Alexander has been living with me for one month now, and I am still not getting used to it. In some way, we're slowly becoming acquainted with each other. We occasionally conversed, but that was it.There have been a lot of changes happening during my stay with him. I am provided with comfort food and a bed. I have new dresses and bags that can feed millions of people, and a card for my daily expenses. The amount of things was too much, and I urged him to only use them when necessary, but he remained adamant. At the end of the day, he let me be. This time, he allowed me to win. He also mentioned that the preparation for our fake wedding would be finished soon. Our wedding is coming up in a month's time. There was no room for any mistakes in his mind. As far as I'm concerned, I let him do whatever he wants since I'm only pretending to be his fiancée. I continue to write my drafts during my free time, and I am confident that I can finish them before the due date. As I was about to finis
Goals. Goals motivate us to aim at our dreams and make it into reality. It pushes us not to daydream. I know we all have goals. Some of you wish to travel the entire world, some of you just want a simple life, some of you need to be married at 26 etc... But mine's different from yours. Mine's to pay off the debts of my aunt. And to LIVE MY OWN DAMN LIFE. I am Heather Russell. 23 years of age. I do a lot of part-time jobs. According to my Aunt Rita, my parents abandoned me at the age of three. And to make my life more miserable, my aunt does not love me. She loathes me. That's a fact. “Heather!!! Where you!?” I went downstairs and saw my aunt Rita sitting on the kitchen table swinging her legs and holding a bottle of beer. “Aunt Rita. You're drunk. Let me help you in your room.” I said while walking towards her. Suddenly, she threw the bottle at me it hit my left arm. I winced. My reflexes were slow that I was not able to react. The bottle crashed and shattered on the floor. Shards
My shift will end soon. And I still I have to finish my final draft for the writing contest! It’s due next week. I thought.I joined the “Writer's Luck” contest to win $700. Not only that, you'll be an automatic member of an elite book club called “The Golden Phoenix” wherein you will meet many personalities and big people. Also, this club could aid you find a sponsor or a publisher to publish your writing. And I think this is a tremendous opportunity to pay off the debts of my aunt. I hope luck will be in my favour.I sighed.My cellphone rang, and I answered, “What's up Sophia?”My friend on the other line responded, “H! I need your hand. Can you be my substitute again tomorrow? Please? I have to go to the hospital tomorrow. By the way, they super liked your report last month. All the data is in my laptop. You know what to do, it's the same as last time. Please.”
7am.My phone’s alarm rang. I want to snooze it, but my mind says no. “Another day to fight, Heather. Ugh.” I motivated myself, but my body feels heavy.Before leaving for duty, I left a note in the fridge saying, “Going to work. I'll be late. -Heather” even if my aunt does not care.I took a bus traveling to the workplace of Sophia. Around 0830H, I got a text from her saying, “Good morning, H! The deal's not off, right? He he I'll see you tonight!”I replied, “On the bus right now. Going to your workplace. Yep. Don't forget my burger.”Then I received $100 on my money app. I sighed, thinking about the bills and debts.“When will I be free?” I thought to myself. I shake off the negative thoughts I am having and just think of other things.After 20minutes, I have arrived. As alwa
Sophia and I had dinner. She bought me a burger. I am so happy. I thanked her for the treat. She does not mind at all; she wanted to treat me more, but I said the meal was enough. We talked about many things during supper. And she shared something personal. She’s dating someone which she refers to as “commoner”. Sometimes I forgot that she’s super rich. I am always curious why she works in a company where she can do anything with her money. Like build a business on her own. Oh, well.And also she shared she was forced by her parents to a marriage. She does not want to. That’s why she went to the hospital telling her parents she’s not feeling well and needs some rest. And that’s the reason she called me for my help today at her office.She sought for my advice about her problem and I said nothing, but I asked her if she has no choice in her marriage or if she already talked it out with her parents. Sh
Thursday.I was in my room finishing my draft when I heard my aunt Rita’s shouting and smashing things downstairs. “Heather!! Where are you?” I stopped writing and went downstairs. She’s having another tantrum. I don't like this. “Aunt Rita! Stop!” I shouted when I saw that she’s throwing and breaking the plates and glasses!“YOU! WHAT DID YOU SAY?!”“I said stop. You’re breaking everything. You can get hurt!” I moved towards her.“Don't even try to come near me! You’re a bad luck! If I had not accepted you in this family, I would not be miserable!!! You ruined everything!!! You’re like my dead brother!! Stupid and useless! I should have abandoned you in the street! He promised to — “then she cried and break more things.She stopped while holding a plate, and she's still crying a
