Chapter 5

Claire frightenly picked up her phone and called her friend. due to some inaudible words her friend told her to come over to her place so  they would know what to do about it.

     "Carole " Claire said as  she sobbed on her friend's lap.

     " it's fine...it's fine " she patted her back, "don't worry I would see what I can do "

       "Carole "Claire said raising up her teary face after some minutes as she held her friend's hands .

    " please you have to do something I've always stayed out of trouble Carole, do something "...

     her friend hugged her tight and console her telling her she would do something.

     Later Claire went home after regaining some energy, no need for her to cook again as she has already eaten at her friend's place so she went to her room to freshen up and laid down on her bed.

     " phew " she sighed recollecting the episode that played on in the day in her office.

five days was what he gave her, five days. Claire exhale.

    maybe she would try and negotiate with him. she thought as she slept off.

      The next day as soon as Claire arrived at the company she went in search of the CEO'S son's office. finally locating it, she stood outside insure wether to knock or turn back and come later as it was still early.

  Breathing in Claire sighed as she knocked on the door. after a response from inside, Claire sheepishly walked in.

      " hia, good morning Mr kelvin " Claire cheerfully said with a smile as she bowed down.

  Kelvin whose mouth hanged up was curiously looking at her... or maybe he's seeing things, he rubbed his eyes. 

      "Hiaz Mr kelvin " Claire answered his question as she sat down opposite him, "you're not seeing things " she smiled.

    "Uhm..."he cleared his throat, "what did I owe this visit.. or have you change your mind and accept the marriage ". kelvin suspiciously stared at her.

      "Anyway Mr kelvin, " Claire begin as she placed her folded palm on the table, " I've come for a negotiation ".

    it was as if an angel of silence visited the office, as they looked at each other one with seriousness while the other with disbelief and doubt.

       "What kind of negotiation would you want miss Scott? " kelvin rested his back on the chair as he traced his jawline.

       "tell me what other things you want me to do for you except for marriage " Claire  said looking straight at him without blinking.

    "Ha ha ha " kelvin doubled on his seat as he held his stomach while laughing. Claire was speechless as stared at him in awe.... what's funny that he's laughing, she was actually confused, was her negotiating too childish?...

      "Mr kelvin "-

    "I'm coming ", kelvin brought out his kerchief to wipe his face, "what kind of negotiation is that? " he returned back to his normal self.

     " anyway there's no point in negotiating miss Scott, either you sign the certificate or summit your resignation letter period! "...

    "If there's nothing else,  you can leave I've got some important things to do ".   he waved her aside.

    Claire left the office dejectedly. it was oblivious he won't agree to anything but marriage. after settling down in her office, Claire began to ponder  on what he told her, today's the first day remaining four days for her conclusion.

    Claire begin to wonder if it was actually a  bad idea to get married to  him, of course not!, so what's the harm In  it. as  far as she did not put her heart in the relationship - no threat marriage, she wouldn't be hurt.

   Thank God, she breathed out softly, it was not something else, moreover she would get married some day.  with that thought Claire came to a conclusion... she would accept the marriage.

.....

   "What! ... Claire? " Carole was shocked to her bones after listening to the decision her friend made. 

     "It hasn't gotten to that Claire, you could have persist a little maybe seeing your resistance might make him back off "

     "Carole, I know you're not happy with the conclusion I made but think... I would still get  married one  day it's just the difference in people "..

       "Carl ", Claire said as she  held her hands.

    " I would be fine, see, as far as I didn't put my heart and soul In it I would be fine "...

   Seeing that her friend was adamant in her decision, Carole couldn't say anything as she completely gave up and hugged her.

    "I would always be there,  if you have any problem don't hesitate to call me ".  she patted her back as tears run down her cheeks.

     "I won't forget " Claire promised.

     the next day with a renewed kind of energy, Claire walked into kelvin's office after knocking as she politely told him she would do it.

    " really? " kelvin didn't believe it as he asked her to repeat herself.

     "Yes ", Claire said firmly, "let's sign the marriage certificate ".

      " not so fast... not so fast "kelvin grinned, "you have to sign this first ", he pushed a paper in front of her , "after going through it ".

   Claire nodded and took the paper.

     "What made you change your mind so soon miss Scott? " kelvin eyed her suspiciously. he wondered  if she did not have a strong willing spirit... it would be a good thing though if she did not have it, at least getting divorced  won't be difficult.

      "Well " Claire drew in a long breath and exhale, "it would be pointless fighting with you "

    "Since I have no family left "... she shrugged, " what sense would it be if I keep struggling with you, moreover I would get married some day so why can't I do it now? "

    She asked the  oblivious. kelvin was startled but quickly composing himself.

     " i would read through this contract and sign it "... she said as she stood up and left.

     Kelvin sat quietly on his seat as he chewed in his lips.

       "Hmm "... he breathed out as he ran his hand through his hair tiredly.

  he need to get going now to book an appointment with the marriage court affairs.

    When Claire got home after closing from work, she dropped on her bed lifelessly as she sighed. after gaining some energy she went to the kitchen to prepare dinner while waiting for the food to get done, Claire brought out the contract as she started reading it.

     There were five things in number, no feelings involved, after getting married they would live there normal lifes, no interaction except necessary. well... Claire didn't mind at all it suit her well.

   So later before going to bed Claire updated her friend on the news. Carole supported her to sign it as it would benefits them both .