contract proposal

CHAPTER 6

Alice's POV

It was past 7 p.m. when I finally got back home from my dad's house. I headed straight to the bathroom to wash my face, apply my skincare products, and change into my pajamas before retreating to my bedroom. My body had just barely hit the bed when I heard my stomach growl. Right, I'd forgotten dinner. I reached for my phone on the bedside table and ordered a pizza from my favorite restaurant. Placing the phone down, I lay there, staring up at the ceiling as my thoughts drifted back over the day's events.

"I can't believe I'm getting married to a total stranger," I scoffed to myself. The very thought of marriage made me recall Alex, the guy i almost proposed to, thank god i didn't carry on with my plan, because how the hell would i have explained to him that i was already engaged to someone else and i couldn't go on with the contract agreement... Still, I couldn't shake the inexplicable attraction I'd felt the moment I saw him. Yes, he was handsome, with a high, defined nose that perfectly complemented his sharp jawline, alluring lips, and striking blue eyes. His whole face was…well, perfection. I wondered what he'd look like without a shirt…his broad shoulders, well defined rock abs and muscular strong arm.

Wait, what was I thinking? Was I actually drooling over a man? "Snap out of it, Alice," I muttered, tapping my cheeks to bring myself back to reality. Alexander. That was his name. But I didn't even know his last name. I picked up my phone to search "Alexander" online, but none of the faces that came up looked remotely like him. Just then, I heard a knock at the door.

"Pizza's here," I murmured, getting up to answer it. I didn't bother checking the peephole before opening the door, expecting my delivery. Instead, my jaw dropped. Standing there, looking impossibly more handsome than I remembered, was him.

"Alexander?" I stammered, his name barely escaping my lips as my mind reeled. Was I hallucinating? Did I have some kind of summoning magic where just thinking about him could make him appear? But how did he find me, i don't remember telling him where i lived

"Hi, Alice," he greeted me with a smile warm enough to make any woman melt in his arms. Was it even legal to look this good? I could only imagine how many women must throw themselves at him. And yet, thinking of him with someone else…why did that feel a surge of anger...

"Aren't you the handso—um, the guy I met at the restaurant yesterday?" I managed, cutting myself off before I could blurt out handsome.

"How did you find my house?" I asked, regaining some composure.

"I'm sorry for the late introduction," he replied smoothly. "My name is Alexander Gray. I'm your fiancé."

Wait. Did I hear that right? My fiancé? This had to be some kind of joke, or maybe a weird dream. I was speechless, my mind racing as I pulled myself together and invited him inside. It's just a guy, Alice. Calm down, I reminded myself, trying to slow my pounding heart as we settled on the couch.

"Fate has a weird way of playing don't you think?" I asked with a smile,crossing my legs and adopting a professional tone, hoping it masked the turmoil within.

"I was equally surprised to find out" he replied, his voice deep and soothing...this was the first time hearing his voice in a secluded, quite place, and to be honest, it sounded almost too attractive, i mean like, how could anyone be so perfect

"I assume that means this marriage was decided without your knowledge" He added

"Yes, you're right," I replied, nodding.

"I don't mind finding a way to break the engagement if you really oppose it" he said. "I don't want this marriage to restrict you in any way or make you feel obligated to 'serve' me, if you understand my meaning."

"I do understand.but we both know this marriage was decided due to whatever advantage our both parents would get out of this...i originally planned on approaching you to request a contract marriage but hadn't had the chance to...if you don't mind, why don't we just make this a marriage of benefits and keep everything professional... I'll have the papers ready by tomorrow," I responded, my tone businesslike. "We can meet here tomorrow at noon to discuss the contract terms." But why did I suddenly feel a pang of sadness at the idea of our marriage being a mere formality? Shouldn't I be relieved? Yet the thought left me…empty.

"Alright, i actually don't mind...as long as you're okay with it...i will take my leave now, see you tomorrow." He rose to leave, and I almost reached out to stop him. What are you doing, Alice? You barely know this guy. I followed him to the door, telling myself it was just common courtesy.

Just as he was leaving, he nearly bumped into the delivery man who wore a tacky face cap and mask to hide his face. "Your delivery?" Alexander asked, and I nodded.

"Be careful; he looks suspicious," he warned before turning to leave. I had to suppress a smile. Was he…worried about me? Or was I reading too much into this