Tapestry Of Lives: A Multifaceted Journey

Chapter Thirty-four

**Bummi's POV:**

What on earth have I gotten myself into? What disaster have I invited upon my life? How did I end up in this mess?

It feels like my entire existence now hinges on the whims of a self-absorbed lunatic.

I'm doomed... completely and utterly doomed.

Eh?

Oh no!

Bummi Pearl Ademola, you are in serious trouble.

If only I had known, I would have nipped this filthy charade in the bud. All for the sake of chasing my job?

"What are you still brooding over, Bummi? You should be thrilled to be entangled with one of the world's most eligible bachelors," Lola tries to calm me, but my head is throbbing. I can't think straight after signing that cursed contract.

Yes, I had no choice but to sign it.

I can't bear the thought of walking into prison like a queen because of my mistakes. He promised to release me once he's fed up, but that clause was suspiciously missing from the contract. I can't help but wonder if he'll truly honor his word.

I feel like crying and losing control right now. "Look at you two. He even compensated you before dropping the charges. And me? I'm stuck with a monster." Don't get sentimental, Bummi. Don't waste your tears on him. He's not worth it.

"Beauty and the beast," Ojo chuckles softly. I can't fault him.

Seeing the tears welling up, Lola pulls me into a tight embrace. "No, no, don't cry. Come here." She wipes away my tears and holds me close.

"Why wouldn't she cry?" Ojo grumbles.

"OJ." Lola shoots him a warning look, and he immediately starts inspecting his polished nails.

(UNKNOWN TO THEM, DAMIAN WAS WATCHING FROM ABOVE, ENJOYING THE SHOW WITH A GLASS OF WINE IN HAND. NATHANIEL ARRIVED TO DELIVER A MESSAGE, CAUSING DAMIAN TO LEAVE.)

"Try to be empathetic and see things from her perspective," Lola advises. "Do you really think this is her fault?" She pats my back.

"So what's the plan now?" Ojo asks, dismissing Lola.

Plan? Again? "What plan?" I shake my head. "Please, no more scheming. I'm exhausted from this game."

Lola rolls her eyes and places a hand on my shoulder as we approach Ojo's car. "Don't get it twisted, B. How are you going to explain this to your family when you get home?"

Get home?

Why does Lola sound like I'll be heading home tonight?

I'm not even free to leave this place, let alone visit my house.

He says I can have visitors, including family, but now that I'm his property...

I can't visit them. I'm confined to this place. I can't even think about my belongings at home anymore.

The contract is clear.

I'm allowed to work and work from home if I choose, like a caged queen in a castle with an unknown release date.

Why the hell did he ban me from returning home or seeing my family?

He said I could call them, but that's not enough.

He'd have to kill me before he changes anything in my life.

I think, "Whatever I need to explain to Mom will have to stay in our chats."