Page 15 of Curvy Alpha Bride
I don’t get this, Iris, I reply. Both of us volunteered for this, and we had our own reasons. If we want to walk away, you can’t stop us.
That’s correct, Mabel. But considering that my business has allowed a significant amount of resources for this deal to be made, I still need to be reimbursed.
I haven’t spent any of your money? And didn’t Xavier pay you? Just give him a refund.
Both of you employed a third party because you wanted a contract to protect your own interests. That is the service I provide, and it must be paid for even if you decide you no longer want the contract. It’s all there in the document you signed.
I resist the urge to scream at my phone and hurl it to the ground. I start pacing, a low growl hissing between my teeth.
“Yeah, I’m having the same problem,” Xavier mutters. “I’m just going around in circles with her. This is bullshit!”
Can’t we sue you?I type back, still pacing.
You can certainly try, dear, but after one reading through the contract, any lawyer will refuse the case. It’s ironclad.
But you made a mistake!
Did I?
I want to slam the screen with my finger as I punch in an all-caps retort, but an odd feeling sweeps through me. My stomach twists, and my heart aches.
If I really could go home right now, what do I have to look forward to? Going back to my room to stare miserably at the walls and listen to sad songs?
I look over at Xavier, who is glaring at his phone, and think about the pics Iris sent me. The pretty little cabin, the humble townsfolk, and the handmade wares. She promised mea shopping allowance as well as getting paid, and taking a nice vacation.
My face draws into an ugly scowl as I flick my phone open again.
You mean it?I ask.Seven days, and I still get all my benefits, then walk out scot-free?
Yes, Mabel. If you complete a seven-day trial, then I can dissolve the contract. My reputation is on the line here.
My hand tightens on my phone, and I almost throw it again.This is my life, and she’s worried about her reputation!
Fine, I’ll do it, I type back.But I want you to link me to those services so I can order stuff. I expect to be pampered on this little vacation.
That’s wonderful news, Mabel! I’m sure you’ll have a great time out there. Xavier has also agreed, so I’ll let you two go ahead. I’ll send through those details soon.
I shove my phone back in my bag and look up at Xavier. He looks almost shell-shocked, as if he just crawled out of an explosion, only to find himself in front of a firing squad.
“You said yes?” he asks.
I nod. “You did, too?”
He sighs, nodding as well. He reaches out a hand. “Come on, let’s go to my car.”
I glare at his hand, then back up to his face. “I said I was doing this, not that I was actually going to play wife with you.”
“But you have to, Mabel,” he says. “That was the whole point of the contract. The people of Valentine Creek are counting on me bringing home a luna. It’s very important to them.”
I tilt my head to the side, studying him. “You really care about them, don’t you?”
“Yeah, I do. Initially, they resisted the idea of me pairing up, but they’ve recently decided it’s essential. When I told them the ceremony would be tonight, they started celebrating right away. It really means a lot to them.”
“Okay,” I answer, sighing. “Let’s go to your car then.”
“Aren’t you going to hold my hand?”
“No way. Not here. I don’t want anyone in Cyan Lock to see us. They’re not the ones we have to convince.”
