The Deal

Ethnan's POV

How poor could this family be to live in such a tatty house? Questions started playing out in my mind as I followed Mrs Rebecca upstairs.

“The deal is simple, Mrs Rebecca.” I blurted as we stepped inside the room. “If your daughter agrees to my terms I will clear your family debt and erase every trace of poverty from your lineage.” Authority reeked from my voice unintended.

“Mr Ethnan, do not mind my inquisitiveness.” Her voice was shaky as she averted her gaze and let it fall on her feet. “Could you brief me what the terms are like?”

“Under a  non-disclosure agreement, your daughter will become my proxy wife until my father passes away.” I paused, looking at her face to get her reaction. “And through the course of her stay in my house there will be no intimacy between us and she won't discharge a slight of spousal duty for me.”

A suffocating stillness lingered and I could feel my patience trimming out. “Would you call her in to sign the agreement? I have other things to attend, Mrs Rebecca.” I thumped my finger lightly against the bed frame.  “I need not remind you how extremely lucky you are to be my pick for this offer amongst many others.”

A forced smile stretched the woman's lips, pronouncing the aging lines on her face. As though she was taking her time to choose her words carefully she hesitated for a while before she said, “Can I sign the papers on her behalf?”

“Mrs Rebecca–” 

“Sir,” Her voice interrupted mine. “My daughter would rather be happy that I grabbed this chance for her and didn't let such a great opportunity slip by. Please, let me sign on her behalf. I am her mother.”

“Alright then. I will entrust you with my confidence.” I said calmly and stretched the agreement file to her. “There are two copies of the agreement in that file, sign both of them. One copy is yours and the other is for me.” I watched as she inscribed her signature on both papers, before handing my copy over to me.  “Good,” I grabbed it and turned toward the door, but on a second thought I considered it necessary to state a vital note to her.

“Mr Rebecca,” There's a hint of threat in my voice now. “Make sure you give your daughter the agreement and explain the terms to her in a clear manner, okay? She can't afford to mess things up.”

Without waiting to hear what else she had to say I turned the doorknob and walked out. When I reached the living room my presence electrified the space. From the corner of my eye I could see Samantha laboring for my attention, but I didn't take a hoot about it. I snapped my fingers and my escort crowded around me. And together we exited the house.

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LATER IN THE EVENING.

Being in the same space with my father had been something I detested since the unfortunate incident that led to my mother's death 20 years ago. But, tonight, I have come to tell him that I had finally granted his only wish: to be married, so to keep the family's name going. 

“I am getting married.” My voice broke into the air of silence that settled between me and my father.

“Enthan! No way.” He clasped his palms over his mouth in utter surprise. “This is the best news of my entire life.” His voice was quivering  as he was almost on the verge of tears. 

We were sitting in his private living room upstairs, and there was ample space between us, so I averted my gaze with style in order to excuse his forced display of emotion. My nose was filled with the familiar scent of custom-made air freshener, bringing me past memories.

“What options do I have other than to fulfill your only wish, father?” The question bore the rage that I felt within me. “I am getting married for your damn sake.”

He let out a deep sigh, looking sober and regretful. He managed unsteady steps and walked over to stand beside me. “Enthan,” He gently placed a hand on my shoulder. “I know you can never forgive me for your mother's death, but you should understand that it was never my fault.”

“Really?” I shoved his hand away. “Tell me, father, would she have fallen into depression if she never walked into you having sex with her best friend? Huh? You cheated on her and flipped her life upside-down–” I could feel my heart tearing apart so I paused to gather my breath. “My mother fell into depression and became an alcoholic ... .and on that fateful day her car skidded off the road, she was under the influence of alcohol, father.” I could feel my cheeks burning with tears already. “My mother died because you betrayed her trust for you.” 

“Ethnan, I know I made a horrible mistake,” He admitted. “But, you can't let it define your life. You are my only son and you need to keep the family's name going by getting married and bearing children.”

“I will forever detest the idea of marriage because it ruined the only person I loved the most.” I scrunched up my nose. “And I will never love any woman for as long as I live.”

“I can understand your emotions, but trust me when I say getting married will usher you into a beautiful, new beginning, Ethnan. You will love and adore your wife, and bear beautiful children.” His tone was filled with irrational finality that nearly made me laugh out loud. 

Bit by bit, the tension between us eased out and my breath steadied. I glanced at my wristwatch and it was a few minutes past 9:PM. “I need to be on my way already. I have a meeting to attend soon.”

“You are always on the go, Ethnan. But, I understand how demanding it can be to keep the business running.” He took my hands into his and gave them a gentle squeeze. “Could you spare me a few minutes and tell me about your wife-to-be and the wedding plans?”

The mention of wife and wedding made me livid in a way I didn't understand, so I bit my lower lip to suppress the raging emotions inside me. “The wedding ceremony is coming up next week.” I blurted.

“That's fantastic! Ethnan, you do not have to worry about the planning. I will hire the appropriate professionals to take care of everything, okay?”

I managed a thin smile and said my thanks. “She is 25 years old and…” I paused at the realization that I didn't know any personal details about Samantha.

“Beautiful age gap. You are 35 years old and that's perfect.” My father's face softened.  “What's her name?”

“Samantha.”

“Samantha?” He flinched, taking a few steps back. “Samantha.”

It was only when he repeated the name that I remembered the name of my mother's best friend—the woman with whom my father had cheated. “Oh, I see. She has the same name as your mistress.”

I hurried down the staircase and stormed out of the house.

“Congratulations on your upcoming wedding ceremony.” His voice echoed through.