The Contract

Seated in front of Alexander, Gabriella nervously scanned the contract before her with uncertain eyes.

The terms were strict and precise. One year of marriage, public appearances, no emotional attachment, though they were to conduct themselves as a happily married, loving couple when in public. The contract also included a confidentiality clause, prohibiting her from revealing the contents to anyone. After the one year had expired, they would agree to divorce amicably, and she would be paid the sum of 10 million dollars.

Gabriella stared at the sum that was written in the contract with utter disbelief. She never imagined it would be this large.

‘I guess if I’m selling my soul to the devil for a whole year, this should be worth it,’ she thought.

With this money, she would finally pay off all her college debt, never have to worry about rent again, and start a good life for herself. One where she didn’t have to worry about whether she would survive till the end of the month before she got her next paycheck.

Still, somewhere deep within her, she couldn’t shake off the feeling that this could go horribly wrong, and she was getting herself into way more than she knew.

Gabriella looked up from the contract at Alexander. His eyes were fixed on her, patiently waiting, then with trembling hands, she picked up the pen and signed, the scratch of ink echoing in the tense air as she sealed her fate.

“We’ll make this work, Gabriella. It’s a mutually beneficial contract,” Alexander said.

Gabriella handed him the contract without saying a word, and his hand lightly brushed hers as he took it, making her retract her arm quickly as if she’d touched something hot. 

Alexander’s eyes flicked to her face suddenly, and she avoided eye contact. He studied her for a moment before focusing on the contract and signing as well.

“Well then, we have a deal.” He said as he put the contract away in his desk.

“You’ll need to pack your things and come live with me. Will two days be enough for you to gather your stuff?”

Gabriella's head snapped up to him, finally meeting his gaze with wide eyes.

“Live with you? The contract didn’t say anything about living with you.” Her heart began to beat even faster.

Alexander laughed in amusement, his eyes crinkled at the corners, and his cheeks formed dimples she never knew he had until now.

“Gabriella, don't married couples live together?” He asked mockingly, a cocky smile settling on his face.

She didn’t like the way he always made her feel like an idiot. She wanted to slap that smug smile off his handsome face.

“We’re not married yet.” She said, crossing her arms over her chest.

“Yes, I know that, but we’re not going to wake up one random day and just get married. No one would believe us, and people will start asking questions.”

As much as she hated to admit it, he was right. Alexander had really thought about everything to the last detail.

“Fine.” She reluctantly agreed.

“Good. So I’ll come pick you up in two days then. Once you’re settled, I’ll fill you in on the ground rules and let you know everything you need for the upcoming gala. Then we’ll need to be familiar with the basics of each other and get our story straight. I’ll also schedule an appointment for you with my stylist soon. You’ll need a complete makeover. Sound good?”

Gabriella’s eyes blinked repeatedly as she struggled to digest everything he had just rambled to her.

“Sounds good,” she finally said, unsure how else to respond.

“Alright. That will be all. You may go.”

Gabriella breathed deeply and got up to leave. Her heart felt heavy as she walked out of his office, and when she shut the door, reality came crashing down on her in sudden waves. A single tear rolled down her cheek, betraying her, and she wiped it off quickly before returning to her desk. There was no going back now.

When Gabriella got home from work, she made herself some ramen noodles and snuggled into her couch with a blanket. Slurping her noodles loudly, she continuously switched from one channel to the next. She couldn’t concentrate on anything as she kept worrying about what was to come. How was she going to live with a stranger in two days, someone she barely knew?

As she changed the channel for the fifth time, a picture of  Dennis Raymond appeared on the screen, and she sat up instantly.

“Raymond Enterprises breaks new ground as company’s stocks skyrocket,” Gabriella mumbled the headline.

She watched carefully as the interviewer asked him questions about his company, and he responded effortlessly with a smile each time. She admired his calm demeanor and how he handled the interview with ease and professionalism. He just seemed like somebody she would get along with effortlessly.

‘Why can’t I be forced to marry someone like him?’ Gabriella thought. Instead, she was stuck with grumpy old Alexander.

Her mind went back to the night they met in the club, how he saved her and made sure she was okay. Watching him on the television now, she felt warm inside as the cameras zoomed in on him and he flashed a smile. Gabriella felt a sense of familiarity, the same charming smile she saw that night before he disappeared. It was just a few days ago, yet her life felt so different now.

‘How am I even going to explain this whole marriage thing to Khloe’, she wondered. 

She hated keeping this secret and how she already felt like a bad friend. She would have to lie to everybody.

Gabriella let her head fall back on the couch as she stared blankly at the ceiling. In just a few days, she had gone from being unemployed to getting a job to being a pawn in a rich man’s game. A contract marriage, no love, no passion-just business. The thought sent a pang through her chest. What had she gotten herself into?

Suddenly, her phone buzzed, indicating she had just received a message. Unlocking it, she found a text from an unknown number.

“Wifey, take tomorrow off to pack your things and say goodbye to whoever you need to. Remember “confidentiality”- Alexander.”

“Wifey??!!” Gabriella screamed at her phone in horror.