Evelyn's pov
I stood at the counter of the small diner, my arms trembling barely as I punched in the order for Table 7. My mind wandered, distracted by the noise around me. It had been a tough day, like every other day, as I struggled to make ends meet with my mother's medical bills and overdue rent piling up.
The bell on the door rang as another customer entered the diner. I glanced up to see who it was, and my heart sank as I saw who it was. Kelvin Styles.
He stood out in the diner as this wasn't his normal place to be, his sleek, tailored suit and His intimidating presence clashed with the diner's casual vibe. His confident energy commanded attention and whispers as people couldn't help but stare, looking at him with a mix of curiosity and awe.
But Kelvin wasn't here for them. His darkish, piercing eyes locked onto me, and a shiver ran down my spine. I swallowed tough, feeling as if the air had thinned out.
"Evelyn!" he called, his deep voice sending a tremor through her. It wasn't a greeting. It was a command.
"Sir?," I responded softly, trying to hold her voice regularly, surprised that he knew her name. "What can I do for you, sir?"
"I want to talk with you in private," he said to me, like an order.
"I'm working sir, if you would wait and give me a minute. I will be with you shortly" I said in reply trying to salvage the situation
"You have five minutes" he walked to the booth at the back of the diner. I was still shocked about what was going on. My friend, Grace, saw the conversation and looked at me with surprise.
"You never told me you knew The Kelvin Styles," she said to me wanting me to fill in the details
"I don't know him and I am as surprised as you are. If you don't mind covering for me. I won't be long" I said as I gave her the order for table seven
I walked to the booth where he was and stood before him, as I waited for him to say something and break the ice.
"Sit," he commanded, gesturing to the back booth. His tone was firm, leaving no room for refusal.
I hesitated my heart racing, remembering their last encounter at a charity gala where I had accidentally spilled a drink on him. He had been cold and dismissive, but now he was seeking me out. The question was, why?
Hope it wasn't to pay for his clothes, because I barely even make enough to feed him. I sat down, facing him. I played with my hands nervously hoping he had not come for something else other than to pay him for his damaged clothes.
"I'm working sir, so if you kindly let me know why you wanted to see me I would be glad" There was something about him that made resistance impossible.
He watched me for a while then he spoke, his voice low and deliberate. "I even have a proposition for you."
My brows furrowed. "A proposition?"
He leaned forward, placing his arms at the desk, his gaze unwavering. "I need a wife."
My eyes widened, unsure if I had heard him correctly. I searched his face for a hint of humor but found none. His expression was dead serious, his words hanging in the air like a challenge. He wasn't the type to joke around.
"Excuse me?" I asked, my voice slightly above a whisper.
"I want a wife," he repeated, his tone steady, as though he had been discussing an enterprise deal. "A temporary arrangement for one year and you are free"
My heart raced. Kelvin Styles, one of the most powerful people in New York City-perhaps even the United States-came to her place of work to seek a wife and it was no other person than her. No, this had to be a funny story. But the depth in his gaze told me otherwise. Still, it made no sense.
"And why do you need me?"I repeated, my voice laced with disbelief.
"You have what I need," he said, his voice cold and calculating. "You're ordinary enough to fly under the radar, and you're desperate enough to agree to my terms. I know about your debts, Evelyn. Your mother's medical bills. I can take care of all of it. One condition: you marry me, and we pretend to be a happily married couple in public. You follow my rules, and I'll pay off everything."
My breath was caught in my throat. The weight of his words crushing me, feeling like a heavy stone pinning me down. He knew everything. Of course, he did. Powerful men like Kelvin Styles had access to information that ordinary people like me couldn't even imagine having. But hearing my struggles laid out so bluntly still felt like a stinging slap in the face, a harsh reminder of my vulnerability.
"You... you're blackmailing me?" I asked, my voice trembling, a shaky edge betraying my attempts to remain calm.
"Think of it as a mutually beneficial arrangement," he said, ignoring the accusation. "You want cash. I need a spouse. Simple."
Simple? There was nothing easy about this. I bit my lips, my mind spinning. Marry him? The idea was absurd. A month ago, she didn't know who he was. Now, he was offering her a lifeline-but at what cost?
"What's in it for you?" I requested, wanting to know the full details. "Why go through all this trouble?"
His eyes darkened for a second, but his expression remained emotionless. "My grandmother's will. To inherit, I need to be married by year's end. It's a technicality, but one I can't ignore. You're convenient, and you have no ties that could complicate things," he said, his voice devoid of emotion, as if discussing a business transaction rather than a life-altering commitment.
Convenient. The word stung. I didn't mean anything to him, just a strategy for his problem. The harsh reality of her situation crashed down on her like a crushing wave. She had no other options, no escape from this desperate choice. Her mother's life hung in the balance, and Evelyn's decision would determine her fate. Her hands clenched into fists in her lap as she gazed blankly at the desk, the weight of the decision suffocating her.
