8

Andrea Salvador

"I'm serious, Jacob. Please, do me this favor."

"Can you calm down and explain what's going on to me? Marriage? With me? How?!"

"I know... I know I sound a bit weird"

"You're acting weird, Andrea. Very, very weird" He stated in a serious tone whilst narrowing his eyes at me.

"I know. Actually, it's not a real marriage. I mean, I'm not talking about the love marriage but... A con.. tract marriage." I whispered the last part softly afraid he would burst at me again.

"Andrea, what exactly is going on with you? Talk to me. You're acting strange" he stated worriedly again.

I decided to tell him everything so he would understand the situation and cooperate with me. I do not want to have anything to do with Francis and that's it! He needs to know every damn thing if I truly want his help.

When I was done explaining everything to him, a deep sigh escaped his lip. "For how long?" He asked.

"6 months? A year or two years? Any of your choice. I just need to divert his attention away from me."

"But Andrea, isn't this a little bit risky? This is Francis North we're talking about. I do not want to cross paths with him, we all know who he is and how powerful he is! That man is scary" He said. And before I could say a word, he added again.  "I don't want to mess with him"

"1 million dollars." I said rather than replying to his complaints.  "Five hundred thousand dollars before the deal and the other half after the deal is over. Deal?"

"I... I can't do this, Andrea. I'm sorry, I'm not ready to mess with him. He's every girl's dream, you can just settle your differences and get back together."

"Please Jacob, you have to help me. I promise you, nothing is going to go wrong and if it does, I will take full responsibility. I promise you" I beseech him desperately.

He stared at my face one last time and sighed again. "Fine!" He said and I jumped up in excitement.

"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!! I so much appreciate this"

"So, when are we getting all these started, you have to move in with me so it can look real."

"Erm, do I have to?" I scratch the nape of my neck nervously.

I know Jacob, he's handsome and can get any girl of his wish. He's never the type to stay a night without going down with a girl. I can't be living with him hearing tons of moans every night.

"Don't worry, I won't bring home any girl." He seemed to have sensed my discomfort.

"Very well then, let's get it done!" I announced happily.

"You did like him that much, didn't you?" He asked in a serious tone.

"Even if I do, I can't have anything to do with him again. He will loathe me for the rest of his life once he finds out"

"Find out about what?"

"Can we not talk about this now, Jacob? Please, it's hard for me already"

"Sure! Erm, you're a star. What would your fans think of me and, what excuse will you give them?"

"Yeah, sure. I've thought about that too. We can just tell them we've been dating for a while now but kept it a secret... You know, something like that"

"Erm.., okay. But Andrea, don't you think you should have a rethink about the whole thing? This might be the right time to tell him, he has the right to know that you have a-"

"No, Jacob." I cut him off before he could finish his statement. "Let's just stick to the plan. I don't want to talk about it please"

"Okay. I think I need to leave now."

"Yeah, I will see you tomorrow then at the registry"

"Tomorrow? We're getting married tomorrow?" He asked with his eyes widened.

"Erm, yes. I just need to do this as soon as possible. And don't worry, I will get the ring ready before then. Just dress up and come okay?"

"Yeah, sure. Erm, I need to leave now. Sorry I can't spend much time with you, work you know"

"Of course, I understand. Bye!" I waved and he kissed my cheek before leaving. I stared at his retreating back and when he was out of sight, I sighed.

Am I doing the right thing? Everything seemed weird to me and I'm not even sure if I'm ready for this whole thing. I can't believe by tomorrow morning I will become Mrs. Jacob Diego- I thought and sighed again.

But do I have a choice? Of course, I don't. I need to do this so that at least, he would stop pestering me.

Next Morning

I stood in front of the mirror and admired the beautiful lady standing in front of it. I'm putting on a beautiful white lace fitted gown, embroidered with hair from my side waist down to my feet. It looks so beautiful. I applied a simple makeup on my face touching it up with my lip gloss. I decided to make my hair a ponytail to fit in my dress perfectly.

"Yes! I'm ready for this. It's all for the best" I reminded myself. I picked up my purse, slid my phone inside it, and sauntered down to the living room. I opened the door to go out but, was greeted by HIM.

I widened my eyes in horror and slowly took a step back while he strode forward with a cold look on his face.