The morning breeze was chilly. I got up and close my window. The clouds were dark. I took a 2-day leave on my part-time jobs. I have to finish my draft today and send it within the day. Furthermore, I thought of going to my favorite café to write. For once, I want to treat myself a cup of hot chocolate while I write. I went nonetheless.I wore a black turtleneck sweater to hide the bruise on my neck and some comfy pants. Combed my loose curly long hair and bun it with a ribbon. And I'm done. I checked if my things are complete before I leave the house. Laptop, checked. Notebook, checked. Pencil, checked. Bag, checked. Purse, checked. I'm ready."I haven't seen my aunt since yesterday" I thought.I went outside and it was so chilly outside. Good thing I wore a sweater.Ten minutes later, I am inside my haven. The café looks rustic, and it's perfect for someone like me who needed
His thoughts.I drove somewhere far from the office. Then, I saw this little café that seems quiet. I parked my car and went in the little café called “Coffee Bloom House”. As I entered, I could smell coffee. It smells so wonderful. The place is tiny, but the interior is desirable.“Good morning, sir! “I was greeted by a tall and blonde guy on the cashier.“Hi. One Americano, tall. Thank you.” I looked on his nameplate. He’s called George.“That’s $2.50 sir.”I paid him the exact amount.“Thank you, for paying the exact amount. We’ll be serving your coffee in a moment. Please have a seat.” George smiled.I nodded at him once.While I searched around for a perfect spot, I saw a familiar face. Ah!
Alexander has been living with me for one month now, and I am still not getting used to it. In some way, we're slowly becoming acquainted with each other. We occasionally conversed, but that was it.There have been a lot of changes happening during my stay with him. I am provided with comfort food and a bed. I have new dresses and bags that can feed millions of people, and a card for my daily expenses. The amount of things was too much, and I urged him to only use them when necessary, but he remained adamant. At the end of the day, he let me be. This time, he allowed me to win. He also mentioned that the preparation for our fake wedding would be finished soon. Our wedding is coming up in a month's time. There was no room for any mistakes in his mind. As far as I'm concerned, I let him do whatever he wants since I'm only pretending to be his fiancée. I continue to write my drafts during my free time, and I am confident that I can finish them before the due date. As I was about to finis
The supper had come to a close and everyone started to leave. I noticed that Sophia was talking to Chad from across the room and took the chance to have a conversation with her. I walked passed the busy maids and approached Sophia. Chad excused himself.“Hey, Sophia..” I started so awkwardly. Sophia gave me cold shoulders and said, “What?” "How are you doing? I haven't had the chance to talk to you for quite some time now. You haven't responded to my messages."“Stop the act Heather.” She passingly said.“What are you talking about?” I was trying to understand our conversation.She leaned forward and whispered to me, "If you're truly my friend, you'll refuse Alex's proposal. He is the person I am engaged to."“Woah! Easy there Sophia. I had no idea what's happening right now. If I remember correctly, you don't want to marry him." I was in a state of confusion and was unable to convey to her that it was just a contract between me and Alexander.Sophia gritted her teeth and whispered,
Dinner was supposed to bring people together. Tonight's dinner was not the typical one I have encountered. I can sense the stabbing eyes and airy energy in my face. Their piercing eyes caused me discomfort. The idea of me being present here was a mistake. I wished to end my contract with Alexander, but it was too late. I wanted to vanish onto my seat and forget about that feeling and forget about the money. A warm hand touched mine. Alexander's tender glance at me gave me a sense of safety. I tried to regain my composure once more and prayed to be alive after this. Jerry shook his head and said, 'Now, now.' My dear children, let's have a good supper with our special guest, Miss Heather, my friend. He looks at me with an apologetic eyes. I understood what he meant and smiled at him. Supper was served and everyone was now eating their food. “Father, I think we need to get to the point of this event. I don't want to waste any more time staying here. Let’s talk about the rudeness of m
