Chapter 10 – The Deal

Anna didn't know how she managed to reach home. She felt dizzy all the way home. She was depressed and shocked! Staying in the park in the cold weather made her sick. She started sneezing. Charlotte prepared her a soup as she refused to have supper. Anna didn't tell anything to her mother. After eating half of the soup, she went to bed. Charlotte thought not to ask her more questions and let her have some rest.

Anna woke up hearing her phone ringing. She thought it was Sherin. No one else will contact her. She rubbed her eyes and looked at the screen. Unknown number she ignored it. But it rang again. So she answered.

"Hello! It's a wrong number" She told before the other end could answer and disconnected the call.

Frank checked the number again and redialed it. Anna answered "I….",

Before she could say anything the other end asked " I'm Frank Carlton speaking. Are you Miss. Anna Brown? I got your number from Mr. Brown"

"Anna Brown?" she stressed on the word, Brown. "No, I'm Anna Jones"

"OK , I hope Mr. Brown mentioned you about me. Didn't he?"

"Yes he did. But why did you call me?" She asked.

"Aren't you the one I'm going to marry?, so, shouldn't we talk few words before our marriage?"

He wanted to talk. He had never met her or even not seen her. But ready for the marriage. There should be a secret. His friend chose her for him. Anna was connecting her thoughts one by one. Is he gay?

Her imagination was disturbed, "Are you listening?"

"Yes, go on."

" I won't be able to meet you before the marriage. We will have a small reception including only family. You have to move with me to my country after marriage and be my baby's mother."

His baby's mother? ,Without any love she agreed to marry him. Now he is talking about a baby. Of course she loved children and she will never regret having a child, but the child should be the result of love ,not lust or any agreement.

She disturbed him, "Your baby's mother?"

"Don't worry, I don't want you to give birth to a child. I already have a 3 year old son. I want you to be a mother to him and take good care of him. Mark told me you are good with children."

"So, is that the only reason you choose me? I don't have to do anything except taking care of him?"

"Actually,….. no, You have to be my loving wife too" he paused and added " in front of others."

Anna was relieved after she heard the last part. But she wanted to confirm it. "So, we will not have any physical contact?"

"Of course, no. Don't worry about that"

"If it is ok, can I ask you one more question?"

"hm"

"What about the biological mother of your son? Why don't you marry her?"

"That is none of your problem. She will not interfere with our lives. I didn't ask about the rumors in your city entangled with you. So, it is better for both of us not to bother about our personal things. Is it clear?"

Anna wanted to tell that she is innocent, but she thought for a second. He thinks she is not pure, so he is not interested in sleeping with her, it is better to keep it as it is.

"clear"

Anna felt happy as she could free her mother from Gregory and she'll also have freedom. She feared of being sexually harassed. Now the fears are gone. Again she doubted Frank is interested in men rather than women. But what about the mother of his child. It was none of her business, why did she want to worry about him.?

"We will adopt my son after the marriage. Only you, Mark and his wife know about him. Keep it a secret."

"I will"

"What is your price for accepting my conditions?"

"I don't want anything"

You got a successful businessman as your husband even after your good name was ruined! Frank thought, but he didn't say it aloud.

"Then it is a deal. Next week I will arrange the wedding. All the expenses are on my account. Bye. Thanks"

Anna opened her mouth to say good bye, but she heard the beep sound, he hung up.

The deal was done.