A DEAL WITH THE BILLIONAIRE
(A Contract Marriage)
EPISODE FOUR
THEME: Suspected unfaithful girlfriend
IN CONNECTICUT
CHRISTOPHER’S APARTMENT
Christopher recounted the words his Jessica had said to him on phone.
“Unbelievable.” Benjamin chuckled.
“I didn’t have a problem with her. We were good the last time she visited me. So I don’t expect her to say no to me just like that.” Christopher was still shocked from the rejection.
“So what do you intend to do?” Benjamin asked.
“I want Jessica to be my wife. It’s her or no one else.” Christopher stopped pacing.
Benjamin stood up with a screwed up face. “Don’t you get it? Jessica chose her job over you! She doesn’t want you! That’s what she’s trying to tell you!” He grimaced trying to control his anger.
Well Benjamin never liked Jessica so he is not surprised by the rejection.
Christopher shook his head in disagreement although surprised by his friend’s sudden outburst. “No...Jessica loves me and I love her too. But—“
“But what? But she likes her job more.” Benjamin snorted.
Christopher doesn’t want to accept his best friend’s words. Does Jessica’s no mean she doesn’t want him? Is she really choosing her job over him? No it can’t be true. Christopher thought.
They always have sweet moments anytime she is on leave at work or whenever her boss gives her a week break from work, mostly anytime he’s out of the country and he doesn’t need her help as his manager. So it is wrong to think Jessica doesn’t love him. Christopher concluded.
“Think about it bro.” Benjamin mumbled.
“You are wrong, Benjamin.” Christopher murmured.
“I am wrong? Look Christopher, if Jessica really wants a future with you then she would have taken a break from work just to do what you want. Think about it, Jessica is only playing you. She is using you to satisfy herself.” Benjamin said.
Anger crossed Christopher’s face. “Why would you think like that?!” He demanded in a slightly raised tone.
“Didn’t you explain the reason why you need to get married?!” Ben asked.
“Of course I did! I even tried every means to persuade her but she turned me down.” He breathed out in frustration.
Benjamin tried it relax. He was called over to provide a solution and not bring up a fight. Moreover he knew his best friend was blinded by love and would never find fault in his long time girlfriend.
“I feel she should be the most serious in this relationship. Moreover she doesn’t need the stupid job if she gets married to you.” Benjamin interjected.
“No, I am not marrying her to be a full house wife. She can always do her job.” Christopher replied.
“But you can as well open up a big store for her and she won’t have to work for anyone.” Benjamin said.
Christopher reasoned his words. “You are right, Benjamin.” He nodded in agreement.
“So where is she?” Benjamin asked.
“In Idaho planning to travel to some local areas with her boss. She won’t be free until the next three months.” Christopher answered.
Benjamin mouth dropped completely. “Three months?! Are you sure you are in a relationship?” He laughed.
“Don’t laugh, Ben.” Christopher frowned.
“Why?” Benjamin laughter faded.
“It’s not funny. But the most important thing is that we love each other so much.” He added.
Ben whistled. “So she is going to stay with her boss for more than three months without seeing her man?” He snorted.
“Stop acting like it’s a new thing in my relationship.” Christopher muttered.
“Exactly my point!” Ben coaxed. “Christopher, are you sure Jessica isn’t—“ he paused to study his best friend’s expression.
“What are you trying to say?” Christopher asked.
Benjamin contemplated if he should open up to his friend.
“Are you sure Jessica is not having an affair with her boss?” Benjamin asked.
Christopher’s frown deepened. “That’s absurd. Jessica can’t cheat on me.” He sounded so confident.
“You trust her that much?” Benjamin questioned.
“Yes she can’t cheat on me.” Christopher’s response was quick and sharp.
Benjamin sat back on the couch and decided that he wouldn’t tell his best friend the truth. On one or two occasions when Ben travelled to Idaho for modeling gigs, he had seen Jessica having romantic moments with her boss especially at dinners in a dim light restaurant to hide their identities. She claimed to be traveling from cities to towns campaigning but she was having a good time with her boss.
In the past, Benjamin had tried to tell his best friend about his suspected unfaithful girlfriend just like how he just did but Christopher would never want to hear it. He has so much trust in Jessica which resulted in Ben deciding to stay quite.
“Not all women can cheat on their man. My babe is just too busy with work.” Christopher sat down and clasped his palms together.
“Too busy to settle with her man. Open your eyes and see the reality staring right at your face.” Benjamin tried to make a way to spill the truth again. He didn’t like the fact that Jessica might be deceiving Christopher when he has been honest with her.
