Laurie ran down the stairs in a hurry, her dark hair dispersed in the wind, she was hugging the files in her hands tightly so as to keep the papers from flying away.
“Boss, Boss!” she shouted when she spotted Kayden, the twenty-eight-year-old C.E.O of the shoe designing company, walking towards the exit of the building. On hearing Laurie, his secretary, he stopped and turned towards her direction. Kayden Smith, the only son of his father making him the successor of his now owned company. He was a very hard-working man that held a very mysterious personality to everyone even his workers; No one can say for sure what he liked or dislikes. His blond hair flicker in the light as he looked down at short Laurie, his secretary. He was one of the youngest billionaires but apart from that something else made him extremely famous, especially online and that was no other than his looks.“What is it, Laurie?” His deep voice rang out musically, Laurie pulled back some strands of her black hair away from her mouth nervously. “We have letters from our partners and the press requests a meeting, they have so many questions about your marriage, nobody knows the "Mystery woman" as they call it.” His hands snatched the files from her and he scanned through the pages.“We can have a meeting with them tomorrow evening and I will reveal my fiancée to you all, I’m pretty sure you all are quite curious as well.' He snapped the files shut and handed it back to her. “Should I then make reservations for the conference?” he gave a slight nod, about to leave, she stopped him again. “Mr. Kayden,”“Yes?” he turned on his heels and glanced back at her. “What about the letters?”“Oh, you can just redirect them to my e-mail and I will have a proper look at them.”“Okay sir,” she squealed as he went in the other direction. “We heard the boss is getting married.” Lola whispered as soon as Laurie got back into the staff office.“Yeah, he tweeted it himself breaking thousands of hearts.” Laurie said as she pulled her chair to sit.“Including yours?” A red-haired Deborah asked mockingly. “You always thought you could stand a chance with the boss?” she pointed accusingly with a teasing smirk.“That is not true,” she denied immediately. “The only relationship, between boss and I is business.”“But business isn’t the way you look at him sometimes,” Deborah mocked even further.“Deborah, do you mind not picking on Laurie?” Lola asked with a tight smile, one to show that she was already getting mad.“Ugg… whatever, but the heart wants what it wants.” Deborah teased grinning openly.“Well, that isn't all. Who the hell is his fiancée?” Dora the curly hair dark skinned lady joined the conversation holding a plastic cup of coffee in one hand and a tray of doughnut in the other. “We never saw him with a girl.” she also suggested. “Neither did he seemed attached, or taken.” Deborah chirped in.“He was probably dating on a low key.” Lola stated pushing her hankie over her glasses and rubbing on them carefully.“That was the lowest key.” Dora said in between chewing.“Maybe, he got one of his one night stands pregnant and decided to take responsibility?” Laurie suggested flatly“I mean, he could just pay child support. No business man with a face and status like Mr. Smith would like to be hooked up to a woman much less a one-night stand.” Dora hypothesized and they all reasoned nodding their heads.“Yeah, we should probably just wait, he'll unveil this mystery tomorrow.' Laurie announced piquing their interests. “Did he say so?” she nodded. “We would be hosting a press conference and he will introduce her to the media and to us as well.”“Damn, I have to be in work tomorrow, even if I die.” Deborah said with a nod as she hurriedly packed her things. “I will be late for my cooking practice... goodnight girls.”'Let's walk home together,' Laurie suggested but Deborah shrugged it and ran off first. “We can go after my snack.” Dora assured. Kayden got out of his charcoal black Mercedes Benz AMG E-series, and head towards his secret cabin house that was almost outside the city. This was his special meet up place with his girlfriend, he then gifted the house to her on her 25th birthday. The main reason is to keep social media off their relationship, despite being an ordinary business man, he is being treated as a celebrity. A lot of gawking eyes, and fangirls. He didn’t inform her of his visit, but he thought it would be nice if they spent the night together, because tomorrow is actually a big day for her. The day he makes their relationship official to the world and the announcement of their marriage: he doesn’t want her to be nervous. When he got to the porch the lights were off, so he presumed she must have fallen asleep, but it was quite early to and a weirder thing was that the door was opened, he didn't have to use his key he only pushed it open. The lights to the living room were also off but some lights in the passage that led to the rooms were on, making the living room slightly visible. There was a trench coat over the couch, it belonged to a man but it definitely wasn't his. Maybe it belonged to that her brother, Dylan, the one she introduced him too. He heard a loud giggle from the room, it belonged to Cassandra, his girlfriend and she was definitely with someone. He walked through the well litted passage and stood in front of the polished brown mahogany door of the master’s bedroom.