I stared at the cold, rigid man in front of me. That's a joke right? He's just making fun of the poor girl in dirty old converse and worn down second hand clothes, right?
"Sorry, what?" I managed to get out after a minute of silence.
"My family won't stop telling me I need a wife to stop me from working so much. The tabloids won't stop trying to scandalize every time I look at a woman. Plus, every charity and gala the men are judged by how beautiful the gem on their arm is. I prefer blondes, but your brown hair and hazel eyes are pretty enough. With my stylists help you'll be one of the best looking woman at any event."
"The fuck?" I said incredulously. "This isn't funny you know. My friend is laying in a coma and I have to leave for the night shift at Al's diner in 20 minutes."
"Right, you must have multiple jobs I imagine. As my wife you will not work. You'll stay home and run the house staff." He said still with no emotion in his voice.
"So.....you're being serious about this? You'll actually pay for my friends stay? Even if she's here until she's 80?" I searched his eyes while I questioned.
"Yes, this is a proposal. I can get you a ring and a contract in the twenty minutes before your shift." He said while staring with his cold icy blue eyes.
I can't believe this. Is it really as simple and easy as he says? I've known scumbags, and I know that I definitely want to look at this contract line by line and word by word before I agree to anything.
Then again, this may be Jocelyns only chance. If I can't come up with more money soon they're going to turn her out. Could I really be selfish enough to say no to the chance to keep her alive? I'd already started to consider prostitution to be honest. This can't be worse than that, right?
"Okay," I said with a new resolve in my voice. "Get me that contract."
Without hesitation he picked up his phone and called in his secretary. A beautiful woman in a short tight pencil skirt, white blouse that she was just about bursting out of, stilettos, vibrant red lipstick, blonde hair, and flawless skin walked in.
"Well fuck, why don't you marry her?" I blurted out without thinking.
I felt my cheeks turn hot and red while they both stared at me like I had two heads.
"I'm his sister-in-law sweetie so that wouldn't go over very well." The secretary said in a patronizing tone.
"Yeah, right. Of course." I blubbered trying to curl myself into a tight enough ball to disappear.
"So she's the one you're choosing?" She asked in a tone laced with disgust.
I looked up at her in surprise. I guess her beauty is only skin deep.
"Yes, she'll do. Get the engagement ring, prepare the stories for the tabloids, and bring the contract." He said in a snipped tone.
The secretary gave a curt nod and walked out after a flawless hair flip.
"So, when you say marriage do you mean only on paper and in public? Or am I going to have ummmm, ahem, wifely duties as well?" I asked feeling my blush return.
For the first time the stoic man in front of me showed a hint of emotion. His icy eyes melted just slightly and the corners of his mouth twitched.
"I don't plan to rape you, if that's what you're asking. If you wish to include those kinds of things in the relationship then I won't argue. You will however act as if we are a real married couple at all times even when at home. Some of my staff are gifts from my parents and on their payroll, so I don't imagine they'll hesitate to share secrets."
Before I could respond the secretary walked in, her heels clicking, and her hips swaying perfectly. She set a stack of papers and a box with the most beautiful ring I've ever seen in front of me. I tried to ignore the silver band with several simple small diamonds combined to shape a flower, and instead focus on the contract.
After reading through it, it seems like what he said. If I tell anyone that it's not a real marriage he has the right to all of my assets and to kick Jocelyn out without hesitation. We are to have a huge flashy rich wedding. I have to attend every event he wishes for me to go to with him. I have to always act to the standard the Jacobs family is expected to be at. In return, I can spend as much of his money as I want.
I took in a deep breath. Fuck. The contract says once it's signed I'm not allowed to file for divorce. Ever. However, there is a clause that makes me feel a little better. It states that if he ever physically abuses me or rapes me then he owes me as much money as I wish in compensation and a divorce.
This is for Jocelyn. After what she did for me in my last foster home, I owe her my life. It won't even be that bad, right? I'll be pampered and rich. It's okay that I won't marry the person I love one day, because I barely believe in love anyway. I've seen the bad side of it too much to think there's such a thing as happy endings and fairy tales. Why should it make a difference if I die a crazy cat lady or a rich prisoner?
Before I could think too much, I picked up a pen and signed it. I then handed him the paper and stared into his eyes. He slowly stood up, walked around the desk, and grabbed the box with the ring. He held out his hand expectantly, never letting his eyes leave mine. I lifted my hand and felt as he slipped the beautiful ring onto my finger.
I guess I'm in this now.