Ava leaned against her parents' old couch, her hands folded in her lap. She took a deep breath.
It's best I tell them everything.
"Mom, Dad, I need to explain the benefits outlined in the contract with Zayden," she began.
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 stated.
Ava let out a quiet sigh.
"There's a monthly allowance of ten thousand dollars. And if I complete the contract, I get one million at the end of the year."
Margaret smiled, pressing her hands together. "Ten thousand monthly, and a million at the end? Ava, that's life-changing. It'll 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."
Margaret nodded. "I trust your judgment. But be careful, my darling. Don't let anyone take advantage of you, okay?" she cautioned.
Ava smiled faintly. "There is… one more thing."
Her mother's expression changed. "What is it? Don't tell me he expects you to share a bed with him." Margaret blurted.
Ava choked.
"No, Mom. It's not that. I'll have to live in his house for the duration of the contract."
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."
Ava pressed her lips together.
"I've thought about it. I'll take only what I need and leave the rest here. My landlord is already planning eviction. This is the easiest way forward."
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."
Daniel leaned back. "I'm reluctant, but I'll not forbid you if this is unavoidable. You must stay alert and think clearly," he warned again.
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, I do."
Zayden nodded, satisfied. "Perfect. Here is the contract. Read it carefully, then sign," he directed, and slid a thick folder across his desk.
Ava opened the contract and scanned it quickly. Her fingers trembled as she signed, unsure if she made the right decision. She handed him back the contract folder. Zayden accepted it with a small nod.
"Good. You will move in today," he informed her.
Ava blinked, confused. "Today?" she asked.
"Yes. I will drive you."
"I need to take most of my belongings from my apartment to my parents' house first. They will keep them for now," Ava explained.
Zayden clenched his jaw slightly. "Understood. We will go there first."
The drive to Ava's apartment was a silent one. She held her bag on her lap, thinking about what to pack and what to leave at her parents' house.
When they arrived, she told him, "I need to grab my things. After that, I'll need you to drive me to my parents' house. I'll give you directions. Can you wait?"
Zayden nodded. "I'll wait. Make it quick."
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 called out.
"Good. Get in."
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 though 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, have some lunch."
He shook his head. "We're in a bit of a hurry. I can't stay, thank you," he said, politely turning down her request.
Ava cut in, "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. "Thank you."
"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.