Chapter 5: The Contract

When Aurora woke up it was 6 in the morning.

She put it out of its misery quickly, so that it would not disturb her mother.

For some seconds she lay in bed, looking at the broken ceiling above her.

The second day of University's final payment period.

There were only 48 hours until a day of reckoning.

A mere 48 hours before she had lost all that she had spent her life working for.

She got to her feet, took her time and picked up a little metal box from under her bed. She counted up all the money she had saved over the months – from working at the café to tutoring students and giving up nearly all the pleasures.

Finally, she counted till she was done and closed her eyes.

This was just half of what she needed!

When she heard knocks, she was suddenly interrupted from her thought.

"Aurora?"

There, it was a gentle voice that was Grace's.

"Breakfast is ready."

Aurora tried to lift her face as she headed towards the door of the bedroom.

"You should've rested."

“And make my daughter go away hungry?” Grace teased.

There was a little laughter in Aurora's voice but it was not a happy one.

As they were eating, Grace noticed that Aurora was sometimes looking at her phone.

"No good news?"

Aurora shook her head and then her fist.

I'll work it out.

So you've been telling me that all along.

“That's a quote he often gives,” I replied.

Grace stretched out her hand and touched her daughter's hand.

Be not a martyr to save others.

Aurora smiled.

"I won't."

But deep down...

Now she was not sure any longer.

A very noisy morning at Kingsbridge University.

The students enthusiastically decorated all corners, as it was the Founder's Charity Gala - an annual event in which families, business leaders and alumni converge.

Emily had a flyer in her hand and was flying towards Aurora.

"Did you hear?"

"Hear what?"

The Kingsley family are the sponsors of this year's gala.

Aurora looked up hardly at all.

"That's nice."

Emily gave her eyes a roll.

"That's nice? The girls half the campus are already doing their Christmas shopping around what to wear as Damien Kingsley will be here.

Aurora put on her backpack.

I have more issues to deal with than a charity gala!

Emily's expression softened.

"The deadline?"

Aurora nodded.

Back in the Finance Office.

You know they will say that they will not.

"I know."

I'll just have to try that one out, though.

The answer she wanted was the one which came.

I am sorry Miss Bennett.

It seemed the finance officer was very much sympathetic.

The deadline cannot be extended beyond the above.

Aurora's eyes dropped.

What about paying some of them now?

Extensions of any kind are not allowed in part.

"So... that's it?"

"I'm afraid so."

The woman thanked Aurora and they both went out quietly.

There were plenty of people in the corridor but it somehow didn't have a "family spirit".

It's the first time since attending the university.

She wondered how her life will have been had she never had it.

Elsewhere on campus...

Damien was leaning his cell phone on his car.

The man with two coffee cups was greeted by Lucas who went to him.Then, Lucas went over to the man who was holding two cups of coffee.

"Have been waiting here 20 minutes.

Damien accepted one.

I am waiting for somebody.

I know just who,

Lucas sighed.

“Are you sure you are going to be doing that, too?

"Yes."

There's no time like the present to return to the Lord.

Damien turned his eyes towards the administration building.

"No."

Who'll know if she will say 'yes' or 'no'.

Damien smiled confidently.

"She will."

However, you know that because...?

A man's price is as he will:

Lucas frowned.

I don't believe that Aurora Bennett does.

He gave Damien a look.

"Everyone does."

While Lucas was about to go to bat for his team, Aurora exited the building.

She looked defeated.

Completely defeated.

Damien could tell no matter how far away the distance.

He was trying to escape from the vehicle.

"Watch."

Someone came in front of Aurora as she was about to enter the campus garden.

She looked up.

Damien Kingsley.

Again.

“What is happening?” she whispered.

"I'd like to talk."

"I'm late."

"For work?"

She looked surprised.

Where is your workplace?

I know numerous things.

The answer didn't make her feel comfortable.

Does not want to have anything to do with any of your products.

She attempted to get around him.

He came to his turn without interfering her.

“Tuition is on me.”

Aurora stopped.

Slowly...

She turned around.

"What?"

I will give ALL the money!

She looked at him, and knew that she must have heard incorrectly.

I don't fit the bill.

"I know enough."

They were at ease between themselves.

Finally, Aurora spoke.

"What do you want?"

Damien smiled.

"You're smart."

What do you want, I said.

I need a girl-friend.

Aurora blinked.

"...Excuse me?"

"A fake one."

She actually laughed.

Not because it was not laugh out loud funny.

Because it did not make any sense!

I think you've taken the wrong guy for me!

"You need money."

"And?"

I want somebody who would pretend to be my girlfriend.

"No."

Damien was taken aback by her swift response.

“You don't even know what the facts are.”

"I don't need to."

She ran away, she started to run,

“A hundred thousand dollars.”

Her footsteps stopped.

I will take care of your tuition.

No response.

I will also pay for your mother's surgery.

Aurora froze.

The cold chill ran down her spine.

Slowly she looked back at him.

From which country is my mom from?

Damien knew that he had spoken too much.

How I find out information.

Aurora's expression hardened.

"You investigated me?"

I had to find out if you were fit for me.

Suitable?

Was she to him what?

Some sort of a job applicant?

"You had no right."

"I'll admit that."

“But it won't change the situation.

Aurora started to gasp for breath.

"You don't understand."

So what's happening if you tell me,” said the young girl.

She looked away.

"You never will."

Damien stepped closer.

I will be open for 48 hours.

She remained silent.

You're going to be my pretend girlfriend.

"For how long?"

“Long enough to make someone enraged.”

Vivian.

She suddenly recalled the lovely girl at the café.

"So... I'm just a tool."

"A temporary solution."

Aurora laughed bitterly.

I'm worth more to myself than that!

"Do you?"

His words were a cut too deep.

What is he talking about?

"You can refuse."

He provided her with a business card.

"But if you do..."

No one spoke during his speech.

What do you do with your Education?

Looking at the card, Aurora looked around.

The question was, "What happened to your mom?

These were her final words and tore at her last strength.

Tears of sadness were in her eyes.

She hated him.

She did not like this situation.

Most of all...

She didn't want to think about it in any way.

A fight came into Damien's eyes but he said nothing.

He had sowed the seed.

Whether it grew...

All she now had to do was do everything she could.

Aurora clenched her fingers around the business card and focussed on it.

She didn't answer.

She couldn't.

When he began to march away, he never looked back.

He was sure that she would call.

Aurora stood alone under the trees, paralysed in awe by the elegant black card in her shivering fingered hand.

This is the first time in her life...

There was no way to tell difference between hope and despair.