A DEAL WITH THE BILLIONAIRE(A Contract Marriage)EPISODE FORTY FIVETHEME: Thinking ahead A WEEK LATER HARTFORD MEMORIAL HOSPITAL"I am so glad you are finally out of this place, Rowan." Tiana pulled at his cheek lightly even as she smiled at him."Have we gotten all of his stuff?" Raven asked checking the bedside.Eva and Tiana stared at each other and rolled their eyes while Rowan giggled. "Yes mom. We have everything packed in the bags already." Rowan answered.Raven sighed. “Good. I don't just want you forgetting anything behind."Why she was anxious? Raven had no idea. It has been two weeks since Rowan got admitted in the hospital, two weeks since she met the Crawfords and a few days to her supposed wedding. Everything has really put her on an edge that she couldn't explain it. The doctor had said Rowan could be discharged from the hospital today and being on Sunday it made it easier for her since she wasn't going to be at work.They even had to wait till af
A DEAL WITH THE BILLIONAIRE(A Contract Marriage)EPISODE FORTY SIXTHEME: Her little wise son RAVEN MCKENNA HOME“Hey baby!" She whispered.“Hi...mom." Rowan smiled as he sat up gently and he rested his head against her bosom."Are you really getting married mom?" Rowan asked innocently as he stared at his mother's bewildered look.Questions could be asked obviously, but having a seven year old who has been on the hospital bed for days and had to undergo an intense surgery that went on for about twelve hours; ask something as intense as, “Are you really getting married mom?" had Raven going into a fit of cough.Rowan stared at her in confusion even with his eyes still laden with sleep. He patted her back with his little hands just the way she does whenever he coughed consistently like that. The little boy hoped that his mother wasn't in such condition because of him.“Are you all right mom?” He queried in a concerned tone. “You could tell me later if you can't now...because y
A DEAL WITH THE BILLIONAIRE(A Contract Marriage)EPISODE FORTY SEVENTHEME: Paranoid CONNECTICUT, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA THE GOLDEN RESTAURANT“Hey! Over here Raven!” Ava hailed at Raven on sighting her. She and Hope had arrived at the restaurant at noon as promised. To avoid taking chances, Raven had asked to work till past twelve when there wasn't much rush hour and Tiana could cover up for her.“How was the shoot?" Raven asked smiling at her, as they hugged each other.“Fine, fine! I missed you and Rowan though. I owe that boy some time out!" Ava replied.“Where is Mrs Crawford?" Raven asked.She didn’t know Mrs Crawford was walking towards them after she went to use the ladies to pee. “I am right here Raven and do you mind not calling me that. You sound so formal, Hope is just fine. How have you been?" Hope chuckled as she hugged her.Raven let her invade her space. “Oh I am fine Mrs...” She paused to correct herself. “Hope.” She muttered silently. “How was your vacatio
A DEAL WITH THE BILLIONAIRE(A Contract Marriage)EPISODE FORTY EIGHTTHEME: PeasantsCONNECTICUT, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA ASHLEY’S FASHION HUBRaven almost screamed on sighting Ashley in the restroom. She wasn't expecting to see anyone stand outside the toilet door awaiting her return. It took her few minutes to get composed and catch enough breath.“You scared me." She blurted out amidst mild pants.Ashley raised a brow. “Did I?"Closing her eyes tightly, Raven counted ten backwards praying to the high heavens she doesn't lose her temper. "To what do I owe this noncommittal awaiting in the restroom?" She replied and her response was icy.“I see you have got an attitude for your poor ass." Ashley spat.Raven scoffed as she held back her response and bit on her tongue. She went to a free basin and washed her hands.“Cat got your tongue?" Her assailant kept on.Taking a deep breath, Raven said. “Listen Ashley, I really don't know what's eating you up against me—“Ashley held up
A DEAL WITH THE BILLIONAIRE(A Contract Marriage)EPISODE FORTY NINETHEME: A sham CONNECTICUT, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA THE GOLDEN RESTAURANTTiana had no idea how she was to console her friend. She wondered what could have happened to make Raven break down so hard. Tiana had always known the lady to be strong, she wasn't the type to let her guard down or try to seek for pity. It had been one of the reasons why she respected Raven so much because you would never tell she was going through so much until you probe her. But seeing her in such sore mood, it was obvious the Crawfords had hurt her so bad.Tiana smacked a fist against her palm, she was so going to rip their hair off whenever she got a hold of any of them. Raven didn't deserve to be treated unfairly by anyone but she deserved to be taken care of for all the trouble she had had to endure.“That's okay. Raven. What happened? Please talk to me mama." Tiana murmured as she pulled Raven to herself.Raven sniffed. “Is it m
A DEAL WITH A BILLIONAIRE(A Contract Marriage)EPISODE FIFTYTHEME: Wedding Jitters CONNECTICUT, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA RAVEN MCKENNA HOME The day moved past so fast, Raven could almost swear she didn't have a good sleep as it felt like she might have a mental breakdown. She had asked for a day off after giving an excuse that she needed to be with her son urgently.Knowing Allen well he wouldn't let her off without a cogent reason as to why he had to give her a day off work, since she was most relevant in the kitchen. However, he didn't bother to ask for any further reason when she had mention Rowan. He even went ahead to send his regard.The wedding dress she had picked had been delivered to the house as promised by Hope. She was more awed when she saw the first box sent to her by Ava. The box had a silver buckled heel in it that fitted her so perfectly, the earrings, necklace and wristwatch she had put in was beautiful and it was complete diamond.Raven tried not to
A DEAL WITH THE BILLIONAIRE(A Contract Marriage)EPISODE FIFTY ONETHEME: Christopher’s frustration CONNECTICUT, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA CHRISTOPHER CRAWFORD APARTMENTChristopher twisted and turned in the suit pants. The suit seem too tight and unfitting but deep down within him, he knew there was nothing wrong with the outfit. He was just too nervous and was trying to take out his frustration on the poor pants.He glanced towards the door again. He had been expecting Benjamin to show up like an hour ago, but he hadn't heard from him and it only put him on the edge. All through the night he was having silly thoughts on something going wrong, his father finding out about the fake marriage and taking away all of his inheritance. He had even thought of Raven running away claiming she wasn't interested anymore and his mind raced through so many things.Finally the door opened to show Benjamin smiling widely like a joker. “Guess who is here?! Benjamin Williams! Did you miss me?
