Naomi Gray

Chapter 1

Love is a lie. It promises so much but only leaves a broken heart and an empty account but mine was about to be full.

"I'm offering you a hundred thousand dollars with full payment for your college education to marry me. What do you say?"

He was sitting so casually in the coffee shop his arms folded in front of him and the contract had been placed in front of me.

I let out a long sigh fidgeting with my coffee cup. I needed this if I wanted to graduate from college. I threw away my dignity flipping the contract over and reading it before signing.

...married for at least six months to a year, separate rooms, family visits, public outings, confidential information, and so on.

I slid the contract over to him and he signed it before tapping his fingers on the table.

"I'll see you tomorrow and we will work out the rest from there, my lunch break is over."

"Okay, thank you," I added as he got up taking his leave without another word.

At least I know he is decent. The problem was telling my aunt how I found a husband in less than two months. I needed the money, not just for me but to pay for my aunt's medical expenses.

I make my way to the clothing store where I work as a cashier.

"Jeez, I've been waiting for you to come back from lunch break," Britney rolled her eyes

"I'm sorry I'm late," I replied taking my position behind the cash register and giving her a small smile

"You're lucky we are friends," she added

"Yeah, yeah. Thank you so much for being friends with me," I clasped my hands together pretending to thank her and she threw her head back her shoulders shaking vigorously

"C'mon, let's get to work, we have assignments due tomorrow, we need to complete them today," she said smiling

"Okay."

...

"I'm going to be late for my aunt's appointment," I groaned packing up my things and stuffing them into my bag

"You can still make it in time," Britney shrugged "call me and tell me how it goes, okay?"

"Yeah, thanks." I gave her a quick hug rushing out of the coffee shop for the second time today.

I met up with my aunt at the hospital and we made our way to the doctor's office together.

"Welcome," the doctor gave a warm smile and I started becoming anxious. I needed to know how much the procedure was going to cost so I could start planning.

"As you know she has a brain tumor..." I zoned out on everything else he was saying

"So, what is the total cost?" I asked

"Thirty thousand dollars."

My aunt shifted uncomfortably in her seat and beads of sweat started forming on my head.

...

"Do you want to grab dinner?" I asked my aunt trying to make her lighten up

"How are we going to get the money?"

"Aunt Katie, don't worry about it, okay?"

She took a double take staring at me "why?"

"I got it covered,"

"Naomi," she sighed "you know you don't have to do this right? I still have some leftover cash from my severance pay,"

"I know, just add my own little contribution," I told her smiling as I started the car

"You do too much for me," she sighed

"You raised me," I countered smiling "thank you."

"You are a daughter to me, you don't owe me anything" she added

"No, but I have to take care of you."

...

I was waiting for Damien at the coffee shop my hands tapping furiously on the table. Did he find someone better? Did he get a better offer? I sighed checking my phone to see if he sent a text. Nothing.

I look out the window and he walks out of a black Bentley in semi-formal attire. His tie is a bit loosened and his shirt is rolled up to his elbows. His eyes looked tired as he walked into the coffee shop and his green eyes locked with mine. He takes a seat in front of me.

"I'm so sorry I'm late." He said sighing

"Busy day?" I asked and he looked taken aback

"Uh...Yeah, let's get to business. We need to start going on dates and of course nothing more than a few kisses. Then in two months, I will propose."

"Okay. I need a herpes test though." I replied and he gave me a weird look

He chuckled giving me a half smile "you think I have herpes?"

"I'm not taking any chances," I shrugged and he rolled his eyes

"I'm sorry if anyone should be worried about herpes, it's me. You're in college I don't know how many people you are kissing," he shrugged

"Oh wow." I huffed

"Anyways, you didn't state that you wanted that in the contract and I don't have time for that."

Damn. The contract.

"I didn't know we were supposed to state tests to be taken. I guess that means you can't ask me to take a pregnancy test then," I shrugged and he narrowed his eyes at me "who knows, I could be carrying my boyfriend's baby," I sipped my drink before leaning back into my seat.

"Fine. You get the herpes test and I get a pregnancy test. Oh also, tell your boyfriend it's over." He added

"Definitely." I gave a tight-lipped smile

"Our first date is going to be this Saturday. I hope that works for you?" he continued drumming his fingers on the table

"Yeah, it's fine."

"Great. I'll see you on Saturday and text you the details tomorrow."

"Okay. Bye." I replied but he was halfway across the room already.  

Writer's note. 

Thank you for giving this book a chance! I hope you stick with me through this journey and don't forget to let me know what you think in the comments! 

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