Falling For My Contract Husband

Strange 'job' contract

I couldn't believe my luck when I got an email from this company for the second part of the interview. I'm so nervous. I hope everything goes well. And I really hope they don't ask strange questions like they did in the questionnaire. My parents couldn't get the money. Even though they won't say it, because they are scared of burdening me. I know they are hoping I get the job and sort out the mess my mom made.

The lift pings almost everyone who was here yesterday came back. They look like models in their skin-tight outfits and stilettos. I stop myself from looking at my cream white skirt suit, with a white shirt and black pumps. I walked towards one of the chairs. But I stop and roll my eyes when I see the nasty looks I'm still getting. I took a seat away from the group.

Shortly after I arrive, the receptionist, who introduced herself as Melissa, calls the first girl in. She walks towards the door like a model on a runway. I wish I was that confident. Melissa keeps calling the girls after they leave the office. The interview doesn't take much time. Makes me think it's another strange job interview. As they keep calling the girls in, I think I'll be the last one to go in.

They all whisper to each other when they come out of the room. It seems like they formed some sort of friendship yesterday after leaving the office. It makes me a little jealous. Forming relationships doesn't really come easy to me. And it's very rare to click with a person from the get go. And they all sound excited when they come from the office. They must have met Sabelo, or their chances of getting the job are good.

When it's my turn, Melissa smiles at me. I walked to the office, it looked the same as the reception area. Everything is either grey or white and it looks bright. The sunlight from the floor to ceiling window makes it brighter. But I can't say the same about the feeling I get as soon as I walk in. Even though the man behind the desk is wearing a bright suit, his presence sends chills. He must be Sabelo then. There's something powerful about him or the room.

"Are you going to stand there all morning?" The man asks behind the desk, still looking at his laptop.

"Don't be rude, Sabelo." A guy reprimands somewhere in the room.

I walked in, and I sat on one of the chairs facing the floor to ceiling windows. Beautiful view. I bet it's more breathtaking when the sun rises and sets.

"Hello, I'm Simingaye." I introduced myself.

"We know who you are. Just sit down, read and sign the NDA." Sabelo tells me.

"It's nice meeting you, Simi." The guy on the couch is standing up and walking toward me. He seems nice, and I pray he's the one looking for a PA.

"I'm Mlungisi. This is Sabelo." He introduced both of them. At least he has manners. This Sabelo guy is behaving as if I just budged in here. Like his company didn't ask me to come back for the second part of the interview.

I read and signed the NDA. Nothing new here. Almost the same as the one I signed yesterday. I wonder what's with this company and so much privacy. But I didn't say anything.

"This isn't really a job interview." Mlungisi starts, but Sabelo interrupts him.

"This is a job interview," he emphasizes. And then he continues, "But for a different role. I need a wife." He tells me.

I wait for him to tell me he's joking. Why would he look for a wife this way? He doesn't even look at me after sharing this kind of information.

"At least look at her." A guy comments, walking in. He introduces himself as Zen, Sabelo's lawyer.

"I have important things to do. Remind me again why I'm editing this document when I pay you thousands?" Sabelo asks Zen, who laughs like they just told him a joke. It doesn't even look like Sabelo jokes around.

"He doesn't even take me seriously. No one does." Sabelo complains.

"We liked your honesty yesterday. So that's why you were called back today. We aren't really hiring you…" Sabelo doesn't let Zen finish. He looks up this time.

"Close your mouth.” he tells me, and I quickly shut my mouth.

I’ve always thought the men in my life were handsome. But looking at this guy, my word. Even the word ‘handsome’ doesn’t even begin to describe this guy. And he’s looking for a wife for hire. His lashes, it’s true, guys have beautiful and long eyelashes.

“You’re handsome.“ shoot me, I can’t help it.

“Compliments won’t get you the job,” he tells me.

I meant what I said. I’m not saying that because I want the job.

And then he turns to Zen, "Imagine a lawyer who can't talk." He rolls his eyes, I almost laugh. A whole millionaire rolling his eyes.

"We are hiring, but for a different role. I need a wife." Said Sabelo, looking at me this time.

"Why would you go through such lengths? I bet you have women falling at your feet all the time. Why not choose from them? Don't you have a girlfriend or something? Why me?"

This guy can't be serious.

"I need a wife. You need money." He tells me.

"Everyone needs money. Otherwise, why would I apply for the job? If I didn't."

It sounds like he thinks I'm suitable for the role, yet he acts as if he doesn't need me.

"Simingaye, we know you need 15 grand asap," Said Mlungisi.

He doesn't sound judgemental. Of course they know. I didn't think people were serious about companies investigating us. I thought it was extended to social media only. But apparently not. I bet these guys even know about the 10 bucks I stole from my mom's purse when I was 12.

"Tell me more about the job?" I asked Sabelo, emphasizing the word job. He looks annoyed. I really don't get this guy. He acts like I'm a nuisance when he hardly knows me.

"Like I said, I need a wife for a contract. I honestly don't know why they just can't give me the damn contract. I am more than capable of handling the job…" He stops as if to remember this is not the information I need. "We'll be married for a year. Each month you'll get a hundred grand. At the end of the contract, you'll get two million. I just need you to pretend to be my wife."

"Two million is not enough though. Tell me more." Mlungisi and Zen smile, which annoys Sabelo. And to think I'm tempted to say yes to this ridiculous marriage. I'll have to stay with this guy.

"You need to help me get the contract within a year…"

"Wow, the mighty Sabelo admits he needs help. Why didn't I record this?" Mlungisi comments.

"If you can't be serious, please leave." Sabelo tells Mlungisi, annoyed.

"Does this guy ever smile?" I asked Mlungisi and Zen. They both laugh.

"She's the one." Mlungisi tells Sabelo.

"Definitely the one." Zen adds, still laughing.

I don't know why I asked that question. Maybe Sabelo will think I'm rude and hire someone else. I really need the money. When I turned to apologise, he continued with what he was saying. And the guys don't disturb him again. I read through the contract and I signed it. Before I can hand the contract back to Sabelo, my phone pings. I have a hundred grand in my account. I don't know how to tell my parents.

"Just tell them you asked for help from your boyfriend and that you will pay him back now that you have a job." Zen suggests. But Sabelo comes with the right solution.

"Just tell them your boyfriend gave it to you and they should expect a letter from his family within this week. That should help. I doubt they will ask questions." He tells me.

I'm so grateful I almost cried.

"Please don't cry here." He tells me, pushing away from the desk real quickly, and he quickly leaves the room as if he's being chased by a mob or something.