As soon as Sylvester left the spa, he drove straight to his office, giving the car key to his driver. He was tired of driving. It wasn’t something he loved but in terms of privacy, he did so himself. Josephine comprehended his fragrance a few meters away and knew Sly was around. She composed herself around her desk, touching up a little on her already perfect make-up. Josephine was pretty to the eyes. She stood 6ft, 4 inches tall doll-like eyes. She could attract a man's attention without putting in much effort.
“Mr. Norman, I have to deliver the documents to our new companies before 3pm,” she carefully laid out, not intending to incur his wrath. She knew his emotions flip when he was stressed.
“I know, and that’s why I am here. Pick them from my desk in the next twenty minutes,” he said, heading to his office without giving her another glance. Josephine was disappointed. It wasn’t as if she expected anything else but she only wished that Sly would admire her and give her even a little attention.She could not understand how he turned a blind eye to all the efforts she put in to impress him. She has remained single for the past three years because of her boss. Since she started working for him, she broke up with her boyfriend with the hope that one day, her boss will notice her. She also turned down every guy who came her way. She was completely obsessed with her him.
However, she was among the few people who knew about his past and thought he needed time to move on. All information about the incident five years ago had been brushed under the carpet. Even the press had strangely erased every information concerning it in their database, obviously at Sly's request or threat. Money carried power and Sly used every bit of it.
As soon as Sly began to scrutinize the documents on his desk, he remembered he hadn’t taken Monica’s number. He didn’t even remember seeing the girl with a phone. Instantly, he ordered her an iPhone, the same model as his before returning to work. He managed to sign two documents before his phone rang. A smirk climbed on to his countenance when he saw James' face on the screen.
“Hey, are you gonna make it? These models are so pretty. I can arrange two for you,” James said froa the other end as soon as the call connected. Just yesterday, this sounded fun and Sly would have agreed and started making his way to the club but today, something changed.“No, I need to rest tonight,” he responded wryly.
James knowing his friend, couldn't buy that crap. Something was amiss. “Hey, that’s strange. What happened?”
“I got married today, James,” Sly said truthfully.
“You fucken what? You mean she agreed just like that?"
“No she didn’t, but I had my way.”
“You forced her didn't you?” James snarled from his end. Just like Sly, he had no intention of getting married but he couldn't help feeling angry if Sly actually forced a woman to marry him for his gain.
“Not really. She did it to save her family’s business, but it’s just a contract for one year,” Sly smirked.
Somehow, James was excited at the contract but of Sly's marriage. He couldn't help the loneliness he would feel if Sly was genuinely married. “Marriage contract, then let’s have some fun,” James insisted.
“No, I have to pick her from the spa in an hour.”
“Since when did you become a responsible husband?” Before Sly could answer, Josephine walked in.
“I will call you later,” Sly hung up without waiting for James's response.
He handed two of the files to Josephine.“You can check these, while I sign the rest.” Josephine took the files and sat across him. Being his secretary for three years, she has spent times like this with him but this time, something wasn’t right.
Josephine’s dress was V-shaped from the top, leaving parts of her cleavage exposed. Sly finished working on the remaining files and lifted his head to meet the seductive sight in front of him but his eyes moved just as quickly as it caught the sight.
“These are the remaining files. You can send them now,” emphasized, handing over the third folder to her. Josephine knew she was being dismissed and reluctantly left his office flushed. What can she do to just get his attention? Perhaps, she has to work harder.Sly left the office as soon as he was done. It confused Josephine. Her boss usually stayed long in the office and even though he didn’t give her the attention she wanted; she enjoyed his presence. She felt an emptiness when he left, his scent lingering on.
***************
Monica took her time to admire the enormous saloon. There were both men and women getting make-overs. She didn’t have to be told that everyone there was upper class. From their appearance and pasture, nothing was hidden. Either way, the workers matched the clients. Their work was swift and professional. They knew what to do without being told. Every client had at least two attendants but Monica seemed to have four. She guessed they wanted to finish before Sly arrived. No need to ask why. Even she did not want to incur his wrath the second time.
