Chapter 17
CONTRACT
Between the parties
MR. ASHTON BAKER (CONTRACTOR – FIANCÉ)
MISS GRAVITY MONAGHAN (CONTRACTEE – FIANCÉE)
THE PARTIES AGREE TO THE TERMS BELOW
1 – The following terms are part of a binding contract between Ashton Baker and Gravity Monaghan;
KEY TERMS
– The main purpose is a previously agreed-upon relationship between the parties; dating, engagement, and marriage duly legalized;
– They agree and formally establish a marital union; they are aware of their duties and the confidentiality of this contract;
– Both agree that after the stable union, there should be: respect and peace;
– Any non-compliance with the terms of this contract will immediately result in satisfactory punishment; the return of the amount paid to the BRIDE or a fine paid by the GROOM, and any agreements between the parties will be voided;
– The marriage will only be stabilized and considered official after the ceremony; however, the dating relationship must begin immediately after the signing of this document;
– The parties commit to living together from the date of signing this document to ensure the credibility of the relationship;
– The BRIDE officially becomes the stylist for The Reckless for the duration of the contract and, during this time, may benefit from the band's image for self-promotion of her business;
– Everything in this contract must be read and interpreted in light of the main purpose and key terms established in the clauses;
OBLIGATIONS AND NON-OBLIGATIONS
– The GROOM is responsible for the well-being and total happiness of his partner for the duration of this contract;
– The GROOM will be responsible for all financial expenses for the duration of this contract;
– The BRIDE must be present at all public moments in the GROOM's life, including meetings, marketing, awards, parties, and charity events;
– The BRIDE and the GROOM must adhere to the established schedule of meetings previously set by the team in collaboration with those involved for the reliability of the relationship;
– The BRIDE and the GROOM must adhere to the schedule of posts on their personal social media accounts, posting photos and affectionate statements to establish the reliability of the relationship;
– The BRIDE and the GROOM must always be affectionate and show love in public, including kisses, hugs, and touches to ensure the reliability of the relationship;
– The apartment where the BRIDE will live after the date of the contract should have a separate bedroom for her own comfort and satisfaction;
– The GROOM has the power to intervene in any disastrous or conflicting situation that the BRIDE may experience and avoid exposure that could tarnish the image of both parties;
– The BRIDE will have a private driver and security for her protection; at any time or present situation;
– The GROOM must provide for the BRIDE's basic needs, always prioritizing her well-being. It is not obligatory for the BRIDE to accept his friendly assistance;
– It is not mandatory for the BRIDE to engage in sexual relations unless she does so of her own free will;
– The BRIDE is not obligated to be faithful to the GROOM; however, discretion is essential to avoid exposing both parties;
– The GROOM commits to avoiding infidelity, meaning he will have no intimate relations with anyone else to avoid exposure for both parties;
VALIDITY
– The GROOM and the BRIDE celebrate this contract at the time of signing, fully aware of its nature, and commit to fully complying with its conditions;
– The BRIDE will receive the amount of $50,000 per month for her contribution to restoring the GROOM's image and services rendered as a STYLIST for The Reckless; she will also receive $20,000 for each image of her exposed by journalists and paparazzi;
– This contract will remain in effect for a period of 8 months, consisting of three months of dating and engagement, and five months of marriage;
– This contract may be terminated at any time if any clause is broken;
– If either party expresses a desire to terminate this contract, it may be undone subject to a legal penalty of $500,000. If the desire comes from the BRIDE, the amount already paid by the GROOM must be refunded in full;
CONCLUSION
28 – We, the undersigned, have read and fully understand the provisions of this contract, and by being in agreement, we sign this instrument.
The GROOM: Ashton Baker
Date: 10/08/2024
The BRIDE: Gravity Monaghan
Date: 10/08/2024
Camille finishes reading the contract. My attention is on Gravity, even though she’s trying so damn hard to act like I’m not here.
Come to think of it, the contract only benefits one party, and it’s not me.
I grip the pen so tightly I believe I could snap it in half if I bend and concentrate my thumb on the right spot on the tube.
Leech.
Opportunist.
How was my mouth ever on yours?
How did I ever think I could be in love with you?
