Chapter 4: The Contract Plan

“How could you Jane? Is that how you think of me?" Her voice shook with barely restrained fury, each word spat out as though it burned her tongue.

“Gosh..!" Luna's heart skipped a bit.

"Why is she so pissed? I hope she doesn't reject me” Luna prayed silently.

“Hey Sophia, calm down, it hasn't gotten to that. That is why I wanted us to talk things through when you come over”.

"There's nothing to talk about Jane, replace her immediately, that's final Jane" she flared and hung up the phone not letting Jane say a word.

"Did she just hang up on me? Sophia? I can't believe I was even trying to help you, asshole. Mtchewwww” she hissed and tossed the phone on the couch. Immediately her attention was drawn to Luna who had been standing quietly at the corner of the sitting room all this while listening to her conversation with Sophia. She saw the depressed expression on her face and for once felt pity for the young lady.

“There's nothing I can do Luna, just forget about the deal. It's off" She pointed out not wanting to show any sign of pity in her voice.

“I don't mean to ask for too much but can you please plead on my behalf? She might still listen to you Mrs. Jane, please help me" Luna couldn't hold back the tears, they flowed uncontrollably down her cheeks. Jane saw the sincerity in Luna's voice and immediately felt for her.

“I'm not promising you anything Luna but let's see if I can still talk to her. You can go now, you have the rest of the day off". Jane replied as she turned and walked to her room.

Luna's world crumbled before her very eyes, her only hope of getting money for her mum’s treatment was crushed and there was nowhere else to turn to. Feeling rejected, she left the apartment and headed to the hospital.

After the call, Sophia was so pissed at Jane, she couldn't imagine letting her son get married to a mere maid even though it was a contract and they were desperate.

“It hasn't gotten to that, I can't stoop so low, Jasper can't stoop so low either" she muttered to herself as brushed her teeth.

After taking a warm bath, she dressed up in her blue short dress, applied her makeup, and walked down to the dinning to eat breakfast.

The Mason family house was designed by a mastermind. The dining room was so elegant and its beauty glittered as the golden light from the crystal chandelier illuminated the room. The walls of the dining room were adorned with beautiful hand-painted wallpapers of nature.

“Good morning son, hope you had a good night's rest dear" She smiled at him while she sat on the seat close to his.

“I'm fine mum" Jasper gave a nonchalant reply not looking up from his dish.

"That's good to know Jasper” she replied as she fished out sandwiches on her golden plate.

"What's the update mum, have you found anyone yet? Jasper, who was engrossed in his meal, managed to lift his head as he waited for a reply.

"No son, not yet, I haven't gotten a suitable bride for you”

"You've not what?” Jasper frowned at his mum

"I thought Jane was helping with the search. I have barely a day to round up all preparations and you're yet to get someone? That's absurd, I can't take that mum” His brow furrowed deeply, lines scoring across his forehead as his eyes narrowed in anger.

“Calm down son, you don't have to overwork yourself. Jane did find someone but it's her maid Luna, we can't stoop so low to that level. I mean she has no class and might even make a mistake or even tell people about the contract. I don't just trust her”. Sophie explained trying to sound reasonable.

"I don't bloody care if she's a maid or whatever mum, just get her fucking ass here to sign the papers, time's running out and I'm growing out of patience”. Jasper stamped his palm so hard on the table, that he spoke through gritted teeth, his voice trembling with fury. He angrily walked to his car and zoomed off.

Jasper Mason is the CEO of Maksoft technology company, it wasn't the leading tech company in the city but it had made significant investments in technology and investments over the years. The company needed to be strengthened by signing a unique contract with MCgig which was also one of the elite tech companies but not the most prominent. For this contract to pull through asper the CEO must be married to solidify his capabilities of delivering success. He had just two

days to get everything in place which made him frustrated as plans were not aligning.

“Why is he so angry? Was I wrong to reject Luna? Hmmmm.. I can't imagine her here but there's no time, I guess I was wrong after all. What am I going to do now?” Sophia felt uneasy. She had just thrown away a golden opportunity and making it right seemed impossible.

“Will Jane forgive me for shouting at her? Damn! I even hung up on her. Shit! I'm ruined” Sophia cursed under her breath not knowing what line of action to take next. After a few minutes of deep thought, she decided to visit and apologize to her friend Jane.

“Who's it?" Jane asked at the sound of the doorbell. When she peeped through the door hole she saw her friend Sophia. At first, she thought of ignoring her as the anger she felt towards her emanated instantly but on second thought she decided to open the door. She yanked the door open with her eyes squinted, and her hands were on her hips as she glared at her.

“What do you want?" She sneered

"Can you at least let me inside?”

"Come in,” Jane said as she turned and walked inside. Sophia adjusted her dress and followed suit.

“I'm sorry Jasen, I know I offended you but please don't be angry with me" Sophia apologized as she sat on the sofa but Jane didn't twitch a bit, it was as though Sophia spoke to the wind.

“Okay, I know I messed up, I know I hung up the phone on you but I'm sorry. Here's the thing, I promise to add 40% of whatever money I'm supposed to give to you” Sophia said as she steadied her gaze on Jane hoping she would accept her offer.

At the sound of money, Jane loosened up a bit, a faint smile crossed her face and her angry face turned normal.

“Whatever" Jane snapped “It’s not like I can stay mad at you for too long”

“That's the spirit, thank you Jane” she laughed lightly, an unmistakable ring of joy in her tone.

“Any luck yet?”

"No luck Sophia. The time is too short to get a classy lady to sign a contract. These things take time, you know!”

“Yeah, I get it there's no time left. I'll have to make do with the maid. Is she still available?”

"Well, she should be, I think! There's only one way to find out though" Jane said as she grabbed

her phone from the table and placed a call to Luna.

Luna who sat beside her mum heard her phone ring. She grabbed the phone eagerly, glanced at

the caller ID, swiped, and answered.

“Hello Mrs. Jane"

"Come to my house now, you have a contract to sign” Jane commanded.