Chap. 5: BOUND WITH A CONTRACT

**Nicole's POV**

I stared at him, eyes widened in shock and legs trembling that could barely keep me standing. I almost fell, but he held me by the waist and made me sit down.

“You need to be careful, sweetie. I don't want my wife to get hurt.” He winked and I blinked.

Was it too late to turn back the hands of time? My heart ached that I had proposed to a whole Easton, Ferdinand. The ruthless and wealthiest CEO to ever scale high in the fashion and modeling industry.

His company, E. F Entertainment, was the home of fashion and modeling. It was a big industry and many models dreamed of being there. Even though I had wished to be there one day, getting there was hard because he was a tough nut to crack. I heard he gives jobs based on performances, and it has to be live, and he's watching.

I looked at him again and our eyes met, causing me to quickly lower my gaze in embarrassment. “I'm sorry, Mr. Easton. I had no idea…” I trailed off and heard him snicker.

I turned to face mum and she stood speechless. She still hadn't recovered from the shock.

“I have no problems with you, Miss. Nicole. All I want you to do is take responsibility for your actions.” He crossed his legs.

“I'm sorry. We could go to the court and get a divorce—”

“No,” He cut me off, and I stared at him. If he doesn't want a divorce, then how do I escape from this hell hole I've put myself? “I don't want a divorce. It wouldn't be good for my name, Miss Nicole. What do you want people to say? That I got married today and divorced tomorrow? Do you know who I am? Do you know how much that can affect me?” He asked and I sighed.

“I'm sorry. I didn't think of that. What do you want us to do then? You don't want a divorce because you want to protect your image. I would rather not get married to you because I was drunk when I made that stupid mistake, so what do you want me to do to fix this mess?” I asked.

He stood from where he sat and walked to me, then bent to my level. His lips curved upwards, and I could see a smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. Ignoring my mother's presence, he used his index finger to lift my chin, then smiled. “Be my wife.”

“What!” I exclaimed, and he went back to where he was seated.

“Why are you surprised? You were the one that proposed to me, Wifey. Take responsibility,” He smiled and pushed the contract to me. “Go through it and tell me what you think.” He ordered.

With shaky hands, I took the contract papers and stared at mum. Mum urged me to check and when I did, my eyes widened.

“50 million dollars!” I exclaimed. “What's the meaning of this? This isn't the contract you dropped yesterday.” I snapped.

“I changed my mind.” He answered nonchalantly.

“Just because you call the shots here doesn't mean you do what you like. What are you talking about here? I should act like your wife for as long as you want, then you'll pay me 50 million dollars? Did I tell you I needed money?” I yelled and Mum cleared her throat.

He sat there unfazed by my outbursts. He sipped his wine casually, dropped the glass cup and looked at me. “I don't like when people work for free, Miss. Nicole. You proposed to me, and I'm offering you freedom after I've achieved what I married you for. Where did I go wrong? Haven't you read the terms and conditions? Or are you ready to pay the rejection fee?” He asked and I sighed.

The rejection fee was three times the amount he's going to pay me. Where the heck would I get such a huge amount of money from?

I didn't answer him and went to where mum stood. “Mum, I don't want to do this.” I whined.

“We have no choice, sweetie. We can't afford the money and since he has mentioned not to touch you and the fact that you can visit me whenever you feel like it, I think it's fine. Also, it's a confidential thing, so you can still pursue your career and get revenge on those scumbags!” She snapped.

I sat for a while as I thought of what she said. I might also need that 50 million dollars to get back on my feet after the expiration of the contract. After much contemplation, I walked back to where I sat.

“Fine. I'll do it, but we must respect the terms and conditions. Disobeying attracts additional charges.” I explained.

“I can afford that. You should be worried about yourself because you might go bankrupt.” He blurted out.

“So arrogant!” I muttered to myself.

He signed the contract, and shifted it to me. I did the same, and tears rolled down my cheeks. He saw my tears but said nothing and stood up.

“Pack your things. I'm taking you with me.” He ordered and my eyes widened.

“Now? Aren't you at least going to give me a chance to tell my mom goodbye? Besides, I haven't gotten my stuff ready.” I complained.

“Do you think I'd allow you to bring any of your things to my house?” He scoffed. “Those things are old-fashioned. What you should know is that from today, you're Mrs. Nicole Ferdinand. A Ferdinand does not dress in outdated clothes.” He looked at me, his face contorted into a frown.

“But I have some important clothes I just can't throw away.” I argued.

“Was there food in my mouth when I told you not to take anything?” He asked and I pursed my lips. He smiled at my mother. “It's nice to see you, mother-in-law. I'll give you a few minutes to spend some time with your daughter. Use it wisely.” He clicked his tongue and walked out.

I burst into tears and my mother rushed to me. She engulfed me in a hug and cried too. “I'm sorry, Nicole. I'm sorry you have to experience this.” She patted my back.

I said nothing and cried on her shoulder. When we were done, she placed her hands on my shoulders. “You have to be careful, okay? Don't let him take advantage of you. He might be an overbearing person, but you have to be strong, like the daughter I know. It'll be over before you know it.” Mother hugged me and I nodded.

“I'm sorry, mum.” I whispered and she kissed my hair.

“Times up!” We heard him yell from outside, and I hugged mum once more.

“I'll miss you.” I forced a smile.

“I'll miss you more, sweetie.” She held my hand and led me out.

After our final hug, the car door opened for me and I entered. The chauffeur started driving and tears rolled down my cheeks as I pictured the new life ahead of me.

The life of Easton Ferdinand's wife.

A life as Mrs. Ferdinand.