-----
I can't help but smile as I pull up to my apartment complex. I haven't been here in such a long time, so it feels wonderful to be back. Before he goes, the driver assists me in retrieving my suitcase.
I enter the building and proceed to the ground floor. I ogle the buttons on the elevator like I haven't seen them in ages.
I move toward the floor where I am and approach my door. I frown as a letter on the door freezes me in my tracks just as I go to fetch my keys to open it.
I tear it off the door and read it while my face goes white with shock. It was a notice of eviction. I slam my luggage to the ground and stop short of entering my apartment as I stand and gaze at the door. When I realize what is actually going on in my life, tears start to well up in my eyes.
I couldn't help but feel as though I had a curse. I got into a car accident right when I was having trouble, and now I'm being evicted. It appeared as though I was paying for all of my crimes.
I had just one choice. I pull my phone from my pocket and start to dial.
I need to talk to you, so please come pick me up.
-----
I'm sitting in front of my flat, leaning on the door with my back. I looked up when the elevator stopped and made a noise.
He approaches me and I notice him gazing at me indifferently.
He lifts my luggage from the ground and says emotionlessly, "Let's go." I get up and walk with him to the car. He starts the car after we both get in. Until he approaches an underground parking area, the trip is silent.
My hands unconsciously move for the car handle while I frown in perplexity.
I tens up as his rich voice breaks through, "We are not going anywhere."
I ask suspiciously, "Why are we in a garage," as I scan the area and fail to spot a single car.
Ignoring my question, he asks while cocking an eyebrow, "So I assume you want to take up on my agreement." I nod my head and take a nervous peek outside.
I pause to consider his query, "Why?"
I answered, turning my attention from the view to him, "Because I have nothing to lose. He looks at me with lovely brown hazel eyes and a mischievous grin.
He nods in agreement and pulls a file from the bag beneath his foot as he says, "Very well."
He handed the paper to me and added, "Here's the contact." I read it as I take it from him with trembling hands.
---
This marriage contract between Lorenzo Kosmos Marco and _____ is strictly business and can't be broken unless both parties disobey the law.
1. The marriage will be presented to the public as real, according to both parties.
2. While the agreement is in effect, neither party may engage in sexual activity with another partner.
3. If asked, both parties will take care of each other's needs.
4. The duration of this agreement is one year for both parties.
5. Party 1) will meet all of Party 2)'s requirements. Ex. living quarters, attire, etc. Party 2 must share a residence with Party 1 for the duration of the agreement.
-> After the year of contact is over, the parties will part ways and stop communicating with one another.
If there are any kids involved, custody will be split equally between the two people following the divorce.
-> If the agreement/rules are broken before the year is over, the penalties might range from a $2,000,000 fine to jail time.
---
I stared at the contract in disbelief.
He asks with a sneer, "Agree?" Before setting the contract down, I give him a glare.
I shout, "TWO million dollars," only for his sneer to grow even wider.
Leaning his head back on the car seat, he remarked, "It's not that hard to be honest. Just don't break any of the rules.
I ask as he turns to face me, "Okay, and how about a job I want to have.
"Why?"
I snidely retort, "Why!? Did you just say 'Why?'. Because I want a job. I mean, two million dollars are on the line."
He says, "Okay, that's fine. You're a specialist in information security analyst, right? When we get to the house, I'll test your abilities, and with your level, we'll see where you could fit in."
I snort, "Sure, i guess that'll do," with a negative attitude. He raises his eyes to me and then approaches me with his face.
As his hot breath brushes against the side of my ear, he murmurs, "Don't worry, we will repair it soon. I ignore him, look aside, and gulp air that I was unknowingly holding back.
He handed me the pen and added, "Aright, anything else because once you sign this, there is no turning back." He hums along with my headshake as I do.
He hands me the pen, and I hurriedly sign my name. He returns the pen and paper and signs the contract before putting it back in his luggage.
He started the car and replied, "It's all set then."
