MARGARET POV
As we stepped out of the airport in Country A, Aaron's bodyguards efficiently retrieved our luggage. I removed my shades, feeling the warm sun on my face, and took a deep breath. "I'm back," I declared, a sense of familiarity washing over me.
Two girls walking by caught my attention, their conversation piquing my interest. "Are you also here for JessiM concert?" one asked, and the other replied, "Yes, and who knows, Margaret might show up." I raised an eyebrow.
Aaron and I entered the car, and the driver pulled away from the curb. "We'll discuss the matter tomorrow morning," Aaron said, his eyes fixed on the road ahead. "You must be tired after the flight."
I shook my head, my energy levels still high. "I'm not tired, Aaron. It was a short flight, and there's still plenty of daylight left. We can discuss it immediately we reach your home, if you'd like." Aaron merely glanced at me, his expression unreadable, and I sensed a hint of tension beneath the surface.
************************************
We arrived at Aaron's mansion, which surpassed the one in Country B in grandeur. As the bodyguards carried our luggage upstairs, I settled into the plush couch downstairs, observing the scene unfold. When they finished, they departed, leaving only Ace, who continued to converse with Aaron in hushed tones.
I watched them with interest, my legs crossed, and my mind racing. Ace seemed familiar, but I couldn't quite place him. Their occasional glances in my direction suggested they were discussing me, piquing my curiosity. Once they concluded their conversation, Ace departed, and I broke the silence.
"Finally, you and your husband are done talking," I said with a chuckle, intentionally teasing Aaron.
He spun around, his eyes wide with surprise. "My what?!"
I grinned mischievously. "Let's start discussing the matter at hand."
Aaron led me upstairs, his long strides forcing me to quicken my pace. "Follow me to my room," he said, his tone serious.
I teased him, my voice light, "Do you plan to seduce me on my first day here?" Aaron peeked over his shoulder, his eyes sparkling with amusement, and continued walking. "It's better to talk there."
************************************
I settled into the chair, while Aaron sat on the bed, pen and book in hand.
"Let's outline the contract terms," he said, his focus intense. "First, the duration: one year and six months."
I raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "Why not tie it to your father's passing? How can you be certain he'll pass away within that timeframe?"
Aaron's gaze never left the book, his voice low and determined. "I'll ensure it."
A sly smile spread across my face as understanding dawned.
"The duration and your commitment are all I need. We can discuss payment later. What do you require from me?."he asked.
I locked eyes unto Aaron's , my expression serious. "I'm not as wealthy as I once was, and my mother's cautious with her finances, fearing I'll squander it on drugs.
Forget the payment; the marriage and your wealth are what I desire. Rest assured, I'll reimburse you. There's a small entertainment company, KKL, that approached me initially, but I declined, opting for Jessie's father's larger enterprise.
This time, I'll join KKL. And, please, no fucking around; it would tarnish my reputation. I trust you can control your other man faithful for one year and six months. Oh, and one more thing: if I desire your intimacy, don't refuse."
Aaron's gaze remained fixed on me as I spoke, his expression unreadable. He began writing, his strokes swift and precise. "Is that all?" he asked, his voice detached.
I grinned mischievously, rose from the chair, and sauntered over to him, my eyes locked onto his.
I sat astride him, my hands tracing the contours of his neck, my voice low. "Would you like me to continue, Mr. Liam?" I whispered, my fingers deftly unbuttoning the first two buttons of his shirt.
"Shall we indulge in some pleasure, Mr. Liam?" I asked, my hand exploring the terrain of his chest.
Aaron's gaze remained fixed on mine, his expression a mask of restraint, but I detected a subtle tremble in his fingers, a telltale sign of his rising temperature.
"Are you afraid to touch me, Mr. Liam?" I teased, my voice low and sultry, my eyes locked onto his lips.
"That night in Country B, you were unexpectedly bold, and I reveled in every moment of it."
Just as he seemed about to place his hand on my waist, I stood up, leaving him wanting. "We can continue this later,as for now,I have to buy a ticket," I said with a sly smile, reaching for my shades in my bag in the table.
I put them on, and hanged my bag,the I turned to leave, but his voice called me back.
"Margaret," he said, his tone commanding. "Before meeting my family in person, we have an event to attend in three days. It's an opportunity for us to make a public appearance.
And Please, take some bodyguards with you and return early."
I nodded, my gaze locked onto his, and replied, "I will." With that, I turned and walked away, leaving him to ponder the unfinished business between us.
************************************
THE EVENT
As we arrived at the banquet hosted by Aaron's stepmother, I felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. Aaron had warned me that Lewis and Jessie would be attending, and I steeled myself for the encounter. "Are you alright?" Aaron asked, his voice low and concerned.
I nodded, my gaze fixed on the entrance, where photographers were snapping photos of the arriving guests.
"Ariana and lewis ate married.i don't know if you know about that."he said.
A body guard opened the door and Aaron exited the car first, then offered me his hand.
I looked at his hand,then took it, my palm feeling a spark of electricity as our hands touched.
My black, handless dress with a slit to my thighs, designed by Kate Andrew, hugged my curves, and I felt a surge of confidence.
But as we stepped into the spotlight, I couldn't help but feel a flutter in my chest. The flashes from the cameras blinded me momentarily, and I squinted, my eyes scanning the crowd. That's when I saw them - Lewis and Jessie, posing for photos together. Our eyes met and they looked at me surprisingly.Then I felt a jolt of tension.
Aaron's hand on my chin brought me back to the present. He turned my face towards his, his eyes searching mine. "Are you alright?" he whispered, his lips inches from mine.
Before I could respond, he pressed his lips to mine, the sudden gesture leaving me breathless.
It was sudden that I didn't know how to react.
The world around us melted away, and all that remained was the sensation of his mouth on mine, the flashes from the cameras, and the murmurs of the crowd.