CHAPTER TWO: THE CONTRACT SIGNING

ANNIKA'S POV

“Marry me.“

His voice echoed in my head, my mouth literally hung open, and my eyes widened in surprise. My forehead then knotted, unsure whether he had been kidding or playing with me, but his face betrayed no emotions. He was serious, and he looked at me sternly, waiting for me to say something.

“I don't understand…” I said in confusion.

“It's just a simple favor, Annika,” he said, licking his lips and slowly losing his temper.

I closed my eyes. It's the first time he called be by my name. The way he spoke, and the way my name sounded, coming from his lips, it made my heart flutter. Shaking my head, I looked into his eyes once more and I became lost.

“Alright… My father wants me to settle down and give him an heir. But you see, Annika, I'm not yet ready to be tied…” he explained.

I don't understand, if he doesn't want to be tied, then why did he offer me marriage? My forehead creased, making him more and more impatient.

“You need the money, I need a wife. All you have to do is marry me, give me an heir and you're free to go. I will take care of everything. You just have to sign the contract,” he said impatiently.

I gasped. A contract? Wow, he must have planned it out.

“Contract?“

“Yes, a contract to make sure you don't violate anything. I don't do love, and I don't believe in it either. Tell me when you've decided…” he said.

I nodded my head.

I stood up and headed out of his office, still thinking about his offer. I tried not to think about it and concentrated on my work instead.

That night, I went into the hospital to take care of Mom. While walking on the hospital lobby, my eyes roamed around and saw those helpless people again. I could see their tear-stained, and worried faces. I couldn't help but to relate to how they feel.

I slowly opened the door to Mom's room, seeing Jade sleeping on the stool beside Mom's bed. I watched as Mom's chest rise and fell as she breathe. Her mouth was slightly open due to the oxygen tube to help her breathe.

I wiped the tears that fell down my cheeks upon seeing her situation. As much as I wanted to take away her pain, there's nothing much that I can do.

“Hey…” I said as I gently pat Jade's shoulders.

She slowly stirred from her sleep, rubbing her eyes while yawning. I gave her a warm smile. I'm really thankful to have her by my side.

“Hey… How's your day?“ she asked.

I shrugged my shoulders and took a deep breath, remembering my conversation with Sir Ian today. I still couldn't believe it was true.

“Tiring… I couldn't think about anything, other than Mom's condition the whole day,” I replied.

“Don't worry too much, I know you will find a way. As for your Mom, she's a fighter. I know she will survive this…” she said, encouraging me with a smile.

I nodded, thinking that she was right. Could it be that Sir Ian's offer was God's way to send me some help? I wondered.

“I need your advice…” I started to say.

Jade looked up, her eyebrows knitting as she urged me to continue. I held her arm and guided her to the couch, afraid that Mom would hear our conversation, even though I know she's asleep.

“What is it?“ she asked.

“It's Sir Caspian, he offered me some help…” I said, trying to find the right words to tell her the truth.

“But?“ She asked, still glancing at me.

I took a deep breath and whispered, “But he asked me to marry him in return.“

Her eyes widened in surprise.

“For real?“ She asked.

“No, no… you don't get it. He asked me to marry him. I'm not sure if he's kidding or not, but he sounded serious and urgent…” I explained.

Her jaw fell down, it was as if she couldn't believe her ears. Well, that's exactly how I felt earlier. It's unbelievable!

“He offered to take care of all expenses in the hospital, including the operation and an additional monthly income. It's tempting…” I said in all honesty.

It would really be a great help on my part. I know Mom would still need medication even after the operation. If I will accept his offer, what would I lose? My virginity? I blushed at the thought.

I had no experience with men. Though there were a few who courted me, I had not paid them attention. I was too busy working to make our ends meet, and then now, I was faced with a more complex situation, one that has tested even my faith.

“That's actually a good offer… But are you sure about this? You never had a boyfriend before…” she reasoned out.

“I know… But, I'll do everything for my Mom. She's all I have, and I couldn't afford to lose her…” I said, then I began sobbing in her chest.

My mind is in turmoil again. I am torn between accepting his offer, or declining it. But a huge part of my heart and mind agrees that I should accept it.

Jade stroked my back, making me feel calmer and better.

“Hey… If you think this is right, then do it. I will always be here to support your decisions. I understand why you have to do this, I won't judge you…” she said, smiling at me.

I nodded my head. In my heart, I knew I already made the decision, I just don't want to acknowledge it. In the end, I will always choose to do what I think is best for the situation.

