Adira freshened up, packed her bags and in a short while, she was ready to go. From time to time, she paced round the room and glanced at the window to see if the car had arrived. Goodness, she was scared and found it difficult even breathing. 'Calm down, Adira. Everything will be fine,' she kept assuring herself. Finally, she found a black sleek car driving into the compound and her heart jumped out of her chest. It was him. The driver was there. She puffed out her cheeks, rubbed her palms together and finally dragged her luggages out of the room. She got downstairs to where her family was gathered and laughing at the dining. Seeing Adira with her luggages seized their laughters at once as they threw suspicious stares at her. "Where the hell are you going?" Soraya scoffed. Adira ignored her and headed for the door. "Hey! I'm talking to you." Soraya got to her feet. "Where are you off to, huh? And why are you with your luggages?" Pausing in her tracks, Adira turned to them. "I'm going away from you all. It's obvious I don't have a family here." Her reply was stunning, the family glanced at each other with surprise. "Have you finally lost it?" Freya leaned back in her seat. "We're the only ones you have left on this earth. Where could you possibly go to? To beg on the streets? Or perhaps, start selling your body cheaply?" Adira scoffed. "You and I know you've been the one doing that, Freya. Do I need to mention names?" "Hey! Watch it!" Freya sprang to her feet. "If you don't watch what you say, I might have to cut off your tongue." "Go on. I won't be surprised," Adira rose her brows. The family was awed. How could Adira talk back at them? How exactly? "Adira, think carefully about this," her father suddenly said from where he sat. "The last time you left against my will, you returned home a broken woman." "Thank you, father, but I do not need your opinion on this. I just want to be away from you all. Please." Turning around, she picked up her luggages and resumed rolling them out of the house. She was thankful they weren't aware of the car outside. "Go on! Leave if you want to," Freya said from behind. "Let's see how long you'll be able to last out there, Adira. I bet it won't take you nothing to come crawling back here." But Adira said nothing, neither did she spare her a glance as she walked out of the house. Approaching the car, the driver - a young blonde guy - stepped out and assisted with her luggages. "Hey, you're from Mr um..." "Mr Nikolai," he answered calmly. "Please, get in the car, ma'am." Adira did - taking the backseat. She exhaled deeply as she leaned her head on the window and took in the passing scenery. She hoped she wasn't making the wrong choice. *** The journey to Nikola's house was an odyssey. After what felt like an eternity, they arrived at the mansion. Adira's heart pounded with anticipation as they approached the gates of Nikolai's mansion. The gates were enormous, wrought from gleaming steel and adorned with ornate patterns that sparkled in the sunlight. The driver had to identify himself with the securities at the gate who did a quick search before letting them in. Adira's breath froze as she beheld the billion-dollar mansion before her. It was a towering marvel, made from stones and glass with turrets and domes that seemed to stretch up into the sky. Security measures were in place, with guards stationed at every point and security cameras monitoring the entrance. It made Adira ponder - so many securities for just one man? The driver pulled into the garage and parked alongside other sleek and expensive cars. He advised Adira to step out of the car, and she did. A sense of awe washed over her. This place was a place of power and prestige, a world of luxury and privilege that was completely foreign to her. She felt so nervous even moving her feet. However, the driver came out with her and led her to the terrace where she was instructed to wait "I'll go call him," he told her and left. Sitting alone in the terrace that was at a corner of the house, Adira knew the guards had their eyes on her. She sat nervously and couldn't stop running her eyes around. Even if she didn't know who Nikolai was, setting eyes on his mansion would've definitely proven how wealthy he was. How could one man have so much power?She waited nervously for a long time until finally, she heard footsteps. Adira's heart leapt into her throat as she turned and saw Nikolai striding towards her, flanked by two men who looked like they had been carved from granite. They were the same men that were with him at the bar. The wind seemed to die down as if every elements were bowing to his power. She was frozen in place, lost