The Alpha's Contracted Bride

Episode 6

" That's enough for today. Thank you so much, Rissa. You did well. I really can't believe you would be perfect alongside Rald. Come here, check this one. How's it? " Grant, the photographer was the one saying this to Rissa.

She just steps down from the podium in that colorful studio. Rald had left to change his clothes and pulled off his makeup already.

Rissa has a bright smile on her face when she stares at the picture Grant was showing her. There Rald has his hands around her bare waist lovingly.

It was just for a brief time but that was the only moment she needed to get aroused.

She realized there is still some feelings left in her heart for the renowned pop star.

She at last excuses herself, saying she had to clean up too and return home for the sky had darkened.

When she passed through the lonely Hall to her small dressing room given to her by the production company, Rald appears from a room nearby and pulled her into it gently.

" Shhhh " He caution while putting a finger on her lips to silence her. Rissa obeyed. She didn't make any noise or protest.

She only follow the man into his room where he sat her down and smiled at her.

" Rissa there is something you need to know "

" Yeah? "

Rald took his seat beside her and held her hands with his. He pinned her with his gaze and began.

" Rissa, can you pass the night with me? I got a rehearsal at the late hour but you can ... "

" I can't "

" What? "

Larissa Henley slowly withdraws her hands from Rald and mutters weakly.

" Rald I'm married now. Things aren't the same anymore. You see, I heard Rome can be possessive and dangerous when it comes to his person. I signed the marriage contract already. Though I do not know much about it, I was told to make sure he never divorce me until six months later. You know how my dad could be. He will never forgive me if I didn't get the job done and you know he is my savior. The one who saved me from the street "

Gerald Chen sagged his shoulder and look away for some time. One could see he is displeased. He bowed his head and finally let out a sigh.

" You know I will wait for you Rissa " He mutters softly after some minutes. " You know I will wait till you get divorced, right? "

" That's the plan already " She mutters as she took his hand for consolation. " I will wait too Rald. For you. Just for you "

The man sighs in defeat and look up at her. He tenderly cupped his palm around her cheek and then brought her forward.

It wasn't their first time to lock lips but it is their first time after Larissa become a married woman. She relaxed in his arms, praying the moment won't end.

His hands moved slowly to her waist and he grabbed her up so that she will be sitting on his lap.

Rald leans back now. His palm moved up and down her back. He soon find the zip of her turtleneck dress and made to pull it off but Larissa stop him and pulled back just half an inch to say into his mouth.

" We can't go beyond this "

" Rissa, please... I miss you " He makes another attempt again but Larissa quickly moved away from him and adjusted her dress.

" Rissa, what's going on? " This time he asked angrily. " This isn't our first time to make love. I'm your lover. I love you "

" And Rome is my husband Rald " She responded gently. " I can't get pregnant for any other man in this marriage. What if we accidentally make a baby? "

" Then you come to me. Rissa, I am ready to tie the knot with you. Come here now. I need you so much "

Larissa wish she could but no. She can't afford to get pregnant for another man when she is married. Besides it is not in her belief to cheat in a Marriage, unlike her husband. She can't do that.

" I gave my vow to Rome to ... be with him, only him for six months. Rald if you can wait till then I promise to do anything you ... "

" Don't touch me " He mutters when she tries to move forward. His eyes glittered in great anger.

Before Larissa could try another word of plea Rald moved out of the room. After some time the lady let out a sigh and soon walk out too.

She quickly prepared for home. She didn't see Rald anywhere but she met Vance Savannah in the lobby when she is about to get out.

" Oh, my dear " The man said, aiming to give her a peck which Larissa innocently agreed.

It will be their first time because they never were so close but the unexpected photoshoot had brought them together, much closer.

" I can't find Rald anymore " She mutters and the man shrugged.

" He left already to relax. You know he got a rehearsal at the late hour "

" Oh " She breathed. " Well I should get going then. Thank you so much for the shoot today. I enjoyed it "

" Alright. Maybe if you are less busy another time we will meet to discuss over a nice refreshment. What do you say? "

" I'd say it's a good idea " She replied with a grin.

" Your reward for the shoot has been uh... Given to your manager, Ryland. Do you know? "

" Oh really? " She beamed. " I never know I will get paid "

" Oh come on. You are a beautiful lady Rissa. I hate it if you continue to settle for less. You see, in the Savannah suite, you can be a great singer. Why don't you sign with us? "

Vance has already forgotten his dignity and loosened up his grip on his lust so when he was saying these words to Larissa he began to caress her upper arm lovingly, more than necessary.

