chapter 10. When we hesitate

"How did you even cut your finger?" Lucy asked as she cooked the dinner. Miraki was on the couch, but neither her eyes nor her head paid attention to what Lucy was speaking.

Her mind felt hazy. What had she gotten herself into?

Miraki had just accepted a contract engagement.

"Miraki! It's exactly why you cut your finger I see." Lucy glared at her which immediately brought her back to her senses. She turned her head to her friend, "Um, maybe…."

"Not maybe, it's the truth. I know you are having a hard time. But at work, we can't showcase our inner emotions. Let go of everything and only focus on right now." Lucy said while she used a ladle to stir the cream mushroom soup.

"Let's have dinner!" the soup was brought to the tea table. They took little bowls and ate to their heart's content. Two girls sat on the rug while drinking soup from the tea table, in a tiny living room with a few decorations and orange lights.

Sometimes happiness required only a few things, nothing much, nothing big.

The night was still young, yet the girls were in their beds. Miraki was on her phone when she got a notification. It was an email written to her for her schedule for the next day.

"Uh, 5 am? Really?" she sighed. "Well I should ask for advance payment tomorrow, " she whispered as her eyes slowly dozed off.

Clinging to her thin blanket which clung to her body, she fell asleep for an unanticipated day.

the morning was blurry with grey clouds. Not amused Miraki woke up and changed her attire and reached to the Mercury. There she took the back path used by the staff and went to the locker.

Placing her bag inside the locker, Miraki went inside a changing room and changed into the white coat. Clipping her hair into a tight bun, she wore her chef's cap and was set for her work.

Like always, the head chef relied on their roosters for the day and then they were at their stations, preparing for what was given in their portion.

While some were assigned breakfast, Miraki was given the preparations for lunch. By the time breakfast was served, Miraki had marinated the meat and was chopping the large batch of vegetables.

The satellite kitchen was busy. The critter clatters of the utensils could be heard from afar.

"Miss Miraki Aims here?" after two knocks entered Liam Winters. The secretary of MD inquired.

"Yes?" Miraki questioned. The knife was placed on the green-colored chopping board.

"You have been called by the director, please follow me."

All the chefs look at her with a horrified expression. Their faces went pale and in a second the kitchen was filled with murmurs of chefs. It was as clear as day that the director only asked for the employees when he had complaints or to resign people.

It had happened before and everyone was scared of the director.

"Ok," she spoke loudly and kept taking off her apron. SHE excused herself from the room and followed Liam.

"How are you?" Liam asked. "Good. How about you Liam? Or do you want my cookies to feel better?" a laugh escaped her lips and so did his as well.

Liam used to love the cookies and cupcakes made by Miraki. In truth, he was a sweet tooth but not many knew, so whenever Miraki made sweets, she always saved a little portion just for him.

"I will have to pass for today." Liam showed his little bunny smile facing Miraki followed by "Follow me" he said and so she did. They took the elevator to the top floor of the hotel. In an instant, his face had solidified hard as rock which was cute and fluffy as jelly.

The entire place was magnificent and grandeur. As she entered the room after knocking, she heard "Come in". She walked inside, Liam right behind her.

The director was at his table, reviewing all the company proposals for the upcoming project. He had a handsome face, blue eyes like the ocean and a tall nose bridge. Lips slightly plump and pinkish but a cold face.

He emitted a strong and overbearing presence.

"Take a seat and Liam, you can leave." he dismissed his secretary and walked out of his table. Luke sat on the couch, at a large distance.

"This is the contract. We shall not marry but be engaged. Check it and sign at the end." he gave loose sheets of papers which were drafted by the lawyer.

The contract itself was absurd but, the conditions were even more. It read 'Person A must live with Person B.' and it wasn't enough it also mentioned that skin-ship was allowed in public when necessary.

Her expression stiffened. Miraki's mind went blank. But the conditions also read that Party A would pay for any needs of Party B and give money enough to live an easy life after the contract ends. But the catch was written in the end. It wrote that if Party B breaches the contract, all the costs shall be bearded by Party B.

"Should I sign here?" she whispered to herself when she heard Luke say "yea".

Leaving the future for the future, Miraki signed the contract.

"Now let's get ready for the first task then. My sister should come any time soon. Be sure she doesn't find it suspicious." he warned.

She was going to meet Esther. On her first day of the contract?? she swore she wanted to run away and tell her past self to never sign the contract. But sadly, it was too late.

Like an open book, her expressions were clear as day.

"Luke!" she could hear Esther from behind the doors. Oh no, what was she going to do? Panic was written all over her face. Eye eyebrows knitted together, and, in a hurry, she scooted near Luke.

Luke was not comfortable with her stepping into his boundaries, but well he kept a calm face as he said "Yes."

Esther was in her long middy and corset black top. Like always she looked gorgeous. Her eyes immediately sparkled as she saw a girl specifically near her brother.

Esther didn't miss Miraki's face. She felt taken by surprise as her best friend was the last person she would have expected.

She made herself comfortable on the couch with a single-seat one, trying to not disturb the couple.

"so, Mimi" Esther's eyes turn into a crescent shape.