Chapter 2

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

“I…I..” Lilian didn’t know what to do. She looked towards the crowd and spotted her father with pleading eyes , she looked further and there was Nanny Rosa with tears in her eyes and she made her decision . She realized she wasn’t ready to risk her happiness for anyone . 

Her brother would be fine and the family name never did anything for her so why bother about it but as she looked back at Xavier , through his hardened expression she could see desperation , desperation for the deal. She knew the deal meant more than he was letting on and she decided to help him. 

Why? She didn’t know 

She didn’t know him from eve but something in her wanted to help him. 

“ I do! “ she signed her fate away for two years.

The relief that went through the crowd as well as her husband was almost comical. Lilian could swear she heard the priest thanking God.

“By the power vested in me , I pronounce you husband and wife!!. You may now kiss the bride”. The priest rushed out before she could change her mind. 

Lilian heart began beating at a speed she didn’t expect .it wasn’t her first kiss but she was nervous . A person could say she was almost excited for it . 

She closed her eyes and leaned in and all she felt was a brush of a lip against hers. It couldn’t  be considered a kiss and as she opened her eyes , she felt immerse disappointment. Lilian was baffled and shocked at her own emotions and she realized she hadn’t thought of Ben in the moment . She hadn’t thought of the man she claimed to love , the man she was not long ago and still willing to spend the rest of her life with. 

She couldn’t analyze further as she was swept into a sea of well wishers congratulating them on every side. She basked in the moment a little longer imagining everything was real and she was actually getting married of her own accord.

The moment didn’t last forever as she was yanked by Xavier and away they went . When they got outside , a black SUV was waiting for them. Xavier immediately got in while Lilian stood not wanting to get it . She wanted to delay talking to him as much as possible.

“ Get in! Or do you want me to carry you” Xavier said mockingly. 

“ sorry” she said getting in the car as she thought “ He couldn’t even get the door for me “ .

 She settled into the car with Xavier on their way to his house. The car was filled with awkward silence as he lit up a cigarette..

" So he smoked " she thought

“ Lets get some things straight” He said turning to her. 

“ We are only married on a paper , this is an agreement were I help your family and in exchange you pretend to be my wife for a maximum of  two years. In this two years, to the outside world we would be the perfect picture of a happily married couple but indoor we stay within our limits. You would have your own bedroom and space and are not allowed to enter my bedroom with an exemption of us having guests over. In the  instance of us having guests over , you would stay in my room so as not to raise suspicion.” “There would be functions where we would be in attendance to and you would play the part of a doting wife and I , a caring husband. We would both remain faithful to each other during the period of our contract and there would be no talks of children. I am a very busy person so you would most likely have the house to all to yourself as I would be scarce there. I assure you this agreement would be over before you know it “. His voice was tight and void of any emotions.

“ Do you understand or do I have to go over everything again… Oh and before I forget , you and your father have been warned. I do not enjoy being fooled and would only let this slide once… Am I clear? “ His expression was hardened .

“ Yes” Lilian muttered .

“ Please do not expect anything more in and out of this agreement , I would not and cannot have feelings for you so I suggest you do the same… and I implore you to control your urges and try your possible best to remain faithful for this period. I would hate to be caught in the spotlight when you are found having a lover “ He was so arrogant.

It was at that moment , Lilian looked at him in disgust , her anger starting to boil “ Mr. Knight do not insult me!!.I would play my part to the best of my abilities and would follow your rules without a fault” 

“ Good.. I would just hate it if the police found out about your father’s fraudulent activities” He said threateningly

“ Are you threatening me Mr. Knight because it would not be in your best interest to do so” ohh how angry Lilian was.

“ Ohh no my dear wife.. I would never threaten you after all you are now family” He replied gazing out of the cars window, now ignoring her. 

Lilian could only stare at his side profile , fuming as she closed her eyes trying to ignore the emptiness that remained in her heart . This was her new life , her new surroundings and she would have to find a way to make it favor her. A way that would bring her happiness in a life she never wanted. She hoped that wherever her sister was , she was happy and it was worth the risk of her running away. 

Lilian as well hoped that Ben would find away to forgive her as she was sure he had heard and probably saw the news. She would find a way to explain everything to him pleading with him to wait for her .

She felt the car stopped .

“ We are here” Xavier said as she took a deep breath.