“He also told me that he will be introducing me officially tomorrow as Mrs. Cassandra Smith, it's all over his HiTweet Page.' A smile tugged at his lips; she was definitely talking to her brother about their engagement, she sounded so proud and excited.As he was about to knock, the deep familiar baritone voice of Dylan stopped him. “Good job, Cassie. I never really knew you could get this far, since you were so afraid.” Afraid? Kayden thought to himself, afraid of what?“After the wedding, remember you have to do everything he says just so he can let his guard down. Then just get him to sign those papers and then all his riches will be ours.” The smile playing on Kayden's lips slowly disappeared and was replaced with an expression of lost and hopelessness. “And that be a problem? What if he finds out?” Came Cassandra's question. “No, it shouldn’t be, but if he starts being too nosy and suspect you, then I’ll find a way to eliminate him.” He reassured.“Eliminate him? As in kill him?” she asked curiously and Dylan nods. “He’s better off dead, don’t you think?”“As long as we are together, it really doesn’t matter what happens, but I hope it doesn’t get to that.” She answered. “Of course, who else would I be with if it isn't my angel, Cassie?” they both laughed and Kayden quietly walked out of the house, hate consumed him. He was feeling a thousand of emotions flowing into him but the most dominant of all was rage, he had loved Cassandra more than anything, and was willing to give her everything but all she was after was his wealth, just like the rest of those girls. He sucked in a deep breath and then he decided that he can't let her get away with this, she must pay; he had the power to do anything he wanted.He has money and the law sides money.Kayden called the police and made a complain, two strange people broke into his apartment. The special police unit came in a hurry since Kayden had tagged the case, life threatening, he didn’t need to provide the evidence, his money and reputation is enough.That was the world he lived in, since he has the power, he could do anything and everything he wanted. He will make sure Cassandra and her shitty fraud boyfriend will rot in jail; she will pay dearly for this deceit; nothing in this world would make him forgive her.Cassandra and Dylan got arrested, they were both clueless as to why they are getting arrested and when they asked, they were refused of every information. Kayden even though he had gotten them arrested to be locked away till he’s satisfied, he still wasn’t satisfied. She needs to know what she is guilty of.Later that he visited Cassandra in the holding cell she was kept, he wanted to give her one last chance.“Kayden!” she screeched in relief as soon as she saw
“Crystal Dante.” He repeated as he sank into the leather seat, no wonder he felt he like knew her. she looked so much like her damned sister and it got him wondering. “So, you are Crystal? Cassandra's sister?” he nods hauntingly.“Yes I am.” Crystal answers a little bit mortified, she felt ashamed on her sister’s behalf and Kayden looked like a good man, he didn’t know her, yet he gave her audience. “I’ve come here to apologize on her behalf, we are very sorry. She told me everything, that she planned to defraud you, but I believe it was because of her dire condition.”“What could be so dire that I should suffer for?” his steel eyes were now locked on her innocent ones. “Her ideas are inexcusable but our mother is very sick and since we are poor, we cannot afford the hospital bills. I promise you; she didn't do it on purpose.” She answered quietly.“I’m sorry to hear that, but it wasn’t my fault. Why should I suffer for something that I didn’t cause?” He queried but now Crystal had
Kayden stepped out of his seat and moved closer to Crystal, he had gone over the past five minutes explaining to her about how important this marriage is, to him and to his company. “Are you ready, Crystal?” he asked and she nodded wiping her tears with her hands, he brought out a handkerchief from his pockets and handed it to her.“Now you have to fill in Cassandra’s place and address the press together with me,” she nods quietly, blowing into the handkerchief, he made a disgusted face which she chose to ignore.“Everything we talked about depends on this, right?” she asked.“Yeah” he declared gravely, and she doesn't have much of a choice.“Just remember everything I have told you and be creative and we will play along nice. Remember, there can be no mistakes.” She nods at his instructions. “Oh, I forgot something.” He strolled around his desk once more and brought out a small ring box.“Put that on, I forgot to take back my ring from Cassandra, but that should be good enough.”
