Chapter 10: “Terms and Conditions”

Amber’s pov

It was already evening before I could discuss with Vee the reason why Adrian’s grandmother came to see me and she wasn’t having it.

“What do you mean she wants you to marry her grandson to change him? Does that even make sense?” She said irritated.

“I don’t know what to do Vee, I’m confused.”

“You don’t have to be confused, this is ridiculous. Since when did marriage become the cure for his arrogant and derogatory attitude?”

I could feel it, she was reaching her limit. It’s been a while I saw her this irritated and it was called for anyways. But why did it feel like the right thing to do? Why couldn’t I refuse her the moment she said it.

“Amber, don’t tell me you are agreeing to it.”

I sighed

“What’s the worst that can happen Vee, I already live with him as it is so it’s nothing new. I just have to sign the contract. That's all plus don’t forget there’s a monetary benefit. We need all the money we can get Vee, I can finally own my dream restaurant.”

Sighing in defeat.

“ I don’t know why I don’t feel comfortable about this but whatever you say, I will support you.”

“It’s fine, what could go wrong ? And lest I forget, he asked for a meeting and I need you to go with me tomorrow Vee.”

“You don’t even have to ask, I will go with you.”

****

The office building felt colder than usual when I arrived or maybe it was just me.

Vee eventually came with me which I appreciated more than i could admit. She walked slightly ahead, scanning the space like she was ready to fight someone if needed.

“You don’t have to do this if it feels wrong,” Vee muttered under her breath.

I gave a small, tight smile. “I already signed the intent letter. Backing out now would be messy.”

“Messy is better than emotional damage.”

I didn’t respond, I just chuckled and kept moving, not daring to keep bantering words with the queen.

He was already in the conference room when we arrived. Sitting at the head of the table looking as arrogant and bossy as usual. Crisp suit, calm

expression and somehow he looked appealing.

“Ms. Amber,” he said formally like he didn’t just dig into my lips days ago.

“Sir,” I replied just as formally.

Vee’s eyes darted between us immediately like she was trying to make out something.

The contract signing started. Pages, clauses and Legal terms. Vee made sure to scrutinize every tiny detail, I allowed her so that way she would be less worried.

I barely read anything past the first few lines. My mind kept catching on confidential agreement and the fine that came with it if I exposed it to any other party other than the people here.

“You understand the terms?” he asked, sensing my confusion.

“Yes,” I said quickly.

I could feel his eyes stay on my face a second too long.

“Good.”

When it was done, Vee leaned in immediately.

“I don’t like this,” she whispered. “At all.”

I sighed. “It’s just a job arrangement, nothing serious.”

Vee raised an eyebrow. “People don’t look at ‘just job arrangements’ like that.”

I didn’t ask what she meant because I already knew where she was driving to.

The contract signing was done and effective immediately, Vee parted ways with me much to her dismay.

****

The ride home was quiet, so quiet I could literally hear the sound of my heart beating. As if the driver knew my thoughts, he drove as swiftly as he could and I was happy to eventually go to my room to rest when he suddenly spoke.

“It starts today.”

“Of course it does.” I answered sharply.

“You know you have to stay away from Richard and anyone that would compromise the marriage and the reason for it. I don’t want another scandal with another man, it will affect my company.

“I know sir” I answered making sure to drag the sir.

“You didn’t have to accept,” he said.

That made me look at him properly for the first time since the office.

“You already know why I did,” I replied.

“So you are saying you are doing this for the money?” He asked.

I glanced at him and could see disbelief written on his face, which was understandable. I couldn’t tell him that his grandmother begged that I help restore his humanity even though she didn’t give me a back story. She also made me promise not to say a word to him about her plea.

“Yes, why else would I pause my life and enter into this hectic world of yours as your wife ?”

“Mmm, I see.” He said.

With that, he walked out and I was sure that changed the perception he had of me not like it was a new thing.

Adrian’s pov

I watched her walk into the conference room with her shoulders raised high as usual. It’s been two days since the kiss and I hadn’t seen her until today. I don’t know how much I yearned for her presence, till I saw her today. She was dressed in a simple corporate gown but her body hung onto it perfectly.

She came with someone I presumed to be her friend and they both read the contract together before she signed and she didn’t even hesitate.

No questions, no arguments, she just signed.

I signed after her, sliding the document aside.

I saw her converse with her friend who occasionally gave me a warning that looked like she was daring me to hurt her before they said farewell.

The drive home was quiet and awkward and I wondered why she was yet to ask me why I kissed her or was she playing the ignorant side ? We finally got home and I could see her make a way for her room which meant I wouldn’t have a proper conversation and know why she agreed to the contract.

“It starts today,” I said.

“Of course it does.”

“You know you have to stay away from Richard and anyone that would compromise the marriage and the reason for it. I don’t want another scandal with another man, it will affect my company.”

I mentioned Richard because I wanted to see how she would react to it but she didn’t show any reaction. Either that or she was masking it very well.

I studied her for a moment.

“You didn’t have to accept,”

That made her look at me properly for the first time since the office.

“You already know why I did,” I replied.

“So you are saying you are doing this for the money?” I asked in disbelief. I didn’t want to believe she was like every other girl out there.

“Yes, why else would I pause my life and enter into this hectic world of yours as your wife ?”

“Mmm, I see.”

I guess I was delusional to think she was different.

With that, I walked out, hoping to send a signal across

Richard’s POV

I stared at the screen, my grip tightening around the glass in my hand.

“Adrian Volkov Announces Sudden Marriage”

I let out a dry laugh. Of course, as usual.

He always had a way of doing this, Taking things, people, opportunities even without trying.

The grip on my phone became tighter and within a split second, I flung it towards my study table and I’m very sure it shattered.

Amber.

I replayed her image in my mind, the way she looked that night, the way she smiled at me. She didn’t belong to him and I wouldn’t iust let her go like that.

A slow smile formed on my lips.

“If he thinks this is over…” I murmured.

He’s mistaken, very mistaken.