Chapter 5

*****Emma*****

For the first time, I scanned the document thoroughly, and eventually got to the contract rules which stated clearly;

Two Years of agreement between; 

Miss Emma Parker aged 22, and Mr Ethan Brooks aged 27.

Both parties have read, understood, and agreed to the following rules below:

1)      Will not tell anyone about the agreement. The defaulter would accept any punishment from the other party.

2)       Miss Parker, shall not be seen flirting with any other man in public.

3)       If Miss Parker decides to leave before the contract ends, she shall receive no money and will return everything Mr Brooks has offered.

4)       Public display of affection with Ethan Brooks.

5)       In private, both parties are allowed to see anyone else.

6)        Miss Emma Parker is obliged to bear children for Mr Ethan Brooks if he wishes.

7)       Miss Parker at the end of the contract will receive a house, a car and ten million dollars in cash after the successful end of the contract, and divorce Mr Brooks and never contact him again. Leaving behind any child borne in the cost of this contract.

I was stunned when I was done. Oh, so he can flirt while I remain faithful? What sick rule is this?

“This is madness. I can't accept this” I yelled “How can you make such sick rules, why is it in your favour? Why am I obliged to give you kids?” I questioned, throwing the contract in his face

“This was supposed to be simple I act in front of the press and everyone who wishes to know that I am your wife and nothing else. I am not in support of having children, you either scrap that out or we are done”

“We can't be done. You have signed the contract remember?” he said, maintaining a cool and satisfied look “Anyways you are free to go, but don't forget rule number three”

“Well, I don't care. I haven't taken anything from you”

“You seem to be having short memories darling. Your mother's hospital bill have been paid in full, and plans are being made to transfer her for secrecy and better treatment. Do you know how much that cost?”

We stood in awkward silence, as I looked at this man. He had me in his hands and I could not escape. 

“Over a million dollars have been spent on your mother so far. Now unless you can refund me, I do not want to hear you talk about ending the contract. Tomorrow you will be officially revealed, so make sure you prepare yourself” he said, knowing fully well it will take me almost a lifetime to pay up such a ridiculous amount.

“The driver will take you to get your important stuff, and also help you prepare for the interview,” he said and left, leaving me in despair.

The contract was clear to understand, but difficult to accept. Getting emotionally attached to the other person was prohibited but then how was I going to give a child to a man whom I have no feelings for, and in the end, I will be forced to abandon my child.

The unfair reality dawned on me, and I just couldn't help but cry silently. As the driver came and asked that we get my stiff. To think that I have never been in a relationship before as I had other real-life issues to think about, and now my first romantic journey is going to be a charade.

It was a smooth in-and-out ride to my place and back. I was able to pack a few of my things and that of my mum. We barely had any property thought. The sight of my house was so embarrassing that I was pleased Ethan didn't come himself but rather sent a driver, at least I will keep my little pride.

*****

I stared up at the ceiling in deep thought, as I lost track of time. What the hell have I done? What have I gotten myself into? how am I even going to explain all this to my mother? Would she agree to leave in this house with me? 

My life was taking a drastic turn from this point, and I couldn't help but think if I had made the right decision. I had just signed my life and freedom over to a stranger. That was enough answer to know that my decision was wrong.

 The comfort I got from the bed made me forget my worries and sleep off. I had barely had enough sleep when I began hearing noises and murmurs. At first, I thought I was dreaming, not until a bright light shone into my room, waking me up.

“Good morning madam”  a lady, probably in her early fifties greeted, as three young ladies in their twenties stood beside her, their faces to the ground, and officially dressed.

Confusion clouded my thoughts, as this was a new development for me. “What is going on?” I questioned, confusion evident on my face.

“We have been ordered by your husband to get you fixed for the press conference.” the eldery lady said.

My eyes scanned the room, spotting the lines of different designers wear they rolled in. By the side, a hair and make-up section has been set, along with collections of shoes and various luxury wigs.

I was taken in by all of these luxuries, but then I remembered, she said, my husband. I mean we weren't married yet. Despite feeling thrilled about the change of wardrobe, and the princess-like treatment I would be receiving, I felt weird and uncomfortable deep within.

“We are behind schedule madam, please come have your bath,” one of the young ladies said.

Taking my lazy ass up the bed, I dragged my sleeping robe and put it on without tying it, and tied my hair in a messy bun, making my way to the bathroom.

“Any problem?” I turned to the lady who was following me as if she wanted to shower with me.

“Not exactly ma. I only wanted to help you shower”

“You what?” I asked confused, and suddenly burst into laughter. My voice resonating the room. “Tell me you are joking?” the look on her face was serious and I could tell instantly she wasn't joking.

“I am only doing my job madam.”

I understand the point of helping me dress up to look my best, as they were professionals, but helping me shower. That was crazy. I was about to answer her and let her know she didn't have to clean my ass, when the door swung open, striding into the room was a fine man, the most handsome man I have ever met and luckily he was my man.

My eyes were locked on him, my thoughts lost in wild imagination. His beauty blinded me and for a while, I forgot about the contract and was so happy to be his woman, but that happiness was cut short, bringing me back to my senses.

“How have you not showed by this time, not to talk of dressing up?” 

I fidget by his words, trying to control my uneasiness. But then how dare he walk into my room, not minding my privacy, and ask me questions? I wanted to react but then I kept my cool trying to play a lover's character. 

“I will be back in an hour, and be ready by then” he added. Coming a little bit closer. He placed a peck on my cheek.

I felt red, as the ladies turned their eyes away, giving us privacy. 

“It's time, hope you are ready?” He asked as we pulled over at the entrance. I took a view from the tinted glass and saw millions of cameras ready to capture the moment, and I froze.

There were enough security men on the ground, to create a walk path for us, yet I was terrified. Earlier this morning, photos and videos of me and Ethan from yesterday's event were all over the internet, still no conclusion was made if I was Ethan's fiancee. well, they are here to find out.

Taking my left hand, he looked me straight into my eyes “Enjoy the moment, no one will harm you, I will be by your side to protect you. Just trust me dear” he said reassuring me.

For a while there I was comforted and was willing to take this step. “Just walk with grace and pride as you did during the audition.” I was stunned he actually watched the video, but that gave me a confidence boost.

He stepped out of the car first, walked over to my side, and like a gentleman opened the door for me and offered me a hand. From that moment, I was overwhelmed as the shuttering sounds and murmurs of the journalists filled the air.

Everyone had a question to ask, everyone wanted to take the perfect picture, and everyone wanted to know who I was, and where I came from. All I could do was squeeze Ethan's palm as we walked.

He noticed my nervousness and gripped my waist to give me balance. Smiling we were already close to the front door, when suddenly a lady walked out, stopping us in our tracks. It was the same lady that had attacked me earlier. With a stern face and furrowed brow, she starred. It was evident she was pissed over something.