~{CARL’S POV}~
*
“In order for the business to move forward, you need to marry a straight woman, Carl.
If you don’t, I will ask all the board members to pull out their shares.” My father threatened me.
Initially I was thinking of pushing the thought aside but an idea came to mind.
I could look for a lady who is in desperate need of money with zero interest in me and offer a contract marriage.
The world didn’t know about my relationship with Levi because the board asked me to keep it that way.
Although Levi didn’t mind as long as we stayed together.
But now things got complicated.
“What are you planning on doing, Carl?” Levi had asked regarding the marriage case.
“I’m thinking about a contract marriage, Levi,” I informed him and he frowned.
“Who will want that?” He had asked with a look of worry.
“A gold digger.” I answered and he sighed heavily and asked,
“Will that work?”
“It will since it will be under contract.
If she violates it then we get a divorce and I won’t be held accountable.
Even if she doesn’t breach the contract I will still divorce her along the line.
It is all just to get those board members off my back.” I wisely said and he sighed.
“Do you have anyone in mind?” He proceeded to ask and I shook my head.
But here I was with the perfect match.
When she had walked into my office and shown a remarkable attitude, my spirit instantly knew she was the right fit for the job.
It was obvious she liked me and I would use that to my advantage to coerce her into a contract marriage.
Initially I wanted to test her stance which is why I brought in rules and I thought it would break her will but her admiration for me only burned.
She was even ready to fight with Levi just to have me.
I could see the desperation in her eyes.
The way she looks at me and sighs like I was a treat she couldn’t have.
Well, good news!
You can have me for a period of time.
Her eyes lit up at my proposal and I could see the relief, meaning she wouldn’t mind it at all.
“Where is the contract?
I am ready to sign it now.” She instantly said without a second thought and I smiled before proceeding to say,
“Don’t be too excited, Jenna.
There will be no intimacy between us.
We can hold hands in public and leave a peck on the cheek but there won’t be kissing, touching and most especially, not sex.
The thought of having sex with a woman repulses me.” I clearly told her and saw the way my last words affected her.
“Levi and I will keep on seeing each other.
This marriage is a covering for that and you have no say since this is my proposal, after all I am paying you.” I bluntly told her and saw how she narrowed her eyes on me before saying,
“What if I do not want to be paid?”
“Everything stays the same,” I answered and she sighed as she became thoughtful.
“Will I be staying with you after our fake marriage?” She asked and I smirked because I could tell where this was going.
“Yes, but our rooms will be separate.
Almost like living in two different apartments under the same roof,” I clarified.
“If you want to keep seeing Levi then can I see other men as well when I want to satisfy my needs?” She curiously asked and I smiled.
“You can but ensure that you are discreet.
If after our marriage news gets out that you are cheating then we will get divorced and you will be at a loss.” I explained.
“How long will this marriage be since it is on contract?” She inquired.
“Until I get what I want from the board members.
Once that is done, you will create a scene.
Possibly infidelity so we can get divorced.
If you do not do that then I will create a lie you will have to agree to.” I firmly suggested and she sighed heavily.
“So what do you say?” I proceeded to ask with impatience.
I wanted her to make an impulsive decision so I could trap her with the contract.
“Where is the contract?” She demanded and I gave an evil smile as I went to get it.
Once I got it from my safe which was close to my desk, I brought it to her and she took it and began going through it while I sat down and observed her.
When she skimmed through some pages, her frown kept deepening.
Sighing, she dropped the contract on the center table and surprised me by saying,
“Money isn’t the problem, Mr Carl.
I have money, a lot of it in my possession.
Enough to buy this entire company, you, the board and even your boyfriend.”
I wanted to laugh and scoff but the look she gave me was intense as if to tell me she wasn’t bluffing and it made me wonder why she would have so much money and come to work under me.
It made no sense.
She should have opened her own company and made a name for herself.
“It seems you cannot offer me anything other than money and that should be adjusted.” She firmly said and I narrowed my eyes at her.
“What do you want?” I asked.
“For you to love me,” she answered without hesitation and it was what I already suspected.
“That is impossible unless you are asking for a friendly love or perhaps a brother to sister kind of love,” I stood my ground.
“I can manage that,” she agreed and I became suspicious.
What game is she playing?
“How much do you need, Mr Carl.
I will pay you double and in addition to that, I will love only you.
I don’t care if Levi miraculously gets pregnant for you but I am ready to overlook everything as long as I am with you.” She bargained and I was left speechless but didn’t show it or she will take it to her advantage.
“I knew there was something about you from the moment I set my eyes on you.” I excitedly said because this was getting fun.
“There is more you are yet to unravel.
Just agree to my conditions and everything will be alright,” she confidently said and gave a one sided smile, leaving me intrigued.
“My love for Levi will never chang-”
“Don’t be so sure about that, Mr Carl.” She interjected with that.
“And don’t be too confident, Jenna.
I do not need your money nor your love.
I stand by my terms.” I insisted and she leaned forward and said,
“Let us put it this way then.
Your terms, my conditions.” She negotiated and I gave it a thought before agreeing to it.
“Fine.”
“Two years is enough for me,” she gave a duration.
“Enough for what?” I suspiciously asked.
“Enough to woo you.” She confidently answered as her eyes lit with thrill.