10

I read the contract thoroughly, again and again, while the lawyer and Mr. Russo was waiting for me. I wanted to make sure that I knew what I was signing. I did not want to end up in jail in the morning.

I glanced at Mr. Russo who was leaning back on his seat, with his hand planted on the conference table. His eyes immediately met mine.

"It's okay, Lisa. Take your time," he assured, but the lawyer was tapping his wrinkled fingers on the table, and every now and then checking on his watch.

I read well the part that we would be exclusively dating for a year. Any romantic ties with anyone was not allowed. We should be faithful to each other and present as a couple to the world.

So, this means that Mr. Russo would be celibate for a year? That sounds impossible. After I saw him in action with Mrs. Hore, I doubt it.

The contract stipulated the considerations that I would receive. Just like what Mr. Russo offered, the monthly allowance of 4,000 dollars, a silver metallic Mercedes, living in his penthouse until the contract would end and the sum of one million dollars in two equal payments.

A thrill of anticipation touched my spine. This money would help my family a lot. My dad would be back to his active happy life. My mom could expand her bakery business and Liam would become a doctor.

I turned to the next page. I was expected to perform my duties well. To accompany Mr. Russo in every occasions deemed necessary. To represent myself properly as his significant other to the public. Not to have any scandal, argument, embarrassing situation or any action that could be detrimental to both parties' reputations, and the terms of the agreement.

Furthermore, the agreement was strictly confidential. It was legally binding and enforceable by law. Any breach of the contract on my part would cancel the whole agreement. I would be obligated to return all the considerations I received and shoulder all the expenses necessary to terminate the contract.

No way. I won't do anything to violate this contract. This is important for me and my family. I don't want to risk my life and my family's future.

I turned the last page and read the last paragraph. Both parties agreed that there would be no emotional attachment involved during the course of the agreement, particularly falling in love.

I smiled after reading the statement. As if I would. I said confidently to myself.

"Do you have any questions or something you want to add in the contract?" Mr. Russo asked.

"No... no. Everything is good." I put the contract down on the table. "I'm ready to sign it."

He nodded, "Good," then he leaned forward, pushing his pen towards me.

I signed the contract with trembling fingers.

Everything happened so fast. Mr. Russo did not even give me more time to think. But I grabbed the chance for my family. I was not thinking of any consequences when I agreed. I did not want to think of it now, either. I just keep my fingers crossed, hoping that nothing would come. Anyways, it would only be a year. 365 days and done.

I knew my life would change after this. Not only mine, but also my family. But I have to be discreet in providing them with the financial support. The contract was strictly confidential. I did not want them to be suspicious of where I got the money.

I saw the lawyer sighed with relief when I gave him the signed documents. He opened his big attache case and pulled out a stamp and notary seal. In barely two seconds, he had all the documents signed, stamped and sealed. He provided each of us a copy of the contract.

Mr. Russo handed me a small brown envelope. Inside was a paper check. I nearly died when I saw the amount. Five hundred thousand dollars!

My hands shook as I stared at my name and the huge amount. Oh. My. God. I wanted to pinch myself to check if I was not dreaming.

"Is this real?" I muttered to myself.

The lawyer's smoky-gray head jerked up. He gave me an odd look again. He did it the moment he saw me earlier, darting his cloudy eyes to my blue hair.

"Of course, it's real, Miss Brooks. You can either encash it in the bank or have it deposited," the lawyer mumbled.

Of course I knew that. I wished I haven't muttered aloud.

"Thank you," I answered politely.

The lawyer nodded, but his eyes were fixed on my blue hair. I could see that he was bothered with it.

Today, my hair became bluer. I used the same combination of three shampoos again this morning. I had no choice. My dandruffs were disappearing. I decided that for the meantime, it was better to turn into Marge Simpson rather than have an itchy scalp. Besides, Mr. Russo didn't seem to mind.

The lawyer left and I was alone in the room with Mr. Russo, seated across each other with the width of the conference table between us. Tension built up as silence lengthen, made me feel very uncomfortable. His eyes like hawk watching me.

"So..." Finally, he spoke. "You have any questions, clarifications or concern..."

"Um, I just want to ask about..." I was embarrassed to ask him. I needed a lot of courage to continue.

"About what?"

"About the intimacy thing." I blinked my eyes, pressing my lips together.

"What about it?" His eyebrows rose a fraction, his fingers drumming gently on the table.

"I know we have to act as lovers... I just want to know, how far will we go?"

He rubbed his chin, then stared at me. "Probably, kissing."

"On the lips?"

He looked at the side, thinking, then faced me. "Yeah."

"I... I don't want to be kissed on the lips. For me, it's too personal. I can only do that to someone that I love." I rubbed my sweaty palms on my skirt, glad that I finally said what I've been meaning to say to him.

He adjusted his tie and leaned forward. "A kiss is just a kiss. People do that all the time, even in first dates or first meeting. It's too far from having sex. We need to show affection in the public to be more believable."

"I know. You can kiss me on my face, my hand, my shoulders, anywhere, but please, not on the lips. It's too romantic and intimate for me." I cupped my face, feeling agitated. I just wanted him to understand and consider my request.

He raked his fingers through his hair then said. "Okay, okay. We need to practice on that to appear like we're actually kissing in public.

"Thank you." A thorn instantly lifted off my chest.

"Anything else?"

"No. That's all, Mr. Rus..."

"You have to work on calling me Alessandro, Lisa. If you want, you can call me Sandro. That's what my family calls me."

"Okay, Sandro." I gave him my brightest smile.

He nodded and cleared his throat. "You can have the afternoon off to deposit the check. Anyway, it's Friday. Do whatever you want to do. Shopping, get a massage, visit a... hairdresser or whatever you girls love to do. But tomorrow, you have to move your stuff to the penthouse. I'll have a mover in your apartment in the morning."

"Thank you," I answered.

No time to waste with the boss. He was always planning ten steps ahead of time.

I held my arms together bracing myself. This is going to be a rollercoaster ride.