Shopping for a classy dress was not easy for Helen, especially with the fact that she wasn't using her dad's money anymore and everything was crazily expensive. She tried all she could to combine some money with Emily's in order to buy a radiant gown for the event but she ended up buying an average-priced gown instead.
"I won't break the bank for anyone", she promised herself.
On the night before the event, she got a call from the number she'd saved for the CEO whose name she never knew.
"Are you ready for tomorrow?" He asked her.
"Wait? Please, can i know your name?"
"You don't know my name?" He was shocked.
"You never told me your name."
"Pathetic". He insulted her and hung up immediately, causing her to flare up. Does that mean no more dates or what? What was going to happen to the large amount of money she had spent on the gown which she wasn't even going to wear after that night? Why was the CEO doing this? She got really furious and tried calling him back but the call never went through.
The next day, while she was getting ready for her evening jog, her brother rushed into her room with a big surprise look on his face.
"You are dating Finn Net?!" He asked with shock.
"Excuse me? What are you saying?" She asked, confused.
"The billionaire is parked outside our house right now waiting for you. The owner of that Garlan magazine. You are dating him?"
Helen raised her eyebrows, realizing what was going on.
"O! So that's his name and he came too" She grumbled in frustration, realizing she hadn't gotten ready yet. What sort of man is this? She reluctantly headed for her wardrobe and took out the gown.
"John, could you excuse me for some minutes? I need to get ready"
"You haven't answered me yet."
"This is not the time. I will respond later. Right now, I need to get that man off my hook. He is frustrating my entire life already". She nagged before forcing him out, shutting the door in his face. When she was eventually ready for the party after putting on slight makeup, she raced down the stairs immediately toward the exit.
"Now, this one is better than Tristan," her father said, smiling.
Helen said nothing in response. She walked out and headed into his car. As they drove off, she noticed Finn's irky look at her.
"Do you know my name now?" He asked with pride.
"Finn Net" She responded. She wouldn't have known if not for her brother. She never cared at all about his stupid status.
"You look good, by the way. Sorry for the rude expressions I have been giving you all these days. That's how my father is. He is going to do all this for you if you meet him tonight, so you have to be ready for this."
"So you aren't taking me on a date?" She asked.
"We can make it a date if you want, but for now. I want you to meet my father. He is a really egoistic kind of individual. I like you and I want him to like you too. I hope for an awesome first impression". He informed her nicely. She nodded, relieved all this wasn't a real date but just business. Who would ever think she would agree to date a guy like him?
***
They arrived at the party a few minutes later. The rest of the journey was in silence. As soon as they got in, Helen was awed to see how classy the decorations looked and the large number of guests who attended.
"Want a drink?" He asked as they sat at a bar counter.
"No. Thank you" She declined nicely.
"I won't take no for an answer. This one is on me", He promised, before waving forward to the bartender. Soon they were both taking a sip of their drinks and looking at the crowd of guests flocking around greeting one another. A lovely looking couple walked toward where the two were seated grinning at them both.
"Wow. So this is the girl", the man asked with a smile. Helen took a look at his finger. He was already married because he had on it an expensive golden ring.
"Yes George. I had to bring her. My dad won't stop rattling and troubling me to take someone",Finn responded with disappointment.
"She looks really pretty. Hi, I am Kim". The wife greeted nicely.
"Hello. I am Helen" She responded, smiling back.
"You look so nice Helen. Helen, this is my husband, George. He is the best of all", she boasted.
"Wow. I can see that. You both look really nice together", Helen complimented.
"Sure. We always do. My husband and I will take our leave now. Why don't you both get ready for his father? That man has lost some screws, I assure you" Kim warned, before leaving with her husband.
"Seems everyone is scared of your father", Helen said to Finn, as he ordered another drink.
"Yes. I know. That man is the worst. If he asks for his name, his name is Lamba Net. He hates those who don't know him"
"So much pride," Helen murmured.
"That's why I dislike him. You haven't told me about you. Do you have a man?"
Helen laughed.
"A man? No, i recently broke up with my boyfriend". She confessed.
"Wow! What a jerk", Finn insulted with anger.
"Yeah. A real jerk. I hate him" She replied, squeezing her face with a frown.
"He must have really hurt you so much. Well, this is why no one cares much about relationships anymore. Most people choose to stay celibate, like me."
"Really? Wow. Why that choice?" She wanted to know.
" Relationships aren't my thing. My dad wants me to settle at any cost so that i can inherit his possessions. I don't know why i have to go through this."
"So your dad wants you to get married so that you have his wealth?"
"Sure. Funny, but yes. I just have to find that lady who is ready to help with a fake relationship. By the way, my dad is really choosy, so if you find anyone for me, i will really appreciate it. Ensure she is classy enough for my dad's taste"
"Great Finn. You want me to find a temporary wife for you"
"Yeah, exactly. I will pay you any amount you need."
"Deal. I have a couple of ladies you might like". Helen accepted the deal with a smirk. They went on discussing the company and then her modelling career. Soon their discussion was interrupted by a guard who informed them that Lamba was ready to see them. They both entered the man's large fancy office. The old man caught sight of Finn and smiled, offering him a big hug.
