3- the contract

The next morning, Lucy's phone rang, and she saw Noah's name flashing on the screen. She picked up, her voice filled with curiosity why he was calling her early this morning. "Hey, Noah. What's up?"

Noah's voice sounded determined yet somewhat distant. "Lucy, I need you to come to my office as soon as possible. We need to discuss the details and sign a contract to formalize our agreement."

Confusion washed over Lucy as she tried to process Noah's words. "What agreement, Noah? What do you mean?"

There was a brief pause before Noah responded.

“I received your message last night. I thought you would agree with my proposal?.” Noah asked, confused.

“O! Yeah! Sorry. Must we sign a contract?.” Lucy asked Noah. She had totally forgotten about their discussion and her response at the end.

“Yes it’s necessary. As someone who wants to own a business one day Lucy, you should know that you have to always sign a contract to bind any agreement.” Noah explained to her.

Lucy rolled her eyes over the phone. She doesn't actually understand why it’s necessary for them to sign any contract since they are friends. But then she knows the business man in Noah will disagree with her.

“I will meet you at your office by 10”. Lucy said.

“I will be waiting. I've drafted a contract that outlines the terms of our temporary marriage. It's crucial to have everything documented to protect both of us. When you come to my office, we will go over it together." .” Noah answered and off the call.

Lucy signed as she hopes she is making the right choice.

Lucy arrived at Noah's office at 10. She didn’t need to go through the receptionist because there was no newbie here. Everyone that works at the company knows her as Noah’s best friend. Lucy went straight to Noah’s office. As she entered, she couldn't help but feel a sense of unease, knowing that the discussion ahead would have significant implications for their lives and their friendship.

Noah greeted her with a happy but nervous expression, inviting her to take a seat. He handed her a document—the contract—carefully crafted with legal jargon and formal language.

"Lucy, this contract outlines our agreement. It specifies that we will be married for a period of one year, after which we will proceed with a divorce," Noah began, his voice steady but tinged with a hint of sadness. "It includes provisions regarding financial support for you, as well as confidentiality to protect our arrangement."

Lucy skimmed through the contract, her eyes scanning the intricate clauses and stipulations. The weight of the decision they were about to make settled upon her shoulders. But then she had thought about it over and over again m. She is ready for it. After all, what might possibly go wrong?

Lucy signed the contract and handed it back to Noah. Noah printed a copy and gave it to her.

“We will be going over to my parents house later in the evening to announce our engagement to them.” Noah informed Lucy.

“Today? Is that not a bit too early?”. Lucy asked Noah in panic. She had met Noah's lovely parents before but as a friend and she is now supposed to meet them as her son's fiancée. She isn’t sure how their reaction will be.

“The earlier the better”. Noah answered.

“I have transferred half a million to your account as a deposit. I will pick you up around 6 pm.” Noah said to Lucy.

“Alright see you later!”. Lucy stood up and gave Noah a hug before she made her way out of the office. With her hand on the door knob, Lucy remembered something and turned to look at Noah.

“Noah, what about an engagement ring?”. Lucy asked him. Surely they don’t expect people to believe them without an engagement ring on her finger. It will raise questions.

“ The ring? I have forgotten about that! I will buy it on my way to pick you up in the evening.” Noah sheepishly answered.

“Alright see you later!”. Lucy said and walked out of his office.

It was not until Lucy was out of the office building before she squealed as she stared at her account balance.

Never in her life has she have such amount in her account. She wonder how she will feel when the balance is sent to her at the end of their agreement. She will probably faint.

Lucy swiftly made her way to the spa, eager to relax and rejuvenate. The moment she stepped inside, a wave of tranquility washed over her. The spa's serene ambiance, soft music, and delicate fragrance set the perfect mood. She checked in and was escorted to a luxurious changing room, where a plush robe awaited her.

The spa offered a variety of treatments, and Lucy was determined to indulge in the best. She began her journey to relaxation with a full-body massage, expertly kneading away any tension and leaving her feeling utterly blissful. The masseuse's skilled hands worked their magic, soothing her muscles and calming her mind. Every ounce of stress melted away, replaced by a sense of serenity.

Following the massage, Lucy decided to treat herself to a facial. The esthetician carefully assessed her skin and tailored the treatment to her specific needs. With each gentle touch and application of nourishing products, Lucy felt her complexion brighten and her skin become rejuvenated. The spa's luxurious skincare routine left her feeling refreshed and glowing from within.

As she bid farewell to the spa, Lucy felt like a whole new person. The stress of daily life had been lifted, and she was ready to take on the world. But first, she needed the perfect outfit to complement her newfound radiance.

Lucy's next stop was a trendy boutique known for its stylish and elegant attire. She carefully perused the racks, seeking a dress that would make her feel confident and sophisticated. She finally stumbled upon a stunning navy blue gown that seemed tailor-made for the occasion. Its intricate lace detailing and figure-flattering silhouette took her breath away. Without hesitation, she decided to try it on.

As Lucy stepped into the fitting room and slipped into the dress, a mirror stood before her, reflecting her transformation. She stood tall, admiring the way the fabric hugged her curves and the way the color accentuated her eyes. It was the perfect ensemble to impress Noah's parents and make a statement of her own.

With the dress chosen, Lucy moved on to finding accessories to complete her look. She sought out a pair of elegant silver earrings that delicately dangled and caught the light, adding a touch of sophistication to her attire. Next, she found a matching bracelet that adorned her wrist beautifully, enhancing her grace and charm. Lastly, she selected a pair of silver high-heeled shoes that added a touch of glamour and elongated her legs.

Satisfied with her choices, Lucy made her way to the cashier, paid for her purchases, and left the boutique with a sense of accomplishment. The day of pampering and shopping had not only prepared her physically but also emotionally. She was ready to meet Noah's parents as his future wife, confident in herself.

As the sun began to set, Lucy returned home, her heart filled with excitement and anticipation. She carefully laid out her attire for the evening, each piece reflecting her inner joy and confidence. She knew that tonight, as Noah's fiancée, she would have to shine bright.

With her beauty enhanced both inside and out, Lucy eagerly awaited the arrival of Noah.