Chapter nine

Her husband. He was shirtless and well tattooed around his left hand and shoulders. Looking like something out a fantasy. Of course she knew he was handsome, but she never knew he was this hot. He had a broad shoulder. With few freckles of black hair strewn deliciously on his well toned chest. He was tan with well-defined muscles, a belly that looked hard and ridged like a farmland. His waist was slim, with a line of silky-looking hair curled around his bellybutton like a question mark and disappeared into the low riding waist of the blue shorts he wore, as if beckoning on her curious eyes to wonder about the territory that lay beyond. She tried to hold herself, but she couldn't help drool. 

                      His hands left her waist and she jerked off her revelries. He was smiling knowingly at her, his dimples appearing deeper. She took her gaze off him in a vain attempt to hide the blush that bloomed instantly on her cheeks. "Lunch is ready." He said and turned away, leading the way to the cabins. Blue pearl owned two helicopter pads, 15 guest cabins, two master suites, two swimming pools, several hot tubs, and a disco hall. It was also equipped with three launch boats. Approximately 50 crew members are needed to operate the yacht and serve the guests. They were all ready in their bright uniforms, attentive to any requests. 

                      He led the way to one of the master suites. The door opened to reveal an outer exquisite and spacious sitting lounge. The lights were on and dangling, giving a macabre feeling. On the TV set was a news replay of her wedding just few hours earlier. It sent shivers down her spine. She was grateful she was not in the country to face the paparazzi and attention. Right there, she realized, going back home her life would never remain the same. It filled her with thoughts of uncertainty and unease. Michael opened a door to bedroom. She walked in and paused at the door. The room was very large. Beautiful was an understatement. There was a large bed big enough to take three persons. A corner of the room directly facing the bed was made of blue glass, from the room through the glass, she could see different fishes, swimming about in their habitat. The room was dark. The dim lights adding more of beauty than illumination. Michael switched on the brighter lights and she gasped. In the middle of the room was a dining table for two. "Sit down." He said, sitting. She did and peered curiously at the different covered dishes. Everything on the table was made of gold. He opened the bowls to reveal different strange dishes. "These are my favorite Italian cuisines." He smiled at her hesitation. "They're delicious. Try them." He dished a generous amount for both of them and delved into his. She tasted them. "Wow!" She commented, amazed. "They're delicious." 

                      Done with the meal, Michael studied her. He remembered his conversation earlier with his mom. She was skeptical and didn't approve of his decision to marry someone he didn't know. Someone he had just met. Although he had taken his time explaining his reasons, seeing that he had to make a quick decision to remedy the 'no bride' situation. But she didn't still sound impressed. The pessimism in her voice was expected though. He would be that way too if he was in her shoes. But right there staring at her, something told him he made a right decision. After all, it was just for a year. The thought of committing to one lady all his life sounded impossible. None of the ladies had done enough to make him forget other ladies. He had run a background check on her an hour ago, but instead of getting satiated, he had gotten more curious. From the informations he had gathered, She is Savannah Clayton, a lowly 21 year old girl adopted from the orphanage as a little child by her now late adoptive parents that died few months after her 18th birthday. Ever since, she had fended for herself and saw herself through college. But how an orphan from a lowly background got to work in a prestigious event planning firm and most especially, be his wedding planner was amazing. It showed a dogged and determined individual that didn't allow circumstances derail her dreams. He admired her for that. He didn't know much about her, but there was one way to remedy that situation. 

                      "Savannah." She smiled. She loved the way he pronounced her name, a stress on the second syllable. "Would you wanna keep your surname or mine?" She was taken aback. She hadn't considered that. "I'd keep both." She decided. He nodded producing a document and pen. He passed it to her. "This is the contract. Go through the details." She took her time. Going through, she was satisfied with the terms. A one year marriage and after the one year, they would co-parent if they had a child during the one year. "Jeez!" She gasped in shock, when her eyes landed on a part of the document. Mike was alarmed. "What's wrong?" She drew the paper closer to check if she had read mistakenly. There was no mistake. "It's the.. the settlement money." She stammered in astonishment. Pointing to the document. Mike relaxed. "What's wrong with it? Is it not enough? I could double it." She gaped at him, stupefied. She returned her gaze to the document for the umpteenth time, taking her time to count the zeros. There was no need. It was clear. 100 million dollars.