The lady was quick to notice the hard bulging d**k of his rising. She was astonished at this but kept her cool as always.

" I can't leave Mr Ryland sir but I will welcome more collaboration from you if there is any. Thank you Mr Vance but I have to go now "

She burst out of the very large studio immediately without any words but what greeted her is heavy rain and loud thunder.

Larissa was taken aback. She never know there is a heavy downpour until she stepped out.

Quickly she located her car. Diego who had seen her was swift enough to open the door for her and they both settled down.

" Wow, I'm soaked " She said from the back with a low chuckle. She looks around and lets out a sigh.

" It's late already. Look how cloudy the sky is "

" We should go home then " Diego said. " Do you give Signore a call about your lateness? "

" Uh yeah " She replied gently. " I called him in the afternoon. That was when I thought I would be going to my manager but my schedule changed at the last minute "

" Well it's good you let him know. How is the shoot? "

" Perfect. It will be my first time advertising a product for the top notches companies. I'm so excited "

Diego didn't reply. He only glances at her through the visor and smiles happily for her.

The ride goes on in silence for about some minutes until Unexpectedly Diego got a call from his wife.

" Signora it's my wife calling. Do you mind if I ... "

" Of course, please. Answer your call but I'd say you park the car. It's rainy and cloudy, you know "

" Of course " Diego replied gratefully. He pulled the car to a side and answered the call from his wife. They go on to speak in the Italian language all through.

Larissa sat quietly in the back without getting the meaning of his words. She only understands a little bit.

At last, Diego gets off his cell phone and lets out a shaky breath. Larissa was quick to see his eyes laced with a sad expression.

However, she decided not to pry. His wife seems to have given him bad news. Diego drive a little in silence but stopped abruptly, making Larissa's heart leap from her stomach.

" Diego? " She finally called softly. " Diego, are you alright? "

The man with short hair shook his head and replied softly.

" It's my daughter. My wife just called to say Ginevra is in the hospital "

" What! " The lady exclaimed in the back. " Go on to the hospital then. What are you doing? "

" But you have to get home on time. You have to ... "

" Diego drive to the hospital "

" What about Signore? "

" Rome will understand. Come on "

Diego was more than grateful. He quickly drove to the hospital.

The chauffeur was quick to alight when he got to the destination. Larissa did as well and goes with him to the silent hall.

A beautiful lady with blonde hair rush to Diego and clutch his hands. Larissa knows without being told that she is his wife.

Cladded in a long simple skirt. Without makeup or any jewelry, Paolina's beauty never lessen.

That stormy night she has tears stained on her cheek and her eyes creases up with horror.

She goes on to speak to Diego in Italian. Larissa keep her cool and stay mute to give the couple the time they needed.

Unexpectedly Diego's face went white in shock and he slowly shook his head.

" Heart disease? " He mutters softly but Larissa had overheard already. She was astonished.

" What? Heart disease? " She repeated in confusion. " What's going on? "

" Non è questa la tua signora? " Paolina asked her husband as she turn to Larissa.

" Si " Diego responded.

" What is it? " Rissa asked gently. She couldn't understand Paolina's question.

" Sorry, I didn't introduce you both " Diego says after some time. " Here Signora, she is my wife Paolina. Honey this is Signore's wife Larissa. She just asked if you are my madam "

At once Paolina made to fall at Larissa's feet but she stopped her at the last minute.

" Please don't embarrass me. I'm Rissa. Nice to meet you. Now let's get the doctor and see what Ginevra would need for her health to be restored "

The Italian couple was surprised. Paolina was the first to speak. Her English language is laced with an Italian accent.

" Signora thank you so much for your concern. The doctor has spoken to me earlier. He demanded a huge sum amount of money and I can't afford it. I was suggesting now to my husband maybe we should buy the little drugs and pills to make her stable. It helps and ... "

" You are kidding " Larissa cut in horrified. " How old is this girl on the question? "

" Thirteen Signora "

" You are endangering the life of your girl. How could you subject her to very poor treatment? "

" We would love to give her the best but ... We are lacking Signora " This time Diego mutters shamefully. " I was awaiting my pay from Signore to pay for our debts and ... "

" Say no more " Larissa whispers. She let out a sigh since she understands how it is to be penniless.

She picked up her cell phone and put a call to her manager telling him to give her the money Vance sent to him for the photoshoot she had done. Ryland was surprised but he did without any hesitation.