Thinking about marrying my boss sent butterflies in my stomach, my heart was fluttering and I can't deny that I'm both excited and scared at the same time. I have so many questions in my mind, like why did he offer me marriage. He hadn't explained it to me yet. I'd be honest though, it was flattering.

Jade went home that night. The next day, she came back early. I rummaged through my stuff, and looked for something casual to wear today. I took a shower in the hospital before going to work, leaving Mom to Jade again.

As I walked down the hallways of the hospital again, I couldn't help but to sigh. I didn't want this kind of life for my Mom. I booked a cab and headed straight into our office without bothering to eat some breakfast.

I sat on my post, my mind drifting to Sir Ian's offer. A few moments later, I heard his footsteps and my heart immediately raced. What if he changed his mind? Or what if he tells me it was just a prank? I was panicking and didn't know what to do when he stopped in front of my table.

I lifted my face, and I saw him watching me intently. I don't really know what's going on in his mind since his face didn't even show any hint of emotion. He remained emotionless and stoic.

“G-good morning, Sir…” I stuttered.

“Good morning,” his baritone voice echoed, before he continued, “Please prepare two cups of coffee. Bring it inside my office.“

He then turned, and left me there speechless. I tried to think that he may have a visitor, but I knew the other cup of coffee was for me.

I drew a deep breath and did as I was told. I walked slowly inside his office. My knees were trembling a little bit, and my heart was racing fast. This is it! I knew sooner or later, I'd have to decide.

I'd been thinking about his offer since last night, and no matter how I try to be rational, all I could think was my mother's condition. I cannot afford to let her suffer for too long, if I knew there might be something I could do to help her. The longer she stays in that hospital, the bigger the expenses will be. And I am afraid that I might exhaust all my resources in the process.

“What are you doing there? Sit here,” Sir Caspian's voice woke me up from my trance.

I sighed and walked towards the seat he was pointing. I was so careful, afraid that I might knock something out, or spill the coffee into his documents.

When I was finally seated, Caspian lifted his face and removed his glasses, making him look a lot more gorgeous. I couldn't look away from his hypnotizing eyes that seemed to have pulled me into a magnetic field. He crossed his arms on his chest, and rested his back on the swivel chair. He continued looking into my eyes like he was trying to read my thoughts.

“So, have you thought about my offer?“ He asked.

My heart started beating wild again. I gulped, and decided, I need to ask him something before I agree. This has been bugging me.

“May I know why you chose me, Sir?“ I tried to hide my face, thinking it was such a pathetic question.

I shouldn't have asked that. In fact, I should have been thankful that he offered to help me.

The corners of his lips twitched and before he could say something, I blurted out, “Nevermind.“

An amused smirk displayed on his face. Clearly, he enjoys looking at me as I embarrass myself in front of him.

“First of all, you need the money,” he said. He took a deep breath before he continued, “Secondly, you're not my type so I won't be attracted to you.“

My heart sank when I heard his words. I know I'm not as beautiful as the women he dated, but I didn't realize it would hurt to hear him say it to my face.

“Right.“ I agreed.

We fell silent for a few moments. I cleared my throat, and looked at him.

“I will accept your offer, Sir. I'm desperate. I don't want my mother to die, and if this is the only way to save her, then I'll do it,” I said.

“Good girl,” he smirked. He opened his drawer and pulled out a plastic envelope in.

He held it out to me, and with shaking hands, I opened it. My eyes widened when I saw the words “Contract” scribbled on top of the document.

I read it thoroughly, my eyes widening and I couldn't help but to blush at some of the rules.

First, I will marry him.

Second, we will consume our marriage and I must give him an heir within a year.

Third, I must not question him, his actions and his whereabouts.

Last, I must not fall in love with him.

I sighed. It all sounded so easy, but I know it will be hard. I've no experience in relationships and I might screw it up.

“What do you think? Do you want to add something?“ He asked, his eyebrows were raised.

I shook my head. I don't know what to add. I'm pretty sure he knows what he's doing.

“Alright. If you agree with the conditions stated in the contract, kindly sign it. I will wire the payment to your account as soon as possible. I will also process your mother's operation as soon as possible. We can transfer her into a better medical facility, and I can hire a doctor that will only focus on her. We'll also be looking for a heart donor as soon as possible,” he explained, encouraging me to sign the document.

I closed my eyes and contemplated. I released my breath and held the pen firmly in one hand.

My eyes darted to the document, and slowly, I scribbled my signature. I held the document and gave it back to Caspian who was watching me with that signature smirk on his face.

“Great, now we'll have a wedding to plan.”