The more, the faster the speed. The internals was of saloon was plain white, blending into the walls but as soon as a client was done, a button was pressed, revealing the mirror. Each client left with a satisfied look, leaving Monica guessing how she would look after everything.
Monica waited anxiously, her eyes covered with slices of cucumber, hands trailing around her legs, feet, nails, hands, and arms. Her hair was no exception yet, she could not see what was going on. Some of the things caused little pain and discomfort but she endured. Her worst bit was the tingling pain of her brows being plucked out. Soon, hands retreated from her skin, and the slices of cucumber were taken off her eyes.
Two hands remained in her hair, spraying what seemed like hair spray.
A click sound was heard, followed by a giant mirror in front of her. Monica gawked in disbelief. She looked and felt like a movie star. A familiar fragrance engulfed her and from the Mirror, she caught sight of Sly, admiration in his eyes but when she swirled around from the swivel chair, his expression had changed to neutral. Monica thought that perhaps, she didn't read his expression well. She felt confident with her looks but why was it difficult for Sly to compliment her? But wait a minute, why does she want his compliment anyway? This is just a contract, she reminded herself.Her long straight hair had been trimmed and curled, giving her a diva look. Her eyebrows, formerly bushy and straight, are now smoothed and arched. Her already long lashes had a tinge of darkness from the mascara, her new image contrast to her dress, which hung oddly on her slim frame.
“Shall we?” Sly enquired, his hand extended. She remembered the rule vividly and did not refuse this or get nervous.
“Yes we shall,” she hummed, extending her hand to meet his. An unfamiliar spark erupted in her when their bodies collided but she didn’t have the words to explain. She wanted to ask how much he was going to pay for her makeover but she didn’t want to receive another membership kind of response and angled to the door beside him. She stepped out to meet the sun setting, and a yawn escaped her.“The day isn’t over but you are already tired. Let’s go home. We shall continue tomorrow,” Sly hinted.Monica twitched. What was he planning this time around? That wasn’t what worried her most. For the first time, she was going to sleep in a man’s house, away from her family. There was nothing more scarier to her than that.Monica's family had been very well to do and they never struggled financially throughout her life. Even when the business faced challenges, she never knew because things were normal. She had her fair share of affluence she never partook in due to her shy nature. Despite everything, her living condition was nothing compared to what met her visible eyes in Sly's family villa.She no doubt had to admit that Sly's style was way over the top. The villa is one of ultra-modern luxury design. She followed Sly through the indoor swimming pool. Her body yearned for the crystal clear liquid on her skin, but followed on to a place she knew was the living room. The room was so huge two different pieces of furniture were set up. She could see the whole of New York from the large glass window and could tell it was a one-way reflection since she couldn't see the inside when they were outside.The lights were unique, probably custom-made. The luxury curtains stood with unrelated glamour.
"Who is coming to see me?" The line went dead before she found her voice. Monica ambled to the bathroom and freshened up before pulling on a pair of skinny jeans and a sweater. The weather was becoming cooler as the wintertime drew nearer. She remembered she hadn't had a tour around Sly's villa and didn't know where the dining room was. With time at stake, she had only one helper in mind as she reminisced Elsie telling her to press the bell for assistance so she did.It wasn't up to two minutes before she heard a knock on the door."Please come in," she yelled."Good afternoon Monica," Elsie greeted."Good afternoon," she responded.Elsie was excited about being called by Monica. She liked Monica the instant they met. To her, Monica's life was perfect, being married to Sly. She thought that Monica lacked in a fashion which she could help with and with that, she could also learn how to attract someone like Sly. The truth is, Elsie, took the job of
Sly left the office a little earlier to prepare for the event. This time, he allowed his driver Eben to drive. He also engaged his bodyguards at events such as this, just in case the media went overboard. On his journey home, Monica called. A sense of joy flashed his eyes as he stared at the name on his screen."Hello," he grumbledMonica's voice was loud and to protect his ears, Sly distanced the phone a few inches from his ear. "Why did you do that?" There was irritation in her voice and Sly was nervous."What did I do?" Sly's voice was calm."I will tell you. Why did you have to move a whole boutique to my room? That's number one," Sly let out a scoff but continued to listen? "You also plan on taking me to an event and you didn't mind informing me beforehand? What if I have plans of going somewhere ha?""First of all, you are welcome, and second, you are my wife and for that reason, you should always be prepared for things like this," he s
