Chapter 15: Use me.

She ate slowly as I watched her take her time eating and shortly she was done.

She looked around the room,her eyes darting around and actively avoiding meeting mine.

Then she broke the silence.

“You know I'm not marrying you for love or money, right?”

“I do. It's a contract marriage to get your ex to leave you alone and to leave your family.”

“You're not…totally wrong. I married you for revenge. Not against you or your family, but mine. You're a crucial key needed in fighting my battle and I intend to use you.”

“Then use me.”

She finally looked up.

The room was enveloped in silence as we both stared at each other like we were communicating with our eyes.

“You don't know what you're walking into, Pierce. My family–”

“I don't care. Just use me.”

I took a few steps and crouched in front of her, taking her hand in mine.

“And when you're done, you can decide what you want to do with me.”

She looked at her hand in mine and looked up to meet my eyes. I held her gaze. Her eyes filled with uncertainty and tears threatening to fall any minute.

Someone coughed behind us. It was Nate.

We both looked towards the direction the cough came from and split up.

“Kara, meet Nate. My personal doctor and best friend, we grew up together and he's the one who treated you and put all those needles on your face.”

“They're called filiform needles, dimwit.” He adjusted his glasses.

“Whatever, bookworm.” I teased and stifled a laugh as he glared at me.

“ Hello Ms Kara, how're you feeling?” He set down his bag.

“Please, just Kara.” She smiled.

“I feel weak and nauseous. There's a dull ache in my abdomen too.”

He nodded, taking notes on his phone as she spoke.

“It's the poison trying to leave your system. I'll give you some medications and you'll be fine. Do you have trouble eating?”

She gripped the bedsheets tight and hesitated.

“ Kara, I need to know so I can help you.” He reassured.

She looked at the ground before speaking.

“Sometimes. I can't eat food prepared by others but other than that, I eat fine.”

“Hmm, okay. Here's your prescription, Pierce will get the rest. The instructions are written on the pack, don't skip any and you'll be fine in no time.”

“Thanks Doc.”

“ Anytime Kara. Pierce can I see you for a moment?”

“I'll be back Kara.”

“Hm.”

We both stepped outside the room.

“ I think she has an eating disorder associated with trauma.”

Nate went straight to the point as soon as we were alone.

“I figured.”

“Try to keep an eye on her and make sure she eats. Enough.”

“Will do.”

“I have to rush back to the office, I have a patient to meet before going home.”

“Thanks man.”

“Anytime bro.”

I walked back to the room after seeing Nate off and met Kara staring at her wrist.

Must be the timer. She didn't notice my presence.

I raised my left hand and looked at my own wrist, the faint timer was still counting down. Did we wake up on the same day? How long does she have left?

I thought as I started at her, rubbing my wrist.

I checked the time and it's already 6pm. I Jason called to give me update on how things are going at the office and ask if he's picked the contract from my lawyer, he's supposed to be done by now

“how’s it going?” I asked immediately the call connected.

“Boss, we have a problem. Check the news. Someone told the media we mix expired drinks to produce fresh drink in the company, reporters are swarming the entrance right now.”

I was immediately alarmed. Who could tell such bold lies?

I have a lot of enemies but I can only think of one person. My step brother. Justin.