The Contract

Nina felt as though she heard an absurd joke.

“What does his company have got to do with me? Do I own a share in it, or has anyone ever considered me a part of this family? Who gave you the confidence that I’ll agree?”

So many years had passed, and they still thought she would obey whatever they said.

Mrs. Santiago’s face darkened. She took off all the pretense and pointed at Nina tersely.

“We aren’t asking for your opinion. If not for us feeling pity on you that day, you’d probably be begging on the streets by now. This is what you owe us for taking care of you all these years!”

“I don’t owe you guys shit.” Nina roared. “I’m grateful to you for giving me a roof to cover my head and giving me two times a meal. If not for that, I would have already called the cops by now.”

Everyone’s expression changed drastically.

“I didn’t come back to reconcile with your family. If you’re that desperate to save the company, go spread your legs yourself. From today onwards, I, Nina, have nothing to do with you, Santiago, and will go our separate ways. I’ve already moved out of my things long ago. And don’t worry, I haven’t touched a single penny over the years. Alyson can attest to that.”

Despite being rich, to appear as a loving father, Mr. Santiago gave her pocket money of a hundred dollars every month. But before that sum of money could reach her hands, it was snatched away by Alyson.

Mr. Santiago was someone who would never back down. “Fine. I’d like to see that without me, how you would survive outside!”

Nina did not feel the need to stay anymore, so she turned around and left.

“Dad, you can’t let her go. Have you forgotten about Mr. Lawrence?” Alyson cursed at her father in her head for being so muddleheaded. How could he let her go just like that? She still hadn’t squeezed her dry of her use.

Mr. Santiago realized what he had done and immediately chased after her.

“Stop right there!”

Nina had just reached the entrance when she was held forcibly from behind. The mother and daughter duo also followed her and blocked her way.

She struggled to free herself from their hold.

Just as Mr. Santiago took a step forward, Nina pushed him away. Alyson tried to grab her, but she flung her away.

A loud shriek rang, and Alyson fell to the ground in a sorry state.

Nina reached out in her pockets and a bright reflection flashed in everyone’s eyes. Before coming here, she had prepared herself.

“One more step out of the line, and the knife will go straight through your hearts.” She threatened.

Her eyes were as cold as ice and they looked frightening.

The family of three panicked when they saw the knife.

Although they appeared haughty, they were a bunch of cowards. They immediately scrambled far in fear that Nina would stab them.

Under their aghast expression, she walked away.

Without waiting further, among the stubborn gazes of her “family”, Nina left the house.

--- 

The sky was tar-black and large clouds moved along her footsteps. With the raging wind, people ran for cover outside and umbrellas were opened as the clouds spat out their beads of water.

Under the dark sky, a pitiful figure walked aimlessly on the road. Everyone was busy running for shelter and hence they did not notice her.

Or maybe they did, but did not have time to care about a stranger.

Despite staying in the city for five-odd years, Nina did not know anyone here.

Nina swallowed the bitterness and laughed mockingly at herself. Just how miserable was she?

Her mother wanted to live a luxurious life and hence did not hesitate to sell herself to a pedophile.

Years later, her father turned out to be the same person. In the eyes of enormous benefits, he wanted to marry her off to a man who was thrice her age.

What God-damn luck did she have to have such ‘incredible’ parents?

She suddenly felt a stifling pain in her chest and she lost all her strength, slumping onto the floor. The sound of her cries slowly faded into the rain.

---

A black Maybach stopped, and a pair of black shoes stepped out of the car.

Nina did not know how long she had soaked in the rain. Her outfit was completely drenched, and she sat there in a sorry state. 

Suddenly, the rain above her head stopped falling.

She was stunned for a moment and slowly raised her head. A pair of beautiful dark black orbs were looking down at her.

The man in front of her was none other than Jayden Luxton.

Clad in his Khaki suit, he stood before her, shielding her from the bizarre rain. 

His gaze was so sharp that it almost penetrated through her skin. He was like a lofty king high up in the sky while she looked like a pathetic beggar in front of him.

For a moment, the two of them did not speak.

“Are you planning to soak all day?” In the whirring noise of the rain, his crisp voice rang in her ears. 

“Let’s go.” He stretched out his hand. His face was devoid of any emotion and it was obvious there was no room for discussion.

Nina’s soft pale lips opened slightly, but no words came out of her mouth. For some reason, she could not find the courage to reject him.

She put her palm on his outstretched hands and slowly stood up. The powerful blast of air caused her to shudder. As she had been sitting for too long, her legs gave way. But before she could fall, Jayden swiftly held her waist.

After they boarded the car, his assistant, Rick, passed her a box of tissues.

Nina thanked him and wiped her face.

After some time, she heard Jayden say.

“Your act of throwing someone at the lurch after making use of them is quite impressive.” He spoke sarcastically.

There it was.

Nina was praying silently that he won’t talk about what happened last night.

But unfortunately, the heavens were never in her favor.

“I didn’t run away. I left to settle some scores with my family.” Nina lied.

Jayden did not expose her. The two of them once again fell into a dead silence. Soon, the car stopped in front of the Galaxy Mall.

Nina looked at him in confusion. He did not reply but merely glanced at her soaked clothes, his meaning clear.

Under his bashful gaze, Nina was embarrassed.

They walked inside the mall and went straight to the third floor. A woman was waiting for their arrival.

“Bring her to the top floor,” Jayden instructed the woman.

The woman nodded and gestured for Nina to follow her.

---

The top floor of the mall was the personal lounge of the owner.

As soon as Jayden sat down on the sofa, Rick passed him a folder. The man was not in a hurry to see what was inside.

Looking at his nonchalant attitude, Rick kindly reminded him, “Master, are you sure you want to do this?”

Jayden arched his brow. “Is there any problem?”

Rick hesitated and did not know where to start.

Seeing his silence, Jayden continued for him. “Does she have any diseases? Does she use drugs? Have any criminal record or a messy private life?” He asked in a go.

Rick shook his head. “None. It’s just her background.”

Jayden nodded. “Then there’s nothing to worry about.”

Whose family did not have conflicts? He was at odds with his family. So, who gave him the confidence to judge someone else on that? She was her, and her origins were something they could not change.

Rick knew that once his master made up his mind, no one could persuade him. He decided to watch things from the side and cover up wherever possible.

After twenty minutes, the guard led Nina inside the lounge room. She was dressed in a white a-line dress with a v-neck. The front of the dress was embedded with brown buttons.

Nina sat down opposite him.

Jayden pushed the contract in front of her while Rick poured her tea.

She took the file and swept through the pages; her face turning pale.

“This is the marriage contract. Read carefully and sign your name on it.”

Nina knew he was being serious last night and that she could not escape from him.

The contract stated that they will be married for three years. During this period, she had to wholeheartedly serve him while playing the role of a dutiful wife. She could not have any intimate contact or cheat during their marriage. After three years, they could go their separate ways.

Nina clutched the file tightly. Her knuckles turn white. After a long period of silence, she asked.

“Why are you so sure that I’m worthy of your recognition?”

 “I just know.” His answer was short and rational. “Anyway, I’ve already given myself to you. Don’t even think about running away from me.”

Nina did not reply and stared outside the window beside her. The faint sound of rain echoed outside, but inside it was silent.

The man in front of her was young, handsome, and rich. No matter what reasons she could think of, she could not reject him.

Besides, she had seen for herself last night how heartless he could be once he was unhappy.

After some time had passed, she picked up the pen and signed her name on it.