Romans & histoires Contract For Friendship

-- "In the midst of the ocean, where so many times I have been yours for hire, allow me to be yours for love." That's it! The other times what we were together was a contract we had signed, something pre-written that said we should pretend to love each other in front of others. An agreement that brought us closer together, he because he didn't want to be humiliated and I because I needed money. I won't lie and deny it, I was there for the high amount he promised me, the fiery moments were only benefits. Our relationship was of golden interest; interest in the other's body, interest in the contract.

He had me by the throat and there was absolutely nothing I could do about it. I had totally forgotten all about the contract and now my hands are tied. I sank into my seat as I felt the tears form in my eyes. ‘Why the f*ck am I crying?’ I wiped my eyes with the back of my hand and exhaled. ‘This is only for a while. The contract is to last for a year, right? You got this. You can do this, Jade.’ ‘He wants to see you break but don’t let him get to you. All you have to do is be good at your job and avoid him, you’ll be fine.’

Adrian explained. “It works for both parties without friction…” Fredrick nodded agreeably, “Adrian has a point. Gary needs you but he can’t afford you, he can’t afford your standard of service but he can afford your friendship.” “You guys don’t think I’m a rigid person, do you?” Alex asked, readjusting on his seat as he studied each of their faces. “I’m going to have to draw up the contract for him myself, whether Gary has the money or not.” He continued, turning to Gary,

Max just grinned, saluted lazily, and slipped out. The door clicked shut. Silence stretched between us, thick and uncomfortable. I swallowed. “What exactly does ‘friends with benefits’ mean to you?” He exhaled through his nose, almost a laugh without humor. “I was really hoping you’d let that one slide after the way you were staring at me for two minutes ago.” Heat crawled up my neck. Damn him for noticing. He rubbed a hand over his face. “It means exactly what it sounds like. Sex. No strings. No promises. No future. Cassie knew she would never wear my mark or sit beside me at the head table. She agreed anyway.”

’’ I said. ‘‘How about we become friends?’’ I asked, and forward my hand for a handshake. ‘‘In future, if we have any problem then we'll talk it out, instead of fighting.’’ I suggested. He thinks for a moment then gives his hand into mine, and handshake with me. ‘‘Friends.’’ He said with a straight face. ‘‘Then let's finalize our first, new deal.’’ I said and he nodded. We talked about our project that our dads purpose to each other's company, then signed the papers.

I was on a call so I signalled for her to come in. “Amelia, I have a contract for you, “ I told her, watching closely. “What contract? For what? “ She asked me. “ You shouldn’t question me, Amelia, just sign the contract and we’ll begin from there,” I told her. I don’t have time to go back and forth. “ okay I need to read through it, so please give me some time. I don’t even know what the contract is for” she said trying to scan through the document.

She retorts. As expected, I receive this response from her. What else can I expect from a selfish girl like her? She only thinks about herself. “If you have forgotten, let me remind you. It was mentioned in our contract that nobody will interfere in each other’s life. But you are breaking the rule.” She reminds me about the contract, intensifying my anger. “Fuck your contract, Grace. What is mentioned in your contract doesn't matter to me. You won’t come close or sleep with any man for three months.”

He already made it clear from the onset and what's the essence of an affair without sleeping together. "Yes, that's a substantial part of the contract," I did not miss seeing the slight curve on his lips and the mischievous look in his eyes. "I'm good in bed...if that's what you wanted to ask." He boasted. "Hmmm." I hummed in response. "How old are you though? I'm thirty five." He brought out what was inside the envelope. It was a printed paper which had NO STRINGS CONTRACT boldly written at the top. I couldn't make out what was written underneath from where I sat because they were in small fonts. Afterwards, be dropped a pen on the table.

Connected. Surrendered to desire. ******************************************

Author's POV Jem felt his stomach tighten instantly. Dante continued before Jem could interrupt. “The bond does not remain stable indefinitely once it fully recognizes its match,” he explained carefully. “That’s why the marriage ceremony matters. It isn’t symbolic. It completes the process permanently.” Jem stayed silent, listening carefully now. Dante exhaled softly before continuing. “If the bond remains incomplete for too long… the damage accelerates as the fortieth birthday approaches.” Jem frowned slightly. “Accelerates how?”