Chapter 14: Move In With Me
” I don't know the type of person you are... What other guarantee can you give me that you won't cheat me other than this? " Liam asked calmly.
Lucia thought for a while and found what Liam said to be reasonable.
' It'll also serve as a guarantee for me as well ' Lucia thought.
She sat back down and picked up the document to continue reading.
" I'll take a while to finish reading this, will you just sit there like that? " Lucia asked, feeling slightly uncomfortable after causing a fuss.
" I already took my bath, I'm not busy " Liam deadpanned
" Mm... Suit yourself " Lucia pouted and shifted her gaze to the document in her hands.
" Both parties must refrain from all forms of body contact between each other except when necessary " Lucia read out loud
" Both parties must maintain a beneficial and platonic relationship "
" Both parties must turn up on speculated dates of visit to Party A mother... " Lucia paused and let out a stifled laughter making Liam raise an eyebrow
" What's funny? " Liam asked seriously
" Nothing, It's just... Was this necessary as part of this agreement " Lucia asked, still laughing.
" If it wasn't , it wouldn't be there " Liam responded crudely and Lucia sighed
" Both parties must stay out of each other's way and remain non indulgent in each others lives " Lucia read out and nodded in affirmation
" That's necessary " Lucia agreed
" Party B must accompany Party A to social, evening and club gatherings "
" Party B must not leak any secrets of Party A to any outsider "
" Party B must not let any outsider know of this agreement "
" Party B must move into Party A house, up until the termination date of this agreement "
" Why is that necessary? " Lucia asked
" To enable me keep an eye on you, for easier communication and to look like a real couple " Liam replied with no expression on his face.
" Mm... " Lucia continued
" If both parties fail to comply with the first, second, third and fifth rules as stated above, a fine will be attracted to the defaulter " Lucia paused.
" I don't understand what this part is all about, " Lucia said to Liam, who collected the document from her hand.
He glanced through the document and gave it back to Lucia
" What that part is simply trying to say is, if we engage in any physical form of body contact such as hugging, kissing or sex even... Whoever initiates it will have to pay a specified or a visit the court " Liam explained
" Does that answer your question? " Liam asked
Lucia was surprised at his ability to say such cringe things without stuttering or flinching. She blinked twice before clearing her throat.
" Yes " Lucia replied and continued reading
" Failure to comply with number four, seven and eight as stated above will lead to an instant termination of the agreement " Lucia paused
" In cases of force majeure there will be no fining or termination of contract but the defaulting party must inform the other party, with a good reason " Lucia paused when she heard Mr Williams footsteps.
" Boss, would you like to have your dinner now? " Mr Williams asked Liam
" Not now " Liam replied
" Would you like something to eat? " Mr Williams asked Lucia making her look up
" No... I'm fine thank you " Lucia replied.
She returned her gaze to document and continued reading
" The agreement will last up until when Party A finds a wife " Lucia read and broke into laughter
" What if that never happens? " Lucia asked still laughing
" Then we can get married for real, wouldn't that be nice? " Liam asked back, making Lucia clear her throat and continue reading.
" The contract can also be terminated if both parties agree to its termination " Lucia finished.
" Do you agree now? " Liam asked Lucia
" How much will you pay me per month? " Lucia asked
" Two hundred thousand dollars per month " Liam replied
" Three hundred thousand " Lucia said confidently
" Done " Liam said
" Where do I sign? " Lucia asked and Liam pointed to the bottom of the last page of the document.
Lucia dragged out the pen attached to the document by a rope and hastily signed the document.
" Done "
" You do understand that by signing this document there is no going back, also you have to move in with me " Liam warned
" Tomorrow evening at latest "
" I understand " Lucia replied
" I'll take my leave now " Lucia stood up
" Do you need someone to take you home? " Liam asked being considerate
" That won't be necessary. Thank you though " Lucia responded
" Tomorrow, should I send someone to you? " Liam asked
" No, I'll come by myself, " Lucia answered.
" The moment you step into this house tomorrow, that contract becomes valid.
" I'm well aware. Now then " Lucia bowed her a little
" I'm off boss " Lucia said mimicking Kyle, before she turned to leave.
" Wait " Liam ordered Lucia making her halt
" I'll call a driver for you... It's quite late " Liam said, clearing his throat as he spoke.
" Thank you " Lucia said and smiled at him.
" Mr Williams prepare a car and a driver " Liam gave orders to Mr Williams
" Yes boss " Mr Williams replied and exited the room, leaving both of them.
The air around them became awkward as no one said anything until Mr Williams returned.
" The car is waiting outside, " Mr Williams said as he entered the living room.
" Thank you " She said to Mr Williams
" Tomorrow then " She turned to Liam before walking towards the entrance door.
Inside the car, Lucia could not help but wonder how drastically her life was about to change. Normally she would never have accepted his request but she had no choice and his mother, she would never have concurred to deceiving her knowing fully well that nothing would ever happen between her and Liam.
Right now all she wanted to do was get home and go to sleep, maybe wake up in another universe.
" Is the boss kind? '' Lucia asked the driver breaking the silence between them
" That's dependent on your definition of kind " The driver replied.
" What do you mean? " Lucia asked curiously
" He has a kind personality but speaks really harshly and sometimes he can be ruthless at times if you don't do as he says " The driver replied.
" Oh... " Lucia said chuckling nervous
' I'm in for hell '