THE CONTRACT WIFE: A ONE NIGHT STAND BILLIONAIRE ROMANCE

Zara’s POVText property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

My husband arrived home around five in the evening, visibly saddened with swollen eyes. He mentioned having a terrible headache and retreated to our room, utterly drained from a burdensome issue. I sensed his exhaustion and the weight of his troubles, so I decided to give him space before he was ready to share what was bothering him.

As a married couple, his problems became my problems, and I firmly believed in the promises we made before God’s altar. Even during dinner, he lacked any appetite, and his disinterest was evident. He mustered a smile and bid us farewell.

Enrique, our son, and I didn’t immediately head to bed. Instead, we cozied up in the living room, watching cartoons in the dimly lit space. Meanwhile, Lucas rested upstairs, seemingly lost in his thoughts.

“Mom, does Daddy have a problem? He looked so sad and lifeless earlier. Is he angry?” Enrique curiously questioned, breaking the silence.

I let out a sigh and replied, “Your dad might be facing some challenges at the moment, and feeling down is normal. He’s not angry, just not in the mood. Let’s give him some space, and things will eventually return to normal.”

Enrique nodded, his drowsiness becoming evident. We climbed up to our separate room, a situation that I found somewhat embarrassing. The speed at which everything had changed felt surreal, as if it were only yesterday. Lucas no longer desired to see me, yet the morning revealed his confession-a dreamlike scenario, almost too good to be true.

Hence, it felt slightly awkward sharing the same bed. We were husband and wife, bound by marriage, but my body and mind had grown accustomed to his absence. Last night was the first time we shared a bed, and I unknowingly drifted off to sleep without realizing he was beside me.

As I was about to surrender to sleep’s embrace, I felt a warm embrace envelop me. Startled, I turned towards the source, realizing Lucas had joined me in bed. In the gentle glow of the lampshade, I observed the seriousness etched on his face.

“Why are you sleeping here?” he whispered, careful not to disturb our sleeping son beside me.

Embarrassment washed over me, but I managed to offer an explanation. “I… I felt awkward being close to you.”

He settled beside me, letting out a soft chuckle. “Why? I am your husband, Zara,” he stated matter-of-factly.

“I know, but it’s complicated. Hard to put into words,” I confessed, my cheeks flushing. Lucas sighed before resting his head against my chest.

I could feel the weight of his exhaustion, but I resisted the urge to pry. I respected his need for personal space, understanding that he would open up when ready.

“I was afraid to wake up without you by my side… I never want to experience that again. I don’t want to feel betrayed once more,” Lucas whispered, tears dampening my clothes. In this moment, he appeared vulnerable and fragile.

His pain felt too heavy for him to bear alone, and I willingly shouldered it alongside him. When we exchanged vows, we pledged to stand together through hardship and suffering, and that’s precisely what I intended to do.

“L-Lucas,” I murmured, gently running my fingers through his hair, offering whatever comfort I could.

“Zara… It hurts so much. Why? Why would she do this to me?” he pleaded, his voice filled with anguish.

“Perhaps she has his reasons. Maybe there’s more to it,” I consoled, aware that I didn’t possess the complete understanding of his emotions.

“Zara… Giselle aborted our son seven years ago. She did it for her own dreams,” he confessed, his sobs growing more pronounced.

Witnessing the pain of someone you love is excruciating. I am a woman of empathy, not prone to jealousy. I know Lucas truly loved Giselle, but the reality is, I am the one who remains by his side, even if I initially stole his heart.

My husband must have fallen back asleep. I didn’t realize he was feeling this way. I need to find a way to help him. It’s been a few days, and I can see Lucas gradually improving. As his wife, it hurts me to see him struggle.

Lucas has always had a strong personality, and it’s disorienting to witness him in such a vulnerable state. Yet, my son and I have become a source of comfort and support for him during this time. We bring him joy and solace, and we’re grateful to see some improvement in his condition.

What he’s going through is no trivial matter. If it were me, I wouldn’t want to experience it either. Sometimes, I notice him lost in thought or seemingly just going through the motions at work.

During the initial night of his ordeal, he had a fever and appeared to be having a nightmare. The impact of what he had discovered was devastating.

Since it’s still early for our planned vacation, I reached out to my aunt in the countryside. We had already arranged our vacation there, and I wanted Lucas to have an opportunity to unwind as well. I made sure not to burden him with any extra responsibilities, and my cousin Mary was a great help in rescheduling and rearranging everything.

One morning, I woke Lucas up earlier than usual. Our son, Enrique, was already downstairs and had been awake for a while. The clock on the wall showed it was only five-a bit early, but I needed to get my sleepy husband out of bed.

“Lucas, wake up,” I whispered as I gently nudged him.

He grumbled in annoyance, trying to burrow further into the covers. “Love, it’s too early. I have things to do later,” he protested.

I was taken aback. Did he forget about the plans or something important? I insisted he get up, reminding him, “Let’s go, Lucas; it’s going to get hot later!” I playfully swatted his exposed, hairy thigh to jolt him awake.

