easily because he's a really determined person. He works hard to get what he wants.

''I'll just say that I can never love someone else as much as I've loved you, '' He points out which leaves me sighing-thinking of the contract. ''I'm sure she'll understand because we've been friends. . . long enough and the pain must be too much to bear, '' He adds.

As I continue to stare at him, I think of the possibilities of this might turn out to be. We'll be able to survive the year pretending to be a happy married couple when it's only for a short amount of time-we've known each other for too long, we don't have to worry about being uncomfortable or about falling for one another.

For twenty years, we've been friends for twenty years. . . I'm confident that we will never forget the main purpose of the contract. Besides, helping my best friend is worth it. He has been the one to help me before ever since we were in middle school, might as well return the favour.

''It might work, '' I mutter.

''Does this mean that you agree?'' He asks, raising an eyebrow. Our eyes meet for a few seconds before I nod my head, causing him to smile widely; revealing his perfectly pearl white straight teeth-believe me, he got braces in middle school. So did I. We got it together.

''Well. . . I want to help my best friend. I don't want to see you marrying Shin-hye, having to have a translator live with you for the rest of your life and not being able to communicate with your kids. So, I'm doing you a favour. Besides, it'll only last for a year and then, we'll be going on our lives just the way it is, now. We will always remain best friends. . . we have nothing to lose, '' I reply, after thinking it through.

''You're a god?damn?lifesaver, Kenna.'' He chuckles, letting out a breath of relief while I smile to myself-seeing myself as a knight in shining armour, saving the damsel in distress but instead. . . he's a grown man.

''But, there are conditions.'' I say which causes him to stop smiling immediately, making him turn to look at me before leaning forward, ''I only have two right now but I'll figure more tonight before emailing them to you. . . comprender?''

''Si, '' He nods, ''What are they?''

I roll my eyes, ''First of all, you can't think I would just agree to marry you without a proper proposal, right? I'm a woman and I have class-you don't get to choose me. So, you'll have to work on proposing me and last but not least, you've got to have the ring, '' I smirk.

He clears his throat, ''You mean. . . ''

''Yes, Aidan. You have to go on one knee, '' I stand up, looking down at him as he stays focus, ''If you would like to disagree, I wouldn't want to sign your contract or agree to marry you. Okay, that's all for now, you'll have to send me back to the hospital as I have patients to attend, '' I say as I make my way out of the cafe, leaving him all by himself calling for the bill after giving him the professional gesture.

As soon as I step out of the cafe, I am greeted with both Flynn and Gerald as they stand beside the car. They turn to look at me before looking at someone behind me, the none other than Aidan.

''Kenna, '' He calls out.

I turn to look at him, ''What?''

Surprisingly, he takes a few steps closer towards me while I stay still at my spot. My eyes wander to look at his face as he grabs onto my left hand. . . leaving me raising an eyebrow but I stay quiet-waiting for his next move.

Both of his eyes are focusing onto my hand which leaves me pressing my lips into a thin line before he looks up at my face after letting go of my hand.

''Let's go, '' He says as he walks towards the car, opening the door for me while I keep on glancing at him as I step inside with him trailing behind me. Expectedly, he starts to take his phone out before typing something in which I don't bother to invade.

When we've arrived at the hospital, he grabs onto my hand just seconds before I can step out of the car which causes me to look down at his grip, ''Don't forget to email me your list of conditions. Just. . . make them bearable, '' He says and I chuckle.

''You'll see, '' I answer.

Just like that, I step out of the car before making my way towards the entrance. My lips curve up to the few doctors that are smiling at me and as soon as the air-conditioners greet me, I am left sighing in relief.

''Kenna!'' I turn to see Lucas walking towards me with a smile on his face, ''I was about to ask you to grab lunch with me but they told me you left, '' He says, revealing his right dimple. Both of his green eyes are looking directly at me which reminds me of. . . plants?

''I was with a friend, '' I reply, ''You really need to work on your timing, Lucas.'' I continue to speak and he laughs, leaving me smiling at him before turning to look at Willow, seeing that she has both of her eyes glued onto me.

Lucas nods with a smile, ''I'll just have to make sure that I don't have surgeries to perform before asking to grab lunch with you, '' He replies.

Well, you see. . . Lucas here is a surgeon. He's a specialist in the Obstetrics and Gynecology department which means he deals with giving birth and pregnant women. Yet, he seems to be smiling a lot-other than getting the pressure from hormonal women.

He also appears to be a highly-requested doctor in the Obstetrics and Gynecology department due to his good-looks. . . patients said they were able to bear with less pain when having him as their doctor.