“Jessica is faithful to me and that’s final.” Christopher grounded out.
“Okay.” Benjamin sounded so resigned as he nodded his head in agreement.
Telling what he had seen won’t work out until Christopher catches her red handed. So in the main time Benjamin would sit back and watch things unfold naturally.
“What do I do? I need Jessica. She has to meet my dad within the next three weeks.” Christopher eyes pleaded with his best friend.
Benjamin Williams is known to always have a solution to every problem. He sighed and crossed his legs. “Okay let’s assume that Jessica turned you down because you propose on phone.”
Christopher snapped his fingers. “Yes! Yes! That must be the reason! You are right man! How can I propose on phone and expect her to say yes? I should have thought about it!” He enthused.
“Not only that. Let’s also assume again that Jessica might be thinking you proposed because your dad gave you a condition. Look at it this way, would you have proposed to her today if your dad didn’t add such condition?” Benjamin asked.
Christopher reasoned. “I was wrong to have propose on the phone. And I must have sounded so desperate too.” He replied.
Benjamin shook his head. “This is the solution. You need to travel down to Idaho and make a proposal to her. It has to be romantic. You need to prove to her that you are not marrying her because you want to be a CEO but for real. Make her believe that you want a life time with her.”
Christopher nodded in understanding. “You are right. This is why I always count on you. I should probably start by sending her an apology text message.” He reached for his phone on the table.
“I guess we are done here.” Benjamin said.
“No not yet. So how do I go about the arrangement of the proposal?” He asked.
Benjamin stood up ready to leave. “Leave everything to me. I’ll send the estimation of everything to you. Just make the payment.” He started the walk to the door.
“That won’t be a problem. Thank you, Benjamin.” Christopher followed his best friend to the door and waved him goodbye.
Christopher sighed after his best friend’s departure. He settled on the couch to construct a good apology message for his girlfriend. And he also planned to look up proposal lines to say to his girlfriend.
A DEAL WITH THE BILLIONAIRE (A CONTRACT MARRIAGE) EPISODE FIVE THEME: Time starts now FEW DAYS LATER “Hey buddy. I am about to board the plane to Idaho right now. I will definitely call you when I touch down. So wish me luck, best friend.” Christopher texted after completing his check-ins at the counter. He was texting Benjamin so he would finalize the whole proposal plans. He dragged his box and motioned towards the plane together with the other passengers. Christopher waited for his turn to claim the few stairs and he also went in search of his seat number in the plane. After he found it, Christopher settled on the chair and plugged in his AirPod. He took out his cellphone and connected the Bluetooth device. He turned on a song title ‘Ghost by Justin Bieber.’ This song has been a source of inspiration to him since the proposal plans started. It was the perfect song to set him into the proposal mood. The cellphone beeped. It was an I*******m message from Benjamin
A DEAL WITH THE BILLIONAIRE(A CONTRACT MARRIAGE)EPISODE SIXTHEME: Deep thrusts IDAHO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICAFinally, Christopher reached Jessica’s apartment in seven minutes. He pressed the horn to alert her as he drove into the private driveway.Christopher slide out of the car in a hurry and rushed to the porch. But before he could pressed the doorbell, the door opened up revealing Jessica at the entrance with a surprised look on her face.“I made it down here in seven minutes.” He drew her in for an embrace.Jessica withdrew from the embrace and her fist made a hit on his chest.“Ouch! Why did you hit me?”“That serves you right for not telling me you were on the plane.” She folded her arms with a feigned annoyed look on her face.“I just wanted to surprise you!” Christopher tried to hold her hand but she avoided making a contact with him. “Are you mad at me?” He pouted“Of course! If I had known I would have prepared so much for you. But I don’t even have—“He caged her to
A DEAL WITH THE BILLIONAIRE(A Contract Marriage)EPISODE SEVENTHEME: Passionate moments IDAHO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA AT JESSICA CAMPBELL APARTMENTJessica snuggled closer to Christopher while he pressed a kiss in her hair. He hasn’t been able to fall asleep due to the excitement stirring up inside him. He had stayed awake for over an hour now just watching his girlfriend and listening to her mumbling incoherently in her sleep.“Babe, are you awake?” He asked in a tight whisper.“Hm...you didn’t get any sleep?” Jessica mumbled.Christopher hummed a positive response. He couldn’t dare to close his eyes due to the fact that his subconscious was was at alert because of the proposal plans. He tried to detach from the embrace but Jessica held on to him tightly and she wouldn’t let go.“How long are you staying in Idaho?” Jessica asked. She enjoyed what they had shared and still wanted his warmth and more of him.Christopher knew what was at stake. He can’t afford to mess up the wh