in his masculine beauty. Nikolai was simply dressed in black trousers and long-sleeved shirt that clung to his broad shoulders and emphasized the lean lines of his body. Adira noticed his hands were on dark gloves - just like the previous night. Why was he always on gloves? She averted her gaze and stood up when he got close to her. "G... Good morning, sir," she greeted with her head bowed. Nikolai walked pass her and sat in front of her. "Take a seat, Miss Adira," he tilted his head.Anxiously, she did. Snapping his fingers, one of his men dropped a printed paper in front of Adira. Adira looked with surprise. "Those are the terms of our agreement," Nikolai said as she picked it up. "Go through it carefully and make sure they are things you can do." Adira read through the terms, her brows arching with each line. First, they were going to be married for just two years. Secondly, it'd simply be transactional with no form of romance involved. He explained the no-romance part in details - no touching, no kissing, no form of affection. She'd only be his wife to the world out there, but never at home. Thirdly, they'd live in separate rooms which would be far from each other. Fourthly, she was never to fall in love with him, no matter what. Adira was perplexed after reading. These were his terms? When Nikolai saw that she was done reading, he spoke up; "I need to marry you 'cause that's the only way you can gain such power in the company. But, there must be no form of romance, Miss Adira. At the end of the two years, you'll still maintain your position at the company. At least, you'll be known as my ex-wife then. If you violate any of these terms - even a bit of it - you'll destroy the contract, which would lead to an immediate termination. You'll lose everything." He signaled his men to drop a pen in front of her. "If you're cool with the terms, sign it." He added crisply. Adira felt her heart pounding like a drum with a nervous rhythm that echoed through her chest. Why was he so keen on 'not falling in love'? She didn't say she was going to fall for him, but why was he so strict on that part? Her fingers became sweaty as she picked up the pen. For a moment there, she cogitated on it. So many riches for just these simple terms? Of course, they were so easy, why wouldn't she do it? Moreover, after her experience with Lancelot, she wasn't sure her heart was ready to love again. She glanced up at Nikolai and found him staring intently at her. Dropping her gaze quickly, she returned them to the paper and read the terms for the second time. 'You can do this, Adira. It's nothing serious,' she said to herself. She moved the pen to the signature column and was about inscribing her signature on it when she suddenly paused and looked up at Nikolai. With furrowed brows, she released the disturbing question that's been on her mind: "Why are you doing this? Why are you helping me?" Since the previous night, she's been thinking about it. Why on earth was a man like Nikolai interested in someone like her? How did he even know so much about her? What were his reasons? Nikolai was silent for a while, his ice-blue eyes not leaving her face. This got Adira so nervous, shooting many shivers down her spine. Coldly, he responded: "I'd appreciate if you never ask of this, Miss Adira." Adira was muddled. He didn't want to talk about it? But why? 'Whaf if he's leading you into a trap?' a small voice came whispering. 'What if this is all a trap to get you into a bigger trouble?' What bigger trouble could she possibly have - Adira thought. Just yesterday, she had made up her mind to end her life. So, she was ready for any trouble that may come. Making up her mind, she scribbled her signature on the paper and dropped it when she was done. Looking up at Nikolai, she met his expression blank. He beckoned on one of his men who leaned closer so he could whisper in his ear. The guard nodded and took the paper from the table. Looking back at Adira, Nikolai said; "Welcome to the family, Miss Adira. Although, it's temporary, but it's your first step to greatness. First, I'll be enrolling you into business classes, as well as driving lessons. When you're done with the business classes, I'll assign you to a major part of the company," he paused and rose to his feet. "One of my men here will show you to your room as well as a lady who would be your personal maid. Also, you'll need to get ready 'cause I'll be taking you to my parents tonight. A suitable date for our wedding would be discussed from there. If you have any questions, reach out to any of my men." he spoke formally and stiltedly. Done, he turned around and left, leaving Adira tongue-tied.