The day of the first act has arrived. Alexander planned this day to be smooth. And this morning he hired a stylist for me. His name was Evan. He has a very slender figure and pink, smooth long hair. He has a unique sense of style. And I was relieved that the stylist he hired was nice. The stylist asked me what I want, and I told him that I want a simple and comfortable to wear. Not too fancy. And I also told him that I do not want anything on my hair. I want it loose. Just my normal hair. And he understood it quickly. Evan and his glam team helped me from my dress to my hair. Finally, we settled to a mini black dress. It looks elegant and comfortable to wear. I also remembered that Evan gasped and said, You are gorgeous, honey! Now I know why he chose you. Congratulations on your engagement.”I do not know what he meant about it, but I just said, “Thank you mister Evan for your help. Sorry for the inconvenience.”He s
One week has passed since the signing of our contract and nothing has changed between Alexander and I. He is always giving me the cold shoulder, which I absolutely understand. I tried not to engage with him as much a possible. The less we talk, the less we will argue. I tried to be distant and nonchalant to him to have a peaceful mind and life. During breakfast, I did not expect that Alexander would be at the house and will eat his breakfast. I do not usually see him during the day or throughout the day. So seeing him was somewhat awkward. I went straight to the pantry without greeting him and made myself a hot chocolate. I am not certain if it was all right for me to sit on his opposite direction, but I still did it nonetheless. He did not say anything nor looked at me. He was busy reading something on his laptop. Beside his laptop was his coffee and untouched burrito and French toast soaked with honey. To be honest, I am drooling inside.&nbs
The afternoon light was warm, but Alexander's aura was chilly. We were at the back seat of his car while Grayman drove our way back home. The mood was quiet and unbearable. I glanced to see his face. It appeared that Alexander was not in the mood to talk what happened back in the café.Then he broke our silence without looking at me, “what are you looking at?” he sounded more harsh than usual.“I wasn't.” I lied. I wonder how did he know that I am at the café. Or It was just a coincidence?“I'll talk to you once we get to my house,” the hostility in his voice was too obvious.We get into his house, he told me to wait in the living area. I sat on his couch and waited for him. He came out of his room and was already holding an envelope. When he was close, he threw the envelope on the table and said, “sign it.” Then, he sat in the oppo
The night has passed, and I was unable to sleep properly. Do not get me wrong, the couch were comfortable enough and way better than my bed, it's just hard for me to sleep when thinking many things.I checked my phone, and it's already six in the morning. I have unread mails and unread messages.Furthermore, I have checked my mails first. It says that I have paid my personal loan plus its interest fully. My eyes widened, and my heart was jumping.“Wow” I heard myself muttered this word.The contract is real. I have to be responsible on my decision. I have to be serious on this contract or else, be imprisoned for breaching the contract.Then, I received an e-mail from the Writer's Luck that says,Dear Miss Russell,This is just an additional instruction from the previous mail we have sent you. Pleas
We arrived at Alexander's house. Ray has access and left me inside. He did not give me any instructions.I stood and stare at the bachelor's pad. This was my second time crashing here, the only difference was this house will be my temporary crib for our ridiculous contract.So, what should I do? I should call Sophia. Should I or should I not? I turned on my cellphone and I got twenty missed calls from unknown numbers. This is a nightmare.But surprisingly, I saw the name of my Aunt Rita. Four missed calls from her. This is new. Is there an emergency? I immediately called her, and she answered it with a cheerful tone. “Oh! Heather! You sly fox. Why did you not tell me that you have a rich guy? He also mentioned that he paid our debts.” I do not know how to respond to that. Then she added, “I really do not get it how did you manage to catch a rich and handsome guy, but I must say you did a good job
Fuming inside. That's how I describe my emotions now towards this egotistical man and myself. Yes, me. I hate the fact that he was overbearing just because he has a lot of money and POWER. And I resent myself for agreeing to this contract. But the sad and bitter truth is that I really needed this opportunity to gain my goal faster than doing several part-time jobs. Similarly to how the saying goes, “Games are all about taking risks.” The moment I agreed on with the contract was already a risk. All I have to do is play along until the end to win. To be free. I thought. So, I composed myself and my thoughts and words. And replied, “All right.” Alexander smirked and we were silent again.A knock on the door interrupted the silence between us. “Come in”. Alexander with his usual cold tone. “Sir, we have to get out of the hospital, reporters were already at the entrance.” A broad shouldered man in a