SOFIA

I opened my mouth to tell him that he didn't need to think about my offer because I was willing to sign the document with or without. But for the third time, I couldn't say it.

It's been over a minute since he had been silent. A minute that stretched like a goddamn year. A minute that I've tried three times already to tell him that I take those words back. That my demands were irrelevant, but couldn't.

Each time I had tried to tell him, the words just freeze on my throat as my mind whispers,

"Remember, you will be keeping silent for the rest of your life. That's too much compared to what you are asking"

It was true. My brand for lifelong loyalty was more than a fair bargain. In fact, I

was been kind and considerate. More than most would, if they were in my shoes. Many would demand monthly payments to keep their lips shut until the day they draw their last breath and that was reasonable.