~ Andrea ~Three years later“Liam! You better stop hitting your sister.” I shouted for the upteenth time today, making my way to the kitchen to get their breakfast ready. “But mom, she started it!” He retorted. “I don't care who started it. Just stop hitting her!” I responded. Three years ago, when we left Brooklyn, we relocated to Sicily, Italy. Before then, we stayed for some time at our Aunt's place until we were able to get little money to relocate to Sicily. For the past few years, I have known this city to be very dangerous with different gangs. Liam and Lina were a result of my contract with Derrik. They are everything I have ever wanted. Even though I wasn't ready to have them, I am still happy they came. I was preparing breakfast to take them to school. I got a job as a personal assistant again months after I gave birth to the twins. My boss is nicer to me and sometimes I feel weird but I am glad I didn't meet another Derrik. Speaking of Derrik, I'd be lying if I say I
~ Andrea ~“Uncle Max is the best!” Lina shouted. “Now everybody knows I have a very handsome daddy.” She added, finding it a little too difficult to pronounce handsome. Liam was quiet all through the ride and it bothered me. We finally got home and Lina was the first to run out of the car. “Lina Price, stop running around!” These kids. Lina dropped her bag on the couch and started playing with Max while Liam sat quietly, his eyes fixed in a particular direction but fixed on nothing. I decided to use this opportunity to cook something for them. I hurriedly changed and went to the kitchen to get things set. After about forty to sixty minutes, I was done with everything. I took the food from the kitchen to the table and set it up. Thankfully, Max had help with changing their clothes and getting their homeworks done. That was a great help to me. These two would have made my life hell by just changing their clothes. I went over to them and sat beside Max, watching Lina make a displ
Andrea Arriving at the office early for the first time in months, I found it quiet with few people around, which made me relieved that Rosie was not there. Rosie was one hell of a colleague whose only work in this office was to taunt the hell out of me. Feeling a bit off and wanting to avoid conflicts, I rested my head on the desk in an attempt to clear my mind. Laurel's words kept echoing in my head. Maybe she was right, I am nothing but a murderer. If only I knew, I wouldn't have requested for an Ice cream. If only I had listened to Mom, dad wouldn't have died. I'm a murderer…a murderer… I was so selfish that night. If only I hadn't forced dad to get me the ice cream, things would have been different. That night, when the car knocked into dad, I felt my world freeze. From then on it was as if the world kept reminding me of the blood I had on my hands now. I was selfish and that led to the early demise of my father. I hate myself for that. Tears continued to run down my face
Derrik King "Why are you forcing me into this dad? How man times do I have to keep saying this. I am not getting married to Isabea and that's final." This has become an everyday thing. Fighting about one Goddamn thing, to get married to Isabella. Who in their right senses will get married to a spoilt brat like Isabella? The fact that her family owns multiple business in this country has gotten into her head. Then here is dad, forcing me to get ready for a marriage I know nothing about in two weeks. Two freaking weeks. "Listen to me young man, you are getting married to Isabella and that's final. I am not changing my mind. You have two weeks, just two weeks to mget married to her. Get ready." My dad stomped out of the parlour angrily. This week has been hell. I can't even go to work with myopeace of mind intact. This man always finds ways to bring this topic up. I got into my car then called the only person who came in mind. "Brian," I sighed after calling his name. "Man what
*Andrea* Getting to my office, I did not even think much about what transpired between myself and my boss. Becoming a contracted wife wasn't a good idea and Mr. King was not ready to tell me his reason for that. I can't just venture into it. What was there to think about? I was sure I would never accept such an outrageous proposal. ****** Lunch came by too fast as I made my way to the company's cafeteria to get food. Even after telling myself not to think about that proposal, my mind wasn't having that and kept reminding me. Thankfully, I am free during lunch time as my boss eats out and not at the cafeteria. After I got my food, I was heading towards a table when something or somebody almost tripped me over. My body was almost getting to the floor and I had my eyes closed expecting the worst. I opened my eyes when I noticed I was yet to touch the ground, only to notice that I was in Mr. King's arms. Worse of it, my food was all over his suit! I knew I was dead this t
Andrea Arriving at home, I met the twins crying their eyes out with mom lying lifelessly on the floor. “Goodness, Andrea you are here. I was so scared.” Lisa said as she ran to give me a hug while crying. Their eyes were puffy from crying so much. “We have to get mom to the hospital, we can't let anything happen to her. I will get a cab just wait here for me.” Irushed my words. We can't afford to lose her. Not after losing dad. I spent an agonizing five minutes outside the hot sun before I was finally able to get a cab. The cab driver was kind enough to help us get mom into the car. I kept praying nothing happens to her till we got to the hospital. The nurses were fast to rush our mother to a room for examination. I kept pacing back and forth, thinking about the things that might be happening in the examination room. A doctor suddenly came out after several minutes and we rushed immediately to the doctor. “Doctor, what is wrong with our mother? Is she okay?” I asked,