Kelvin leaned into his seat, sensing my internal turmoil. "You're in no position to say no, Evelyn," he stated quietly, but with finality. "I'm offering you a way out. One year of your life in exchange for security - for both you and your mother. Think carefully."
The temptation was irresistible. I envisioned my problems disappearing - no more sleepless nights worrying about bills, no more fear of losing my mom due to unaffordable care. Yet, the thought of being tied to Kelvin Styles, a man so cold and calculating, filled me with terror.
What choice do I have?
I raised my eyes to meet him. "One year?" I requested, my voice barely audible.
"One year," he replied. "After that, you'll be free. No strings attached."
My stomach twisted. Could I genuinely do that? Marry a person I didn't love, live a lie for a year just to live on? The answer got here fast. I had no choice. If not for anything, then for her mother, I had to take the deal.
I took a deep breath, my fingers trembling as I spoke the words that would seal my fate.
"Okay," she whispered. "I'll do it."
Kelvin nodded, gladly. "Good. We'll sign the agreement tomorrow. From now on, you belong to me."
As he stood and walked out of the diner, leaving me alone with the burden of my choice, I couldn't help but marvel at what I had just gotten myself into.
The next morning I woke up to an email from Styles Industries about the meet-up and signing of the contract. I got up from my bed, prayed, and got ready for this next big step of my life. I prepared food for myself and some for my mum who was at the hospital.
I was expected to be at the company by 10 and it was already 9:30. I rushed out of the house and took an Uber as I couldn't wait for the bus. I got to the hospital, dropped my mum's food, and rushed out.
By 10 A.M I was face to face with the company that was about to change my life. I looked at the tall building, with a large landmass. I walked in through the door to the reception area. The interior gave out a welcome glow. I walked to the receptionist's table to ask for directions.
"Good day ma" I greeted and she looked up from her laptop.
"Good day, welcome to Styles Industries, what can I do for you?"
"I have an appointment with Mr styles by 10," I said and she typed on her laptop to confirm it
"Evelyn Gray?" She asked and I nodded to confirm, "Okay just take the elevator to the last floor, his assistant will be waiting for you when you get there"
"Thank you" I left her and entered the elevator. All through the ride up the elevator, I had a double mind.
"Maybe I should turn back now. Mum is getting better and has not had any crises in a while. I can work more jobs to cover up the bills and feeding" I tried to think of ways to back out from the deal before the contract was signed, but I knew I was lying to myself, as it isn't how life works.
The elevator finally came to a stop, I took a deep breath and waited for it to open up. It opened and standing in front of me was a man in his mid-twenties
"Evelyn Grey?" He asked to be sure and I nodded in confirmation, he stretched out his hand to shake mine, "Welcome"
We walked too deep in the floor and I found out this floor was empty and barely had doors. It was just one door, and a little set up for the assistant.
"Please sit, Mr styles will be with you shortly," he said to me and I took a seat.
After waiting for about 10 minutes, a lady dressed in a black skirt and a pink top came out of the office. Her lipstick was smeared, the dress was out of place, and her hair was kind of rough. She walked past us with arrogance and pride. I shook my head and didn't think anything of it.
"You can go in now, Miss Grey," the assistant said to me.
"Thank you" I replied, I walked up to the door and knocked before pushing it open.
The office was larger than my apartment and it was designed with the best decoration you can ever think of. In the middle of the office, Kelvin sat down, his aura powerful and dominating.
"Come in Evelyn" I walked into his office, scared not to break anything. He pointed to a chair and I sat down, still mesmerized by the office.
"I'm glad you did not back our deal, Miss Grey," he said slowly
"I hope I don't regret it," I said to him
"You won't" he brought out a black file and shifted it to me. "That's the contract, read through it and let me know if there's anything you want to change"
I picked up the contract and read through it. The benefits, the does and don't, things I would have to do to keep up with the images and when the contract expires, I would be given a sum of one million dollars and be required to sign an NDA.
"Are you okay with the terms and conditions?" He asked
"I think so, everything seems to be in order," I said
"If you could then proceed to signing it," he handed me a pen, I took it and signed it.
"We are officially married. Please pack your stuff and move to my penthouse. I would send people over to assist you. Just bring your basic needs, and your mom will be transferred to the best medical facility in the city immediately. A copy of the contract will be sent over to you as soon as possible. You can go" He dismissed me immediately and went back to work
I stood up, took a deep breath, and walked out of the office. I guess my faith is sealed.
I left the company and decided I needed a walk to clear my head, I have officially become Mrs Styles. The lack of money could make one do things against their will. I felt dirty, used, and humiliated.
