Chapter 9

Staring at the contract Alex had given her, Lauren perched on the edge of her bed. Her mind was racing, and the words appeared to blur. She was shocked by what she was reading. 

Earlier that night, Alex had said icily, "Sign this." "To make sure we both get what we need, it's just a simple agreement." 

She remembered their chat, and her hands shook. She recalled how she had glanced up at him, expecting to see a human face, but his expression was unreadable. 

Flashback: Lauren paused before saying, "You can't expect me to just agree to this." She looked over the terms of the contract as she held it in her hands. 

Alex's face remained unchanged. He remarked, "You stole my money to save your mother." "This is the cost you incur. Lauren, it's a commercial transaction. Not much more. 

"A business deal?" she repeated, her tone tinted with disbelief. "Alex, you're discussing our life. This is not only a transaction. 

His blue, piercing eyes met hers as he wheeled closer. "In my universe, everything is a deal. You ought to adjust to it. 

Lauren gripped the contract more tightly and shook her head. Her voice was hardly audible above a whisper as she stated, "I need time to think." 

Alex had reclined in his seat, his eyes fixed on her. "Take as much time as you require," he said. "But be aware that I have a limit to my patience." 

Lauren took a long breath and put the contract down, bringing herself back to the present. She felt imprisoned, like a piece in an incomprehensible game. However, she was certain that she couldn't make a snap judgment. 

"I need to go through this," she muttered to herself. "For me and my mother." 

There was a gentle knock on Lauren's door, interrupting her thoughts. After hesitating, she yelled, "Enter now." 

Clara came in, looking concerned yet sympathetic. "Are you okay, Mrs. Magnus? You've spent some time in here". 

Lauren made an effort to grin. "I'm all right, Clara. Just pondering." 

Clara gave a nod. "Tell me if you need anything at all. We'll be serving dinner shortly". 

"I'm grateful," Lauren murmured. Lauren looked at the document again as Clara walked away. She needed to get her thoughts straight for the time being, but she couldn't escape it long. 

Lauren made the decision to divert her attention the following morning in order to decompress. She lingered around the yard, taking in the tranquil surroundings and the flowers. She felt comfortable there, one of the few spots in the Magnus home. 

Clara smiled kindly at her as she strolled amid the roses. "Greetings, Mrs. Magnus. Having fun in the garden?" 

Lauren smiled back. "Yes, the scenery is lovely. It helps my ability to think." 

Clara gave a nod. "It has always been a unique location. This garden was a favourite of Mr Magnus's mother. She worked on it for hours." 

Lauren became interested. "His mom? How did she behave?"

Clara's face became softer. "She was a good-hearted woman. And strong. Much of this family's heritage was created by her. Despite his reluctance to admit it, Alex is very much like her". 

Lauren reflected on Alex's reserved manner and the anguish she had seen in his eyes. "He's complicated," she muttered. 

Clara laughed. "That is one way to put it. However, he is not as frigid as he appears. All he needs is someone to tell him to have faith". 

Lauren nodded, her mind racing. Perhaps Alex was more complex than she had thought. Could she, however, get past the barriers he had put up? 

Clara gave her arm a light pat. "Mrs. Magnus, you're good for him. I see it. Give it some time". 

Lauren gave a small smile. "Clara, thank you. That is very significant". 

Lauren remained in the yard, deep in thought, as Clara departed. Though she wasn't sure if Alex would ever let her in, she wanted to think that she could change his life. 

Lauren accepted Alex's invitation to lunch in the dining room later that day. Though taken aback by the gesture, she accepted it in the hopes that it would lead to a conversation. 

Lauren eventually plucked up the nerve to speak while they ate in silence. "Alex, regarding the contract..." 

His expression was opaque as he put down his fork and turned to face her. "How about it?" 

She said, "I need to know why you're doing this." "Why me? Why this setup? 

Alex's eyes narrowed slightly as he sat back in his chair. "Lauren, I've already explained it. I needed stability, and you needed assistance". 

"Why me, though?" she asked. "There must have been other choices." 

Alex's mouth clenched. Simply put, "because you were there." "And because I was intrigued by you." 

Unexpectedly, Lauren blinked. "Caught your attention? How?" 

He looked off into the distance and shrugged. "You're unique. You never act like someone you're not. Lauren, the majority of individuals in my environment are dishonest. You are truthful, even when it is challenging". 

Lauren was at a loss for words. She had anticipated that he would dismiss her, not reveal something so... exposed. 

"Alex," she said quietly, "I don't want this to be a simple transaction. I'm trying to figure out how to make this work for us both". 

Once again, his face was unreadable as he gazed at her. Finally, he responded, "We'll see," and went back to eating. 

Lauren heard heated voices as she passed Alex's study that evening. After a moment of hesitation, her curiosity overcame her and she took a step closer. 

"Jake, you've gone too far," Alex said in a stern and irate tone. "You will be sorry if you interfere with my affairs." 

Jake's voice came back mockingly smooth, "Come on, Alex." "I only have your best interests in mind. That is what families are meant to do, isn't it?"

"Don't make fun of me," Alex yelled. "You only have your interests in mind." 

Jake's voice trailed off after a pause. "All right. But when everything falls apart, don't claim I didn't warn you". 

With her heart pounding, Lauren took a step back as the door opened. Jake walked out with a smirk that vanished as soon as he noticed her. He snarled, "Are we listening in?" 

"I wasn't," Lauren blurted out. "I just happened to walk by." 

Jake gave a gloomy laugh. "Little wife, you're in over your head. Don't claim I didn't alert you." 

Lauren was shaken as he left. She turned to face Alex, who was observing her with an expression that was impossible to read. 

He whispered, "Lauren, go to bed." "It's late." 

Lauren gave a nod and walked away, but she couldn't stop thinking about it. What was Jake trying to say? And why did Alex appear to be so intent on avoiding her? She was certain that the struggle she had found herself in was only getting started.