A DEAL WITH THE BILLIONAIRE(A Contract Marriage)EPISODE FIFTY TWOTHEME: A Private Registry CONNECTICUT, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA AT THE REGISTRYWhen Raven got to the registry, the whole of Crawford's family were already in line waiting, with Matthew and Benjamin including. They had all left their work to attend to the wedding. Perks of owning a family company, you can leave just when you like and want.Stepping out of the car and seeing all of their gazes on her, except for Christopher of course who was so concentrated on his phone and Ashley who had decided to pay mind to Eisner's well combed hair.Raven let her gaze down, feeling her nerves gets jumbled up as she walked closer to them with her mom and son behind her.All of a sudden, Hope held a hand to her mouth. “Wow! Raven, you look so breathtaking.” She complimented.“I knew you were going to make a beautiful bride, but this..." Ava gestured towards her perfectly made up face and outfit. “this is absolute
A DEAL WITH THE BILLIONAIRE (A Contract Marriage) EPISODE HUNDRED AND SEVENTEEN THEME: EPILOGUE CONNECTICUT, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA A YEAR LATER "I can't believe I get to be the first person to cook for your guest and be your head chef right here too!" Tiana screamed as she awed at the delicate designs of Raven’s restaurant. “It’s so unfair that you knew about this and didn't think to tell me about it." Raven argued. "Have you gone bad on understanding simple words. It was a surprise. A surprise!" Tiana chuckled at her own words. They were doing the grand opening of Raven’s restaurant. Raven looked around reminiscing on how far she had come within a year. When they returned home from Brooklyn, Raven told christopher about Jacob’s return and they had asked him to come over to Connecticut and discuss how they would go about co-parenting. Jacob had been devastated at the news because he had been hopeful on Raven getting back with him. Since it wasn't going to be as
A DEAL WITH THE BILLIONAIRE (A Contract Marriage) EPISODE HUNDRED AND SIXTEEN THEME: Can second chance ever have a chance? BROOKLYN, NEW YORK, USA. "Rowan, baby. Come help me out here." Raven called out to her son. He had asked for an early breakfast. She had obliged to his request, but she was feeling sort of tired and needed some things to be handed to her. Instead Rowan mused in reply. He had been at the window all morning staring out like he was expecting someone. “Did your dad say he was coming today?" Raven asked him as she whisked eggs to pour in some flour. He had requested for pancakes. All of a sudden Rowan yelled out of excitement. “Grandma!” He ran towards the door. "Grandma?" Raven muttered. And just as she looked up from the bowl she had in hand. Rowan had opened the door and jumping at her mother. Raven gasped in shock when she saw every member of the Crawford family and Benjamin behind her mother. Each of them strolling into the house. She abandoned the bow
A DEAL WITH THE BILLIONAIRE (A Contract Marriage) EPISODE HUNDRED AND FIFTEEN THEME: Raven is pregnant. CONNECTICUT, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA Eva couldn't bring herself to fall asleep after receiving Rowan's call. When she checked the time it was past eleven and it was impossible and disturbing if she tried calling Christopher. Instead she had turned all through the night till she got carried away by the sleep. When she opened her eyes again, the bed stand time read 5:30 a.m and she didn't care anymore if it was too early. She dialed Christopher's number and he picked up on the first ring. ‘Good morning, Christopher. I know this might seem too early. But I really need to talk to you.’ She ranted into the receiver. ‘Good morning to you too Eva. What's the matter?’ Christopher sounded very awake. He must have been up earlier than Eva had imagined. ‘Rowan called last night!’ She told him. ‘What? When? What did he say?!’ He asked anxiously. ‘I would tell you on the way. But ho
A DEAL WITH THE BILLIONAIRE(A Contract Marriage)EPISODE HUNDRED AND FOURTEENTHEME: Rowan’s decision BROOKLYN, NEW YORK, USA.Raven cried persistently, her cries seeping through the walls of the bathroom to the room. Despite her attempt to muffle the sound just to prevent her son from hearing, Rowan laid on the bed pretending to be asleep and he could hear her cries. This had become a regular pattern for her every night, she would cry for some long minutes, at times she would remain there close to an hour just shedding tears.The little boy was getting tired of his mother’s consistent sadness and wished he could tell it to someone. He had thought of informing his father about it but Rowan knew better. He had seen the tension and heard the stiffness in their voices whenever they were together. Rowan loves his mother, he knew how much she endures to make sure he was fine. And he had never seen her so disheartened before. He felt her weight when she returned to the bed, noticing