Crystal walked out of the building, a lot of negative emotions consumed her, she had walked in here feeling a bit nervous and unsure of what she would do but now, she was angry. Even though a bit relived that she was able to set her sister free from the clutches of such a powerful and controlling man, there was some sort of anger building up in her chest. Her phone rang; and she fumbled through her purse to take it out. “Hey,” she answered and winced slightly when Cassandra’s panicked voice reverberated inside her ears“Crystal, what the hell did you do?” She asked curiously. “I just got released.” “He kept his promise, that’s good.” Crystal whispered, her voice in a near tears state, she was just so glad Cassandra is finally out. “Promise? Crystal, what did you do?” she enquired again, but this time, her tone was slightly dark and harsh, she feared the worst. Truly, Kayden was a sweet and kind man towards her, but she didn’t know what lengths he was willing to take his rev
The shrill sound of Cassandra’s alarm woke her up from her restless slumber; she had fallen asleep late the previous night. She had been anticipating Kayden’s reply and she wasn’t as fortunate to get one before she fell asleep. She glanced over her shoulder and there Crystal was, she had fallen asleep on the study table, she bought from her first salary. She had a pencil in her left hand, she must have tried to continue the art for the comic page she was to submit yesterday but she had fallen on the sheets. Cassandra got up from the bed and strolled over to the table, she tapped on Crystal lightly. “Hey, wake up.” She called as she tapped her lightly, Crystal murmured incoherently in her sleep. “You’re going to be late for work.” Lazily, Crystal dragged herself up, and in a semi drowsy state she continued to draw. “Harris will kill me if I don’t finish this.” She muttered as she continued, Cassandra shook her head, feeling a very huge sense of pity for her sister she had
“So, no one is going to talk about the boss and his fiancée?” Lola announced as she pulled back her chair slightly; the rest of the girls gathered. Work was done for the day anyways, and it was either they talked about the latest gist or they go home. “Is it me? Or I think something strange is going on between the couple.” Dora said as she laid some files that were due for submission on the table, she stretched and yawned widely.“Why?” Laurie asked joining them. “We were both there, didn't you see the boss, his reaction?” Laurie then paused seeming lost in her thoughts as she tried to remember the events clearly.“How did he react?” Deborah asked, she had stopped typing and was fully interested in the gossip.“He acted like he didn't even know her,” Dora whispered and there was a surprised ohh among them. “Yeah, now that you talk about it, why was she even crying?” Laurie added“It was rather dramatic and romantic,” Dora said dryly.“But she drop-dead gorgeous!” Deborah the red-ha
Harris's eyes narrowed as he read through the letter Crystal submitted, he threw the letter back at her and frowned. “What’s this supposed to mean?” He asked curiously, she closed her eyes when it paper flew towards her face and she sighed softly, she hated his shitty entitlement. Just because he owned a block in the city, he feels like he could rule her life, but she never had the balls to complain. “Just as the letter implied, I want to take a month’s leave…and of course without my payment.” She read trying her best to not lose her cool, now was probably not the best time to lose her job. Even if she were to marry Kayden, she would like to still be employed and she enjoyed painting so she didn’t want to risk it. “You haven’t been punctual to work, you are always giving excuses and now you want a leave? Why?” he queried, the irritation very evident in his grey eyes. “I’m entitled to have at least two leaves in a year and I have been working here for four years and I haven’t taken
The shop owner and her assistants were taking Crystal’s measurements, her eyes flickered back to Kayden, who was just casually seated and tapping on his phone, he looked so deviously handsome it was almost surreal. It was as though his face was sculpted by the gods themselves during their free time and they decided to make something like no other.She could hardly believe she was getting married to a man as perfect as that, even though it is based on a mutual contract, he would have been a milestone she would never reach. It was as though, Kayden felt her watchful eyes on him, and his silvered orbs anchored back at her and she looked away from him quickly, blushing furiously.“We are all done, your dress will be ready in two days,” Marine said pulling the tape rule over her head, and she handed the jotter over to her assistant. “Are there any other accessories you would like to add?” Crystal glanced at Kayden and shrugged. “Just tell her anything you want, sweetheart.” And again,
