The coffee shop was bathed in warm light from the lamps hanging from the ceiling. The rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air. Sebastian sits across from the woman whose life is about to be joined to his, pen in hand. He glances at the document, that seals their fate.
"Ms. Charlotte," Sebastian begins his voice measured. "This contract outlines the terms of our arrangement. After a year of companionship, with a clear understanding that our union is temporary and at its conclusion, we part ways amicably."
Ms. Charlotte the woman with five lives intertwined in hers nods in acknowledgment. The weight of financial necessity rests upon her shoulders and this contract offers a lifetime of stability.
"I have only but a few conditions Charlotte said her voice low.
"What?" Sebastian said, pretending not to hear her.
Charlotte cracked her voice and repeated her words, but this time, louder. "I said I have a few conditions."
"Okay, I'm listening," Sebastian said.
For a moment, Charlotte was silent, as if carefully choosing her words. She looked down, her gaze fixed on the floor. Finally, she spoke, her voice low. "Guaranteed custody rights for the child when he's born. Taking full responsibility for two of my children." That's my condition. Her words hung in the air, leaving Sebastian speechless.
Sebastian hesitated, unsure of what to say. But he needed her help.
"Alright, it's a deal. But we'll have to make it look as real as possible," Sebastian said, his eyes fixed on Charlotte's. "My father will want us to be married in his eyes, and he's a very stubborn man. I'll arrange a fake priest, and we can choose a venue for the wedding." He paused, looking at her intently. "Do you accept my terms?"
Charlotte's expression was unreadable, and she was silent for a moment. Finally, she spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yes, I accept." The words hung in the air, binding them both to this agreement.
"So, how much are we talking about here?" Sebastian asked, his tone carefully neutral.
"I'm not sure I understand," Charlotte replied, her expression innocent. "What exactly are you asking about?"
"The price you'll be paid for doing this," Sebastian clarified, his patience starting to wear thin.
"I see," Charlotte said as if suddenly understanding. Let's discuss that later."
"Shall we go to see my father now?" Sebastian asked.
Charlotte hesitated for a moment, a hint of uncertainty in her eyes. But then she nodded, her expression determined. "Yes, let's do this," she said. "Are you ready?"
"Sebastian took a deep breath, steeling himself for what was to come. "As ready as I'll ever be," he replied. And with that, they set out for his father's house.
"Wait a minute," Sebastian said, stopping in his tracks. He turned to face Charlotte, his brow furrowed with concern. "We have to make this look real," he repeated his words, with a note of urgency.
"My dad is very perceptive, and he'll see through any act we put on. I hope you understand what you're supposed to do?" Charlotte met his gaze, her eyes clear and steady. "I understand," she said, her voice unwavering. "Yes, I can.
They made their way to the Jordan estate, and as soon as Sebastian's car came to a stop, he got out and opened the door for Charlotte. She gave him a pretentious smile, and he held her hand, as they walked inside. "Martha, where is my father?" he asked the chief maid, who was dressed in a black gown with a white apron neatly tied around her waist. "He's in the garden, sir," she replied, bowing. "He said he wants to be left alone. Would you like me to bring three glasses of wine?" she asked her head still bowed.
"No, it's fine," Sebastian replied.
As they headed towards the garden, Charlotte couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of the estate. The grounds were immaculately kept, it's a magnificent sight to behold.
It was a sprawling mansion, set on acres of lush green grounds, with perfectly manicured lawns and flowerbeds. The house itself was a marvel of architecture, with ornate columns and intricate stonework. It was clear that no expense had been spared in its construction.
They passed by a few of the servants, who were all dressed in crisp black and white uniforms. Everything seemed to be made of the finest materials, from the marble floors to the gold-plated fixtures.
Charlotte noticed that several pictures were lining the walls, all in perfect order. But something struck her as odd- there were no pictures of his mother. She wondered why that was. "That's my father," Sebastian interrupted her thoughts. "Let's go." He held her hands as he led the way.
"Father," Sebastian said, his voice tentative as he approached Jordan. He looked up from his magazine, his eyes widening in surprise as he saw his son with a woman.
"Sebastian?" he said, his voice thick with emotion. "Who is she?" his expression curious.
"This is Charlotte, the woman I want to marry," He gently pulled her closer, his fingers tracing the curve of her waist. Her breath quickened, her heart racing as she stared back at him. He gazed at her passionately, his eyes, also took, a note of her lips, which seemed to be soft and succulent, he yearned for them to meet his. She could feel his fresh breath on her face. For a moment, it seemed as if time stood still, the world around them fading away. But then, the spell was broken by a familiar voice.
"Who is your father and what does he do?" Jordan interrupted, gazing at her intently.
"Um, umm, My father's name is James, he died in a fatal car accident. She said forcing a smile on her face.
"James...," "Dad, sorry to interrupt, but I'd like to take Charlotte on a tour of the house. May we be excused?" Sebastian cuts in giving his dad a dirty look.
As they walked hand in hand through the house, Sebastian pointed out various features and shared stories about his childhood. Charlotte laughed at his anecdotes, and the two of them seemed completely at ease with each other. Jordan watched them as they walked, his heart swelling with joy. He couldn't help but remark, "They look so good together. I pray he settles down quickly and gives me grandkids." Jordan thought to himself, sipping his freshly made fruit juice, Jordan reached for the magazine he had been reading earlier and continued reading.
"Your house is beautiful, it's full of so many wonderful memories," Charlotte said, her eyes lighting up as she looked around the room.
"Thank you, I appreciate you meeting my father, he's such a pain in the ass. Sebastian replied. "I know that wasn't part of our arrangement, but it means a lot to me," Sebastian said.
"It was no problem at all, your father is quite charming and lovely," Charlotte said with a smile. "It was nice to meet him."
"But I must say, you are a good actor, I think you should join the movie industry." Sebastian teased. "Why, thank you, Mr. Sebastian," Charlotte said with a laugh, a blush coloring her cheeks. "But I think you're the one who should be in the movies. Your dramatic flirt is quite impressive." She gave him a playful wink, and he couldn't help but smile. "Why, you're quite the flirt, Ms. Charlotte," he replied, his tone teasing.
"Alright, we'll head to the hospital to see Dr. Albert for the transplant," Sebastian said, his voice steady and calm.
"Okay," Charlotte replied, her voice betraying none of the nerves she was feeling.
As they drove to the hospital, the car was filled with a comfortable silence. Charlotte watched the scenery pass by, while Sebastian kept his eyes on the road, his grip on the steering. They arrived at the hospital and walked through the sliding doors, the scent of antiseptic and bleach filling the air.
Sebastian entered the doctor's office and was greeted by Dr. Albert. "Hello, Dr. Albert," Sebastian said, shaking the doctor's hand. "We're here as planned."
Dr. Albert nodded and turned to Charlotte. "Welcome, Ms. . . ." he said, waiting for Charlotte to provide her surname.
"Smith," Charlotte replied, her voice steady.
"Please follow me, Ms. Smith," Dr. Albert said, leading her into a private room.
After what seemed like an eternity, Dr. Albert emerged from the inner room, his face drawn and serious. "Mr. Sebastian," he began, his voice somber. "I have some news to share with you. There is both good news and bad news. Which would you like to hear first?" He paused, the suspense in the air palpable.
"Give me the bad news first," Sebastian said, steeling himself for the worst.