"My lovely son, my heir" he praised. Finn didn't seem impressed but he feigned a smile, trying to avoid making the situation awkward. "And who is this gorgeous lady over here?"
"She is the top model in my company's magazine", he said.
"Hello Mr Lamba Net, i am Helen". She introduced herself.
The man's smile widened.
" I like this girl," he said, puffing his smoke. Helen arched her brows. Was it because she knew his name or what?! "What's your surname?"
"Helen Jack" She responded.
"Helen Jack. Your dad is an investor", he confirmed. Helen was a little surprised he knew her dad. She didn't realize her dad had so many connections.
"Yes. He is," she agreed.
"My son did a good thing by accepting you as a model for his company. You are a very good catch. In fact, I don't mind if you accept being his wife. I mean, you both look great together."
"Daddy, that won't be necessary. I have some a few ladies on my list", Finn cut in, immediately trying to deviate attention from her.
"Few? You say few? I want this one!" His dad insisted.
"I am sorry sir. I don't mean to reject your offer, but this is not what i do. I take marriage seriously. I do not believe in forced marriage or arranged marriages. Telling me to get married now is a no for me. I am not ready for that. I am just 19. I have an entire life ahead of me". She rejects the offer hoping he understood why she had to do that. Finn stared at her shocked.
"You're 19?" He asked, stunned.
"Didn't you see my profile?" She asked, wondering why he was acting shocked.
"Hmm...No i... I thought you were like 21, 22… but never mind. Dad, she is still young. I can't get married to her"
"I never asked, I insisted. Finn, your inheritance determines the choice you are about to make. If you don't marry her, i won't be writing your name on the will, but if you do, i will give you everything I own. As for Helen here, her modelling career is already stuck at this point. Any wrong choice could cause all modelling agencies to shut their doors to her face. No one would ever want to hire her. You both had better be careful with the choice you make", he warned.
"But I don't want to get married to him. I don't even know him" she complained almost in tears.
"Leave my office now. The both of you! I have had enough of this meetup. You have both spoilt my mood". The old man sent them off as he turned back to puff his smoke. Helen's devastation was quite obvious in her face because she didn't seem to be smiling at anyone anymore. Finn looked as disappointed as she was.
"I don't know why he chose you, but that's how he is. You aren't that bad anyway. Why don't you accept? It will just be a contract marriage", Finn had told her as they arrived back at the bar.
"Do I look like someone who wants to get into a contract relationship? I don't understand what you all see marriage as."
"It's just for a year."
"A year! A year you say…"
"A year or as long as my dad writes the property in my name"
"Isn't this selfish, Finn? How about me? What will happen to me?"
"He will help you with your modeling career. Your pay will be raised. Why are you scared? This is just a contract. I promise, no s*x, no responsibilities, no dedication. We can live our normal lives. We just have to try pretending before court, lawyers and my family members"
"You know what, to hell with all this! Right now, I don't even understand if you are in support of your father or against him. Why do I have a feeling you knew your dad would choose me? Why do I have a feeling this was the main reason you needed me to see your father? You are the CEO after all. Your father doesn't have a say about the models you select for your own magazine. I was so stupid to have followed you. You just needed a puppet to control them."
"That's where you are wrong, Helen. This is just for a short period of time."
"I don't want this and no one will force me", the young lady insisted, before walking out of the party hurriedly. Finn laughed nonchalantly, making a toast to a random lady who walked toward him.
***
Helen laid on her bed feeling disappointed by what happened that day. This wasn't what she wished to experience at that moment at all. She was faced with a really tough situation. She really loved her modelling career but there was no way she would do a stupid contract marriage to satisfy that silly billionaire CEO. Why was he so interested in his father's wealth anyway? Was it really necessary for him to drag his top model into this? She knew she couldn't risk her lifelong dream due to her hatred for this idea. Finn was selfish. He had purposely used her to gain his dad's trust, but if in return she gets a good career in return as long as they are not really married and she isn't obliged, over him, then it definitely wouldn't be a bad idea to accept the offer. It's just a marriage contract. What could possibly go wrong?
"I cannot make this decision alone. I have to inform Emily about this", she thought, grabbing hold of her phone. It was 11pm at night, but who cares? No one definitely cares, of course. She dialled Emily's number, ready to make the call.
"O! Goodness. At 11 now Helen!" She complained, grumbling.
"Don't tell me you're sleeping already."
"Of course I am. I have a very busy day tomorrow. My salon won't run by itself"
"You're right. I am so sorry. Actually, I am stuck in a very complex situation right now. I need your help."
"Hmm...tell me"
"I attended that party I told you about yesterday."
"I thought this strange CEO didn't wish to take you out anymore"
"I thought so too...but he did anyway. That is not all. He introduced me to his father as his magazine face and now, his father wants us to have a real marriage if the stupid i***t wants his inheritance. My job is on the line, Emily. The old man threatened my job. I never realized meeting 1 person could cause so much havoc in my life"
"It seems you have found someone worse than Tristan after all. Anyway, did you say real marriage? If it's a real marriage, then gal! You are in for a jackpot. I mean this dude is a billionaire. He had lots and lots of money. Marrying him won't do you bad."
