Chapter 3

Emily

“You will stay away from Elliott.” Cedric raised his voice as soon as we got home. 

I was blindsided. I didn't know that he had seen the two of us together… 

“Why? I don't see how that is any of your business. Who installed it isn't your concern.”

He scoffed. “If you want to keep your life, you will think long and hard before you say another word.” I was about to speak but he raised his index finger, stopping me..”You can do anything you want, you can adhere to anything I tell you but take this one most seriously. Don't ever talk to that man Elliott. That is the first rule you shouldn't break “

I wanted to counter his facts but he walked away before I could mention another word. 

One good thing about this contract was the fact that I got to communicate with the outside world. I grabbed my iPhone and dialed my father's number. It went straight to his voicemail. It was just like when I was in New York, where I couldn't reach him for weeks. He can't pull this trick on me and go off the grid without even the courtesy of telling me how he embezzled funds and sold me to this cruel man.

I dialed his number again for the umpteenth time, but it was still the same response. I tried to fight the tears but he couldn't trick my body any longer. I broke into tears.

I knew that I needed to end this before things got worse with me. I knew that a divorce was the only thing that could end all of this. I imagined going back to my life in New York. I grabbed my laptop and searched for a divorce lawyer and sent him a letter. I fixed an appointment for the next day.

Cedric had given me money from time to time and it was a good thing that I had kept it. It was the only shot I had in making sure I got out of this mess.

I believed I was kidnapped and that was my basis for ending this marriage. Cedric had given me the file of this contract that he had forced me into. There were too many rules and my signature was there too. I sighed. With the tight security in this mansion, I tried to think of an excuse to get out of the house. 

It was time to meet up with the lawyer. I texted Cedric that I was going to meet up with a friend. I was expecting a call from him but my phone didn't beep. It gave me peace at some point.

I went to the cafe waiting for the lawyer to meet up with his appointment. 

“Hey, beautiful.” I had goosebumps, immediately after I heard the voice. That familiar voice gave me chills and I just wanted to bask in the feeling.

“Are you stalking me now?” I smiled at him. 

“No, no. I was in the neighborhood. This is one of my favorite cafes, I just needed to get a latte.” I narrowed my eyes on him. Sincerity was written on his face. He sat across from me, owning the room.

“That's nice. Although I haven't tried their coffee. I'm just waiting for someone here.”

“Mind telling me what your appointment is all about. Maybe I can help.” 

“Emily! What the hell do you think you are doing? Is this the friend you came to see?” I was shocked at his authoritative voice. I couldn't handle it. 

I tried to think of what to say. “She is on her way?” 

“Really? Your friend came from New York to see you here in France. Stop this bullshit!” I had the element of surprise in me 

How did he know that?

“Don't you dare use that tone on me, Cedric?!” 

He turned his gaze to Elliott. “The moment I turn my face you want to sink your teeth in my marriage. I get your acquaintance but don't you ever think you can whore around my wife.” he wasn't done. “Emily, you do not know who he is.” Elliott kept quiet, acting off around Cedric. 

“Cedric, please. We will discuss this when I get home. My friend came from New York to see me and I would appreciate it if you are not making a scene.”

“You are a terrible liar. What is your friend's name?” I gulped thinking of the first name that popped into my head. Silence enveloped me. “Let's go home.”

“I would not be told what to do.”

Cedric sighed. “Your lawyer isn't coming. I am the lawyer you wanted to hire. Your allowance would be retrieved because I cannot even trust you.”

I sighed. Thinking of how I must have hired him instead. My first thought was to run away, Elliot tried to reach for me but Cedric was quick to keep me on a tight leash.

He points his finger at Elliott. “I Don't want to see you under these circumstances.” Elliott kept quiet. I tried to apologise but he dragged me away into the car waiting outside the cafe.

“Cedric, what you did was wrong.”

“Did you see how you were talking with him like you guys have some relationship that you are keeping from me? You are acting like a slut. Do I have to remind you that you have to fulfill your side of the fucking contract?” I sensed the jealousy in him. Something he had no right to have.

When we got home, I went ahead to my room when his baritone voice stopped me in my tracks. 

“We have a dinner to attend. For me to trust you again, you have to do exactly what I say. Any sort of disobedience is going to cost you dearly. “

“What if I choose not to go?” 

His phone rang. “Like I said, it is going to cost you dearly. Do not test me.” He answered his call ignoring me. I heard Celine's voice on the other side of the phone. She was telling him she needed him, especially after the stunt he pulled. 

What is the point of going to dinner with him when he has another woman with him? Why the hell does he keep me here, if he is always going to her?

Cedric called the head of his security. “I have somewhere to be. Lock her up in her room.”

I protested. “You just told me we have a dinner to attend and you are leaving?” 

“Our marriage is strictly transactional. You do not have the right to ask me that question. Besides, dinner is tomorrow.” I stopped the guard from touching

me. “Do as you are told.”

The guard led me up to my room, locking me in.