The Royal Contract

Can her day get any worse? She contemplated in her mind. It started very nicely, then the flowers, now, her father just left.

She was not sure what to think of his visit. He never once visited her before in her workplace. But today, he seemed so amiable to what was going on with her life. She rarely experienced that with him. Usually, he always had something negative to say about her lifestyle and her work.

She knew that her father was planning something, and he, being cooperative with her, must mean he wanted something in return. It was the only plausible explanation for his action, but she would find out soon enough. She could count on that.

"What was that all about?" Jacky entered her room while she was still confused. 

"I have no idea. My dad just wanted to visit me and see if I was ok with my new job. It was the first time that we talked with him, not demanding anything from me or telling me that I am ruining my life." She still could not believe that it was her father she just had a meeting with because he seemed to be out of his character.

"Maybe he was starting to believe in you and had a change of heart." Jacky pointed out.

"I doubt that. I think my dad wanted something, but he was waiting for the right time to ask me about it." That was the most logical explanation for it. Her father is a cunning man, and she would not take it out of consideration that this had something to do with her association with Alex.

Because he did mention his name in passing, saying that he thought Alex was a decent man. Then, he was looking forward to getting to know him more. There was something in that statement that bothered her.

But before she could question him about it, he already said goodbye, saying that he still had previous arrangements. Then, promising that he would see her soon.

"Well, you have a client waiting for you outside. Shall I let him in?" Jacky said, not giving her more time to mull over her father's visit.

"I had not scheduled any client today." She tried to check her schedule and liked she thought, it was clear.

"Well, if he is already outside, then send him in." She was not about to send a client away when she had a few minutes to spare.

She suddenly regretted her decision when she saw who the client was. She believed that her day just got worse.

"What are you doing here? Haven't you done enough for one day?" She greeted him with a bit of hostility.

"That is not how you should greet your future husband." Alex wiggled her fingers at her as if chastising her actions, sitting down on the chair opposite hers.

"I have no time for your games today. I have a lot of work. So, state your business and be gone." Being hospitable was the last thing on her mind. After the day that she had, all she wanted was some peace of mind.

"Well, I was invited by your father to have dinner at your house tonight. He asked me to bring you along. I thought that was an odd request. Shouldn't it be the other way around?" He mockingly said as if her situation was quite funny.

To other people, it might seem that way, but to her, this was serious. Nothing was funny about what he just said. "I hope you said no." But from his smile, he obviously did the opposite.

"How could I refuse my future father-in-law? That will certainly send red flags and make them question our relationship. Besides, this will be a perfect opportunity to solidify our affair in the eyes of the public." He reasoned.

What else could go wrong with her day? She thought as another issue just sprung up. She was already looking forward to spending some time with Jacky.

"But I already made plans for tonight." She tried to make an excuse to get off the dinner, which he and her father agreed on.

"If it is not life-threatening, then cancel it. You know we have to do this." He insisted.

He knew that he was already asking so much from her, but he had no choice on this. He would make sure that she got compensated for all her effort. He would provide her with all the help she would ask of him, as long as it was reasonable.

"But I already promised that I would go out with Jacky after work to shop. I guess we can reschedule it tomorrow." She voiced her concern. She hated breaking a promise. 

She tried to evaluate her schedule, and she knew that they would be pressed for time. Their flight schedule was to leave tomorrow evening. So, going on a shopping spree would seem quite impossible.

"I'm sure she will understand." He guessed he also had to make up to Jacky, making a mental note about it.

"If that is all you wanted to say, you could have just called. It would have saved us both the trouble." His presence always made her uneasy. 

Something that she needed to work on, if they would pass as a couple, they needed to be comfortable with each other. She knew that. How to do that was still a mystery to her?

"I have a meeting with David today, so I thought of dropping by to tell you personally the plan. Then, I suggest we go together to your father's house." He stated.

"I can wait for you until you finish your work." He continued, hoping that she was going to be amicable to his plan.

"I guess that is the best thing to do." She could not think of any other option. It would seem odd if they left her office and went to the house of her father separately.

Her father would automatically think that something was not right with their relationship and figure out what they were up to in a second. She did not want to blow their cover. She did not want them discovered for their lies, especially not by her father.

"Then, I'll be at David's office. Call me when you are ready to leave." He stood from his chair and fixed his jacket.

He was thankful that things went smoothly and everything was going according to plan.