The Weight Of A Gaze

Jeremy made arrangements for Leah to go shopping and get classy dresses befitting of her new status as his wife.

It was all mixed feelings for Leah. She was anxious and excited. This was a good offer. At the end of the six month contract, she'd have saved enough to change her family's story for good. 

She hadn't even told anyone about the new development. She would surely tell her mom and her best buddy, Noah.

The car pulled up to a luxurious spa, where Leah was treated to a full-body massage, facial treatments, and even a manicure. Afterward, the driver drove them to a high-end beauty salon where her hair was styled into soft waves that cascaded down her back. By the time they reached the boutique, Leah barely recognized herself in the mirror.

She tried on several dresses, each more elegant than the last. Jeremy, seated in his wheelchair, watched silently, his eyes narrowing with every outfit she modeled. His gaze wasn't one of criticism but of astonishment. Leah, in all her understated beauty, looked stunning.

Leah tried on one red gown that had a slit high enough to reveal a glimpse of her toned leg. Its fabric clung to her curves. The neckline hinted at her cleavage. She looked perfect; magnificent. She turned around for Jeremy to see if the dress was okay.

Jeremy looked at her in a different way then; like a woman. She moved in slow motion. A whirlwind of thoughts went through his mind. If he could just grab her by the waist, remove the strand of hair that was on her face, pull her close enough that her breasts touched him. If he could kiss her lips and grab her ass. Oh, such moments of pleasure. It had been a while. His dick was already hard. He snapped quickly out of his imagination. She may be attractive but she wasn't his.

She looked stunning; dripping in finesse. “It’s perfect!” Jeremy muttered, his voice hoarse. He acknowledged that she was fit for the role. Sarah would definitely be jealous seeing his beautiful bride while she was still just Conrad's fiance.

Leah tried to unzip her dress in the changing room but it hooked. So she called out to Jeremy to assist her.

He wheeled himself in and when she bent for him to help her, Jeremy found himself lusting after her as he could see her naked back. He took a deep breath. Leah felt it and turned over. “Are you okay?” She asked.

But he just stared at her. His gaze fixed on her breasts. Leah was confused. It took a while before she realized it and screamed, “oh my God!” 

She quickly covered herself, feeling embarrassed. “I'm sorry,” Jeremy said, looking away and wheeling his chair out of the dressing room.

The rest of the shopping trip was a blur, with both of them avoiding eye contact. Jeremy paid for the dresses without a word. On their way back to the mansion, it was an awkward drive. Leah was just as uncomfortable as Jeremy. The silence was so loud.

Jeremy broke the silence. “Listen, Leah, I'm so sorry about what happened back there. I know it was awkward but it's not like you imagine it. It's…umm…umm…I'm just so sorry.”

“I understand, sir. I apologize too. I shouldn't have asked you to unzip my dress. I should've just…” Leah said, feeling really embarrassed.

Jeremy cut her short “No. No. It's not your fault. Rest assured, it won't happen again.” 

“ Thank you, sir,” Leah said, looking down.

“Sir? You have to stop addressing me as ‘sir’ in public. I'm your husband, okay? You have to pull this off. Make it believable. Can you do that?”

“Yes, I can,” she replied, remembering the prize and what was at stake.

They arrived at the mansion and when they went inside, Maggie was bewildered.

“Leo?” Maggie asked, looking confused.

She knew Leo was a woman who had disguised as a man to work in the mansion until she was caught and fired. Even if Jeremy Harper had forgiven her and allowed her to work as a female caregiver rather, something was up. She looked so beautiful and classy, like the boss's wife.

“Son?” She looked at Jeremy inquisitively.

Jeremy just snapped, “I'm not your son! Don't call me that.”

Jeremy wheeled himself inside, and Leah followed, helping him to his room. She prepared his bath, her movements quick and efficient as she tried to shake off the awkwardness of the day.

“Do you need anything else?” Leah asked, but Jeremy gave a fierce look, indicating, if he needed anything, he'd let her know.

“I'm sorry, sir,” she said as she hurried away.

“Leah,” Jeremy called her back. She halted and covered her mouth, realizing she had flopped.

She turned and faced him. “I am so sorry.”

He scoffed. “Very typical. You get some rest,” he said as he waved his hand to dismiss her.

She liked the tone. She smiled as walked away. She entered her room, freshened up and decided to call Noah.

She picked up her phone and dialed his number, but notifications kept popping up from her browser. She clicked on one and read the caption, “Billionaire CEO, Jeremy Harper, has secretly married a mystery lady.” 

“Shit! This wasn't the bargain, or was it?” She called Noah but he didn't answer. Then she called her mom.

“Hello, mama,” Leah said as her mom picked up.

“Leah dear, What’s going on? I just saw the news. You married your boss? I told the neighbors you were just his caregiver!”

“It's on the news?” Leah was furious. She had thought it'd be just a secret contract marriage, to help Jeremy further his ends, not ruin her entirely. She'd get married too someday. This was bad. 

Her carefully controlled life was spiraling out of her grasp. She stormed to Jeremy’s room, forgetting she was only wearing a robe. She knocked once before pushing the door open.

When she entered, she saw him watching the news and smiling in victory. Perhaps, that was his goal. She was defeated. She couldn't confront him anymore.

“Is there a problem, Leah?” Jeremy asked, not looking at her.

“No. No problem at all. I just wanted to ask you for permission to see my family tomorrow… arrange some of my personal stuff, and be right back,” Leah said, twisting her fingers.

“Okay. No problem. You can go,” Jeremy replied.

“Thank you, s…” Leah caught herself, biting her tongue.

Jeremy smirked. “Good catch. You’re learning.”

Leah turned to leave, frowning, but Jeremy's voice stopped her.

He looked at her like he was studying her. Her robe was transparent. He could see her nipples. He observed her feminine features and clenched his fists, struggling to maintain control.

“Come closer,” he said softly.

Leah, just stood there, confused, not understanding anything.