Chapter nine

Zack’s POV

Sunday evening was dragging by, and I needed to get something off my chest. The events of the past week were gnawing at me. I picked up my phone and called Aaron.

“Aaron?” I asked as soon as he picked up.

“Yeah, it’s me,” he replied. “What’s up?”

I paused for a moment, suddenly forgetting what I wanted to tell him. “Why haven’t you left the country yet?”

There was a slight pause before Aaron replied, "Oh, they canceled the trip. I’ve been sick."

“Sick? Why didn’t you tell me?” I asked, feeling a twinge of guilt. How could I not know my best friend was unwell?

“I knew you were busy with your grandfather’s party and everything. I wanted to call, but you beat me to it,” Aaron explained.

I sighed, “I’m coming over now. You should’ve told me earlier.”

“Alright, let’s meet up,” Aaron agreed.

Half an hour later, I was at Aaron’s place. He looked pale, definitely not his usual self.

“Have you taken drugs?” I asked my best friend.

“Yeah but I need to get another one”, he answered

“I’m taking you to the pharmacy to get the drugs,” I told him firmly.

Aaron chuckled weakly. “Fine, let’s go. Maybe I can find someone new, you know. You know I can’t resist.”

I rolled my eyes. Even when sick, Aaron couldn't stop being a playboy. “Let’s just get you better first.”

At the pharmacy, we picked up some medication. Aaron was scanning the place, but there were no ladies in sight. He looked disappointed.

“Alright, no luck here. Let’s go to the grocery store,” Aaron suggested, not ready to give up on his hunt for a potential fling.

“You never change, do you?” I said, shaking my head.

I was walking down the cereal aisle with Aaron when I heard a familiar voice, one that made my stomach tighten with a mix of annoyance and dread.

“Aaron,” I said, lowering my voice. “Is that Nora?”

Aaron’s eyes scanned the area before he nodded. “Yeah, that’s definitely her.”

We followed the sound, and as we turned the corner, we saw Nora and her best friend, Brittany, confronting Sara. Nora’s voice was loud and cutting, filled with the venom she usually reserved for her worst enemies.

“Stay away from Zack!” Nora was yelling. “You’re nothing but trouble.”

Sara stood there, eyes wide with fear and confusion. I could see her trembling slightly. She closed her eyes, bracing herself as Nora raised her hand to slap her.

I sprang into action, grabbing Nora’s wrist mid-air. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

Nora’s eyes widened in shock. “Zack, I—”

I cut her off. “Save it. You have no right to this to her.”

Aaron stepped up beside me, glaring at Nora and Brittany. “Haven’t you two caused enough trouble already?”

Brittany, always the accomplice, tried to speak up. “We were just—”

“Just lying for Nora when she was cheating on me. I remember,” I said, my voice icy. “Both of you need to get out of my sight.”

Nora pulled her wrist free and glared at me. “You’ll regret this, Zack.”

“No, Nora. The only regret I have is ever letting you into my life,” I retorted. “Now, leave. And take your pathetic friend with you.”

Brittany looked like she wanted to say something, but a sharp look from Aaron silenced her. They turned and walked away, their heads held high in a facade of dignity that no one believed.

If there’s anyone allowed to make Sara suffer, I should be the one because I lost an important deal because of her. Nora has no right to bully her. If I’m being truthful with myself, I dragged her into this mess. I’m very sure Nora must have heard when I introduced Sara as my girlfriend.

“Thank …”, Sara tried to say.

I did not wait for her to finish what she was trying to say before I walked out.

I don’t want her to think we are now best of friends just because I saved her from Nora.

I was already outside when I turned back to tell Aaron the reason I called him in the morning because I just remembered. Only for me to see that he did not even follow me. He must have stayed back to introduce himself to Sara or just to look for a fling.

My private investigator had called a few minutes before I reached out to Aaron, giving me the full details on Sara Miles. I learned everything about her situation and how her uncle demanded she get married before handing over her properties.

I decided I would propose a contract marriage, which she must agree to. It would benefit both of us: I could fulfill my grandfather’s wish of seeing me married and make her pay for what she did to me. She would gain access to her properties. It’s a win for both of us, especially me.

I pulled out my phone and dialed my lawyer’s number.

He picked up on the first ring. "Hello, Mr. Samuels. How can I assist you?"

“Hi, Mr. Bryan. I need you to prepare the necessary documents for a contract marriage between me and Sara Miles.”

“A contract marriage, sir?”

“Yes. I want the documents delivered to my office tomorrow afternoon,” I added.

“Alright, consider it done.”

“I’ll email you the full details shortly. That will be all.”

“Understood, Mr. Samuels.”

With that, I hung up. I need to make Sara sign this as soon as possible, I thought to myself.

I decided to give Aaron a call next.

“Where are you, man?” I asked when he picked up.

“Right behind you,” he replied with a laugh.

I looked around and saw him wave at me. I hung up and waited for him in the car.

As soon as he got in, I shared all the information with him. "Aaron, I need your opinion on something."

He raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “What’s up?”

I took a deep breath and started explaining. “I found out Sara’s uncle won’t hand over her properties unless she gets married. I’m thinking of proposing a contract marriage. It solves her problem and mine.”

Aaron whistled, a low, impressed sound. “A contract marriage? That’s quite the plan, Zack.”

“I get to fulfill my grandfather’s wish and keep Sara close to make her pay for what she did,” I said, feeling the conviction in my words.

Aaron nodded slowly. “I see your point. But are you sure about this? Marriage, even a contract one, is a big step.”

“I’ve thought it through. It’s mutually beneficial. I just need to make her agree.”

Aaron sighed. “Alright. If you’re sure, then go for it. But be careful, Zack. These things can get complicated.”

I nodded, appreciating his concern. “Thanks, man. I’ll handle it.”

We settled into a comfortable silence as we drove. Aaron cleared his throat, breaking the quiet. “So, you’re going to pitch this idea to Sara soon?”

“Yes, as soon as the documents are ready,” I replied.

"Well, good luck with that. Just make sure you don’t let your emotions cloud your judgment,” he advised.

“I won’t,” I assured him.

As we pulled up to Aaron’s place, I felt a mix of anticipation and determination. This was going to work.

“Alright, I’ll see you later, Zack. Take care,” Aaron said as he got out of the car.

“You too, Aaron. And get some rest,” I added, watching him head inside.

I pulled out my phone and sent the email with the full details to Mr. Bryan. With everything in motion, I felt a sense of control returning. This was just the beginning.