Chapter 7

Adam POV

Three days passed, since my meeting with Ashley at the restaurant and the silence she's exhibiting was really deafening.

I sat down all alone in my bedroom, surrounded by opulent decor, but my mind was somewhere else. Thoughts swirled through my mind, each one more perplexing than the last.

"Why hasn't she replied, was she playing hard to get? Did she think she could toy with my emotions?"

I stood up and paced up and down the room, frustration etched on my face. Time was ticking, and I couldn't afford to waste it. The contract Marriage was a business arrangement, not a romantic entanglement. Yet, Ashley's silence is really annoying.

"Was she hesitant about the contract marriage? Did she have any doubt committed to the contract marriage?"

I stopped pacing and stared out the window, the city skyline with a blur. Maybe she was testing my patience, pushing me to see how far I'd go. But what did she hope to achieve?

My phone lay silent on my bedside table, taunting me. I resisted the urge to call or text her, not wanting to appear desperate.

As night began to fall, I made a decision. I'd give her time throughout this week to think about it. If I didn't hear from her after this week, then I'd take matters into my own hands.

Ashley POV

Tomorrow was the day I would seal my fate - the day I would sign the contract for marriage.

I stared at the document on my table, pen in hand, but my heart hesitated. The weight of this decision felt heavy on my mind.

I needed guidance and advice before signing up for the contract.

I closed the folder, tucked it under my arm, and headed out of my room. A cab ride later, I entered the cab and settled in.

I was on my way to Sheri's house, my best friend . Perhaps she could offer some valuable advice, help me clear my doubts.

As the driver navigated the streets, my mind wandered.

"What was I getting myself into? Was this really the right choice?"

The questions swirled, but I pushed them aside, focusing on Sheri's calming presence. She'd know what to say to ease my concerns.

The cab pulled up to Sherry's house, and I stepped out, taking a deep breath. Time to face my fears and uncertainties head-on.

After paying the cab driver, I made my way to Sherri's apartment, knocked on the door, and after some minutes Sherri opened the door.

"Yo bestie, come in,"Sheri said, stepping aside for me to enter her sitting room.

As I stepped into Sheri's cozy living room, she greeted me with a warm hug.

"Hey, girl! What's going on? You look troubled."she said

I handed her the folder containing the contract. "I'm supposed to sign this tomorrow. Adam's contract marriage proposal."

Sheri's expression turned serious. "Ashley, are you sure about this? You're not in love with him."

I sighed, dropping onto the couch beside her. "I know. But Mom's hospital bills are piling up. This marriage will secure her treatment."

Sherry's eyes softened. "Oh, Ashley. I understand. But is it worth risking your happiness?"

"I don't have a choice," I said, frustration creeping in. "Adam's offering a lot of money. Enough to cover Mom's expenses and more."

Sheri nodded thoughtfully. "I get it. Family comes first. But promise me you'll be careful."

"I will," I promised, relief washing over me. "Thanks for understanding, Sheri."

Sheri hugged me tight. "Always, girl. Now, let's review this contract together, to make sure you're protected."

"Oh okay"I said as I gave Sheri the fodder containing the contract Marriage document.

Sheri raised an eyebrow, staring at me after seeing the content of the contract marriage.

"What's wrong Sherri? Why are you staring at me like that"I asked.

"Have you gone through the rules?"Sheri asked.

"Yes I have,"I replied.

"No sex, half of the payment would be up front and the rest at the end of the contract, freedom to engage as long as the other party was safe and discreet, No intimate contract, that's the rule"Sherri said

"I know, I have gone through it before,"I replied.

"And you're fine about it,"Sherri asked.

"Yes I am, all for my mom's health and my sister's well being"I replied.

"Hmm, okay"Sheri said

"Can I sign it now?"I asked.

"Sure go ahead"Sheri replied as I removed the document containing the contract out of its fodder, signing it and letting out a heavy sigh.

Adam POV

"So any other appointments with any company today?"I asked my secretary

"No sir, the only task left is just signing the documents I sent to your email,"Clara, my secretary , replied.

"You didn't send any email to me"I said

"I sent it sir, you can check"Clara replied

I unlocked my laptop and checked it immediately and I found out that the documents are already in my email

"Oh you're right,"I said.

"Sir, hope nothing you look worried and absent minded"Clara asked

"I'm fine just that I need some rest"I lied, but deep down I know that I couldn't focus on my office work due to Ashley's silence.

"Oh okay, I would like to have my leave,"Clara said as she walked out of my office.

Some minutes later, the door of my office swung open, and I was surprised to see Ashley. She walked up to me, placed the fodder of the contract Marriage on my table.

"I already signed the contract, I'm in"Ashley said.

I was really happy but I just had to compose myself as a small smile appeared on my lips

"Good, I will make a transfer to you tonight, that's part of the contract money"I replied

"I would be expecting it"Ashley said and was about walking out of my office before I stopped her.

"How about going on a dinner date with you tonight?"I said.

"What!!"Ashley exclaimed.

"Yeah, we have to start acting as couples because we are getting married soon"I said as I winked to Ashley.