The bitter aftertaste of coffee lingered on my tongue, matching the bitterness coating my throat since reading that termination email. The cafe's warm lighting and soft jazz felt like cruel mockery of my newly unemployed status. I traced the rim of my cup, watching the steam curl upward like the last whispers of my career ambitious. The leather chair creaked as i slumped deeper into it , wondering how i'd explain this to my landlord when rent came due.
That's when the atmosphere shifted. Not with sound, but with presence. The air seemed to still asca shadow fell across my table. My gaze traveled upward from polished black shoes in impeccably tailored trousers, past a suit that probably cost more than my former annual salary, finally meeting eyes so dark they seemed to absorb the light around them.
"Excuse me, miss. Can you help me?" His voice was like polished granite -smooth but unyielding.
My fingers tightening around the coffee cup . Help him? I could barely help myself at this point. I frowned, my pride bristling at being interrupted during my wallowing session. "And what is that?" I asked, looking at the folder he placed between us.
He didn't blink, those obsidian eyes holding mine with an intensity that made the fine hairs on arms stand up. He pushed the paper closer " this is a contract letter. I want you to be my contract wife." The words hung between us, so absurd i almost laughed, "are you kidding me?".
But his expression reminded deadly serious. He leaned forward slightly, the subtle shift bringing the clean scent of sandalwood and something distinctly masculine. He looked at me deeply for several moments before speaking again, each second streching taut between us.
"This marriage is without any love and affection. Just pretend to be my wife in public and also in front of my family." He slide the paper towards me, his figers long and elegant the stark white document.
His dark black eyes were as cold as ice looking into my soft, sweet brown eyes. My heart hammered against my ribs, a wild bird trapped in a cage of astonishment. "But one thing," his voice dropped, taking on a dangerous edge. "don't get close to any man other than me. I will give you 20 million dollars every month, how about it?"
The number echoed in the sudden silence of my mind. Twenty million. Monthly. I could feel the blood draining from my face , then rushing back in hot wave. This had to be some elaborate joke, but his expression showed no hint of humor.
I looked at him with strange expression, my voice coming out softer than i intended."why do you choose me?".
He leaned back against the chair, the movement fluid and controlled. His long fingers tapped the table lightly, a steady rythem that contrasted with the frantic beating of my heart. His dark eyes held an unreliable coldness, no change in his expression. " You fit all my requirements perfectly, and you're currently in need of money." His voice was low and steady, no room for argument. " The contract is here you can read it carefully before deciding."
I turned my Head around everywhere, the cafe suddenly feeling too exposed, too public for this surreal conversation."How do you know i lost my job?" I asked him with curious, the words tasting strange as they left my mouth.
The corner of his mouth tugged up in a faint, cold smirk, and he leaned forward slightly. His intence gaze locked directly on mine, making my breath catch for a second. "I always do my research before making any decisions. You don't need to worry about that detail." He paused, letting the unspoken implications hang between us. " What you need to think about is whether you'll take this offer "
The world seemed to narrow to this table, this man this impossible offer. Twenty million dollars monthly. Enough to never worry about rent again. Enough to erase the Shame of being fired . Enough to change everything.
I thought a second and speak again, the boldness surprising my even my self " Hmm...20 million is... not enough, what about this, you add extra 5 million?." I blinked at him, half expecting him to walk away.
Instead, he raised an eyebrow slightly, surprised by my bolndness but quietly returning to his calm, commanding expression. His fingers curled around the edge of the contract, fingers curled around the edge of the contract , fingers taping once." Deal. 25 million a month, but that means you have to follow my all rules without questiohn." His eyes held mine, dark and unyielding. "Do we have an agreement?."
The number danced before my eyes twenty-five million. Monthly. My fingers trembling as i reached for the pen."yeah sure, where do I sign?."
He pushed the contract and a black pen across the table toward me, his cold eyes softening almost imperceptibly for a split second. He nodded at the signature line at the bottom. "Right here, at the bottom", his voice held a new note of finality. "Once you sign, we'll go the registry office tommorow to get the marriage license."
I signed the paper without thinking , the ink following smoothly as my hands moved almost of it's own valuation. I gave it back to him , the waight of what i'd just done setting my stomach.
He took the contract back, glanced at my signature briefly. Then closed the folder neatly, the corner of his mouth lifted into a faint, satisfied smile that's gone as quickly as it appeared. "Good girl". The words should have felt condensating , but something in is delivery made them feel like approval. He stood up, adjusted his suit jacket, holding out his hand to me . "Let's go I'll take you to your new home, and we can go over the rules together on their way."
"Today?." The word come out as a squeak, My mind struggling to keep up with the rapid progression of events.
He nodded firmly, grabbed the folder and slipping in into is briefcase with practiced movements. His tone left no more room for negotiation. "The sooner everything is settled the better. My grandfather is coming to visit tomorrow. He needs to meet my new wife." He tilted his head towards the door, the gesture both invitation and command. "Let's go. Luna."
The use of my name sent another shiver through me. How did he know that too? I nodded and followed him, my legs feeling strangely disconnected from my body.
He walked ahead of me whith long, steady strides, the hem of his tailored back suit flaring slightly with each step. The afternoon sunlight caught the subtle Pattern in the fabric as Opened the passenger door of his black Rols- Royce for me, one hand resting on the frame. "Get in. The housekeeper has alredy prepared your room and everything you'll need." He closed the door gently after me , the soft thunk softening final.
