Jessica’s point of view.
I looked at the handsome man in front of me and I almost felt sorry for him if not that I was also caught up in the same situation.
“Uncle Fabian, what the hell happened?” He asked the judge.
Wait! Did I just hear him call the judge uncle or were my ears deceiving me?
I began to wonder who this man was that he could call the judge by his name.
No wonder everything was done smoothly and fast. He was related to the judge.
I was a reporter or rather an intern reporter and I knew I had never seen Xavier before.
I was still a contract staff with Global Media. One of the top Media companies in the city and my contract was about to expire.
I had loved Collins with all my heart that when he promised me that he was going to help me become a permanent staff in the company, love for him had moved to a hundred and fifty percent. He had told me that he knew someone who knew someone who knew my boss.
I was so eager to prove to Collins that I loved him genuinely beyond his promise to help me that I was ready to put up with everything Collins did both good and bad.
Looking back now, I can see that Collins was not wrong when he could be desperate. I was indeed desperate but remove the promise he made to me, I still loved him to a fault.
When I was signing the contract form with Xavier, I saw that I would be paid five million dollars immediately after the marriage vows had been exchanged.
I guess he was so caught up in explaining the rules of the contract that he forgot to explain that part to me.
“Well, your grandfather sent a new document this morning, I saw that the duration of the marriage had been changed from one year to five years.” I could hear Uncle Fabian explaining.
I was already deep in thought and it was his voice that brought me out of my reverie.
“And you did not deem it necessary to let me know?” Xavier demanded.
“Well, I thought you knew already because your grandfather said that you forgot to take it with you when you were leaving the house.” Uncle Fabian explained.
“Damn!” Xavier sighed in frustration.
“My grandfather is not even in the country as we speak! He traveled two days ago for a one-week business summit.” Xavier almost cried.
It took every ounce of my self-control not to laugh at that moment.
I knew I was supposed to be affected by the sudden change in plans which I thought but Xavier looked so pitiful that he was beginning to look like a puppy who had been deprived of his favourite food.
“Then I say you have been played by your grandfather.” Uncle Fabian said as he started preparing to leave the office.
“Where are you going, Uncle Fabian?” Xavier asked.
“Though I always have a soft spot for you Xavier I also have other people to attend to and they are waiting for me in the main hall.” Uncle Fabian explained.
“But can’t you do something about the contract, you can annul it and we draw up another contract?” Xavier pleaded desperately.
“I don’t think you read the contract well Xavier.” Uncle Fabian said.
“I don’t understand,” Xavier replied.
“That contract cannot be annulled till the five years is over and if you insist on it, you would have to give up your position as CEO.” Uncle Fabian revealed.
“What?!” Xavier screamed.
***
My heart was in my palm as Xavier sped through the road in anger.
I had never ridden at such a high speed before so it was making me dizzy.
“Xavier please wait!” I managed to tap him.
Thankfully, he stopped the car. Immediately the car stopped, I quickly rushed out of the car and threw up by the roadside.
I was grateful that it was a quiet road so there were not many people to see my disgrace.
“I’m sorry.” Xavier apologized as he gave me a bottle of water.
“Thank you.” I crooned as I took the water from him.
I opened the bottle and poured some water into my mouth. I used the water to rinse my mouth and threw it out.
I did that about three times then I drank the fourth one.
“I’m sorry, I was not thinking straight.” Xavier apologizes for the umpteenth time.
“It’s alright.” I accepted the apology and looked at him. “Did the idea of getting married irritate you that much?” I asked him.
His eyes were closed as he answered me.
“You will not understand.” He said.
“Then, I’m not beautiful or good enough for you to tolerate for five years?” I asked him quietly.
His eyes immediately shot open at my question. We were standing together so close that I could see his piercing blue eyes become dark with something I could not read.
“That’s not it.” He said quietly.
“Then, does that mean you find me attractive?” I asked him again and bent my face down.
I could not say why I was hell-bent on getting his opinion about me but somehow, I just needed his validation.
I guess Collin’s actions had left my self-esteem with a dent and now I was seeking validation from someone I just met a few hours ago.
I felt a finger brush my face and I lifted my eyes to see Xavier looking intently at me.
“Flawless, you are flawless.” I heard him mutter under his breath.
“What?” I asked as my heart began to beat erratically.
I made the mistake of looking in. to his eyes and I felt like I was drowning in a deep blue sea.
He leaned closer to me and at that moment, I thought he was going to kiss me.
I saw something like desire cloud his eyes for a brief moment but it was quickly replaced with coldness.
I could recognize the coldness. It was not the one of disgust or anger. It was the type of coldness you use when you are fighting for self-control.
“Let’s go home, Jessica.” He said and walked towards the car.
***