Boundaries Set

“Leah?” Jeremy called out softly.

Leah swallowed hard. He had said ‘no strings attached,’ so what did he want? She wasn't a cheap girl and he had to know that.

Jeremy wheeled his chair closer to her instead. “Leah, look at me. Come close.”

Leah froze, her heart hammering in her chest. She bent to face him, feeling vulnerable and helpless. She breathed heavily and Jeremy could hear her heart beat faster. He raked his fingers through her hair and Leah closed her eyes, motioned to receive a kiss, as Jeremy's move hinted at her.

“Are you trying to seduce me?” Jeremy’s question broke the spell, his voice low but teasing.

Leah quickly opened her eyes, her cheeks flushing with heat. “Seduce you? Excuse me?” she retorted, her tone defensive. “I’m not trying to do anything of the sort!”

Jeremy curled his lips. “Then, the incident at the boutique…and right now, you're wearing a transparent robe in my room. What are you up to?”

“Oh, God. It's not what you think at all. Why would I…I mean, that's not the case at all,” Leah stammered, embarrassed. She quickly recovered herself and stood up, adjusted her robe, feeling embarrassed.

“I am really sorry for being this careless. I'll take note henceforth. I honestly didn't imagine anything like this, I promise,” Leah said.

Jeremy nodded his head in agreement. His expression softened slightly, though his tone remained firm.“Good. Because, like everything stated in the contract, this is purely an arranged marriage. No strings attached. Now you go and get some rest.”

“Absolutely, sir,” Leah muttered, swallowing hard, sweating and rolling her eyes. “Absolutely. Good night, sir.”

She quickly ran into her room and shut the door, letting out a heavy sigh. She looked at herself in the big luxurious mirror in her room and smirked her forehead. Her reflection stared back at her, a mix of frustration and confusion in her eyes. “Always so careless, Leah. And now he probably thinks ... .oh wait, wasn't he flirting with me back there? Or was he just testing me?”

She hopped on her big mattress and cautioned herself to be more careful.

Jeremy was laughing as he sipped from his glass of wine. For the first time in weeks, the ghosts of Sarah and Conrad’s betrayal didn’t haunt him. Instead, he found himself entertained by Leah’s flustered state. For some reason, he was happy, and eager to carry on.

He read all the congratulatory messages that had received since the news of his marriage broke out, on his mobile phone. He was already getting business proposals, lucrative deals, and being invited to high-profile conferences. His marriage to Leah would open doors for him even in the business world. She was going to be very useful, after all.

One new message popped up. Jeremy stared at his phone, the screen displaying a message from an unknown number. “You think this will save you, Jeremy Harper Jr.? Think again.” Jeremy’s jaw tightened, his mind racing. But he didn't ponder much on it.

“Empty threats,” he muttered, setting the phone aside. Yet the tension in his shoulders lingered as he struggled to get in bed and managed to have a good sleep.

The next morning, Leah had already prepared everything Jeremy would need and dressed up, really covered up, prepared to visit her mom.

“Good morning, Maggie,” she greeted warmly as she entered the kitchen.

“Leah, come dear. Are you and the boss together now?” Maggie asked, curious for an answer.

Leah nearly choked on her words. “What? Together as in….no, no, no, no, no, not in the way. It's just uhm… you know,” Leah hadn't finished speaking when she heard Jeremy clear his throat.

“Hi,” she said looking down.

“I see you're off to your mom's. I'll ask Charles to drop you off. Be safe out there and come back soon, love,” Jeremy said, as if giving her a warning signal to keep quiet about the deal.

“Umm.” She cleared her throat. “Thank you.” Leah said, looking at him, then narrowing her eyes to Maggie.

Once Leah left the house, Jeremy turned to Maggie, his demeanor shifting. “Maggie,” he began, his voice stern. “I’ve warned you before—remember your place in this house. Stop prying into my personal matters.”

There was something about Maggie. He respected her deep down but never showed it. He acted like he appreciated her sometimes, and other times, as though he hated her somehow. He was extremely authoritative when he was around her, but avoided her a lot.

Maggie's eyes were red. She was hurt. She knew that Jeremy wasn't always so ruthless. She had advised him to keep getting help and therapy, and encouraged him that he'd walk on his feet again, but it was typical of Jeremy to shut her off. He kind of hated her, whatever she did. And she cared for him like a son.

“Son …” She opened her mouth to speak, but Jeremy cut her short…”

“Don't you dare! I'm not your son. Help me to my room now, will you?” Jeremy ordered.

A tear dropped from Maggie's eyes as she nodded and wheeled Jeremy to his room. He shut the door angrily behind him and groaned in pain.

Maggie knew it'd be useless to attempt to go in and try to help him. She shook her head miserably.

Leah hugged her mom and siblings. She asked after Noah but was informed that he hadn't come around. He had been avoiding her calls, so she texted him, notifying him that she was in the neighborhood.

Soon Noah was there, looking miserable, expecting answers.

“So this is it now? You get married to a big fish behind our backs?” He couldn't stand still as he vented. “Behind my back,” he exaggerated.

“Noah, I didn't get married to anyone behind anyone's back. I'm not supposed to tell anyone this, but it's just a contract. A six month marriage contract, that'll change our lives,” Leah explained.

Noah stood still then. He looked at her, feeling relieved. “Really, Leah? Thank God.”

He hugged Leah tightly and kissed her on her forehead.

Mama watched them from a corner and shook her head.

“Poor Noah,” she murmured.