As the evening approached, Layla thought of several ways to break the news of her marriage to Tanar.
She knew it was Impossible to hide such information from her best friend.
How was she going to explain moving into Carlen's house in two days .
When Layla got home, she decided to prepare all of Tanar's favorite meals. She kept reciting her speech over and over in her head.
Hi lay, you left the house quite early today. Is everything okay and why do I smell something nice? Tanar's voice interrupted her thoughts.
Following the aroma, Tanar found the dining table was filled with so many delicacies and they were all her favourite.
Is there an occasion today or is it my birthday today? She asked Layla while glancing at her calendar
No it's not your birthday today, I just wanted to see you smile, You've been working so hard lately , Layla stuttered.
Come sit and take a bite. Tanar sat down and took a bite of each .
Spill Layla, you look like there's something on your mind . What is it? Tanar asked
Layla hesitated, then blurted out
"I'm married". Tanar laughed, of course you are married to me .
"I'm serious, Tanar," I got married today, Layla said, showing Tanar the marriage certificate .
Tanar froze. "What do you mean, married? When didl these happen?"
Layla recounted all that happened since the blind date to getting married, excluding the part when she went to the hospital.
As she spoke, Tanar streamed down both their faces. She was going to miss Tanar so well that it's hurt
She was the only person who stood by her during the hard times, when she was in the hospital for days, Tanar would accompany her till she was discharged.
Layla wondered if she could do without Tanar .
"What's his name?" Tanar asked tearily.
"Carlen Adams", , Layla replied.
Tanar gasped. You mean the CEO of Adols Group and the richest youngest man in the city?"
"Is that who he is?,Layla asked. I only knew he was Aunt's son."
"Yes! That's my boss", Tanar said collecting the certificate from Layla to check the names. It was indeed true.
Her baby had married rich.
He is the owner of the mall where I work. Rumours are flying around that he's gay.
Ohh so that was why he married me , it's fine as long as he abides by my rules Layla thought.
You've got to make him fall in love with you before the contract expires, so you guys can get married properly.
No Tanar, this marriage is only going to last for a year, I would be six feet under the ground before then, she muttered under her breadth.
—------
The day came for Layla to move into Carlen's house. Knowing he no longer lived with his parents was a relief to her as she didn't know how she was going to explain to Aunty, who was her favorite customer, that she was now married to her son.
Tanar took the day off from work to help Layla move in with Carlen and àlso to confirm if it was really the Billionaire CEO that Layla had gotten married to.
They heard a horn outside the house and looked through the window below where there was a car waiting. Layla recognized it was Carlen's car, it was the same car he drove to the registry.
Together, they carried Layla's belongings to the sleek Mercedes.
When Carlen stepped out to open the trunk, Tanar's Jaw dropped, she was surprised to see the rich CEO at such a close range.
"Good evening, sir" she greeted timidly, bowing slightly. Carlen raised a brow, wondering why she looked scared. she greeted him with fear like how his subordinates did.
It was time for Layla to leave, They hugged each other, each suppressing their tears.
On the drive to Carlen's home,Layla sobbed quietly. Carlen felt helpless his heart was aching at her sound of her cries
I am sorry, he said softly.
"No, don't be. I agreed to this willingly, I Just missed Tanar.
She's been like a sister to me and we've never been apart
He drove into the residential area, parking in front of a luxurious penthouse.
"We'll stay here until the new house is completed", he said casually.
Layla was stunned.This house was big and comfortable enough for more than 6 people, let alone two.
Well he's rich she thought.
Carlen showed her room which was right next to his.
He also took her round the house, The fridge was stocked with ingredients
She opened the closet and they were filled with so many branded clothing, even shoes, they were all her size. There was little space for her to arrange some of old stuff which she brought along.
Layla heart softened at his actions.
—--
She went into the washroom to have her bath. It was 4 times bigger than hers. The bath was very refreshing. She changed into a comfortable nightwear which covered every part of her body.
One would think it was hospital clothes for patients..
There was a simple dish on the table.
"This is all I could cook," he said. "if you don't like it, you can go cook something else."
"No,this is fine". Layla said .they sat down to eat.
After the dinner which was very quiet,Carlen handed two cards to her.
"The black one is yours,it has your first payment as part of our contract.
The money in the blue card is for the upkeep of the house, you can get whatever you feel is lacking in the house.
There's $500,000 in it,once it finishes let me know.
I would put in more , you could also use that to get things for yourself also.
Carlen told her and left for his room. Good night ,he said simply.
Layla became a millionaire overnight, there was a million dollars in one card and over 500 thousand dollars in another. It felt so surreal.
As s
he lay on the bed , it was so comfortable that she didn't realize when she fell asleep.