Alright! *drops pen* This is a special shoutout to everyone who turned the pages over, this is my first book (the first one I ever took seriously lol) and I'm glad it's not that bad. *hehe* Thank you so much for reading, commenting, venting your concerns, voting, and supporting "My Contract Marriage." Your opinions were appreciated and valued and it was just enough for me to go on as a writer. Y'all are my special babies and I won't forget this beautiful ride. Will it have a sequel? Probably. I hope to write more books in the future, so please stay tuned. My favorite character in the book is Sebastian, hehe, you should see more of him in the sequel (If I ever take my life seriously *hehe*). Thanks once again for supporting this book and staying with me through its rough times. xoxo
“Would it be a surprise if I told you?” He teased, pulling some stubborn strands of her hair away from her face and feeling up the soft skin of her face with his long thin fingers.“Don’t you think this is too much?” She asked, staring in the distance, her feelings overwhelming her. “It’s too much for me.”“I don’t think it’s enough.” He answered, and Crystal looked around once more. “Not enough?” she asked herself internally, what did he mean by it isn’t enough? She pinched the insides of her palms, hoping she would wake up from the unreal dream.“You deserve to have this and more. This is not enough for someone like you.”“But why?” it was still unbelievable. This building was worth millions, yet she couldn’t understand why Kayden thought she was worthy to have something of the sort. “I don’t know how to pay Mrs. Darling back, nor do I know how did I ever deserve to get such a gift?”“You don’t have to pay her back, however, you can also pay her back by doing exceptionally good in
Kayden glanced at Crystal who was staring outside the window with a rather unhappy look on her face, he was concerned because she had not spoken a word to him since the beginning of the ride, and he couldn’t help but feel that she was either angry or sad.“What’s making the birthday girl so sad?” He quizzed with a teasing smile as he controlled the steering wheel professionally, but Crystal didn’t glance back at him as much, which was even more suspicious.“It’s nothing.” She muttered and even after some seconds passed, she was still staring outside, yeah, she was mad at him, but what did he do? He had no clue what he had done wrong. Is she mad he was celebrating her birthday?That didn’t seem to be the case, she was just fine a few seconds ago, what could be the problem? He glanced back at her worriedly. “Did I do something wrong?” He guessed but she didn’t reply to him. “Crystal?”“No, you didn’t,” her response resembled that of a doll with missing batteries and Kayden’s eyebrows
"Are we not going to work?" Crystal asked as she climbed the stairs and headed towards the dining area. She noticed that Kayden, who was usually dressed by this time, was sitting at the dining table in his pajamas, drinking his morning coffee. Crystal glanced at her wristwatch and realized that it was way past their usual resumption time. She quickly opened her calendar app to confirm that today was not a weekend or a public holiday.They were already late, because even though she tried to get him out of bed, he wanted to cuddle a bit more, and she also couldn’t resist his charms.Instead of their usual breakfast foods, Petra and the other maids arranged the table with sweets, scones, and a baked turkey.“What?” she asked curiously. “Is this for Thanksgiving or something?”Crystal sat down on the chair next to Kayden. “Do you not know what day today is?” Petra asked, taking the words right out of Kayden’s mouth.“No, is something going on today?” She asked him curiously, and Kayden c
