Chapter 4 The Agreement

Farah’s POV

"You want to negotiate with me?" Lance asked with a smirk. I didn't finish reading the contract because I was horrified by its contents. My breathing was almost tensed with nervousness while reading it.

Now I'm crying again because I can't believe I got into this situation. But I can't say no because I don't want what happened to the woman Lance killed earlier to happen to me. But what if he gets tired of me and I have no use for him anymore? What if…?

I closed my eyes with the thoughts troubling my mind.  At this moment, I wanted to ask God what did I do to deserve all these?

"Y-yes. I want to negotiate," I said bravely. I have to be strong because the situation I will be entering is not easy. All the hairs on my body rose at the kind of look he gave me.

"What is it, baby?" he asked, playfully. He was staring at me, so I was even more annoyed. I swallowed before speaking again.

"Can you add there that when you get tired of me you will let me go and never bother me again?" My voice was raspy. I'm not sure if he will agree to my request, but I still have to try. However, he laughed so softly that I was scared again.

“Fine! Anything more do you want to add?” he stated and asked. I couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief at his consent. At least, I still have my safety pin just in case.

"No more. I just want to ensure my safety and my family's," I answered quickly.

"Just remember that there will be punishment for every rule you break," he warned. I bit my lower lip before nodding. I'll just think that this is the only way and I'm just thankful that he didn't kill me.

After he prepared the contract, he printed it into three copies and then we signed. My hand was shaking as I signed the document because I didn't know the consequences of what I was doing right now. Come what may. The important thing is that I am safe and that nothing bad will happen to any member of my family.

“Can I go home now? By the way, what time is it already?" I asked him. His face turned serious as he stared at me.

"You're going to sleep here, and you should call your mom now to inform her about that," he ordered dominantly. I almost gasped at what I heard.

"I-can I sleep here? B-but–”

"Do as I say because I don't want any more arguments. I am tired and hungry already," he demanded authoritatively.

I didn't do anything but call my mom and tell her I was coming home tomorrow. Fortunately, he didn't ask any more questions and just left me alone.

It's also good that I grew up as a good daughter because my parents trust in me a lot and I wouldn't do anything stupid. How will they react when they find out about my condition now? I just held my breath and suddenly grabbed my stomach when it grumbled. I also remembered that I hadn't even eaten yet.

I was still a little surprised when the door opened, and an elderly woman was there. She was wearing a maid's uniform and looked at me.

"Sir is calling you because he said it’s time to eat," she informed me politely.

"Huh? Oh, alright. I am coming now,” I stammered a bit. She just nodded and then turned to leave.

We are on the top floor. I couldn't help but be amazed at the size of this house. It's a literal mansion! The staircase is also very wide and huge with a giant chandelier above  the end. The staircase is carpeted in maroon color while the entire luxurious living room is white and beige in color.

The maid even turned to me because I must have stopped in the middle of the stairs. I was nervous so I sped up to follow her. From the stairs, we turned right until we reached the glass door. And when it opened, the spacious dining area welcomed me.

I was in awe of the table! I think it can carry twenty or more people.

Lance was at the end looking at me with a serious face. He motioned me to sit on his right side. I just followed silently.

"Y-your house is nice," I couldn't stop praising her. He smiled lightly at me.

"This is the biggest among my ten mansions. I'm glad you like it," he simply said. Seriously, he has ten mansions? Is he that rich? He definitely is. That’s why he can do whatever he wants, because he has a lot of money. And that includes killing people. I felt terrified again at that thought, so my lips trembled slightly.

"Let's eat. Then, I will take you to your room. You can redecorate it soon if you want," he said casually. I just nodded and started eating my food. I am very careful with my every move because I'm afraid of making a mistake. I don’t want him to get angry and hurt me. He can do anything, that’s why I am so afraid of him.

"Tell me more about yourself," he suddenly spoke. I was suddenly stunned because my mind was only focused on food and other matters in my head.

"Ahm… I'm the second among the three siblings and I'm currently studying in college," I answered. I'm having trouble breathing because I'm so afraid of him.

"And then?" he asked, while chewing his food.

"W-what else do you want to know, sir?" I'm worried about the question.

"Call me Lance. Do you have a boyfriend?” he asked directly. I was nervous again because his face was serious at that question. I shook my head.

"Not now. We broke up two months ago," I replied. He just nodded.

"Based on my research, you have two part-time jobs right now. Is that correct?” he continued to ask. My chest rumbled. He had me investigated, shit! It's a good thing though, because I don't know how to lie, otherwise I might have been caught easily.

"Yup! I also need to help my mom with the household expenses and my study finances," I replied. I looked sideways at him to see his reaction. Except that his forehead was wrinkled, his eyes were blank of any emotion.

"Beginning tomorrow, quit your jobs and let me handle all the finances that you need," he declared. I was surprised by what he said. What? Will he take care of all my expenses? What does he think I am, a prostitute?

"What? But–”

"No buts! You will only be serving me and nothing else," he said with finality. In the tone of his voice, nothing could change his decision. I suddenly feel smaller because of that. From now on, I am a paid girl. He will use my body and then he will give me money. I want to cry again because I suddenly feel sorry for myself.

Why does fate seem so cruel to me? Have I done something wrong before? Have I ever offended someone? Even though my tears were threatening to fall, I stopped myself from crying. I don't want to look weak in front of him because he will only underestimate my personality. What I need now is to be stronger and not to cry and be weak.