1: The Contract

Sleep was elusive for Arabella that night. She kept changing her position but it's no use. Then, she turned to see baby Saraknib peacefully sleeping in his crib. She got out of her queen size bed and walked towards him.

'I love you so much," she whispered as she stroked his chubby cheeks. He jolted his legs when he felt her mother's warm finger touch his face. With a warm smile, she patted him before fixing his batman blanket he kicked while asleep.

Then, she stared at the folder on the bedside table as she recalled her conversation with the arrogant Luke Adams this morning.

"No strings attached, Arabella," he assured her as he gave her the folder with some documents in it. She flipped the cover and was confused by what she saw. In it was a Memorandum of Agreement containing all the Dos and Don'ts of their fake marriage.

"That is a reminder and a proof that our relationship is strictly platonic--- lust and love are out of the context," he explained which made her feel a bit relieved.

"Just sign it."

Arabella held the folder with her trembling hands trying her best to understand every word in it, but for the life of her--- the situation was too overwhelming to take. Besides, her boyfriend's whereabouts were still unknown and the reason for his disappearance remained unanswered.

"I...can you give me time to go over it?" Arabella said after clearing her throat.

Luke looked at her intently then he tilted his head.

"I don't think that's necessary. I mean, given your situation right now, we both know that you're not in the position to be picky," he said with a smirk.

"I am NOT being picky! I just want to make sure that everything is as you mentioned," she replied. Her voice was even trembling in embarrassment and anguish.

Luke hesitated for a while then left her in their hospital room. She took a deep breath and exhaled as soon as Luke closed the door.

"If only Jason didn't ditch me, I won't be in this humiliating situation," she thought. With all the frustrations she had in her heart, tears streaked down her face. She was just thankful for being alone in that room at that moment at least to save herself from this cheapening condition.

After an hour, Luke came back asking whether she signed the MOA or not.

"I agree with most of it," Arabella said. Luke raised his brow while looking at her.

"I am not the only one who's going to benefit from this arrangement. Am I right?" she asked. He nodded, puckering his lips, and put his hands in his pockets.

"So I should have a say in this relationship--- whatever we call it!"

"Point taken, which part would you like to amend?" he said while crossing his arms on his chest.

"Chapter 2: Wife's Dos. Section 5: The wife shall remain at home to ensure the welfare of "their" family and perform the duties of a wife to her "husband" at all times with or without visitors to avoid any speculations about the true nature of their 'marriage. Well... if Saraknib will grow older, I want to look for a job. I want to find my own feet and be financially stable and not fully dependent on you," she explained.

"I don't think that's necessary. This marriage is only for a year. After that, you can do whatever you want," Luke replied. "Anything else?"

"Yes, 'perform' the duties of a wife, can you be more specific?" she asked. Luke was amused by her reaction.

"What are you thinking?" Luke replied with a teasing look on his face. Arabella blushed.

"Don't worry. As I've mentioned earlier, ours is a platonic relationship, so you will just be preparing my clothes, meal, and so on," he explained.

"Besides, you are not my type," he added casually. She felt as if she was slapped on her face with his words.

Arabella suddenly became conscious of her appearance.

She wasn't a beauty queen or a glamourous type but wasn't considered unattractive. She stood 5' 4". Her long naturally wavy hair was always tied if she's not wearing her bull cap. Make-up wasn't in her vocabulary as well and she didn't care whether her face was oily or pimpled. Well, in her defense, she didn't really need that much makeup. Her expressive brown eyes were accentuated by her long thick curled lashes, her nose bridge wasn't that high, but enough for the shape and size of her face, and her caramel skin was fine. The only problem was her chapped lips, so she had the habit of licking her lips to keep them moist. With her athletic body and boyish fashion sense, most people considered her lesbian which raised a lot of eyebrows when she began dating Jason, who was considered the most handsome guy in their company.

They discussed more their 'marital' agreement. Then he left with the folder to be finalized when they were both satisfied.

Later that day, around 4 in the afternoon, he came back to take them 'home' after settling the bills at the hospital. She saw him talking to her doctor and they seemed familiar with each other by the way they conversed.

"Thank you so much for taking care of her Dr. Maine," she heard him say before they both looked towards her. He replied with a smile and a tap on his shoulder. They drove for about an hour until they were at the pier. She looked at him in confusion--- more like fear.

"Relax. We are going to Isla del Fuego for our wedding tomorrow," he answered seemingly catching the question in her mind. But she was more flustered with the fact that they're going to the famous island.

Everybody in Mevious city knew about the Suits Brotherhood that owns Isla del Fuego, which is a paradise for the rich and famous. The Brotherhood is an exclusive club for self-made bachelors in the city. The island is so private that only members of SB are allowed to gain property and establish businesses.

Her mind was throbbing with the idea of how rich and powerful he is. She felt so little in his presence. Regardless of the messed-up situation, she was in, awe was apparent on her face as she stepped out of the yacht with her son in her arms. Baby Saraknib's cry brought her back to reality.

"Hello my baby... are you hungry?" she said in a warm voice. She took him from his crib and transferred him to her bed before breastfeeding him as she sang a lullaby. They slept after a while.