The sounds of birds chirping filled Crystal’s ears, she turned to the other side of the bed, her hands instinctively reaching for the pillows to block her ears; she turned away again, and this time it was the sunlight that was in her sight, she picked the other pillow to shield her eyes.Suddenly, she was pulled against a sturdy chest, the skin of which was smooth and enticing. She snuggled closer to him, relishing in the comfort from the heat his body radiated.It felt like she was floating on a cloud, she opened one of her eyes to observe his beautiful face, Kayden’s eyes were closed as he slept peacefully, and for a moment she wished time stopped so she could remain like this forever.It was peaceful.“I can’t sleep properly if you keep fiddling about the bed.” He murmured against her ears, smoldering her cheeks with kisses even though he was still half asleep.“I think it's morning though.” She noticed returning the small kisses to him as well, placing her head against his chest a
“I told you I am fine.” Sebastian scolded Lorenza, his mother because she had been complaining about his health ever since she got to the hospital. She cried about thirty minutes before he was able to convince her that he wasn’t going to die.“What do you think I am going to do if you had died?” The door opened and Crystal ambled inside with a tray of food in her hands, for the three days he had been here, Crystal hadn’t left the hospital. “How do you think I will survive?”“Mom, I told you that I wouldn’t die from such a shallow stab wound… It would be laughable.” Sebastian muttered and Crystal scrunched up her nose in disgust, as she neared the bed.“I told you not to speak like that again.” Crystal scolded glaring down at him, he used the same words Kayden used when she was worried about him. “What part of your death would be comical to us?”“I am pretty sure some people would find it funny, especially Kayden.” Sebastian pouted “That’s no way a man should die.” Lorenza rolle
Crystal’s eyes fluttered open when she heard a pained growl that came from Jake, when her eyes opened, he was on the ground, with Sebastian’s heavy boots placed against Jake’s head.“Crystal!” She turned in the other direction, and she saw Kayden heading toward her in fast strides, he pulled her as he got down on one knee and his silver eyes narrowed when he noticed her busted lips and swollen eyes. He reached for her face and caressed her in his palms, she felt fresh tears well up in her eyes, and his frown deepened when he noticed the narrow cut on her neck, it was terrible, even though shallow.Kayden didn’t want to imagine what would have happened to her if they got there any second later, the bastard had a knife to her delicate throat, as though she was a piece of vegetable, why would someone be so evil?“I-I’m sorry,” she whispered and his frown deepened, for what reason is she apologizing? “Kayden…” She reached for him and pulled him into a hug, he noticed that she was tre
Trigger WarningThis chapter contains some violence, please read it at your discretion.Crystal thought to herself, she had to clarify the misunderstanding, probably this anonymous sender was planning to send those gifts to someone else and there must have been a mix-up in the addresses… She wasn’t close with any middle-aged man, so why did he keep sending her letters and gifts? She was only lucky Kayden had moved her out of his office, he would be so worried by now, that’s why she would meet with this old man and tell him to stop. She was able to get out of the company and proceed to the parking lot without being noticed by anyone; at least not anyone close enough to follow her.She stood out in the open, her eyes met by the very bright lights of the underground parking lots, that almost blinded her. She stood there rigidly in one spot for about a minute or two, unsure of what to do or where to go, and there was no one in sight too.The letter didn’t give much details, it simpl
Sunlight creeps into the bedroom from the slightly opened blinds in the room, warming up Crystal’s face, she stirred being disturbed by the light. She felt something heavy on her waist and she glanced up to be met by a pair of silver eyes staring intently at her.“Hic…” she gasped softly when she realized she had been sleeping against Kayden’s chest, she could hear his heart beating in slow steady rhythms, he pulled her closer with a smug satisfaction on his face, his heavy arms on her back.“Good morning,” He murmured his voice still husky with sleep, Crystal flushed red from his seductive bedroom voice, and unable to form words, she nodded at him. “Did you sleep well?”“Y-yes,” she answered with a slight tremble in her voice, it was unbelievable, who would have thought that one day she and Kayden; would be lying down in her bed, naked and tangled underneath the sheets? “How long have you been awake?”“For a while now,” He confessed and he reached to feel the soft skin of her fac