The Contract Love

A few hours later, the surgery was successful. Tony had been moved to the best recovery room, though he remained unconscious. Of course, Alexis was there, sitting and watching him the entire time while holding his hand.

"Dad... I'll do anything to save you. You're the only one I have," she said, her eyes brimming with tears. "I hope you're not angry about the deal I made with Greyson... This doesn't mean I'm selling myself. It doesn't... I promise, you won't get involved in this." She kissed the back of her father's hand.

"Miss Reed..."

The voice from the doorway drew her attention. Greyson stood there, holding a folder, slowly approaching her.

"Is everything okay?" he asked.

She nodded awkwardly.

"Sorry, I... I know this isn't a good time, but I need you to read this." he handed the document to her, who carefully took it. "This is our contract... Sign it if you have no issues with the conditions stated."

She opened the document and read it silently:

Agree to live with Mr. Greyson Whitmore, wherever that may be.

Do not refuse gifts from him.

No secrets. If you experience any pressure from the Whitmore family, report it immediately.

Be brave in front of his wife and family.

Don't hesitate to kiss or appear affectionate to convince the family of your relationship.

Not allowed to work.

May visit your father, but must always be accompanied by a bodyguard.

Payment of five million dollars when everything is done, after which you leave as far away as possible.

"I hope you'll sign it," Greyson whispered.

Alexis was stunned, swallowing hard as she imagined life with Greyson after this. She pictured the reaction of his family, who would surely hate her as a mistress. But then, seeing her father receiving the best care brought her attention back to the contract.

"I think I need to add a few conditions," she said, turning to Greyson.

"Sure!" he raised his eyebrow.

"I want you to promise tight security for my father while I'm not by his side, and I don't want your family to know about him," Alexis explained, glancing at her father. "I want him to focus on his recovery. And if you meet him, never mention our agreement. I'll tell him I'm your employee," she continued.

"Okay, I'll have my trusted people add that clause," Greyson replied, taking back the contract.

Alexis sighed, looking at her father with deep uncertainty.

"I'm sorry, Dad... I didn't mean to be a liar. I just... I just don't want you to get hurt," she thought.

He left the room and was immediately met by his confidant, instructing him to add the conditions she had requested.

The next day...

Alexis and Greyson entered the Whitmore family mansion, a vast yet eerily quiet place, as though lacking inhabitants. She dragged her suitcase until they stopped in a spacious bedroom adorned with white-dominant furniture. The girl looked around in awe, smiling, while the man crossed his arms, smiling as he watched her.

"Very nice place," she said, looking at him. "You look relieved."

"Um, yeah!" he smiled shyly, sliding his hands into the pockets of his black trousers. "First, I've finally helped you get out of trouble... You won't be pressured by your uncle, or that bastard... And your father is receiving the best care..."

"And now I have to pay for all of that," she whispered, giving him a deep look.

He nodded.

"I know it... I mean, nothing is free in this world." she smiled sarcastically.

"Hey... It's not like that.." he shook his head. "Honestly, even if you didn't accept this deal, I would still help you. I'm sincere..."

She smiled again, realizing the worry on his handsome face.

"I'm serious," he whispered.

"You don't need to act like this..." she slowly approached him, straightening his slightly crooked tie. "I'm officially your mistress now. What you've done means a lot to me... Thank you so much. Now it's my turn to repay you... To do my best... To get you out of your mess..."

He smiled shyly, looking down at her, who stood so close to him.

"But I think this will be a far more complicated problem than mine," she whispered.

"Even so, you don't need to struggle to solve it," he replied intensely, his hand reflexively brushing her lips. "Just do what's written..."

She remained silent.

He sighed, swallowing hard, staring deeper into her blue eyes as he slowly leaned closer to her lips.

"But affection beyond necessity isn't allowed," she said, pressing against his chest.

He smiled sheepishly and stepped back.

"Sorry..."

She chuckled.

"You know... Um, you..." He suddenly grew nervous and laughed briefly. "Alright... I understand. You wouldn't do this... Of course, you're a good girl. If it weren't for the circumstances, you'd never want to be a mistress."

She shaking her head and crossing her arms.

"And don't think this is something bad, or that you're a terrible woman..." he sighed. "This is what Clara wants... Honestly, I think she'd be happy with my situation now. She'll be happy with our eventual divorce," he continued.

She frowned, then sat on the edge of the bed, looking at him.

"What are we going to do?" she asked hesitantly. "I mean... How is all this going to work? Me... as your mistress..."

"Well..." he sighed. "Her father is coming here... He'll see you. I'll tell him I can't be with Angela anymore... Then, maybe he'll ask me to divorce her immediately."

"What? That easy?"

"Um... If he believes it." he raised his eyebrows.

"What if he doesn't believe it?" she asked, narrowing her eyes.

"Maybe not, because he knows I'm the loyal type. I've never been seen cheating... I'm his favorite son-in-law," he explained, then sat beside her, wrapping an arm around her. "That's why... While he's here, you really have to prove we have a relationship," he added.

She swallowed, glancing at his sturdy arm beside her, then turning to meet his gaze. Her heart raced, looking at his handsome face, pulling her into fantasies of the affection they might share.

"Do you mind?" he whispered intensely.

"I don't know," she whispered, swallowing again.

"Maybe we should learn to get used to it..."

"How?"

"Don't you know?"

She fell silent, her heart pounding faster as his face moved closer. Slowly, she closed her eyes, feeling their lips brush gently, warmth spreading through her body. But as she opened her eyes, she instinctively pushed him away, breaking the kiss.

"Sorry..."

He frowned, watching her as she moved away.

"I don't think that's necessary. I mean..." she stammered nervously. "Just do it when we're in front of your father-in-law... I'll be professional!" she assured him, though her voice wavered.

He remained silent, biting his lower lip before slowly nodding.

"I'll take a shower," she said, quickly standing and heading to the bathroom, occasionally touching her lips. 'No... I can't take this role too seriously. He's only doing this to gain his freedom... And once he gets it, everything will be over... I'm nothing to him. I have to control myself... I can't fall for him!' she reminded herself.

He watched her retreating figure, then recalled how they first met, remembering her misfortunes and kindness as a daughter.

'She's not bad... Not at all. She didn't ask for anything more... She doesn't seem interested in what I have, or in seducing me...' He smiled faintly, brushing his lips as he remembered their brief kiss.