It is, I murmur, my stomach churning with anxiety. He twists my head to face him with a sneer on his face, one hand on the wheel and the other on my chin.
"Let's go home, my love."
+++++
Fall or spring?
09
Twenty minutes after leaving that underground parking lot, we get to the house—er, mansion.
When we arrived, his entire attitude changed. He gave me the cold shoulder and barely waved me off. Although I wouldn't say I didn't expect it, it still stung.
I'm a sentimental shit. Give me some space.
I stood outside the stunning mansion and looked at it like a mad woman.
Lorenzo gets out and firmly closes the car door after the vehicle comes to a stop. I lag behind as I exit and make an effort to overtake him. When we get to the large front door, he pulls out his keys and opens it before letting us in.
Lorenzo yells "Martha" as soon as we walk in. I see an older woman rush up to us as I hear urgent footsteps approaching us.
Yes, sir, she answers.
He gives a stern order before leaving in another direction, "Take my fiancée to a room on my floor, make sure to get her dressed, and assign her one of the top servants to take care of everything she needs."
Martha bows her head and approaches me.
She greeted, "Pleased to meet you, madam."
I replied with a gentle smile, "You as well, and no need for the formalities."
She greeted me with "Of course, dear" and motioned for me to follow her. We climbed a few stories before getting to the top. I immediately sensed a shift in the atmosphere as soon as we stepped onto that floor. It seemed as though everything vanished.
She led me to the final room and flung open the door. She opened the door for me first before closing it behind her.
She handed me what appeared to be a walkie talkie and said, "Dear, this will be your room. The young master's room is just a few doors away from you. Your things are already packed in, and I will send someone up soon. If you need anything feel free to ring me. Just use this."
She nodded respectfully in response to my "thank you" and then left me alone. I exhaled in relief as I heard the door click shut and then sat down on the bed. I was worn out from the tension and the trip.
I made the decision to change into a nightgown as I lay there because I was beginning to feel uneasy in my clothing. Even though it was just ten o'clock at night, I could feel my body going out from tiredness.
I got to my feet and headed to the closet. I discovered that it wasn't really a closet, more like a room when I opened the door. I was in total aww as I surveyed the garments surrounding me. Some I recognized as designer, some I owned, and some were brand-new.
I caught myself gazing at the garments for a while before my leg discomfort jolted me out of it. I grabbed my cleanly hung nightgown and moaned in pain before entering the bathroom to get changed.
When I was done, I went back to bed and got my phone. Although I was exhausted, I refused to give in to sleep since I knew I would never get enough rest later.
I started browsing through all the unread social media postings and texts. A knock on my door occurs fifteen minutes later.
I yell, "Come in." I turn around and see a young man who appears to be in his early 20s enter the room.
He said, "Greetings Madam," in an accent that I didn't recognize. I gave him a polite greeting despite my little grimace. Observing my expression, he continues.
The man I know as Jackson said, "Martha had assigned me to you. Feel free to call me whenever you need anything. I am just a button away."
I smiled a little, "Of course, thank you, but did you need anything?"
Yes, he said, "I came here to let you know that dinner is ready, madam. You may come down." I stood up from the bed and gave a head nod. As I put on a pair of slippers and left, he opened the door for me.
When I got downstairs, the dining table was piled high with different kinds of treats and meals.
As he pulled out the chair for me, Jackson said, "Here you are, Madam." Martha came out of the kitchen just as I was about to sit down.
She placed a platter in front of me and whispered softly, "Good evening sweetheart. The young master requested us to arrange this for you.
She could only shake her head when I inquired, "Will he be joining?"
She apologized and said, "Uh darling, young master doesn't eat dinner and if he does, his maid will typically take it to him. I waved her off and continued to eat without letting him get close to me.
I assisted the maids and other servants clean up the remaining mess once I had completed my own. I returned to my room by going back upstairs after making sure all the employees had left the mansion. As I lay in bed, I allowed the sleepy sensation of nothing to engulf me in the night.