Ava leaned against her parents' old couch, her hands folded in her lap. She took a deep breath.
It's best I them everything.
"Mom, Dad, I need to explain the benefits outlined in the contract with Zayden," she began calmly.
Margaret leaned forward eagerly. "Benefits? Ava, tell us, what are they?"
Her father, Daniel, crossed his arms and studied her carefully. "Yes. Explain it clearly. I need all the details before I can advise you," he said.
Ava let out a quiet sigh.
"First, there is a monthly allowance of ten thousand US dollars while I work under the contract. Second, if I complete everything successfully, I will receive a reward of one million dollars at the end of the year," she said.
Margaret smiled, pressing her hands together. "A monthly allowance of ten thousand dollars, and a million dollars at the end of the year? Ava, that's a life changing amount. The monthly allowance will ease your financial pressure too,"
She paused and added, "And Zayden, he's Evelyn's son. It can't be that bad."
Daniel frowned slightly. "Money is one thing, Ava, but not every opportunity is worth it. Make sure your safety and dignity are never at risk," he warned.
"I understand, Dad. I will be careful, and I won't take this decision lightly," Ava replied quickly.
Margaret nodded. "I trust your judgment. But be careful, my darling. Don't let anyone take advantage of you, okay?" she said.
Ava smiled and nodded. She hesitated, then added, "There is… one more thing,"
Her mother's expression changed. "What is it? Don't tell me he expects you to perform wifely duties on his bed," Margaret shot at her.
Ava choked.
"No, Mom. It's not that. Zayden requires me to live in his house for the year the contract lasts," she answered.
Margaret froze, her hands rising to her mouth. "Live with him? Ava, that is too much. You can't just move in with him. It's neither safe nor proper,"
Daniel's brow raised in concern.
"Ava, this living arrangement, are you sure it's necessary? You need to think this through carefully," he said.
Ava pressed her lips together.
"I have thought about it. I will take only my essentials to Zayden's house and leave the rest here at your home for now. Besides, my landlord plans to evict me soon. This is the only way to move without leaving anything unsettled," she said.
Margaret sucked in a quick breath. "Ava, I am torn. The allowance and reward are helpful, but living in the same house with Zayden feels wrong," she said, sighing softly.
Daniel leaned back. "I'm reluctant, but I'll not forbid you if this is unavoidable. You must stay alert and think clearly," he said.
Ava gave a small, relieved smile. "Thank you, both of you. That is all I need for now."
The next morning, Ava entered the office building. Her stomach twisted in knots, and her nerves persisted as she reached the elevator.
Zayden's office door opened as she knocked. She stepped in. He stood there in a navy blue tailored suit.
"Ava, have you decided? Do you agree to the contract terms?" he asked, just as she entered.
Yes," she replied immediately.
Zayden nodded, satisfied. "Perfect. Here is the contract. Read it carefully, then sign," he said, and slid a thick folder across his desk.
Ava opened the contract and scanned it quickly. Her fingers trembled as she signed, the weight of her decision pressed against her chest.
Ava handed him back the contract folder. Zayden accepted it with a small nod.
"Good. You will move in today," he said.
Ava blinked confused, as her chest tightened. "Today?" she asked.
"Yes. I will drive you," he said, without any hesitation.
"I need to take most of my belongings from my apartment to my parents' house first. They will keep them for now," Ava said.
Zayden clenched his jaw slightly. "Understood. We will go there first."
The drive back to her apartment was quiet. Ava held her bag on her lap, thinking about what to pack and what to leave at her parents' house.
When they arrived, she said, "I need to grab my things. Can you wait? After that, I'll need you to drive me to my parents' house. I'll give you directions."
Zayden nodded. "I'll wait. Make it quick," he said.
Inside her apartment, Ava packed separately what she needed for Zayden's house, clothes, toiletries, and a few personal items. The rest would stay with her parents for now.
Once she finished, Ava zipped up her bag.
She stepped outside, closed the door, and locked it. Zayden stayed in his car, watching quietly.
"I'm ready," Ava said.
"Good. Hop in," Zayden replied as he waited for her to get in the car.
The drive to her parents' house was calm. Ava gave him directions, and he followed silently.
Margaret opened the door before Ava could knock, It was as though she had been expecting them. "Zayden, it's been years! The last time I heard from Evelyn, you were just about graduating from college."
Ava frowned. She wondered why her mother acted as if it was only Zayden who stood in front of her.
She didn't bother asking about her dad. She knew he had probably gone to work.
Zayden nodded politely. "It's good to see you again, Mrs. Morre."
Margaret smiled. "Sit down, have some lunch!"
He shook his head. "We're in a hurry. I can't stay, thank you," he said, politely turning down her request.
Ava said quickly, "Mom, please, it's only a short visit. I came over to keep my belongings."
Margaret agreed reluctantly, "Alright."
Ava set her things down while her mother tidied them.
After a few minutes, Ava turned to Zayden. "I'm done. Let's go."
Ava bade Margaret goodbye while Zayden bowed slightly at her. They left the house and got into his car.
Zayden started the car and they drove off toward his house.
Later, they reached Zayden's estate. The driveway had neat flowers on each side. The house looked so big, making other houses seem small.
Zayden led her upstairs. "This will be your room," he said, opening a door to a spacious bedroom. His room was directly opposite hers.
Ava carefully set down her belongings, leaving the rest for later. "Thank you," she said quietly.
"I expect everything in order. The rules are clear, but you'll have privacy," he said firmly.
She nodded and excused herself to shower.
After her bath, she went downstairs to make some tea, dressed in loose clothes.
She froze.
Zayden stood shirtless in the kitchen. The sight made her pulse quicken, as heat pricked her skin. He didn't move, didn't speak, but the entire kitchen suddenly seemed tense.