The lawyer cleared his throat, snapping Anna out of her thoughts.
"You both need to sign two copies of the contract each," he explained. "One for each of you, and I'll keep the other two for legal records."
They both did as instructed, scribbling their signatures across the pages.
"Alright," the lawyer said, gathering his files. "I'll leave you two to handle the rest."
"Okay, Mr. Lawyer," Anna replied with a small, polite smile.
"Till then," Joan added coolly.
"Thank you for your services," Joan said as the lawyer gave a curt nod and left.
Once the door closed, Joan turned to Anna. "Alright, Ms. Anna — let's go over the terms."
"Sure, Mr. Joan."
He leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. "As you can see," he began, "there'll be no feelings involved. No unnecessary conversations, inside or outside this house. In public, we'll hold hands and smile for the cameras if needed — but once we're alone, we go our separate ways. You're not to come near my room, and you'll get whatever you need from the cooks or staff. In public, you can call me 'Joan.' But when we're alone, it's strictly 'Mr. Joan.' Understood?"
Anna's brow furrowed. "Sir… aren't these rules a little too much? I mean… for a marriage?"
"It's not a real marriage, Ms. Anna. It's a business arrangement. Two months. I help you clear your debt, you help me secure my contract. A fair, fifty-fifty deal." His tone was cold and final.
She sighed. "Yeah… fifty-fifty."
Joan checked his watch. "Good. One more thing — I'll be announcing our marriage to the media the first week of next month. You need to be prepared. I'm a public figure in this city. The paparazzi will follow your every move."
Anna straightened her shoulders. "I'm fully aware of what I'm signing up for, sir. And I'm prepared."
Without another word, she grabbed her bag and stood.
As she reached the door, Joan let out a small sigh and murmured to himself, a faint smile playing at his lips, "Huh… I like her spirit."
---
Anna walked down the alley leading to the hospital, counting her steps and softly humming one of her father's favorite songs.
"Hey bestie, you're back!" Zendaya called out, rushing toward her. "Where have you been all morning? I've been calling, but your phone's been off!"
"Oh, yeah — my battery died."
Before Anna could say more, she spotted Felix walking toward them. Her stomach tightened.
Quickly, she slipped her hand from Zendaya's grip and pulled Felix aside.
"What are you doing here, Felix?" she demanded in a low voice.
"I… I…"
"Listen, Felix. I might've agreed to this deal, but that doesn't mean you can just show up anywhere you like. I don't want my dad knowing about this contract marriage. And as for my bestie — I'll be the one to tell her, when I'm ready. Got it?"
"Whoa, calm down, Anna. You talk so fast," Felix chuckled, raising his hands in surrender. "I'm not here for that. I just came—"
A soft tap on Anna's shoulder made her turn. It was Zendaya.
"Oh, Zen, sorry — I left you hanging."
Zendaya glanced between them. "Wait… you two know each other?"
"No."
"Yes."
They answered at the same time.
Zendaya frowned. "Uhm… Anna?"
Anna cleared her throat. "Okay… this is Felix. He… um… helped me find my wallet at a coffee shop near my old office."
"Yep, that's me," Felix chimed in quickly.
"Wait — Mr. Felix is my boss," Zendaya said, wide-eyed.
"What?!" Anna blurted.
Zendaya blinked in confusion. "Yeah… he's my boss. He just came to drop off some files for me since I missed a meeting today."
Anna's mouth hung open for a second before she recovered. "Ah… oh. So you're really her boss."
Felix smiled. "I've known Zendaya for three years now. She's good at what she does. And it's nice to know she's your bestie."
He checked his watch. "Anyway, I have to run. Zendaya."
"Yes, sir?"
"See you tomorrow at the office."
"Yes, sir."
"Goodnight, Mr. Felix," Zendaya called after him.
"Bye, Felix," Anna added.
---
"I'm exhausted," Anna sighed as she slumped onto a chair on the hospital balcony. The cool evening breeze brushed against her skin. "Ugh… this breeze is everything. And look at those stars — so bright tonight."
Zendaya handed her a steaming cup of coffee. "For you."
"Thank you, bestie. You're literally saving my life right now."
"Always," Zendaya grinned.
"So… how's Dad?"
Zendaya's eyes sparkled. "Good news — the doctor said he's fully recovered."
"Oh my God." Anna let out a relieved sigh, her shoulders sagging. "Thank you, God."
"But," Zendaya added gently, "they said you have to settle the hospital bill before the third week of next month. He's giving you a grace period."
Anna groaned, throwing her hands up. "It's always money, money, money!"
"Take it easy, bestie. You need to find a job soon and clear your debt too. Remember, you still owe your company."
"I know… don't remind me. I swear I'm trying. I can't kill myself."
Zendaya reached over and squeezed her hand. "You've got me, okay? I'll support you with what I can."
A tear slipped down Anna's cheek. She quickly wiped it away and hugged Zendaya tightly. "Thank you so much, bestie. I don't know what I'd do without you."
"Shush. Anything for you, my stubborn baby girl."
---
"Alright, Zen — you should go home and rest. I'll stay here tonight. Dad might be discharged tomorrow."
Zendaya smirked. "You think I'm letting you go without telling me where you've been all day?"
"Zen, not now. I'm drained. I need food, I need sleep."
"Nope. You promised to tell me when you got back. And here you are. Spill it," she said, wiggling her fingers.
Anna groaned. "Okay, okay, fine. Remember when I lost my job because of Dad's accident and I told you about that ten million naira debt?"
"Duh. How could I forget?"
"Well… I lied about Felix. We actually met the day I lost my job. I was crying in a hallway, and he gave me his handkerchief. Took me to a coffee shop, and we talked. I told him everything. He offered to introduce me to a billionaire friend who needed a contract wife."
Zendaya's eyes widened. "No, Anna. No. I can't let you do this. Your first relationship — and it's a fake marriage? Are you crazy?"
"Zen, lower your voice! People are staring."
"Call him now. Cancel it. Or I swear, I'll call Felix myself."
"Will you stop?" Anna snapped. "You think I want this? But if I don't, I'll land in jail. Who's going to take care of Dad then? It's just for two months, Zen. Two."
Zendaya's glare softened. "Fine. I'm not happy about it, but if you're doing this, I've got your back. And if that man mistreats you, I'll come for him myself."
Anna grinned, her heart warming. "You're the best."
"By the way… what's this billionaire's name?"
Anna smirked. "Zen, leave it."
"Come on!"
"Fine. Mr. Joan Chanwell."
Zendaya gasped. "No way! The Joan Chanwell? Girl, you hit the jackpot. He's literally every girl's dream in this city."
"Is he really that famous?"
"Of course! Rumor has it he dated a girl when he was broke, and she ran off with his money. Since then, no one's seen him with another woman. When this marriage gets announced, social media's gonna go crazy."
Anna shook her head. "You and your gossip."
"I'm serious! Who knows — he might fall for you."
"Oh, please," Anna laughed. "That man would never fall for a broke, jobless girl who owes ten million."
"Hmm… what's his reason for needing this marriage anyway?"
"He said it's to land a big contract that's only available to married men."
Zendaya raised a brow. "Hmm. Well, like I said — if he messes with you, I'm coming."
"Yes, boss," Anna teased. They both burst out laughing.
---
Just as Anna raised her cup for a sip, her phone buzzed.
A new message.
From an un
known number.
You don't know me, but stay away from Joan Chanwell if you value your life.
Anna's hand froze mid-air.
"Zen…" she whispered, showing her the screen. "You need to see this."