Chapter 5:Bound by Contract

Roselyn Moore POV 

I trudged into the house, I was enveloped in darkness and silence, a clear sign that Sophie hadn't arrived home yet.

Maybe she's working late. I sigh, feeling a sense of relief at having the house to myself. I needed some time to unwind and reflect on the day's events, which had left me feeling drained.

I flipped the light switch and headed to the kitchen, where I poured myself a glass of warm water to soothe my parched throat. After quenching my thirst, I made my way to my bedroom to freshen up before cooking dinner for Sophie and me."

I dropped my bag on my desk and took out my phone. My eyes fell on the contract, which reminded me that Jeffrey had given me my own copy before I left the office. I took it out and stared at it for a while, lost in thought.

I sighed, placing it on the desk, and then walked toward the bathroom to indulge in a warm, soothing bath. I needed it's comforting warmth to alleviate the emotional turmoil I'd endured today.

I came out of the bathroom, drying my hair with a towel. I took a seat on my bed, and my eyes landed on the contract on the desk. I stood up and picked it up, making myself comfortable on the bed, as I carefully read through it.

"Party A: Liam Harrison, Party B: Roselyn Moore" I read, my eyes scanning through the contract as I opened the page.

By signing below, Party B acknowledges that they have read, understand, and agree to comply with all the rules, terms, and conditions stated in this contract by Party A.

 I let out a scornful snort, more like forced to agree to his terms.

I hissed, and my gaze dropped to the signature lines, where I saw both mine and Mr. Harrison's names staring back at me. The reality finally sunk in more, and my mind digested the fact I had agreed to be the devil's wife for a year. 

A pool of tears formed in my eyes, but I held them in. Tough times call for tough decisions, and I could only hope that the year would pass quickly and my dad would have recovered by then.

I dove deeper into the contract, going through the rules and conditions outlined by Mr. Harrison.

Rule 1: Relationship Restrictions. 

For the entire duration of this contract, Party B is strictly prohibited from entering into any form of relationship, including but not limited to romantic, intimate, or social interactions, with any male person other than Party A.'

"This is ridiculous," I fumed. "I am not his possession."

Rule 2: Physical Distance 

When not in the presence of Party A's family members, Party B shall maintain a reasonable physical distance from Party A at all times to avoid any appearance of familiarity or intimacy.

I scoffed, "As if I'd want to be anywhere close to him."

Rule 3: Notification requirements 

Party B is required to inform Party A prior to going anywhere and must receive his express consent before leaving the premises or attending any event. 

"What am I, his prisoner?" I snapped, my mind feeling trapped at this.

Rule 4: Party B shall attend all social events and functions designated by Party A, and shall behave in a manner befitting a respectable wife.

"Respectable wife?" I sneered, the more I read, the more my blood boiled with anger at these ridiculous rules. 

Rule 5: Party B shall dress modestly and conservatively at all times, as dictated by Party A's discretion.

"Great, so he gets to control what I wear too," I seethe. 

Rule 6: Party B shall maintain the utmost confidentiality regarding the existence and terms of this agreement. She shall not disclose any information about the contract to anyone, including but not limited to friends, family members, acquaintances, or colleagues.

Rule 7: Party B shall not engage in any activities that may be deemed unladylike or inappropriate by Party A.

"Unladylike?, inappropriate?"

I couldn't fight the urge to roll my eyes, the rules were becoming more absurd than the last. 

Rule 8: Party B shall not engage in any behaviour or activity that could potentially tarnish the reputation of Party A's company or family name. This includes causing a public scandal, saying something controversial, or behaving badly.

Rule 9: Party B shall not, under any circumstances, develop romantic feelings or fall in love with Party A. Any breach of this rule shall result in immediate termination of the contract, and Party B shall forfeit all rights and privileges granted herein.

I couldn't help but laugh, tears welling up in my eyes at the absurdity of falling for Mr. Harrison.

"Only a fool would fall in love with a heartless, and controlling asshole like him? He is so arrogant and only cares about himself. The thought of even loving him makes my stomach churn."

The rules went on and on, each one more suffocating than the last. I felt like I was losing myself, trapped in a nightmare of Mr. Harrison's making.

But sadly, I had no other choice. I remembered what Dr. Richard had said, if they hadn't performed the surgery today, Dad's situation would have worsened. Hopefully, he'll get better now that he's being transferred to a much better hospital.

I placed the contract in my desk drawer, and I heard my phone ringing. I picked up my phone to see it was Sophie.

"Hey Rose, I'm sorry I won't be able to make it home tonight, I'm running behind schedule and I still have some work to wrap up with the team here at the office." 

“Will you be fine by yourself? If you are not, I can try convincing my boss to let me off” she said, her voice dripping with concern. 

"No, it's fine, you don't have to," I assured her. I will be fine, don't worry."

“You sure?” she pressed. 

"Yes, don't worry, take care of yourself and don't overwork." 

"Alright, I'll see you tomorrow," she sighed, ending the call.

"Time to go make something to eat," I said, heading to the kitchen to prepare a light dinner.

The days went by quickly, and it has already been two weeks since I agreed to be Mr. Harrison's wife. My dad had already been transferred to the hospital arranged by Mr. Harrison, though he hasn't woken up yet. But the doctors said there is a chance of him waking up soon. I made sure to make time to be with him, telling him about my day and how much I missed him and can't wait for him to get back on his feet. Even though he can't hear me, I still felt the need to keep him up to date about the things happening in my life, excluding the fact that I just sold my soul to the devil for him. 

Mr. Harrison is still the same as always, one would think agreeing to be his wife would make him treat me like an employee and never fails to scold me at every chance he gets. 

Suddenly, the intercom rang, and I picked it up to hear Mr. Harrison's voice. 

"In my office now, Miss Moore," he ordered.

I braced myself as I headed towards his office, by the tone of his voice it probably going to be another scolding and shouting from him.

"You sent for me, sir," I said, standing in front of his desk, anticipating his anger.

"Get ready, we're going over to my family's for dinner today." He stated, his eyes till on the paperwork before him. 

His words caught me off guard, sending my heart into a brief flutter. Though I'd anticipated meeting them eventually, but I had been hoping it wouldn't be this soon, the sudden reality made my stomach twist with anxiety.