* Andrea *Agreeing to his proposal was daring but I need the money to save my mother. I had to convince my sisters to leave the hospital with me. As usual, Laurel did not listen to me so Lisa had to come through. I made sure they ate well before they slept. I could not get a good sleep as I was worried about my mother and the situation I was putting myself in. I am currently on my way to the office after I made sure everything was set. Laurel and Lisa wanted to be at the hospital so they skipped school. I remember clearly how Lisa questioned me about where I was going to get the money. ~Few moments ago~“Can I speak to you, Andrea?”“I'm so sorry Lisa, but I have to leave immediately.”“I know how much it hurts you whenever Laurel blames you, and I also know you did do anything to save mom.”“What are you driving at Lisa?”“Andrea, be honest with me. Where are you getting the money from?”“That doesn't matter, the good thing is that mom will be saved.”I said with a wide smile t
~Andrea~ “One more time Andrea, this depends on you.” Derrik said, staring me right in the eyes. Shortly afterwards, I heard my phone blare and the caller was none other than Lisa, my sister. I took in deep breath and shut my eyes. I knew her call was related to mom so I had to act fast. Aiish! I hate that I am in this situation right now but money is more important here. I will think about how to convince my family somehow, but first, I need to sign this paper. “I will sign it and that is just because I need the money.” I finally said after much pondering. Saying that, I took the contract, read through it again then took a deep breath before signing on the buttom of the paper. Now I only have to wait for what is in store of me. I handed over the paper to Mr. King who took it without hesitation. “Good Andrea, good. Now that this is done, I will give you the money as said earlier and add up the rest later.” Mr. King took the paper, glancing through it with a smiley face. D
~ Andrea ~“Uncle Max is the best!” Lina shouted. “Now everybody knows I have a very handsome daddy.” She added, finding it a little too difficult to pronounce handsome. Liam was quiet all through the ride and it bothered me. We finally got home and Lina was the first to run out of the car. “Lina Price, stop running around!” These kids. Lina dropped her bag on the couch and started playing with Max while Liam sat quietly, his eyes fixed in a particular direction but fixed on nothing. I decided to use this opportunity to cook something for them. I hurriedly changed and went to the kitchen to get things set. After about forty to sixty minutes, I was done with everything. I took the food from the kitchen to the table and set it up. Thankfully, Max had help with changing their clothes and getting their homeworks done. That was a great help to me. These two would have made my life hell by just changing their clothes. I went over to them and sat beside Max, watching Lina make a displ
~ Andrea ~Three years later“Liam! You better stop hitting your sister.” I shouted for the upteenth time today, making my way to the kitchen to get their breakfast ready. “But mom, she started it!” He retorted. “I don't care who started it. Just stop hitting her!” I responded. Three years ago, when we left Brooklyn, we relocated to Sicily, Italy. Before then, we stayed for some time at our Aunt's place until we were able to get little money to relocate to Sicily. For the past few years, I have known this city to be very dangerous with different gangs. Liam and Lina were a result of my contract with Derrik. They are everything I have ever wanted. Even though I wasn't ready to have them, I am still happy they came. I was preparing breakfast to take them to school. I got a job as a personal assistant again months after I gave birth to the twins. My boss is nicer to me and sometimes I feel weird but I am glad I didn't meet another Derrik. Speaking of Derrik, I'd be lying if I say I
~ Derrik ~ I paced around in my office waiting for Carl to relay any information to me. “They are all set to hear you Sir.” I followed Carl's lead till we got to the conference room where I was going to give the release. Cameras were clicking everywhere. “Hello everybody. Thank you for honoring today's call.” I bowed before down. “I know the rumors about the contract agreement with Miss Andrea have been circulating the internet for a while now.” I started. “How it came to the general public we know nothing about but the truth is–” I sighed and looked at everybody present. “We were indeed in a contract marriage.” “Contract marriage?” “It was all fake from the onset?” “This is surprising.” They kept whispering. “Circumstances push us to make some situations and it did the same to Andrea and I but I do not regret my actions in any way.” “He is so arrogant.” “He deceived people and now he is saying he is not sorry.” I smiled at the new set of whispers. “My action
