Chapter 3: The Agreement Is Reached

In the faint light of my small flat, I gazed at the sleek black card on the table, its letters etched with silver. I could recite them in my sleep since I had read them so many times: *Williams Franklin*. A moniker that sounded as alien to my reality as the moon was to the ocean.

Three days had passed since the offer. I spent three days trying to persuade myself that it was the right decision to walk away. However, since this was my sole remaining lifeline, I couldn't just up and leave.

My bank account was dying, my rent was due tomorrow, and the job interviews I had been frantically pursuing had all dried up like the end of a summer rain. Then came the man from the alley, whose cryptic warning kept repeating itself in my head.

There is always a cost associated with Franklin's bargains.

But at what cost? Furthermore, didn't I already pay one for simply living in a city that ate up and spewed out people like me?

I dragged my palms down my cheeks and moaned. The decision wasn't truly a decision.

I pulled my cell phone from my pocket and dialed the number on the card. A clipped, businesslike voice responded after it rung once and twice.

Ms. Franklin's workspace. How can I help you?

With a dry throat, I paused. Freda Lewis is this person. I want to... talk to him.

After a little silence, there was the soft sound of a keyboard. Yes, Ms. Lewis. Your call has been anticipated by Mr. Franklin. I'll put you in touch right away.

His loud, powerful voice entered my ear, and before I could even absorb what she had said, the line snapped. "Ms. Lewis." I was beginning to suspect that you had no interest.

I tightened my hold on the phone and continued, "I've been thinking."

"And?"

With the words stuck in my throat, I swallowed hard. "I'll carry it out."

After a moment of stillness, he responded, "Good. The contract will be sent to you for review by my assistant. We will meet to finalise the arrangements after you have signed it.

As simple as that. No hesitation, no questions.

"Is that it?" I enquired, a little taken aback by his silence.

"For the moment," he answered. "But there's no turning back once you sign, Ms. Lewis. Are you certain that you're prepared for that?

He said something that made me pause for a second. Then, despite his inability to see me, I nodded. "I'm prepared."

The following morning, a messenger in a spotless black suit handed the contract in a large envelope. With my hands shaking a little, I signed for it and shut the door.

I opened the envelope cautiously while seated at my unsteady kitchen table, exposing a stack of clean, typewritten sheets. In stark black and white, the terms were presented:

1. Five years of marriage with Williams Franklin.

2. Making public appearances as his spouse while upholding the appearance of a cordial partnership.

3. A $50,000 monthly allowance with a $5 million lump sum payoff after contract conclusion.

4. Complete confidentiality about the arrangement's nature.

One thing was obvious: this wasn't simply a sale; it was a transaction. The rest was legalese that I could hardly understand. Indifferent, calculating, and lacking any passion.

A queue was waiting for my signature at the bottom of the last page.

With my heart racing, I hovered over the dotted line and picked up the pen. It was this. My life would be completely different after I signed.

However, isn't that what you're after?

I inhaled deeply before writing my name in calm, methodical strokes on the page.

After two hours, I was in the back of a sleek black sedan that was driving quickly across the city to a place I didn't know. Shortly after I emailed the signed contract back to Franklin's office, the driver—a quiet, composed man in a suit—arrived to pick me up.

I tried, but couldn't stop the nerves in my gut from twisting. The car's opulent interior subdued the bustle of the city as it passed by the tinted windows. I was being transported above it, like a traveler on someone else's adventure, and for once I wasn't involved in the commotion.

At last, the vehicle arrived in front of a tall glass building, its sparkling exterior reflecting the afternoon light. My heels clicked on the immaculate pavement as I stepped out after the driver opened my door.

The driver pointed to the entryway and added, "Mr. Franklin is expecting you."

I nodded and walked inside, my heart racing as I went.

With its marble floors, tall columns, and a huge chandelier that glistened like a thousand little stars, the foyer was a study in luxury. I was shown to the lift by a woman at the front desk who greeted me with a well-practiced smile.

My anxiety increased with each floor as the lift rose. I thought I could be ill by the time the doors opened.

Williams was waiting for me in a clean, contemporary office that exuded sophistication and strength. A panoramic view of the city was provided by the floor-to-ceiling windows, and the space's simple décor revealed a lot about the man who lived there.

As I walked in, he got up from his chair, his crisp suit well fitted. "Ms. Lewis." Greetings.

With my voice trapped in my throat, I nodded.

He gestured toward the chair opposite his desk and said, "Have a seat."

I sat with my hands firmly clasped in my lap to stop them from trembling.

With that same piercing gaze, he leaned back in his chair and observed me. "You have the contract signed."

"Yes," I answered, scarcely raising my voice above a whisper.

With a slight smile pulling at the corner of his mouth, he murmured, "Good." "Then we can get started."

"Start what?" With a knot in my stomach, I asked.

"It was our first appearance," he remarked, getting up. Tonight is the gala. You will come as my spouse.

My mouth became parched. "Tonight?"

With a calm, detached tone, he questioned, "Is that a problem?"

I gave a short shake of my head. "No, I simply I had no idea it would happen so quickly.

"Ms. Lewis, everything in my world goes swiftly. You will need to adapt.

The door opened a moment after he tapped a button on his desk, revealing a composed woman in her forties.

"This is Grace," remarked Williams. "She'll assist you in getting ready."

Grace smiled politely at me. “Please follow me.”

I paused, turning to look at Williams again, but his face was blank.

I had no choice but to follow Grace out of the office and down many levels in a lift.

She remarked sharply, "We'll start with your wardrobe." Next, makeup and hair. At eight, the gala begins.

I had the impression that I had entered someone else's life as she escorted me into a room brimming with racks of expensive dresses and a whole staff of stylists ready to pounce on me.

I was hardly the same person when I was done. The woman gazing back at me in the mirror sported flawless makeup, a stunning emerald dress that highlighted her curves beautifully, and her hair arranged in an elegant updo.

"Perfect," replied Grace, evaluating me critically. Let's go now. Mr. Franklin is awaiting

The ride back up to his office made my nerves jangle. Williams was standing there as the doors opened, looking much more formidable in a black tuxedo.

As his gaze went over me, a brief expression that nearly like acceptance appeared on his face.

"Should we?" He offered me his arm as he spoke.

After a moment of hesitation, I touched his arm, feeling the warmth of his skin pierce his suit.

I couldn't get rid of the sensation that I was perilously close to falling down a cliff as we entered the waiting car.

Then, with a slight smirk, Williams turned to face me as the car drove away. I hope you're prepared for questions, by the way. My family doesn't exactly have a reputation for being welcoming.

I felt sick to my stomach. "What sort of enquiries?"

With a light tone and dark gaze, he continued, "Let's just say they'll be testing you." And if you don't succeed...

The implication remained thick in the air even if he did not continue the statement.

As the city lights flickered by, I clenched my hands in my lap, fear building in my belly. Now that I had entered his realm and signed the contract, there was no going back.

However, one thought kept coming to me as the automobile accelerated towards its destination: *What have I gotten myself into?*