I continue to have bad luck with women. Especially giving in to the parasitic opportunists.
I hear my teeth grind. One minute alone with her, and I’m sure Gravity would change her mind. I used to think she had changed, now I think she’s always been this way, I was just too blind to see it. All women are like Nicola.
And I’m still accused of being disrespectful? Of only using them for sex? Damn!
They drain you of your best and spit you out when they no longer need you. That’s exactly what Gravity is doing to me.
“Next week, Bandit will host a birthday party in Miami. The Reckless was invited. It’s a great opportunity for you to appear together for the first time.” Jared gives the instructions. I’d like to say I’m excited about the idea, but I’m not. I won’t even be able to go out with Harper to relieve the tension. Gravity was so thorough in the details.
“But yeah, I think it’s a good idea. Avalon?”
“Yes, I’ll call Bandit’s agent and inform them that Ashton will bring a guest. Any questions?”
“I have one.” I raise my hand like I’m in preschool.
“What is it?”
“This contract seems beneficial only to the leech over there.” I wave my head, indicating Gravity on the other side of the table. Her attention finally shifts to me. “Where are my benefits?”
“You’ll have your image restored, not to mention the fact that they’ll take the focus off your controversies and put it on your romantic relationship, with a beautiful and credible story behind it.” Ava sounds angry. But she’s been angry with me the whole time. “You should be happy that Gravity agreed!”
I could swear I see Gravity’s mouth curve into a victorious smile.
“But…”
“Sincerely, Ashton, what’s your problem?” Avalon raises her tone. “Because seriously, we can’t be the only ones seeing how deep in the pit you’ve sunk. Damn, in less than a year, you’ve gathered a long list of people who would give anything to punch your face at least once before they die!” The hand on the table clenches into a fist, which I’m sure, if it could, would be aimed at me. “Not to mention the history of abuse, impulsiveness, your lack of emotional responsibility, lack of self-control and rage... We’ve been willing to entertain any idea you had, but you didn’t have any. Want to step away from the band?” She raises an eyebrow, crossing her arms.
“You know without them, I’m nothing,” I murmur, turning my gaze elsewhere.
“If you’re not doing it for yourself, do it for them then.” Avalon starts gathering her things, along with Cami and Jared.
“We’ll meet periodically to discuss schedules. The meetings for the tour’s return will start soon, Gravity. Avalon will keep you informed on everything.” My manager’s friendly smile at her makes me sick. He used to smile like that at me.
I sit waiting for everyone to leave so I can finally stand up. Wade must be waiting to take me back, but honestly, I’m starting to feel suffocated by the idea of being in a contract marriage. It’ll start simple and get complicated.
And then, what? After that, Gravity asks for a divorce, claiming what? I was trying to stay positive about all of this, but when I think about how things will unfold and how she’s hurting me by doing the one thing I can’t stand, I just want to have the chance to punish her for it.
I remain silent with my own thoughts, trying to establish some control between the rage and impulsiveness, but I know I’m a ticking time bomb and can explode at any moment. The pen I used to sign the contract spins between my fingers, whitened by the force I’m putting into it.
“I’m not happy either.”
Gravity’s voice snaps me out of my thoughts. I raise my eyes until I spot her. Her hair is below her shoulders, wavy and half-held back with a red headband. The fringe falls around her face, framing it. Her dark brown eyes study me, deciding whether she can speak or if I’ll let my anger take over.
“But I have to work. My opportunity with Magdalene was wasted because of you,” she emphasizes my guilt. “The Reckless is my last chance as a stylist. Thinking about dating you and then marrying...”— She sighs, pushing the fringe back. “I understand the feeling. I hate this idea as much as you do, but we’ll get what we want. We don’t like each other, but we can learn. We were friends once, we’ve slept together, we can handle this.”
“I want to see how determined you are to go after your dreams.”
I toss the pen onto the table, it bounces and falls onto Gravity’s lap. I push the chair with more force than necessary, and it spins until it’s on the other side of the room, behind me.
“I’ll make your life a living hell, Gravity. Mark my words.”
Gravity sighs, her hip leaning on the table as she uses her hands to support her weight. The corner of her mouth stretches into a devilish smile.
“I am your hell, Ashton.”