Sly's blood pounded in his ears. His heart thudded in his chest. His hands shook as he helplessly held Monica in his arms. "What is it?" His voice was desperate.Monica's muscle had become tight and painful, rendering her feet stiff. "Le..g, cra..mp..s!" She growled. James had made his way to Sly, as others gaped with confusion and helplessness. "Should I call an ambulance?" James was concerned."No, I think I got it," Sly said before sweeping Monica into his arms. He ambled towards one of the exquisitely decorated round tables and settled Monica on a chair. He knelt in front of her and took off her shoes. In an instant, he began massaging her legs, increasing the pain before it gradually subsided. James who had followed him anyways was taken aback by his behavior. If he remembers correctly, Sly said it was a contract marriage but he felt something more than that. He thought there was a connection between them.Standing there watching on, James realized
Sly's mind was in a mess. He was engulfed in humiliation and stigma. What will people think and what information will the media leave with? He stood frozen at the podium, his signature smile distorted, but he still maintained his posture.He thought deeply, a great sense of realization saluted him. What if Monica had not conquered her social phobia and was still scared of the crowd? He had turned a blind or covered up most times for her but he hadn't helped her enough to conquer her fears.Maybe he pushed her too far. He regretted exposing her this early. He could have given her time to adjust gradually and for the first time, Sly regretted his decision. With that thought in mind, he could not bring himself to blame Monica. He felt guilty and didn't think he could forgive himself if anything happened to her.He didn't know much about Monica but he also knew enough to understand that she was different from other women. She can be shy in one minute, find her vo
As soon as Sly started his speech, all eyes were focused on him. Monica seized the opportunity and sneaked under the large dinner table. Thanks to the floor-length tablecloths, no one noticed. She trudged on her arms and knees to the end close to the doorway, where she got to a corridor, out of view. She spotted the washroom and went there, trying to calm herself from the uncertainty in the hall. No one saw her except one silhouette.She saw three ladies talking but did not bother to look. She tried to open the cubicle but it was locked. She tried the next to the fifth, all locked. She turned to look at the three ladies, probably to ask for help but was met with the worst scorn of her life. They used to be her mates in college but not those mates she was friends with, but ones who bullied her. The third person, she remembers as the woman who came to their table. Yes, Sly's assistant, Josephine. She saw Monica sneak under the table and followed her.It didn't look like
At the hotel where the event was being held, James stood his ground, tirelessly battling with the media. They were upset about not having enough information to report on. James had brought the event to an abrupt end without reasonable explanation. All they knew was, Mr. Norman had some serious business to attend to.They couldn’t understand what business was more important than the business event. Also, they hadn’t seen the enchanting woman Sly walked in with. They knew she was the reason for Sly's abrupt departure but they still wanted James to affirm, which he did not oblige. It would have been a wonderful opportunity for the press to drop a bombshell in the newspapers tomorrow.Not getting their needed information, they trouped out disheartened. Gertrude had gone to get her boyfriend and was ready to exit but her boyfriend was greatly disappointed. However, he did not hide it."This has never happened before. How can your best friend be so c
At Norman's Villa, Sly alighted from his Cadillac Beast, with Monica in his arms.He was met at the entrance by Christiana and Elsie. They were not sleeping because their master and mistress had not yet returned.Sly ignored pleasantries, strode to Monica’s room, gently placing her on the bed like an egg. Elsie was in tow and just as Sly caught sight of her, he dismissed her.“You can retire to bed. I will personally take care of her.” Elsie retreated but Monica was confused. How can he take care of her? They were in the room alone in the middle of the night. Uncertainty crawled her mind as she clung tightly to Sly’s blazer she wore.“You don’t have to send her away. Let her take care of me instead,” she suggested.Sly scoffed. “How are you going to explain the bruises on your face? Please don’t make anyone think I abused you or anything.”Monica was flushed. She hadn&rs