A DEAL WITH THE BILLIONAIRE (A Contract Marriage) EPISODE EIGHT THEME: The Proposal IDAHO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA AT THE SERVICE APARTMENT Christopher had the best and brightest smile on his face. He cleared his throat to utter the words he had prepared to say to her. “Jessica, I didn’t expect that we would grow so fond of each other. Right? It all started as us being friends and along the line I fell in love with you. No lies, you are the reason behind my laughter and smile. Four years of dating you made me realize one thing, it is that I’ll always want you. I am certain that I can never get tired of you. I am deeply in love with you and I want you in my life forever. I have had many dreams but the greatest one remains to make you my wife. So make my fondest dream a reality. Will you marry me, Jessica Campbell?” Christopher smiled as he uttered those words. Slowly Jessica shook her head as tears formed in her eyes. He shouldn’t have put up such a surprise for her. A
A DEAL WITH THE BILLIONAIRE(A Contract Marriage)EPISODE NINETHEME: She said...NoCONNECTICUT, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA BELL RUSH PUBAfter a few minutes of driving around, Christopher found a spot and he parked the car in the driveway. He entered the pub, his eyes scanning the area lightened by colorful lights. His intention was to have good shots of tequila several times until he gets drunk.At least getting drunk would stop him from thinking about Jessica’s rejection and how to deal with his family and the outcome of not being able to meet his father’s condition just to claim his possession.“A bottle of tequila.” Christopher requested when the pub attendant turned to face him.The music booming through the speakers was a bit loud.“A shot of tequila?” The bar man asked just to be sure of the order.Christopher got angry by this question. So out of frustration, he repeated his order louder than the usual tone and taking a break after each word.“I. WANT. A. FUCKING. BO
A DEAL WITH THE BILLIONAIRE (A Contract Marriage) EPISODE TEN THEME: Bride—Doom CONNECTICUT, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA BELL RUSH PUB Benjamin heaved a sigh as he moved closer to him. He placed his right hand on Christopher’s shoulder. He knew he had to comfort his best friend. He already prepared to hear the worst concerning the proposal plans. “She said...No.” Christopher laughed. Benjamin watched as tear slipped down his cheek again. He didn’t know what to say to comfort his best friend. He has never seen Christopher act this way ever since they became friends for more than two decades now. “Come on...” Christopher removed the hand on his shoulder and he stood up. Benjamin was quick to hold him when he lost his balance. “I am fine. Come on...don’t feel bad for me!” Christopher laughed. “Chris—“ “Watch this! Watch me, Ben!” Christopher stood straight before holding the table and he threw one leg over it until he was standing on it. Benjamin tried to stop him but it
A DEAL WITH A BILLIONAIRE (A Contract Marriage) EPISODE ELEVEN THEME: A contract marriage CONNECTICUT, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA CHRISTOPHER CRAWFORD APARTMENT It was in the morning. Christopher rolled to the right side of the bed. He yawned but closed his mouth abruptly after he felt a sharp pain in his head. Christopher opened his eyes fully and winced in pains as he sat up on the bed slowly. He saw Benjamin staring at him with a tray filled with blended fruits and toast in his hands. “You are awake.” Benjamin walked closer to the bed and handed him a glass of blended fruits. “It is good for hangover.” He stated. “Hangover? Hold on, why are you here?” Christopher demanded when he noticed that Benjamin wore his T-shirt. Benjamin screwed up his face. “You don’t remember?” Christopher blinked in confusion before sipping from the glass of blended of fruits. “Oh! You are so ungrateful! How can you not remember anything after what you put me through last night?! First, I tried c
A DEAL WITH THE BILLIONAIRE(A Contract Marriage)EPISODE TWELVETheme: The life of Raven McKenna CONNECTICUT, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA RAVEN MCKENNA’S HOMEThe room busted with activities causing Raven McKenna to smile heartily. Her little boy was so full of energy and it seemed like the whole country couldn’t contain him. And at that moment, he was exerting as much energy as he could on his poor grandma.Raven chuckled lightly as she placed the dishes she had been cleaning with a napkin back on the plate rack. She watched the two people she loves most on the world keenly from the kitchen. Her mother, Eva McKenna and her son Rowan McKenna, they meant a whole lot to her and she would go extra miles to satisfy them. No war was too tough to face with them by her side and able to protect each other.Raven McKenna busted her ass all day and night to ensure that she provided just enough for them with her chef job at Golden Restaurant. And not to bluff, Golden Restaurant was one of
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