Chapter 7

Chloe Orlando Maybe this is my fate. I have read so many books and watched so many movies and guess what? I have always thought that contract marriage happens only in the world of fantasy, but here I am today, a victim of the same shit, and there seems to be no way out for me. It has been five days of being in this hell already, and even if we're only living like housemates, I feel threatened by his presence. The only peaceful time I have here is whenever he goes to work, and when he's around, I turn to jelly. I know he has some dirty trick under his sleeve, which he's yet to unfold, and I also know that he's waiting for something before he starts doing that, but what he probably must be waiting for, is what I have no idea of. "I'm sending Clara to bring you some clothes later. Make sure you're dressed before 6pm. My driver is going to pick you up," He says, climbing down the stairs and heading straight to the door without even saying a word of greetings to me. I don't know why he will be sending me clothes, and not that I'm curious to ask though. The last thing on my mind now is to question him about that. I have something else bothering me. "Jeff, can we talk, please?" I call his attention, standing from his couch. He stops abruptly and turns to face me seconds later, his eyebrows creasing questioningly. "As you can see, I'm late for work. Be fast about it," At least he's considerate today. I gulp down nothing nervously, as a strong wave of nervousness suddenly sparks through me. "Uhm..., it's about my job. We're married now, you have no reason to ruin my career again, right? I want to get a job and start working," I watch his reaction as I speak, but he only stares back at me with a blank expression on his face, as if he didn't understand what I just said. "You're not getting a job, Chloe, and that's it," He says with finality resounding in his voice. I scoff unbelievably at his words. "And I'm sure you're not thinking that I'll listen to that, right? What are you talking about, Jeff? This is my life, and I have every right to make my decision," I yell angrily, and he shrugs. "Let's see you try your luck then. Good luck," He walks out of the living room, slamming the door behind him. Don't tell me this is how I'm going to live in hell with him. That's not happening, I need to do something about this and I need to do it fast. If only my parents are here, I wouldn't be going through all this pain, but it seems like this has already been written and there's nothing I or anyone else can do about it. These five days of being in this marriage feel like it's five years of pain already, all that bastard does is bully and threaten me. The doorbell ring. "Coming..." I walk over to the door and pull it open, but gasp at the sight I behold. It's Mr. Casper. "Dad..." "Don't you dare call me that, you traitor!" He pushes me out of the way and walks inside angrily, while I just roll my eyes. Don't tell me he came here to bully me. "You know I am not a traitor..." "Oh cut that crap! How could you do this to your friend? How could you do this to the person that gave you everything? She picked you from the gutters and changed your life and all you could do is jump into her man's arms, just because she had some little challenge and left the country? I should've known that you were up to no good," He cursed at me angrily, while I just watch him with my hands on my waist. I know he's here to get me pissed, but I won't spare him that for the sake of my mental health. I'm going through a lot already, and letting his words get to me, is the last thing I would think of. "Can we talk about this, please?" I slump on the couch frustratingly. "We have absolutely nothing to talk about, Chloe. Now listen to me, I don't care how you're going to do it, but I want you to leave this marriage immediately to avoid the story that touches the heart in the future. Don't say I didn't warn you," He threatens me with all seriousness in his voice and I know he means every word he says to me. I have been with Mr. Casper and his family for many years, and I know what he's capable of doing, he's a devil. He storms out of the house and I sigh deeply. Since I'm the only one at home, watching movies to clear my head is the only option. Jeffrey has succeeded in making my life boring. The doorbell ring and I stride to open it. A young lady dressed in a suit smiles at me as soon as I open the door. "Good evening, ma'am," She smiles at me politely, and I narrow my eyes, checking my wristwatch. Good lord! I've been watching movies for six hours straight. It's 4pm already. "Good evening," I reply confusingly, wondering why she's here. Jeffrey has many concubines, so I shouldn't be so confused. "My name is Clara, I'm Mr. Jeffrey's stylist. He asked me to come get you dressed for a special event," She smile widely at me, showing her set of beautiful white teeth. "Oh, please come in," I leave the door wide open for her, and she walks inside. "You're welcome. What should I get for you, please?" I ask after I close the door. "Nothing, ma'am. Please let's get straight to business, we don't have much time. Could you please take me to your room?" She asks, and I nod. I lead her to my room. I freshen up before she finally starts her transformation on my face. "You may open your eyes now, ma'am," I open my eyes, but my eyes drop open at the sight I behold. The person staring back at me from the mirror is too beautiful to be called my reflection. She has transformed me into someone else, and I feel satisfied somehow. "Do you like it?" She questions, a smile dancing on her lips and I nod. "Please let's get you dressed," She picks up the shopping bags she had dropped on the bed earlier and brings out a long red sleeveless gown from it. A few minutes later, I stand in front of the mirror, admiring the woman I've been transformed into. I've seen celebrities dressed like this, and I never imagined that one day, I'll experience it too. But here I am today, dressed like one. "Come on, let's go," She leads me out of the room carefully. Jeffrey must've taken his time to select the shoe, that's if he was the one that got it by himself. The shoes are just my kind of shoes, not too heeled. Her phone suddenly beeps when we get to the living room, and she excuses herself to check it out. "Oh! I think I would have to drive you there myself, ma'am. Your husband just sent me a text that he sent his driver on an errand, and therefore won't be able to pick you up. I hope you don't mind?" She asks. "No, it's fine," I smile at her. "Sure, please let's go," She lead me to the parking lot where her car was parked and she zoom off after we both hop in. After a few minutes drive, she finally takes a familiar direction and as far as I know, she seems to be going to Jeffrey's family house. "Wait! Where are we going to?" I ask when I can't conserve my curiosity anymore. "You'll find out soon," Her reply triggers my curiosity, but I just decide to watch her and see how this ends. After a few minutes of driving, she finally arrives at the mansion as expected and she drives inside. "We're here," She announces. I take a deep breath and try to open the door, but it has already been opened by someone. I raise my gaze slowly to meet Jeffrey, having a smile on his face. He looks extremely happy to see me, but there's no way I'll believe that. "While we're here, behave yourself, and don't try to mess with me. You won't like the turn of events," His smile dissipates into a deep frown, as he holds out his hand to me, and my heart skips...