"As if money buys happiness. I don't love him nor am i interested in his stupid marriage. He isn't even interested in committing to a marriage either, so he suggested we have a contract marriage instead."
"Not bad at all. That's even so much better. It means you are going to have as much freedom as you want despite being stuck with that billionaire. Cool girl! You have nothing to lose. Go for it. Just don't open your legs to him"
"Haha. Really funny" Helen gave out a dry laugh.
"So tell me, is he hot? Does he look sexy?"
"Words Emily. He looks okay but his looks don't matter, does it?, His large ego has made me dislike him so much."
"Sure picky girl. That's why this marriage contract is important for you. You're way too selective."
"No. I definitely am not."
"Yes you are. You always find something wrong with men, forgetting no one is perfect. Anyway, i have to go now. I really need to sleep"
"Thanks for the chat. Tomorrow then" Helen bid her goodbye before hanging up instantly. She laid back down on the bed staring at the ceiling. A marriage contract can't be the only solution. There had to be another way.
***
Helen hadn't expected to see Tristan at her entrance the following day. She seemed a little surprised because she'd hoped he had moved on but it was quite obvious he hadn't.
Her mum happily let him in by giving him a glass of water. Her mum really liked him so much. Luckily, her dad was not home, so there was no room for drama at that moment.
"What do you want?" She asked rudely.
"I still can't believe you dumped me like that. What have I done, Helen? How can you think you can move on without me? We really loved each other."
"Yes we did. But not anymore. You still love that Shalom"
"No I don't. I swear"
"Of course you will try to sound convincing. I don't love you anymore, Tristan. In fact, i will be getting married soon", Helen told him with a smirk.
"What do you mean?"
"You're here sitting down before me and telling me I won't move on. How do you see me as exactly?Someone who is obsessed with you? You think i can't survive without you, huh? Well, soon I will be getting married to a multi-billionaire. Tell me exactly what you can do about that". Tristan was quiet for a moment. He seemed really shocked at what she said.
"Multi Billionaire…" He tried saying those words.
"Yes, you heard right. You think you can cheat on me and go back to your ex just anytime you feel like it."
"Helen, i don't understand how i have offended you. We broke up just a few days ago and now you're marrying a rich man. Serious now?"
"How well did that hurt you? Guess who i will be spending the rest of my life with? Finn Net", she boasted with a laugh.
"This is unlike you. Are you doing this for the money?"
"You see, that's the thing. You think so ill of me. How could i have ever fallen for a man like you?" The entrance opened and Emily walked in beaming with smiles and holding a parcel of chocolates.
"Hi Love!" She greeted Helen, giving her the parcel of chocolate. "See what I got for you."
"Awwn… Emily. You did not have to". Emily seemed aghast to see Tristan.
"See who we have here. I didn't expect to see Tristan here." She said with a smile. She rushes over to Tristan and gives him a brief hug. Noticing the look on his face, she realized all wasn't fine.
"What's wrong Tristan? Why do you look angry?' she asked.
"Did you know Helen was getting married to someone?" He gave her a questioning stare.
"She is?" Emily asked with surprise. "Wait Helen, you accepted the offer? O! Gal! You actually thought it over". She rejoiced happily.
"You knew? Emily, you are in support of this nonsense", Tristan asked in shock.
"Tristan, to be sincere, I don't understand what happened between you two, but Helen's happiness matters to me. Her business is at stake. She had no other choice."
"What do you mean?" Tristan asked curiously.
"Actually…"
"I love him. I thought I didn't, but I did. This is why i am getting married to him", Helen had lied immediately, making Emily confused.
"You love him? But you said…"
"I don't need Tristan to love me anymore. To hell with your feelings for me, Tristan. Just forget me. I am for someone else now'' Helen told him harshly with a cold stare. Emily stared at them both with a furious look.
"Helen stop! Haven't you hurt him enough? I warned you, right? Wait, are you accepting this marriage contract because you want to seek revenge on Tristan? Helen, Tristan is a great guy. How many times will i tell you that?"
"Great guy my foot!"
"You can speak anything against anyone, but not Tristan. I can't bear any insult against Tristan. Gosh! You are so blinded by jealousy", Emily grumbled.
"Since when do you care about Tristan?" Helen asked with surprise.
"Helen, I know how to maintain relationships, unlike you who don't like to fight for someone you love. Tristan let's go", She urged, forcing him up and leading him out the door.
"Fine. You both should leave then. I don't wish to see Tristan anymore", Helen told them, with an adamant look, and shut the door behind them. She didn't realize her mum was joining her with a disappointed look.
"I never raised you this way, Helen", she said with disgust.
"You don't understand what's happening, mum. Just leave it" She said to her, rushing up the stairs.
Back in her room, she took time to think of what had occurred and realized she had really made Emily mad at her. She wasn't sure why Emily got really offended by her rude behaviour towards Tristan, but she definitely knew her best friend wouldn't be talking to her anytime soon. She tried calling her up but the lady wasn't picking up
"Why is everyone against my choices now?' She asked with a frustrated tone.