CHAPTER 3

The Contract

Caroline’s POV

“You’re turning it down? Are you crazy?” Gina’s voice shot through the phone so loud I had to pull it away from my ear. I didn't know that she was even listening to my call. 

I sighed, rubbing my forehead. Gina can actually make me go crazy one day. “I didn’t say that.”

“You didn’t have to,” she snapped. “Your tone says it all.”

I rolled my eyes at her and flopped onto my bed, staring at the ceiling. “It’s complicated, Gina.”

“What’s so complicated? He’s offering you a contract to showcase your paintings at one of the biggest art exhibitions in the city! Do you know how many people would kill for that opportunity? And you are throwing it away for what reason?”

I groaned. “I know. But…”

“But what?”

“He doesn’t know.And I don't want him to know. Working with him would definitely expose my babies to him. I don't want him thinking that I am one of these street girls.”

Gina took a long and deep breath. Then, “Doesn’t know what?” she asked, pretending not to know what I was talking about. Gosh! Gina can be such a dramatic and stubborn queen. 

I swallowed hard. “About the pregnancy.” I rolled my eyes again at her. I couldn't count how many times I’d rolled my eyes since we started this conversation. She wasn't even listening to me. 

Then, there came another pause that made me think that she had understood my point of view. “Oh,” she exclaimed annoyingly. 

“Yeah, oh.” I turned on my side, hugging a pillow. And praying she drops this conversation already. I was tired. “Gina, this isn’t just about the contract. If I accept, I’ll have to be around him. Constantly. What if he finds out? What if he thinks I’m after his money? What if it brings a bad scandal for me or him and he hates me at the end of the day? Think about it.”

Just when I thought she was beginning to understand me, boom! 

Gina scoffed. “That’s your fear talking, not his. Did he seem like the type to suspect you of being a gold digger? After all, you didn't ask him for money. And he is literally begging you to come, not the other way round.”

She could be making sense but what if? Would I survive it? I can't even sue or fight a billionaire. 

I hesitated. “No, but…”

“Then stop making excuses.” Her voice softened. And She slightly touched me. “Caro, I get it. You’re scared. But think about the babies. Think about your future. This could set you up for life. Your world, your life could change. And what if he finds out and wants you and the kids? Please think about it and reconsider.”

I closed my eyes. “I just don’t want things to get… messy."He is an influential man. Most of all these men are already hooked in a serious relationship. I am scared of his world. It might be rough and destructive. 

“Messy? Girl, your life is already messy! Look at you.” she snapped. “You’re pregnant with triplets, from a one-night stand. And you're an independent artist barely making ends meet. You wouldn't have been able to afford this place if not for Kane's money. And the father of your babies just threw you a golden opportunity, and you want to act like it’s a problem? Are you enjoying this life? This struggle? You might be surviving now but later when the kids come, will you survive it? How would their lives be?”

I stayed silent. She was making a lot of sense. 

Gina sighed. “Look, I’m not forcing you, but I will keep nagging you until you see sense.”

And she did.

I woke up that morning with Gina’s text message. “ Say yes, dummy.” I laughed. The girl is crazy. If you don't know her too well, you might think she’s serious. 

Afternoon was also the same thing. She kept calling and calling. That I began to wonder how she got the free time. “You’re making a mistake”

Late at night was voice notes, even when I was still in the same house with her. “Caroline, I’m begging you. TAKE THE OFFER.! 

I read it in her angry tone and laughed myself to sleep. Such a drama queen. 

By the third day, I was ready to throw my phone out the window. She had troubled my life and had given me enough sleepless nights. 

Gosh! Gone is a bag of trouble. 

“Fine,” I muttered into the phone, feeling exhausted.

“What?” Gina asked, acting a little too smugly.

“I’ll do it.”

A high-pitched squeal nearly burst my eardrum.

“Oh my God! Yes! You finally have some sense!”

I rolled my eyes. “Yeah, yeah. I’ll call Kane now.”

“You better. And don’t you dare back out.”

I stared at Kane’s name on my phone for a solid minute before pressing the call.

He picked up on the second ring.

“Caroline.” His deep voice sent an unexpected shiver down my spine.

I cleared my throat. “Hi.”

He was silent.

Then, “About the contract… I’ll take it.”

There was a pause. Then, “Smart choice.”

I chewed my lip. “I hope so.”

“You won’t regret it.”

“Guess I’ll find out.”

“Come to my office tomorrow morning. We’ll finalize everything.”

I exhaled. “Alright.”

“See you then, Caroline.”

“Yeah… see you.”

I hung up, with my heart beating too fast. I was nervous.

The next morning, I sat across from Kane in his expensive, modern office. He looked just as intimidating as I remembered, tall, powerful, and completely unreadable.

The contract was kept in front of me.

“You’re not changing your mind, are you?” he asked, with one brow raised.

I lifted my chin. “No.”

“Then sign.”

I picked up the pen, but my hands were slightly trembling.

I took a deep breath.

And hesitated for a moment.

And then…

I signed.

Kane smiled slowly, staring at me intensively. 

“Good,” he murmured. “Welcome to my world, Caroline.”

Something about the way he said it made my stomach twist.

Had I just made a deal with the devil?