I felt like I had sold my conscience to the devil. I tried to encourage myself, that I wasn't doing it for myself but for my mum. She would be able to get better treatment. My phone rang and the caller id was the hospital
"Hello ma, I'm calling from the general hospital. Some people here are trying to transfer your mum to a private hospital. Do you authorize the transfer?" I heard the voice through the phone
Tears flowed down my eyes as I knew what I had to go through to be able to get a good and working facility for my mum
"I authorize it" I replied
"Thank you make sure all outstanding debts are paid in the next 14 business days," she said and hung up the call
I walked to a park sulking and doubting my self-worth and hoping it all would be a bad dream and that I would wake up from it. My mum is healthy, my dad alive and we would be debt-free.
But if only wishes were horses. I sat on the bench and watched as the little children smiled free without a care in the world.
I sat on the bench, lost in thought, as the world around me continued to move. The sound of children's laughter and the warmth of the sun on my skin couldn't shake off the feeling of emptiness inside me. I had just signed away a year of my life to a man I barely knew, all for the sake of my mother's health.
As I sat there, I couldn't help but wonder what my life would be like now. Would I be able to adjust to the luxurious lifestyle Kelvin Styles had to offer? Would I be able to pretend to be his wife without losing myself completely?
After what felt like an eternity, I stood up and began my walk back home. I had to start packing my things and preparing myself for this new life. As I walked, I couldn't help but feel like I was walking away from my old life, away from who I used to be.
When I arrived home, I was greeted by two men in suits, who introduced themselves as Kelvin's assistants. They had come to help me pack and move my things to the penthouse.
I showed them to my room, and they began to pack my clothes and belongings. I watched, feeling a sense of detachment, as my life was being packed away into boxes.
As we finished up, one of the assistants handed me a folder. "This is your copy of the contract, Mrs. Styles," he said, his voice formal. "Please review it and let us know if you have any questions."
I took the folder, feeling a sense of finality. I was now Mrs. Styles, at least for the next year.
The drive to the penthouse was quiet, with only the sound of the engine breaking the silence. I looked out the window, watching as the city passed by, feeling like a stranger in my own life.
When we arrived at the penthouse, I was taken aback by its beauty. The high ceilings, the marble floors, and the stunning view of the city skyline. It was a world away from my small apartment.
Kelvin was waiting for me in the living room, a glass of wine in his hand. "Welcome home, Evelyn," he said, his voice smooth. "I hope you're finding everything to your liking."
I nodded, feeling a sense of unease. This was my new home now, at least for the next year. I just hoped I could survive it.
"Can you please show me to my room?" I asked
"Ya, sure follow me" We walked down the hall to the door, and when he opened it, I was surprised at how big the room was.
"This would be your room for next year. I do have a few house rules." I looked at him as I waited for him to tell me about the rules
"My room, and study are off limits. You are not to go in there no matter what. Don't talk to the guest that comes over to the house, they are my guests, not yours" he said sternly as I nodded.
"Is that all?" I wanted him to leave already.
"Yes. Tomorrow we would be doing a paparazzi shoot to make it authentic and the press would be notified about our marriage. So please get yourself ready" he looked around the room and walked out.
I took a deep breath and immediately walked to the bed and laid down on it. This is my life now and there is nothing that could be done about it.
The next morning
I woke up, prayed, and did my morning routine.
It was the day of the paparazzi shoot and I had to be well dressed to fit into the lifestyle. I went through my bag and all I owned were rags, how would I be able to pull this off?
I heard a knock on my door and I walked to open it. The assistant from his office was standing right by the door, holding a heap of clothes.
"Good morning Mrs Styles," he greeted politely "These are the staging you would need for today's events. Where should I put them??" He asked as I stared at the heap of clothes
"Just drop them on the bed, thank you" he proceeded into the room and dropped them on the bed.
"If that's all, I would take my leave. Good luck ma'am" he turned to leave but paused. He dipped his hands into his pocket and brought out a black card, "before I forget, this is for you" he handed the card over to me "It has no limit, it's yours till the day the contract expires".
I looked at the card and before I could ask any more questions, he had already turned and left the room. I stared at the clothes and the card. Others would have been jumping for joy but I couldn't find joy in this.
I quickly got dressed in one of the amazing dresses, with the accessories that were made available. I looked at myself in the mirror and I had completely transformed into this pretty damsel. I walked out of the room to go get what to eat but I was starving.
When I got to the kitchen, I saw a girl with nothing on but a piece of lingerie. She was making something. I was confused but I did not think anything about it because Kelvin had already warned me not to talk to his guest no matter what. I grabbed an apple and dashed out of the kitchen.
I sat in the living room for a while, waiting for Kelvin. After about an hour he walked out with the girl I saw in the kitchen, she said something to him and he smiled and kissed her. She then turns to leave and he spanks her, while she giggles. I was surprised at what was going on.
He turned to me with no emotions, "Are you ready?" He asked and I nodded
"Great, now let's go. We have a lot to do" he said and walked out leaving me to catch up with him