A DEAL WITH THE BILLIONAIRE(A Contract Marriage)EPISODE HUNDRED AND THIRTEENTHEME: Mother and son BROOKLYN, NEW YORK, USA.Rowan stared at his mother as she picked on her food. She hadn't been eating much for days now. He had asked her countless of times if she was sick but she always responded otherwise. When he had been in the room with her, she must have thought he was asleep as she spoke to Tiana and informed her of the pregnancy saying it is the reason behind her constant early morning sickness.Rowan didn't understand most of the conversation, but one thing was clear to him—his mother was pregnant. His father Jacob had been away for a few days and Rowan had began missing him already. He had grown accustomed to his presence within a short period of time."Why won't you and Dad get married?" He questioned out of the blue.Raven stared at him with an open eye. "What are you talking about Rowan?" She had been too lost in her thought that she wasn't paying much mind to him.R
A DEAL WITH THE BILLIONAIRE(A Contract Marriage)EPISODE HUNDRED AND TWELVETHEME: Let’s get back together, Raven. BROOKLYN, NEW YORK, USA. TWO WEEKS LATER“Please ensure he doesn't play any sort of game that would stress him or cause his blood to pump too much." Raven told Jacob as she brushed through Rowan's hair.Ever since Rowan met his father, he had been spending maximum time with him. And Jacob took every advantage of the boy’s enthusiasm to walk his way into their lives. He began dropping by everyday since Rowan hadn't started school yet and made it easy for him to move around with his father.Raven didn't join them and always waited till Rowan got back. Somehow she trusted Jacob to take care of her son. Since they came to Brooklyn about two weeks ago, she still hasn't gotten over the breakage of her supposed marriage. Every night she wailed wishing everything would change. However, her ego wouldn't let her reach out to him or any other person in connection to him
A DEAL WITH THE BILLIONAIRE(A Contract Marriage)EPISODE HUNDRED AND ELEVENTHEME: It was just a contract CONNECTICUT, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA CRAWFORD MANSION“Raven and Rowan are missing.”The whole room went silent as their eyes popped out in shock. Christopher wished he could turn back the hands of time and not say a word to them. He blamed himself for asking them to meet up, he should have waited to hear from the police. The looks on their faces made him want to run far away.“Wh...what do you mean by they are missing?" Eva stuttered, her face devoid of any color.Christopher held his hands to the back. It’s now or never. “I wish I can explain in detail. I am sorry I lied to you all. They have both been missing since Tuesday and I can't reach Raven up until now."“Will you stop this nonsense right this minute young man!" James slammed his palms on the table in anger. "Why would you joke with something as delicate as this?"Christopher sighed. “This isn't a joke
A DEAL WITH THE BILLIONAIRE (A Contract Marriage) EPISODE HUNDRED AND TEN THEME: Christopher’s Regret CONNECTICUT, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA CHRISTOPHER CRAWFORD APARTMENT Christopher tossed and turned on the bed as he checked the time again. He had slept in all through Friday and Saturday after Jessica left. Seeing Raven had been gone for too long, he knew it was time he let the rest of the family know what was going on. The day had refused to break since he went to sleep. Instead of waiting till dinner, he decided they should all have a Sunday breakfast. He had texted his parents and siblings not excluding Eva that he and Raven had some important news to share. And they couldn't wait till dinner when all of the Crawford were expected to meet. All his life Christopher had never felt so lost. Within few days his whole life tumbled down the hill and gave his heart bruises. He missed Raven so much that it hurts. Checking the time it was six in the morning. Deciding not to go bac
A DEAL WITH THE BILLIONAIRE (A Contract Marriage) EPISODE HUNDRED AND NINE THEME: Jessica’s Confession Tiana moved past Benjamin to see the shattered glasses on the floor. “Are you okay Chris?” she asked. “I am fine!” Christopher responded still not taking his eyes off Jessica. “Oh that’s the bitch?!” Tiana queried as she made an attempt to run at Jessica. Benjamin caught her midway and held her in place. “Behave yourself.” He purred into her ears as his hands was weaved perfectly around her waist. “Okay. Fine. Let me go.” Tiana gritted. Jessica stared at the room as she wondered what was going on. “Chris, did you ask your friends to come gang up against me?” She let out a snort. “Wow. I am so disappointed. You know we could sort this out on our own.” Christopher ignored her as he took a seat on one of the couches. Tiana copied his movement and only Benjamin walked towards Jessica handing her the documents he had previously shown Christopher. “You might want to see this.” He