A Contract

He sat opposite me with a no-nonsense look on his face. He had looked romantic in black earlier but now he looked totally like the Grim Reaper.

“So? What do you think?” He asked. We were in his house. It was a big mansion with maids running around like scared rabbits, he sat like he knew he had everyone’s lives wrapped around his fingers. Little did I know I was about to be one of them.

“Why? I’ve never met you before.” I was sure it wasn’t because of my mesmerizing beauty because I had none. I looked like a homeless kid, which I was.

“I’ve seen you three times before now and I think you’re perfect. Sorry about your father and the job you lost.” He wasn’t sorry, he just wanted me to know how much he knew about me. There was no empathy in his voice.

“How… how did you know about my father?” I should feel my face turn white with shock.

“Doesn’t matter. Here’s the deal, I’ll take care of your dad, take him to a more private unit where he would be well taken care of, and you’ll have a home to live in,” He used his hands to signify he was talking about this house. “You wouldn’t have to work, as you can see, I’m rich.” He said the last part proudly. I could see his arrogance on his face.

“What about you?” I said quietly, he didn’t look like a philanthropist, he looked like the devil with those dark eyes. The devil always took more than he gave, and this devil was giving too much. I wouldn't be able to afford whatever he would want in return. I was scared he might request for my soul like the grim reaper he looked like.

“It’s simple, you just have to marry me and do everything I say.” The rain sounded heavier under his voice.

“What happens if I marry you and don’t do what you say?” I liked to know how worse it could get.

“Just so you know, I own the hospital your father is in, one stupid move and you’ll experience what it’s like to lose a father.” There was no softness or even pity in his words. He was a ruthless businessman, even down to his personal life.

“How long would this…. Deal last?” The deal didn’t seem like the perfect word, more like bondage.

“I usually don’t let things go after they’re mine, I don’t believe you’ll ever want to leave the life I would be offering to you. But perhaps I no longer need you, I would let you go, with compensation of course.” He concluded. A thunder struck outside like to seal his words.

It was still pouring outside.

It was all just so much in my head, my dad could get better if I accepted this, I wouldn’t sleep on the streets, he was arrogant, but his words couldn’t be less true. He was offering me the world, with a chain on my neck, but still, it was more than I would ever have as a free woman.

“I’ll give you a week, to think about it.” He said, probably trying to sound considerate.

I looked over the window, the rain was still coming down hard,

“There’s no need.”

“What?” He had a look of utter shock on his face, he had thought I was rejecting his offer, and it made me temporarily want to reject his proposal.

“I meant I didn’t need a week. I accept. Put my dad on special care, I’ll marry you.” I clarified, raising my hands like i was trying calm him.

He stood up, looking triumphant. “I look forward to working with you. Get ready to have the best days of your life.” He was so confident.

Three women came in a straight line, I could guess this man liked order.

They started with a thorough washing, of my body, and my hair, I felt invaded. But when the woman said I had to be waxed, I voiced out “No.”

“Alexandro will be taking you around tomorrow, you have to be flawless.” The woman’s name was Chloe.

“It’s not like anyone would be undressing me,” I screamed back at her, then felt bad for raising my voice to an older woman.

“What if you are asked to swim?” She shot back like the reply had been waiting for me with her hands folded.

I was short of words but managed to whisper, “I’ll say I can’t swim!”

“But can you?” She asked, softening a little bit.

“Nope.” I was almost glad I couldn’t.

“You will have to learn, Alexandro loves to swim, it would be very awkward to have a wife that can’t breathe underwater.” She stated matter of factly.

My black hair was styled and dyed purple at the tip, Chloe said it was to give me a classic look as it would match my eyes.

She also told me Alexandro would be booking swimming lessons for me.

“As the woman of the house, you’ll have to get used to wearing black, I hope you have no issues with the color.”

I looked at her with funny eyes, “Aren’t I one of you all? A staff as well.” Woman of the house my foot.

Chloe's eyes turned serious immediately. “You will take your role seriously.”

“I will.”

I had a room to myself, but I was edgy to see my father, to see if Alexandro and fulfilled his promise.

For the first time I walked into the hospital with my back straight, today I wasn’t a beggar, the driver whose name was Baxter escorted me to where my dad had been transferred to. Alexandro was there waiting for me.

“As you can see, I have fulfilled my promises, it’s now your turn to fulfill yours.” he wasn't a man to beat about the bush.

His face was filled with so much seriousness, “I’d advise you to look at him very well, and remind yourself what you would be losing the moment you decide to mess with me.” He walked towards a part of the wall, where the machine was connected to electricity, “His life is on that switch, and that switch obeys my command.”