He was wearing his usual combo of a shirt and boxer shorts, and despite the heat, he didn’t tempt me. Though we had accepted our supposed marriage, there hadn’t been any intimate moments between us. Perhaps it required a full moon, I thought, with a hint of humor.

“I don’t want to, love. Am I still dreaming? Please lie beside me. I want to cuddle my beautiful wife. Where’s Enrique?” he mumbled, his eyes still closed.

“Our son is already downstairs. Everything is sorted; it’s just you who needs to get ready. Get out of bed, or there will be consequences,” I warned, trying to sound stern. He quickly stood up, pretending to salute even as he yawned.

He even managed to slip in a mischievous smirk. My cheeks felt warm, possibly due to the rising temperature. I silently thanked the dim lighting for concealing my embarrassment.

“Where are we going?” he inquired.

“We’re going on our family vacation. You can’t back out now; everything has been planned, and you’re the missing piece. So hurry up and get ready,” I informed him. He scratched his head, seemingly surprised.

“But I still have work and meetings, love. I’m not available right now,” he stated, as if it were impossible for us to take a vacation. Little did he know that everything had already been taken care of.

“I spoke to Mary, and I made it clear that you have no work for the whole week. So stop making excuses and get moving. If you keep stalling, you’ll be in trouble,” I replied, a touch of threat in my voice. I could play that role if necessary.

He chuckled and shook his head. “It’s good that my secretary informed you; I didn’t. Who’s the boss now, Mary or you?” Lucas teased me.

I chose to ignore his remark. “Do you have a problem with that, Mr. Blackwood?” I retorted, trying to sound indignant.

“No problem at all. It’s time to take a shower,” he replied, grabbing his towel and heading towards the bathroom. But before disappearing behind the door, he turned to me with a mischievous smile. “Do you want to join me?”

“You’re a grown man, Lucas. You can handle your own shower,” I quipped, trying not to let his morning charm affect me.

I knew the temptation was there, especially with the evidence standing tall. But I had other things to attend to, at least until tomorrow. We waited for Lucas downstairs. Our driver was ready for our trip, and I had already informed our trusted caretaker, about her responsibilities. After around half an hour, Lucas finally descended the stairs, his wet hair neatly combed. Despite wearing a simple vacation shirt and shorts, he looked presentable.

His effortless grooming still held its charm. You know the type of person who can look incredibly attractive without trying too hard. That’s how I saw him from any angle-handsome and captivating.

“Stop drooling, love. I wish you had joined me in the shower,” he said mischievously, playfully acknowledging the effect he had on me.

“Hey Lucas, let’s get going before we get stuck in traffic,” I urged, motioning for him to join me in the van. The province wasn’t too far away, and we were eager to embark on our adventure.

As we hit the road, we found ourselves immersed in a captivating journey. The landscape transformed before our eyes, with modern establishments and high-rise buildings gradually giving way to a more serene and natural environment.

The polluted city air was replaced by the refreshing scent of trees and open fields. It was a sight to behold, and even our son was enthralled, witnessing firsthand what a real farm looked like. We rolled down the windows, allowing the crisp breeze to invigorate us. Throughout the trip, laughter filled the van, as even our driver joined in the teasing.

“Son, when will you grow up? If you ever need advice on handling the ladies, I’ve got your back,” Lucas playfully whispered, but his mischievous voice carried across the vehicle, making sure I heard every word.

“Dad, why would I need that?” our son innocently retorted. We couldn’t help but burst into laughter, captivated by his adorable innocence. Oh, the joys of parenthood! But I couldn’t let Lucas off the hook that easily. He was sitting right next to me, so I playfully swatted him too.

“Aw, love, why did you hit me?” he exclaimed, feigning offense. Did he really think I would let him get away with it?

“When will our oldest, Lucas, finally grow up and stop being such a troublemaker? Brace yourself!” I jokingly threatened, concealing my amusement.

“That’s alright, Love. I’m just preparing our second child for the fun ahead,” he quipped, unabashed in his mischief.

Our son responded gleefully, “Really? Am I going to have a little brother or sister?”

Ah, the innocent curiosity of a child.

His ever-loving father replied, with a mischievous smile, “If you’re up for both, my dear.” Please forgive me for indulging in these playful antics.

“Why? Are you going to get pregnant and carry the baby, Lucas? Will you take care of everything?” I retorted, deadpanning my response.

He simply scratched his head, acknowledging my position. I’m the new commander here, after all.

Even our breakfast was meticulously prepared. I had crafted my own version of a bento box, and with only our driver, Mang June, accompanying us, we found a shaded spot by the roadside. The picturesque surroundings included a nearby farm, adding to the idyllic ambiance. We spread out a picnic blanket, creating our own little oasis.

Lucas gazed at me, his eyes reflecting a peculiar mix of emotions. “I truly am lucky to have you,” he expressed sincerely.