Like I said, hormonal?pregnant women.

Just before I can answer, someone calls out for me which causes me to turn around-seeing that he has a panic-look on his face. I turn towards Lucas, ''Sorry, Lucas. Duty calls, '' I say and he nods, gesturing for me to make my way as I quickly walk to the nurse.

''Albert has nightmares again. . . it's getting severe, '' He says as we walk towards the stairs, after glancing at the elevator-seeing the amount of people there. My eyebrows furrow at the thought of Albert, he has been having trouble breathing for the past couple of weeks yet he's such a tough cookie.

A stubborn one, I tell you.

''Why didn't you call the other doctors?'' I ask as we both push onto the hospital doors, reaching towards the third floor. The hall is busy with the amount of nurses walking in a hurry with files in their hands while others are dealing with patients.

''He didn't want them, '' He replies.

As soon as I enter Albert's room, I am greeted with two other doctors trying to calm him down as he keeps on shouting for my presence while his heartbeat is raising. The two interns turn to look at me, gesturing for me to make my way towards them.

''Albert. . . it's me, '' I say and he starts to calm down a little before turning to look at me, ''You need to calm down, '' I add when I realise that his heartbeat is not slowing down.

''What happened?'' I ask one of the interns, seeing that they're breathing heavily from trying to contain Albert. He has been in the hospital for the past couple of months but due to his age, it seems impossible from him to not have any sickness.

''He was having nightmares and he started screaming so we helped him but he has been shouting for you. We were trying to give him a sedative, '' He replies and I quickly take it from him before turning to look at Albert again.

''Albert, I need you to calm down. Just look at me and breathe, '' I continue to say but he has both of his eyes focusing onto the other doctors-leaving me turn to look at them. My hand grips harder onto the sedative, ''It won't hurt. . . it'll calm you down, '' I add.

''They were hurting me!'' He says.

''It's okay. . . it's going to be fine, '' I slowly inject the sedative into his veins, causing him to lose grip on the sheets as his body begins to relax. My eyes focus onto the beeping machine, seeing that his heartbeat is also slowing down to a normal rate.

Then, he closes his eyes as he drifts into a deep slumber. The nurses come inside to help him by checking his heart rate again, seeing that they're normal. Both of my eyes wander to the two interns, ''You must be new. He's not fond of other people, '' I say.

''We were just trying to help, ''

''He hates that. It's okay, don't worry about it.'' I nod my head and they both turn to leave the room, leaving me looking down at Albert-seeing that he's deep in his sleep. His nightmares are getting severe than before and it has not helped him with the death of his wife, either.

Albert was supposed to be under Doctor John but apparently, he wasn't very fond of John. When John was absent that day, I was the one who calmed him down-apparently, he was kind of fond of me. . . since then, they transferred his name as one my patients. He has been suffering with high-blood pressure yet he can't seem to control his temper.

''If he keeps this up, there's a higher chance he'll get a stroke.'' I mutter under my breath to the nurse beside me as he nods his head, agreeing. As I look down at my wrist watch, I quickly make my way out of the room and down the hall.

Hours have passed as I take off my coat before looking down at the time, seeing that it's getting late but I had to wait for Albert to wake up or he'll react the same. As I make my way towards my car which is parked in the basement, I turn to see Lucas.

''Kenna, you're still here?'' He asks, stopping his steps. Both of his eyebrows are furrowed as he eyes my outfit-seeing that I've changed into a shirt and pair of skinny jeans. ''It's getting late. . . I thought you didn't have night shifts this week?'' He continues.

''I'm heading home and?uh, I had to wait for Albert. What are you doing back at the hospital?'' I ask, realising that he had left a few hours ago.

''Albert. . . right. He doesn't like other doctors, '' He replies and I chuckle, ''My patient gave me a call saying that she was on her way to the hospital. The baby is due a little bit early, '' He answers, leaving me nod my head before unlocking my car.

''I'm sure it'll all go well, '' I say.

Lucas smiles as he reveals his dimple, ''You should go home. Sorry for taking your time because you look tired and I should've noticed. Drive safe, '' He says and I smile before stepping inside my car before locking the doors again.

Without further ado, I quickly drive out of the basement and head straight home. My mind has been thinking of laying in bed while surrounded with pillows which causes me to press harder onto the gas pedal-unable to deal with the temptation of sleeping.

As soon as I've arrived home, I immediately push my heels aside before running towards my bedroom. Just as I lay onto my bed, I am left staring at my laptop which causes me to sit up straight before putting it in front of me.

The?conditions.

With a deep breath, I begin to write.