Detroit City, 10:30 AM
I just heard one of the craziest things in my life.
"What do you want me to do?" I asked, staring blankly at the man across the table.
"Ms. Victoria wishes for you to become her husband," the man said, extending a paper toward me. His expression was serious, almost bored.
I couldn't believe what I was hearing. The noise of the diner seemed to fade away.
"If you accept, she will pay off your student loans completely. Not only that, but you will receive generous compensation," the man continued, staring me down. "And other perks. Have you thought about finishing college with elite contacts?"
He pointed to the paper on the greasy table.
"Read the contract. You'll see it's a very generous offer."
The man in front of me seemed incredibly calm, as if buying husbands was just another Tuesday for him.
"Look, sir, did you come to my workplace just to make jokes?" I asked, standing up to leave.
"Think carefully, kid. How long are you going to work in this diner?" interrupted the man, straightening his suit. "Ms. Victoria doesn't usually offer such generous agreements."
He stood up, adjusting his fine suit.
"I'll be back tomorrow. Think about it. This could be the change your life needs."
The man walked out into the busy street.
"LOUIS!" my boss shouted from the kitchen. "Go serve the customers and stop standing there!"
"Yes, sir," I replied automatically, already preparing to move. But something made my hand grab the paper on the table first.
The day was long, and the diner was busy the entire time. I didn't even have time to think straight about the madness from earlier. A marriage proposal? That hadn't crossed my mind—at least, not until now.
Night fell. As I walked through streets illuminated only by streetlights and shop windows, my thoughts focused entirely on the contract. The man's words echoed in my mind: "Ms. Victoria doesn't usually offer such generous agreements."
Could I really trust him?
Each step felt heavier as I approached my rented apartment. A thirty-minute walk that felt like an eternity. The sound of cars and the distant murmur of the city were a constant backdrop to the battle unfolding in my head.
Upon arriving home, I threw my keys on the entry table and collapsed onto the sofa, exhausted. The envelope with the proposal rested beside me, a constant reminder of the decision I needed to make.
I closed my eyes. Paid studies. A life of luxury. But at what cost?
I sat up, feeling the weight of the choice. I grabbed the envelope and pulled out the contract. The pages were filled with fine print. I began to read carefully.
The document started straight to the point, with formal headers and legal language.
Contract Clauses:
Party A: Ms. Victoria
Party B: Mr. Louis
Duration of Agreement: The marriage shall have a duration of two years, with the possibility of renewal upon agreement by both parties.
I continued reading and found other points detailing the nature of the deal:
2. Financial Compensation: During the contract period, Party B will receive a significant monthly allowance to cover personal and academic expenses.
3. Confidentiality: Party B agrees not to disclose any details of the agreement to third parties, under penalty of a fine and immediate termination.
4. Social Events: Party B must accompany Party A to all social and business events, presenting himself as her spouse.
5. Residence: Party B must reside in Party A's mansion throughout the contract period.
6. Conjugal Duties: Party B must maintain a harmonious coexistence and fulfill conjugal duties stipulated in the contract.
As I read each clause, I felt a mix of emotions. The offer was tempting, but the obligations and lack of freedom weighed on the scale. I thought about my current life, the diner job, the struggle to pay for school. Victoria's proposal could be the solution to all these problems.
But again... at what cost?
I got up and walked to the window, looking out at the illuminated city. The flickering lights reminded me that the world outside continued, indifferent to my misery. Was I willing to give up my freedom for luxury?
I let out a humorless laugh.
"Why am I even debating this? I'm broke."
The reality of my circumstances hit me hard. My debts were piling up. College seemed like a distant dream.
I ran my fingers over the contract pages, finally deciding to set it aside and try to sleep. Tomorrow would be a new day.
I woke up the next morning with sunlight filtering through the curtains. The night had been restless.
After a quick coffee, I decided to walk around the city to clear my mind. My feet led me to a small, cozy bookstore—my usual refuge.
I spent some time browsing books and talking to the owner, a friendly man named Mr. Joaquim. He seemed to have lived many stories.
"You know, Louis, life is full of choices that shape our destiny," he began, his voice soft. "Sometimes the best decision isn't the one that brings immediate comfort, but the one that challenges us to grow. What are you willing to sacrifice to achieve your goals?"
I listened intently.
"When I was young, I got an offer to work abroad," he continued, adjusting his glasses. "It meant leaving my family behind. It was hard, but I never regretted it."
I reflected on my own priorities. Victoria's proposal offered a fast track to solving my financial problems, but at the cost of my freedom.
"Thank you, Mr. Joaquim. Your words really helped," I said sincerely.
He smiled. "Just remember to follow what your heart and conscience tell you. There is nothing more important than being true to yourself."
The hours passed quickly. On the way back to the diner, I stopped at a café and reread the contract one last time.
When I arrived at the diner, the man in the fine suit was already there, waiting.
"So, Louis, have you made your decision?" he asked, his gaze sharp.
"Yes, I have," I said, finally looking the man in the eye.
He smiled, satisfied.
"I hope your answer is positive."
I looked at the contract in my hands and took a deep breath.
"I just have one question... Why me? I don't know Ms. Victoria personally. I've only heard stories."
The man arched an eyebrow, keeping his smile.
"You will know everything at the right time. But right now, I need an answer. Yes or no?"
The weight of the decision seemed to materialize in the air. I thought of Mr. Joaquim, my debts, my mediocre job... Finally, I raised my head.
"Yes. I accept."
The man nodded, taking the contract from my hands as if he already knew I would cave.
"Excellent. Prepare yourself, Louis. Your life is about to change completely."
He pulled a cell phone from his inner pocket and placed it on the table.
"This phone will ring tomorrow. When it does, follow the instructions."
"Right..." I murmured.
He turned to leave but stopped at the door.
"Oh, and you don't need to return to work. I've already informed your boss that you've been dismissed."
The surprise hit me like a punch.
"What? What do you mean?"
"Don't worry, Louis. I took care of everything."
Still in disbelief, I asked:
"And what if I hadn't accepted? How would you have compensated for my firing?"
He stopped again but didn't turn around. His voice carried a terrible weight.
"From now on, you will understand that no one refuses Victoria," he said with conviction. "No one is crazy enough to ignore an order from her. And, in case you're interested..."
He finally turned to face me with an enigmatic smile.
"...you would still be employed here, since she bought this establishment recently."
His words left me stunned. My workplace was now Victoria's property. It was as if every step I took had already been calculated by her.
The man gave a slight nod and walked out the door, leaving me alone with a whirlwind of thoughts.
I looked at the phone on the table. There was no turning back now. I had just sold my soul to the Queen of Detroit.