Chapter 41 – My Sponsor and I

(Mannie’s POV)

The moment my pen touched the paper, something inside me tightened. I knew it wasn’t just ink I was putting down. It was a piece of my pride. A part of me that I had kept safe all these years while raising my kids and surviving every single day on my own.

And now, I had sold it. For money and for survival.

I stared at the space for the signature where I had penned down my name. Looking at how neat and sharp it was, I was reminded of the good old days while still in high school, when I had used every chance I had to practice a beautiful signature, believing that one day I will be rich.

But somehow, reality doesn’t seem to agree with me.

I forced a smile, even though my heart felt heavy. I stretched my hand toward Dominic, trying to act strong. “Done. I hope we have a good partnership.”

My smile shook a little and my fingers did too. I hated that he could see that. I hated more that I was pretending to be okay with this.

Arin walked up quietly and handed me a copy of the contract. His expression didn’t show much, but I saw the way his eyes moved to Dominic, then to me. He leaned close to Dominic and whispered something.

My hand hung in the air, still waiting.

I felt awkward. Stupid.

I was about to pull it back when Dominic caught it.

His grip was warm and firm.

My eyes widened.

“Hey…”

He tilted his head slightly, amusement flashing in his eyes. “You brought out your hand for a handshake. And now you want to take it back?”

I scoffed and rolled my eyes, trying to hide how flustered I felt. “Tch. Annoying.”

He didn’t respond. He just let go of my hand slowly, like he wanted to prove a point. Then he straightened up and grabbed a file from the table.

“You’ll follow me home today,” he said casually, like it was a regular order. “Finish whatever you have to. We leave together.”

His words echoed in my ears.

Follow him home?

I blinked. My feet didn’t move for a second.

Oh. Right. The deal.

Right.

I nodded quickly, keeping my lips shut. I turned and walked out, my heels clicking quietly on the tiles.

-------

The rest of my workday dragged. I tried focusing, but my thoughts kept drifting to that contract.

It was surprising how just one day where I was meant to have a day off, I suddenly got into a fake relationship with no one else but him.

My hands wringled within themselves and I perspired a little due to nervousness.

“I’d survived worse. I had pushed through long nights with screaming kids and empty pantries. I had gone hungry to feed them. I had fought men like Evan who tried to crush me.” I whispered to myself.

But this?

Pretending to be someone’s girlfriend?

It felt harder in a different way.

By the time the clock hit closing hour, my hands were already packing up. I rushed into the restroom and opened my small bag.

I didn’t do much makeup and since I was going to pretend, I had to look more presentable. A dab of powder and lipstick, just enough to look presentable.

I took a deep breath.

"Just pretend," I whispered to my reflection. "Like everything else. Fighting." I clenched my fist and raised it up at my reflection in the mirror.

I made my way to the underground garage.

The moment the elevator doors opened, my eyes widened.

The place looked unreal. Marble floors, bright lights. Shiny cars lined up like models waiting for a photoshoot.

I swallowed hard and tried not to stare too much.

Dominic’s car was waiting. The driver opened the door for me without a word and I climbed in, careful not to step on anything.

Dominic was already inside, going through files and typing on a tablet. He didn’t even look up.

I stared at him for a second. His focus and the way his eyes flicked from screen to paper like nothing else mattered.

He looked like someone who never had to worry about rent, or baby formula or crying toddlers.

I looked away and let my eyes drift over the car’s interior. Smooth leather seats and a faint woodsy scent that reminded me of forests after rain.

The ride was quiet.

I didn’t expect conversation. But I thought maybe he’d say something. Instead, he stayed buried in work.

I shifted slightly, feeling the silence wrap around me like a second skin.

-------

When we arrived, I felt my breath hitch.

The mansion stood tall like a castle from a fairytale. Iron gates opened without a sound.

The house stretched wide, glowing under soft golden lights.

My mouth parted slightly.

It was beautiful.

And terrifying.

Dominic stepped out first. I followed quietly.

He turned to look at me, his face cold. “Mind what you say and how you act. You need to leave a good impression.”

His words weren’t cruel. Just plain but they stung a little.

He didn’t trust me. He thought I’d embarrass him.

I raised my chin. “I understand, my sponsor.” I winked, trying to lighten the mood. “Besides, for now, it’s just the two of us. Don’t be so uptight.”

He stopped walking. I took two more steps before he grabbed my arm and pulled me into his chest.

My heart jumped.

"Why are you startled? Weren't you the one who called me your sponsor? Hmm?"

His voice rumbled close to my ear. I could feel the heat from his body. My breath hitched.

His grip wasn’t tight, but it was firm, controlling even.

And it made my skin tingle in ways I didn’t want to admit.

I pressed my palm to his chest and pushed gently. “Tch. This isn’t the kind of sponsor I was talking about.”

He chuckled and let go, helping smooth down my dress.

Then he wrinkled his nose. “You don’t look like a lady in this gown.”

I rolled my eyes. “If you need proof, I can show you my driver’s license.”

His brow rose in challenge.

I dug into my bag and pulled out the license. He snatched it before I could change my mind.

He stared at it. Then laughed.

“You even look ugly in this picture.”

“Give it back, you jerk.”

He flicked it back toward me. I caught it mid-air and shoved it deep into my purse.

I ignored the smug look on his face. I couldn’t be bothered to argue with him. The more I did, the more he would find ways to tease me.