Chapter 5

I sat in my office space stunned by what had just transpired in front of me. Jordan had indifferently told me that he wanted me to be his fiancee. The very same Jordan who had enjoyed those years of mocking the fat old me in high school; he's got some nerves, he told me, looking at me like he was doing me a favor. He expected me to fall at his feet in gratitude.

A thousand thoughts ran through my head, making it spin like crazy. I didn't know if I was more shocked or amused by his audacity, he had grown into a handsome young man, but his arrogance hadn’t changed a bit. And yet, here he was asking me whom he'd once dumped to be his fiancee.

I had managed to keep my calm as he made mention of it because I wouldn't want to ruin any of my plans. But internally, a storm was brewing, and I barely held back my laugh. He surely had no idea who he was dealing with now. I was no longer that insecure fat girl, desperate for his attention, I no longer tremble under his gaze. I am a different person now, very much stronger, smarter, and ready to play his game.

A part of me wanted to blatantly refuse and tell him to hold back his offer, but a larger part of me, that part that I had been suppressing for years, wanted something else instead. Taking this situation as an advantage for revenge. I just needed an opportunity to turn the tables, to make him regret ever crossing paths with me, but it would require careful planning, and I shouldn’t let my emotions get the better of me.

I spent the rest of the day trying to focus on my work, but I couldn’t keep myself from wandering back to Jordan’s proposal. 

The more I thought about it the more I realized how satisfying it would be to humiliate and make him suffer just like he had made me suffer. I would just pretend to play along and then plan his downfall. The thought alone brought a small smile to my lips, which I hid quickly. I couldn’t let my guard down, not now.

By the time I was done with my work and prepared to leave, I felt exhausted from the entire day’s work.

Once outside, the cool evening air hit my face, making me calm slightly. I just needed to sleep, clear my head, and figure out my next move.

The next day, fortunately, was work-free. I intentionally woke up late, took my time with breakfast, and set about cleaning my small apartment. As I dusted the shelves and vacuumed the floors, my mind found itself wandering again to Jordan’s offer. My mind, even though made up, was still hesitating. Would I be able to go ahead with something like this? Did I really want to play his fiancée even though it meant getting close to him?

I just finished cleaning up when my phone buzzed, alerting me that a new email had popped up. Wiping my hands dry, I picked up the phone, my heart skipping a beat when I saw the sender...Jordan?

I tapped on the notification. My eyes scanned the content of the email, I felt my blood go cold.

A contract?

My eyes widened as I read through the document attached to the email. It was an actual contract, with details and heading, showing the terms and conditions of our “engagement.” My mind whirled as I absorbed each word, one after the other, the details were laid in precise language. I was expected to attend public events with him, take a couple of photos with him, and even pose the impression that we were living together. I hadn't even agreed to it and here he was, sending me a formal agreement as if my consent was nothing more than a mere formality.

My hands shook slightly as I held the phone, feeling both angry and astonished. I barely had a full day to think about his proposal, and now he was already pushing me into signing the contract. Who did he think he was?

As I scrolled down, reading further, my anger grew. At the there was a note: “Bride must move into latter’s home a week.” My breath hitched.

He didn’t mention that in the office. At the bottom, written,” To be signed before the end of the day.” He wasn’t asking me nor pleading, he was demanding. 

As I stood there, trying to comprehend the entire situation before my phone rang, making me jolt out of my thoughts. I glanced at the screen and my stomach twisted into knots. It was him again. Jordan of course. I hesitated for a moment, then answered the call.

“Hello?” I said, trying to keep my voice calm.

“Have you signed it?” His voice was calm, but there was, I sensed a feeling of expectation that made my skin crawl.

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. “Excuse me, sir?”

“The contract, Elena” he repeated, as if I was too slow to understand.

“Have you signed it yet?” he added, making me clench my teeth, my free hand curling into a fist. “ I haven’t made any decision yet sir,” I replied back, still trying to keep my voice calm even though my blood was boiling. I received no response, so after a while, I spoke.

“I’ll think about it,” I continue; I didn’t want to give him the satisfaction of getting a quick reply.

“You should do that,” he answered "But, be quick about it “

The audacity.

He hung up, and silence welcomed itself back into the room. Staring at my phone in disbelief. What kind of game was he playing? 

My heart pounded as I contemplated my next move. I knew one thing. He wouldn’t know what hit him.