However, when they got to the doctor, he said it won't be enough for Ginevra's treatment fee.

" She is ill. We need more money ma'am as she needed a perfect surgeon. However, we will start our task on her now. Thank you "

Larissa didn't know what to say. She could only watch the doctor turn away and leave. After much thought, she said to the couple who are more than grateful for her help and generosity.

" I think you both should stay with Ginevra. I ... Will inform Rome about your daughter. He will surely help "

" No, no. " Diego was quick to disagree but Paolina said.

" I heard Signore isn't too ... generous. I'm afraid he will say no "

Larissa let out a sigh but replied positively.

" Rome will say yes. Let's try. Even if he says no I will find another way. We are in this together, okay? "

The wife of Diego was quick to hug Larissa Henley appreciatively. She said no one is more perfect than her.

" I should take you home. I will return after getting you home " Diego offered but Larissa disagreed.

" You should stay with your wife. You can see she is still shaken. I will be fine. I know my way around and I can drive "

" But Signore... "

" Rome will understand. I will tell him about everything "

She quickly excused herself, fearing that Diego will insist. She walk out of the hospital but once and twice she noticed the people there staring at her.

The rain was still falling aggressively when she get to her car and drove out immediately.

She aims to inform Rome about Diego's problem, to beg for some money which she didn't want at all.

She drove away from the hospital and hit the silent dark highway in no time.

Unfortunately for her, the fuel tank decided to go Empty and the car stopped abruptly, unable to move anymore.

Before her is a fuel station but looking at her purse she couldn't pay for it. Her shoulder soon sagged in frustration and tiredness.

She checked her silver wristwatch to see it was already late. Slowly she picked up her cell phone and go through her contact to see who to call for help.

There is no one she could ask for help except her adopted father so she called him.

" Hello, Dad? "

" Oh, Rissa. How are you? I see your promotion for the gig. Tell me it's the Alpha who pays that amount for a billboard promotion "

Larissa rolled her eyes at this but replied, ignoring the words of Henley.

" Dad I need a ride home. I am stuck in ... "

" Call your husband. You are his responsibility now. For six months he had to provide for your ... "

" Dad listen. I can't ask Rome for help. I ... "

The line went dead all of a sudden, surprising Larissa so much. She swallows hard and sighs sadly. Henley has always been like that so she is well accustomed to him.

" I should call my brother " She mutters softly to herself. She put a call to Seven Henley but his contact didn't go through.

Her shoulder sagged frustratedly and she bite her lower lips for some time before calling Rald.

The cell phone rang for the fifth time without response and she gave up as she concluded he must still be annoyed.

The only one she could call now rested on her mind, weighing it. She feels so reluctant but staring ahead in the darkness she realized there is nothing more she could do.

Larissa Henley picked up her cellphone Once again but this time she called the Alpha of Zoe's pack. Rome Zoe. The ringing came and her heart thudded with it. At the first ring, the cellphone was answered but no one speak.

" He... llo. Rome? " She stuttered innocently.

" Yes " He replied emotionlessly.

" I'm stranded in uh... a dark highway that leads home. The vehicle runs out of fuel and I don't know what else to do "

" Stay in the car " He replied instead and disconnected.

Larissa was confused. She lowered the cell phone and stare at the screen for some time.

Stay in the car? She thought to herself. And do what?

There she is, still having the thought when a headlight from a car appears ahead. Immediately she sat up to see who it is.

Unconsciously she shivers when the car stopped ahead of hers and the man behind the wheel revealed. Rome Zoe himself.

He is wearing a crew neck sweatshirt and as usual, his face was laced with no expression.

He stare ahead at Larissa who had stiffened for some seconds and then he alighted.

His hair immediately gets wet from the downpour but he walks on to the car door where Larissa sat.

She saw him again, unable to take her eyes off him. His lips are naturally pink and his pointed nose makes him more attractive.

He reached out to open the car door and he stood still. Their gaze locked for some heart-stopping second.

Larissa was out of ideas on what to do. His presence filled her with emotions that has nothing to do with hatred. She only pictured him as someone out of her league. A man who is an Alpha, wealthy, and reserved.

The moment stretched and awkwardness filled her heart. She was expecting him to leave but no, he didn't.

Instead, he extended his palm to her. This gesture alone stole her breath but she took it, his palm this time and he ease her out of the car like a gentleman which he is, sometimes.