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04. A Condition?

Elena's POV

"It's funny that you think you have a choice."

He too rose up and adjusted his blazer.

"I do as a matter of fact." I folded my arms across my chest and looked straight into his eyes.

"Not really." He stated confidently.

"And who exactly told you that?" I snapped, my anger getting the better of me at his calm attitude like he wasn't being an asshole.

"Now that you know that I have run a background check on you, you should also know that I have learnt about your father's medical condition. Your job supports your family. Am I right, Ms. Smith?" He cockily tilted his head to the side , maintaining eye contact with me.

"Are you threatening my job?" I asked him wide-eyed to which he shrugged.

"You see I have got connections. I just have to pull a few strings and you would find yourself out of your current workplace and unable to land a job in any respectable firm." I couldn't believe that this guy was practically threatening me!

"You can't be serious!" I was absolutely horrified by this man.

"I never joke." He smirked and I wanted nothing more than to punch that smirk off his face.

"It's ridiculous!" I threw my hands up in the air in frustration.

"Well I don't find it ridiculous. Your father will be treated by the best of doctors and I'll bear all the costs." I inhaled and exhaled a number of times to control my anger. Shouting and creating a scene just wasn't my thing.

"I haven't met a man as pathetic as you in my whole life! You are offering me money to be your wife for a year?" My voice was calm, giving out nothing of the anger bubbling inside me.

"Don't act like you don't want money. Isn't it what everyone wants?" For a second, irritation and annoyance flashed in his eyes. Just when I thought he couldn't be any more of an asshole , he just proved me wrong.

"Think what you want. I can't believe this!" I shook my head, chuckling humorlessly to myself.

"Well, then sign the papers and we are good." He spoke , his face back to being cold.

"I have a condition." He raised a brow at me before a mock smile graced his lips.

"Not that you really have a say in this but still let's hear you out." I rolled my eyes at his arrogant attitude but didn't comment on it.

"We won't consummate this marriage." I said firmly and he looked shocked for a fraction of a second before he composed himself and the cold look came back to his face.

"We won't. I am not too keen for sex with you." He spat those words like even the idea of sex with me made him nauseous.

I ran a hand through my hair and realising that I had no other options, signed the papers.

"One more thing. This stays between us. Not a word about it to anyone." He warned me seriously. I nodded in agreement but that apparently didn't satisfy him.

"Of course. I don't want my parents to know about this. Had my father known of this vile agreement he would never allow me to go on with this." I was burning a while in his head with my glare.

"Wear it." He slid a black velvet box towards me with minimum emotions on his face. With a bit of shaky hands I opened it. Inside was seated the most beautiful solitaire ring I have ever seen but ironically it wasn't the most beautiful moment of my life like everyone wishes it to be.

Swallowing the lump in my throat, I slid it on which fitted just perfectly. I didn't want to know where his ring was. The only thing I wanted was to get away from here.

"You may leave now." He went back to his seat.

"Gladly." I stomped out of his cabin cursing him in my mind.

Elena's POV

It was half past 5 and we had to go to the Parkers' for dinner. What did you miss? You wouldn't want to know!

Later that day when I was back home, the ring on my finger had my parents completely freaked out. Mom and Dad were really disappointed with me. They couldn't believe that I would keep my 'boyfriend' a secret from them, let alone get secretly engaged. I couldn't blame them. Obviously they had expected me to introduce them to my 'boyfriend' like every normal girl does. Only if I had that liberty!

Mom had been giving me a silent treatment since then while Dad looked upset and I wanted nothing more than to kick that obnoxious jerk's ass. His stupid ass was making me suffer. After a complete week, Dad had convinced Mom to accept my decision and meet them. So I called Rylan and that led to this dinner at the Parker's.

I took a warm shower and blow dried my hair. Though Mom was still not over it, she came to my room and helped me choose a dress for the dinner. I looked into the mirror to see the mint blue dress fitting me like a glove while I did my makeup.

The worry of having my parents learn about the agreement had me unnerved. Beside that I had been avoiding speaking of my engagement with Tyler and Olivia but I knew I had to tell them soon. Yeah, Tyler is another very close friend of mine. He and Olivia dated in middle school when they were basically kids. They got over it pretty good and since then we three have been best friends.

I came down to the living room where mom and dad were already waiting.

"Oh, you look gorgeous honey! " , mom complimented me.

"You look beautiful as well " , I smiled.

"Let's get going." Dad said, checking his watch.

Let's get done with this dinner!

………………….

"Mr. Smith, Mrs. Smith, good evening! " , What I assumed was Mr. Parker greeted Dad and Mom before sending me a smile of acknowledgement which I returned. He seemed to be in his late fifties.

"Good evening Mr. Parker." Dad offered a polite smile.

"Call me Charles. " Dad nodded.

Just then a tall woman in her mid fifties walked in with a bright smile. It felt like the grace in her posture and presence could put all to shame.

"Meet my wife, Leah." She smiled, showing her perfect set of pearly white teeth. The formalities were still going on when I took my time to look around. With the intricate design and the showpieces, every corner of the mansion screamed luxury.

"And you're Elena." I was pulled back into the conversation when Leah stated. I politely nodded with a smile in response.

"You , my dear, are beautiful!" I couldn't help the blush that creeped up my face.

"Thank you for having us here, Mrs. Parker." I replied, causing her to smile at me.

"Come in." She showed us the way into the living space. There were some small talks here and there amidst which Leah kept glancing at the door, most probably waiting for Rylan. I was in my own thoughts playing with my fingers when I heard some footsteps.

"Rylan."

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