The interior smelled of leather and somthing clean and expensive. I watched him round the car, his movements economical and graceful. He started the car, one hand resting firmly on the steering wheel, the other one the gear shift. The car glided smoothly out of the parking lot, the city melting away outside the window.
"I'll take you the villa first. You can pack whatever you need from you old apartment Tommorow, I'll go with you."He glanced at me briefly before turning his attention to the road. "Have any questions before we get there."
I shook my head, my mind too full of everything to form coherent question. The reality of what I'd agreed to began to settle over me like a heavy cloak.
He nodded, eyes focused on the road ahead, the low hum of the car filling the quiet cabin. After a few minutes, he glanced at me from his corner of his eyes. "The rules are simple. Don't bring anyone back to the villa without my permission, don't post anything about our private life online, and always stand by my side at family events."
"Okey... I understand." I mumbled my fingers twisting in my lap.
He turned the steering wheel smoothly, taking a turn towards the hills where is private villa was located. His jaw was relaxed, the cold edge on his face softening a little under the sunlight. "Good. As long as you follow the contract, you'll get everything, you're promised." He paused, and his next words came out softer than i expected. "You don't have to do be so nervous, i won't hurt you."
I nodded and stared at the road, watching as urban sprawl gave way to manicured estates. I turned to him " your villa is far?."
He chuckled lowly, the deep sound vibrat through the car. He gustered towards the large iron gate slowly opening ahead of us. "We're already here. It's on the top off the hill, away from the city noice, it's quite enough." He parked the car on the driveway, turning to look at me. "Come on, I'll show you around "
The house emerged from behind tall edges, a modern architectural masterpiece of glass and steel that somehow managed to look both imposing and elegant. I nodded with warm smile, the expression feel foreign on my face.
He got out the car and walked over to open my door, holding out a hand to help me out. His fingers brushing mine briefly, and he passed a split second before pulling awa, as if surprised by the contact."This is the main house. Their a garden at the back, I'll show you later. Let's go in first, the housekeeper made tea."
"Alright," i said my voice barely above a whisper.
He led me up the marble steps to the entrance, pushing open the heavy wooden door. The specious, elegance decorated hall streched out before us, warm sunlight streaming through the Ceiling window and casting dust motes dancing in the air. " Your room is on the second floor, at the end of the corridor. Mine is next door. Come I'll take you first so you can settle in."
"Wow... your house is so beautiful and big ." I glanced my head everywhere with surprise, taking a high ceilings, the modern art piece, the way spaces seemed to flow from one area to another."
He stopped at the bottom of the staircase, glancing around the hall with a faint, indifferent expression before turning back to me. "It was designed by an architectur i hired. I don't come here that often, so most of the space is empty." He gustered up the stairs, hands tucked into his suit pockets. " Your room is already fully furnished, whatever else you need just tell me."
I nodded, following him up the staircase, my trailing along the smooth wooden banister.
He turned and walked up the stairs, the sound of his leather shoes clicking softly against the marble steps. He stopped in front of a dark wooden door at the end of the corridor and pushed it open for me. "This is it. Go in and see if there's anything you don't like. I can have it changed by tomorrow." He learnt against the doorframe, waiting for me in go first.
I entered the room and i surprised. "Woww... this is my room?. I really loved it . The word escaped before i could think better of them. I rushed every corner of the room, taking in the floor -to-ceiling windows that offered a breathtaking view of the hills, the king-sized bed with what looked like impossibly soft bedding, the sitting area with bookshelves already filled, the doorway that likley led to a walked-in closet.
He leaned against the doorframe, watching me rush around the room with a faint, unnoticeable softening in his cold eyes. He crossed his arms over his chest, the corner of his mouth tugging up is slightly. "I'm glad you like it. The closet is full of new clothes in your size, if they don't fit we can change them Tommorow." He pushed away from the door frame. " Take your time to settle in , I'll be downstairs if you need anything."
I rushed him to and standing next to him, the excitement overriding my earlier nervesness. "You talking to me seriously, i can't believe all of this, this is a not a dream right?", i pinched my own skin, the sharp pain making me gasp "awww".
He caught my waist lightly before i could pinch myself again, his warm palm wrapping around my arm. His dark eyes held a faint amusement, his corner of his mouth curling into real smile for the first time. It's not a dream. Feel it, I'm right here. Everything you see here is yours now , as long as you keep your end of the contract."
The warmth of his hand seeped through my sleeves, feel more real than anything else in this surreal situation. " Omg. Thank you. Thank you so much." I tugged his hand to mine, i gave him big smile, the gratitude geniune despite the strange circumstances.
He frozed for a moment when I suddenly action, then he realised clear his throat softly and i pulled my hands back, straightening his suit jacket to regain his composure. " You don't need to thank me. It's all written in the contract, just go and finish unpacking your thoughts, I'll have dinner ready when you're done."
I nodded, watching as he turned to leave.
He gave me a faint nod return, turning to leave the room and quickly pull the door closed behind him to give me privacy. His footsteps faded down the corridor as he headed back his own room next door.
The moment the door clicked shut , i rushed bed and jumped to the bed. I curling to the full of joy. " I can't believe anything to going now, God. Thank you," the words whispered to the empty room that already felt more like home than any place I'd ever lived...
___________<(￣︶￣)>___________