Page 8 of The Marriage Agreement (Agreement)

Osei, I trust, but Luke is a puzzle I can't figure out. Why would he think I’m a viable option to marry? Something smells fishy. I’m not about to marry him just to find out how smelly his fish is.

It took a while for me to sleep after that mind-blowing conversation with Osei. I’m working the night shift tomorrow, which will give me time to absorb and digest this, though it’smore like a rock sitting in the pit of my stomach that I can’t digest. Truth be told, my stomach is in a knot just thinking about marrying Luke.

The money he’s offering will go a long way in helping my dad, but the two-million-dollar question is: will I make it to the finish line to get the money and not catch feelings? The fact is, I already caught feelings. I just need to seal those feelings in a box and face reality.

The guy is handsome, and I find myself attracted to him, though I would never confess that to Osei in a million years. Subconsciously, thoughts of the guy I kissed on the balcony at Osei’s Halloween party months back still linger in my mind. A part of me tells me it was Luke, but it can’t be him because Luke barely tolerates my presence. Most times, he mumbles ‘hello’ like speaking to me is painful. He’s very good at keeping his distance, and I’ve learned to do the same. So, he can’t be my mystery guy.But damn, that kiss is ingrained in my brain.

Luke’s eyes followed me at the wedding of his friend, and I was Osei’s plus one. A few times, our eyes collided at the event; he would look away like he was upset. The wedding was fun for me—Amaka made sure of it. Her words, “Hope you catch a guy,” echoed in my mind. I didn’t catch any man’s eyes, just Luke’s, which felt like he was laser-focused on me and simultaneously undressing and roasting me.

I chose to ignore Luke at Osei’s request when I mentioned that his brother was looking at us with a furrowed brow. Osei and I had fun dancing all night. It was the one night I got to be carefree and let loose.

Now, the guy who shows constant disdain for me wants to marry me. Unfortunately for me, I need to keep my attraction locked up. My body annoyingly wants Luke, which is crazy because the guy can’t hide his dislike of me. My body may want him, but it isn’t getting Luke Blythe. And yet, in a way, I am.

I will marry him, he’s my most viable option to solving my real-life problems. I have about a month at best to submit work authorization to the hospital. My dad’s medical bills are piling up faster than my brother and I can handle.

No work equals no money.

No money equals no school.

No school equals no degree.

No degree means more hardship, which means less pay, and less money means I could lose my dad, which is something I can’t bring myself to process right now. And if I don’t marry Luke, with his dislike of me, he might convince Osei not to help me.

I don’t have a choice but to accept his marriage offer. I just need a mental and strategic plan for how to survive hanging close to hurricane Luke Blythe and not get blown away by the elusive bachelor who dislikes me.

Chapter 6

LUKE

Seven fucking days. Why is it taking her this long? I've reached out to Osei while trying not to act eager, though every cell in my body is in hyper-eager mode. Osei tells me he discussed things with her, but she asked to think about it. Who thinks this long about two million dollars? Seven mind-fucking days.

I haven't slept and mentally crushed the vision of her in Osei's arms or any thought of him backing out and marrying her. He occasionally has a rare impulsive side that always throws me off. I, on the other hand, always stay focused and don't give in to impulsive actions.

I asked Bruce to watch Osei and immediately alert me if he goes to a courthouse. Bruce had a long list of questions that I refused to answer. He did keep an eye on Osei, and no, Osei hasn’t gone anywhere near the courthouse or a church, which means Dele is the one holding out on me. It's time she and I chat—without Osei.

I know her schedule because Osei is no longer tight-lipped about it and was happy to share it. Yet, I'm not getting the answer I want. So here I am, about to ambush her.

I get off the elevator, and just before I use my key to unlock the door, I hear the elevator from the garage open. I see her heading toward me, head down, reading something on her phone. She looks up right at the door, almost as if she mentally counted the steps to the door. She's startled to see me. We stand there, gazing at each other. A ping from her phone is her wake-up call, and she steps back.

“Hi,” I say to her.

“Hi, Osei isn’t back yet,” she replies, fumbling with her keys.

“I know. I came to speak with you.” Now I have her attention as she looks at me, wide-eyed.

“About?” she croaks.

“Let’s get inside,” I say, taking the key from her, opening the door, and signaling for her to go ahead. She moves gingerly. I step in after her and shut the door. “Shall we?” I say the moment she takes off her shoes and puts them away. She nods, and we take a seat on opposite ends of the room.

“I know marrying me is a big decision, and we barely know each other. I’m open to answering any questions you have. You have to understand, my company is important to me, and you will be helping me a great deal if you agree to this. Plus, it will also give you the chance to finish school as you’ve planned. This arrangement could really benefit both of us.” I state in a controlled voice. Though inside, I’m screaming,‘What the fuck is taking you so long to say yes? Just fucking say YES!’

“Why me?” she asks, locking eyes with me and not flinching. I see strength behind her eyes, and her upright, steeled sitting position shows a backbone I can’t mess with.

“Why not you? Osei speaks highly of you. You’re the one person he can vouch for. We both need this arrangement. I willuse all my resources to get you your legal documentation, and my father can stop pushing me to marry one of his friends' daughters. Otherwise, he’ll distribute my inheritance to charity.”

“Please, tell me the truth. The devil, as they say, is in the details. I know and trust Osei, but I don’t know you.” She fidgets, her skepticism not masked. Of course, she trusts my annoying brother, and I want her to trust me. But I can't tell her the truth—the simple fact that I’ve wanted her since that kiss on the balcony. Scratch that. I have an insane craving for her.

“I don’t have a hidden agenda. I’m laying all my cards on the table. We both have something to lose and gain, but if we both play our cards right, we both win. You get to finish school and leave for the UK, and I get my inheritance. It’s that simple.” She nods. I think I’ve convinced her because she relaxes a little. I put my hand out for a handshake, and she looks at me, stunned. Her eyes widen in incredulity at my extended hand. I’m not surprised she’s stunned because I’ve avoided any physical contact since the day Osei introduced us.

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