~ Derrik ~ I came down the stairs to look for Andrea but she was nowhere to be found. Where could she have gone? I was still looking around when a hand tapped me. “Are you looking for Andrea?” Miss Karen asked when I turned. “Yes, where is she?” She sighed at my question. “Her mother came for her.” “What?! Her mother?” I asked“Yes, she was really angry that she left without telling anybody except that I witnessed the whole scene.” “Damn!” I walked past her into my room. When Andrea had said her mother will be coming for her, I thought we could settle this when she comes but turns out I was wrong.“Dad! Dad!” I walked to my fathers room shouting his name. “Where are you manners young man?” He asked but this is not the time for that. “Dad, Andrea left.” He stopped what he was doing to look at me. “Left? To where?” “Her mom came for her dad. She could have allowed us to sit down and talk about it.” I told him. “She is right. Whatever action she takes is for the best.” He return
~ Andrea ~I was in the parlor all by myself when I saw mom storming inside. She moved to me at a speed and slapped me across the face. “Mom!” I screamed holding my cheek. Miss Karen rushed out of the kitchen to the parlor. “You took a serious decision like this without informing anybody and now you are stuck in a contract marriage. Were you really going to waste your life for a little amount of money?! Huh!” Mom shouted. I watched her and could only cry. “We are leaving here at this instant. The contract has to be terminated whether both parties agree or not.” Mom grabbed hold of my hand and started dragging me. Miss Karen tried to interrupt but was cut short. “Stay away from this please.” Mom told her as she dragged me outside. “Mom, this is not right. Please let me go back inside.” We were now looking for a cab to take us home. “So you can continue making stupid decisions? You are never going back there Andrea and for your work, you quit from today.” “Mom!” I exclaimed. A ca
~ Andrea ~The first thing I heard when I woke up was Derrik's screams. He sounded angry but I don't know why. I stood from the bed and walked to Derrik. “What is the problem? Why are you passing back and forth?”“You wouldn't believe the news just like this.” He showed me the screen of my phone.“Our contract? How did this happen? How did this get into the hands of the media?”“This is surprising to me as well.” Derrik replied. I was still in thought when I something clicked I had told Valentine Day and I believe she wouldn't go against me should I just call and ask everything “What do you suggest we do about this now, Derrik?”“I am not too sure what you should do now.”We were still facing each other when the door burst open, revealing Mr Johan. “What is the meaning of this?” He questions. “Derrik, tell me this is not true. How can you two get into a contract married? You deceived me and the general public now this action of yours will put us into serious problems.” He was rea
~ Andrea ~“Don't think about it too much Andrea Just wait right here I'll get you something to eat and then you can take a nap afterwards.” She left out for the food like she said. I just couldn't stop thinking about it. Pregnant in a situation like this. In the middle of a contract marriage which is ending in 4 months, how could you speak like Andrea? What if this thing ends and then you have to take responsibility for the child? How do I even know Derrik wants a child? What do I do now? I can't just stop thinking about it. I have to find a solution. Should I tell him about this just like the doctor and valentine suggested or should I keep it to myself and then think about the solution I was still in thoughts when I heard Valentine talk. “I thought I told you not to think too much Andrea. remember you have a baby inside of you and wouldn't like to have it hurt will you?” I shock my head disagreeing about the fact that I won't want to hurt the little being inside of me. I took t
~ Andrea ~I woke up to the sound of my phone ringing. I had missed five calls from my family. What could be the problem? I called the number which was my mother's number in haste. “Mom, what is the problem? Why did you call me this early?”“Andrea, you might have forgotten something today is Lisa and Laurel's birthday. How could you forget such an important day?”Oh shoot! I forgot their birthday. “But mom, you should have told Derrik and I when we came over for dinner. Why didn't you?”“Because I wanted you to remember your siblings' birthday. They are so mad at you right now. You better come home.”“I will be there soon. Please tell them I am sorry.”“You have to come and do that yourself and yeah, I don't have the strength for that.”“Okay mommy. I'll be there soon.” I rushed into the washroom, took my bath and then dressed up. I didn't want to disturb Derrick so I dashed down, even missed breakfast and then called the driver to drive me to my mother's place. Few moments late
~ Andrea ~I was talking about how much I miss my family all through the ride. Derrik was quiet and I assumed he was listening to me. We finally got there and I saw mom Lisa and Laurel waiting by the door. They might have thought we were not coming. "My baby is here!” Mom exclaimed the moment we got out of the car hugging me. "Good evening Ma'am." Derrik greeted politely. "Oh come here Derrik. you are like a son to me." Mom hugged him and ignored me. Really? Mom was treating him like the son she never had, serving him more meat on the table and ensuring that he was satisfied. I was happy Derrik was having someone fill the void of a mother in his life.All through the night, he was taken care of by mom, Lisa and Laurel. When it was finally time for us to go, mom wouldn't let us, not because she was going to miss me but because she was going to miss having Derrik around. "Really Mom you're not going to miss me but Derrik?" Lisa and Laurel laughed at my question. I glare at them,