9. The Couple
1061 Words
Caitlyn and Evans were sitting across from each other. On the table is a contract file that they are about to sign.
"Read it," Evans said. "And then sign it."
Caitlyn did as Evans asked. She read the entire contract. Actually, Caitlyn did not sincerely want to do this job. Moreover, Evans' attitude was authoritarian and also rude. But Caitlyn thought of Daphne, who considered her like her mother.
"If something bad happens to you, you forbid me from telling Daphne?" Caitlyn frowned when she read this clause. "What does that mean? What bad thing could happen to you? Are you really sick?"
Evans did not answer Caitlyn's question immediately. He honestly did not like Caitlyn's critical attitude. He didn't like being contradicted or doubted, but this was for Daphne's sake. He would not try to be patient.
"I'm a businessman. Anything can happen. Many people don't like my success, so bad things could happen," Evans replied.
Despite Evans' explanation, it wasn't enough for Caitlyn to understand. "Why would a businessman have haters?"
"This is the business world, Miss. This world is ruthless. People will do anything for money. Like your boyfriend, for example. He's even willing to betray you for money," Evans said.
Those were very harsh words by Evans, but it was true. Caitlyn could not deny it.
"So, give me a more logical reason. What should I tell Caitlyn when something bad happens to you, and how long should I do this job," Caitlyn continued the discussion.
"Two years is enough. Once Daphne grows up, she'll understand you're not her biological mother. Right now, she still can't understand. You can disappear anywhere after two years," Evans replied.
Caitlyn bit her finger. She reviewed the contract. Some of the clauses mentioned things that Caitlyn was forbidden to do. Evans was too possessive of his daughter. His fear was unnatural.
"Then how do I propose taking Daphne to public school?" Caitlyn discussed this again. "I know it's not my right, and I'm saying this for Daphne's sake. She needs a new atmosphere."
"I'm surveying the schools in this city. I'll answer your questions once I know what the quality of the school's security is. Let's not talk about this anymore." Evans held his temple. "If you agree, sign it immediately."
Evans' demeanor returned to what it had been. Strange and visibly agitated. Caitlyn quickly got some warm water and gave it to Evans.
Caitlyn's attentiveness took aback Evans to him. But he tried to ignore that feeling. He immediately drank the water Caitlyn gave him.
After a lengthy discussion, Caitlyn signed a new contract with agreed-upon clauses. This time Evans tried not to show his dominance as Daphne's father. This attitude was not his. Evans never wanted to give in to this person.
"On Saturday night, you and Daphne are coming with me to Colorado. I promised Daphne to take her on vacation. She's going to force me to take you. So, before that happens, I had better ask you first." Evans said this while checking his watch. "It's already morning. Daphne will be up soon."
"Then we should hurry. She'll get suspicious if we're not home," Caitlyn said.
***
After completing the contract documents, Evans and Caitlyn went to Evans' house together. At six o'clock, they arrived at Evans' home.
"Hurry up before Daphne wakes up." Evans babbled. He and Caitlyn hurriedly got out of the car.
Caitlyn went to Daphne's room while Evans went to change. But before they split up, Daphne was already sitting on the stairs. She looked glum while holding her hands in her lap.
Evans and Caitlyn stare at each other, then approach Caitlyn.
"Are you awake, Daphne?" Caitlyn rushed over to her.
"Where are you guys going? Why wasn't I invited?" Daphne grumbled. "Daddy told me not to go anywhere, but he went with Mommy instead."
Caitlyn was at a loss about how to explain this to Daphne. "It's not like that, Daphne. Your dad and I don't go together ...."
"I just want to be alone with Mommy, sweetheart." Suddenly, Evans said something that Caitlyn found ridiculous. She widened her eyes at Evans' words.
"Is that right, Mom?" Daphne asked Caitlyn to confirm.
"Oh, yeah." There was no other way to refute Evans' excuse. "Yeah, that's it." His laughter was insincere. She was distraught that Evans had to behave like this in front of Daphne.
This morning after breakfast, Caitlyn went to the kitchen to help the maid wash the dishes. Evans accidentally saw her, so he was intrigued to approach Caitlyn.
"I didn't ask you to be a maid in my house," Evans said. "You don't need to do this. There are plenty of servants in my house."
Caitlyn did not say anything. She remained focused on her work.
"Are you ignoring me? Seriously, did I do something wrong again?" Evans was surprised by Caitlyn's temper.
Caitlyn sighed for a moment. She then looked at Evans. "Why are you talking to Daphne as you and I are a couple? What if she thinks this is real?"
Evans didn't feel that what she had just said was anything serious. "Daphne was still young. She won't understand. Why are you so sensitive anyway? I said it so she wouldn't be sad. The maid said she woke up last night and was looking for us. They wouldn't dare disturb me at night."
"Don't be like that next time. We don't have any relationship. I want this to be clear," Caitlyn said.
Evans laughed at Caitlyn's assumption. He intentionally approached Caitlyn until she backed off.
"Wh-what are you doing? Don't mess around!" Caitlyn warned.
"Miss, we have never met before." Evans looked at Caitlyn's entire body. "Look at you. You and I are very different. You're not the kind of woman who can attract my attention. I know you are quite beautiful. But I have standards for a woman."
Caitlyn understood what Evans meant. She also understood that she could not be Evans' equal.
"You don't need to make that clear, Sir. I know I'm just a poor woman. I need to make it clear that I'm just here to work. Even though I'm Daphne's mother, that doesn't mean I'm your wife."
There was a feeling of regret in Caitlyn when she said this to Evans. I don't know what feelings were in her heart.
- Writer
