Chapter Six

~ Lucy’s pov~

I stood at the door struggling to get my keys from my bag. The tingling sound of the keys gave me a quick ease-up. As I turned the keys to get into my apartment, someone called out my name.

“Lucy Thank God I found you today, I’ve been waiting for your arrival.” An older woman muttered as she approached me.

“Good day….I mean….Good evening ma’am. I’m sorry to have kept you waiting all these while.” I stuttered to reply to her. “ But ma’am I just got back from work now and I’m really tired. Maybe another time, please. “ I replied to her.

“No No Lucy you know why I’m here. In case you didn't hear what I said, let me requote.. eh…ehm!”

She cleared her throat to continue.

“I heard you for the first time ma’am and I know why you’re here. But I’m sorry ma’am I have to go in now.“ I opened my door immediately and slammed the door behind me, the sound echoing through my apartment. I leaned against the door for a moment, exhaling sharply.

“Urgh I’m so sick of this woman, can’t she just let me be?”

That was Mrs White, she is a pastor and never misses any opportunity to preach to me about my mother’s illness. Always talk about how my mother's sins are the cause of her illness. I’ve always been respectful to her because I see her as an elder but it’s getting too much.

I tossed my bag on my couch, made my way to the bed, and slowly laid down flat on it. Thinking with a heavy heart about how my life has changed drastically. All my dreams had to be on hold for my mom. Then I remembered.

“Oh my God the contract!” I suddenly remembered how my day went. I reached for my bag and brought out the document. It wasn’t really big but it was definitely important and probably the solution to end my problems. My fingers quivered slightly as I flipped the front cover. The paper smelt expensive.

My eyes skimmed the heading.

AGREEMENT OF MARRIAGE

Between Drey Jackson and Lucy Addams.

My stomach churned. He must have gotten my name from Mr Mark. I pinched myself back to reality. But no, it wasn’t a dream. No romance, no proposal, no love. It was a transaction. ”Will I be able to make this sacrifice for my mom?” I asked myself.

I flipped through the first page and started reading :

Clause one: The marriage shall last for one year.

Seeing that made me a bit relieved. Just a year, a temporary life. I can do this.

Clause 2: Miss Addams will receive any amount necessary for my mother's treatment during the term of the marriage.

I felt anxious, but I would be able to pay for my mother’s treatment and surgery possibly. That’s more than enough for me.

I gulped down hard and continued reading.

Clause 3: Miss Addams must fully comply with her duties i.e., maintaining the public appearance of a real and happy wife. Public displays of affection in meetings or functions will be accepted.

My pulse quickened.

“Public affection? To him?“ Reality just hit me. I don’t imagine myself coping with that arrogant and mannerless attitude for a year, to top it up, a public display of affection?

”No no, I can’t.” I pondered. I closed the document to think for a second. As I closed my eyes, all I could see was my mother lying there with tubes running through her veins.

“Get yourself together Lucy, you’re not doing this for yourself remember.” I talked to myself, to remind me of why I’m doing this.

I opened the document to the page and continued.

Clause 4: No kind of romantic feeling should be developed by either party. If this happens, it forfeits all financial compensation.

I couldn’t help but let out a humorous laugh. “ This is a joke, Of course, I would never fall for a man like him.” That alone calmed down my nerves as I read through.

As I continued, my phone chimed but I ignored it. This document was more important right now.

Clause 5: Miss Addams is not allowed to ask personal questions about Mr Drey’s past, business, or relationships. Any breach of this clause will result in legal consequences.

“So he wants a wife just to show off. Hmmm, why do I care anyways, I gave him the idea.” I muttered to myself.

Clause 6: The contract duration is for a year as stated above, therefore, if Miss Addams attempts to leave the contract before expiration, she will pay double the amount spent on her mother’s treatment.

“What?? That is so unfair!” I said out loud.

Clause 7: Miss Addams is not permitted to have external romantic relationships but Mr Drey is free to have as many as possible.

”Hmm such a jerk! He wants me to be faithful but he can’t keep his pants up either. Men and their stupid patriarchy privilege.” I muttered.

I finally got to the last clause and I took a deep breath before reading it.

Clause 8: Read this part carefully before signing as is it very important:

If any romantic interaction is made by any chance and leads to a pregnancy. Miss Addams must without any reason have to keep it. In other words, the pregnancy must be terminated.

I wasn’t sure of what I just read, my eyes darkened as I read it over and over again, hoping I had read it wrong. I would be his wife, even if it was temporary and I’m not having any sexual relations with him, but, why… does he not want a child? Or does he not want it from me? Besides, it's my body and my choice.

“Tell me you’re not thinking of having this man’s baby,” I asked myself, letting out a laugh.

A part of me was worried about this whole contract but the only thing that stood out for me was the financial part. I was okay with every other thing and I’m positive to never getting physically attracted to him.

The document required two signatures, Mine and Mr Drey’s signature.

“You have to think about this very well before signing,” I told myself as I stared at the part that required my signature.

I picked up my pen from my bag. “This is all for you mom, I made a promise to you and I’m keeping it,” I said to myself as I signed the contract.

**********

I heard a knock on my door. I was a bit worried as it was late. I summoned courage and walked to the door.

“Lucy it’s me Mrs white “ the voice came from behind the door.

“Ma’am it’s late already please I don’t want to be disrespectful towards you. “ I said as I opened the door.

“No no I’m sorry but I forgot why I was waiting for your arrival. “ she apologized

“I… I began”.

“Here! You had mail sent this morning, that's why I was waiting for you.” She said,

“Oh, I’m… sorry, a…mail? Oh .. thank you ma.” I stammered and collected the envelope from her.

“It’s okay dear. Goodnight and sorry for bothering this late.”

“It’s fine ma. Goodnight too.” I returned to my apartment.

“A package for me?”

Who could it be from?…