The Contract

Chapter 22- The Trip

I woke up at 4 in the morning and began preparing to leave. My silver luggage was already by the door while I got dressed. I slipped into a brown bodycon dress with long sleeves and thumb holes.

My hair was in a bouncy ponytail, and I finished the look with black flats and a small handbag. I loved traveling light.

Bella had dropped off her things at a hotel last night and texted me when she got home. I had all night to think about my conversation with Derrick. Everything he said had me questioning things.

But that wasn't all. Travis hadn't replied to my text-he basically ghosted me yesterday. They arrived right at 6 o'clock, and my luggage was loaded into the car. I took one last look at my apartment and sighed.

"See you in a week or so." With that, I slammed the door and headed to the elevator, letting out another sigh once I stepped inside.

Was I mad at him for not showing up yesterday? Definitely. Was he going to pay for it? Absolutely.

I exited the building and walked toward the waiting car.

It was a short 15-minute drive to the hangar. The sun was just beginning to rise, and I won't lie, it was beautiful. My luggage was already loaded onto the jet.

I stepped out of the car and gazed at the sleek black jet. A few minutes later, I settled into the left side, specifically the window seat. I was informed my fiancé would arrive in 10 minutes.

I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't show up at all. But just as I was losing hope, there he was, with his assistant trailing behind him. I glanced at him briefly, then turned back to enjoy the view of the sunrise.

He muttered a few words I didn't care to hear, but then I felt his presence beside me. Looking back, he stood there, offering an explanation. "I got caught up yesterday. That's why I was absent."

I batted my lashes with a smile. "Doesn't really matter, does it?" I asked, the annoyance clear in my voice.

Before he could say another word, I shoved my AirPods into my ears and turned back to the window.

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I checked my phone, texting to see how things were going back in Paradise. The pilot announced we had five hours left in the air.

I sighed, gazing out the window at the sea of clouds. It was beautiful. I got up, and he glanced up from his laptop, enjoying the luxury of working during the flight.

I shook my head and walked toward the back, where the air hostess stood. "Hey," I said, and she turned, a big smile on her face. "Do you have vodka on this flight?"

"Yes."

"Perfect. Get it to my room," I instructed before walking down the hallway and entering the master bedroom. The room had an all-brown exterior and was spacious. I kicked off my heels and sank into the bed.

We had a long way to go, so I might as well make the best of it. I sighed as I settled into the soft cushions. Then, there was a knock. I looked up. "It's open."

The air hostess entered with a trolley, and there was my best friend-talking about the alcohol, of course. I was getting back into my addiction, all thanks to a certain someone.

I nodded, and she left. I popped open the bottle, poured myself a glass, and took a gulp. Now, this was what I needed.

I set the glass on the side table and got back into bed. One of the reasons I was drinking for courage was because I knew what awaited me when we landed.

If you think my family is toxic, you haven't met his. His mom... well, she's something. That's why her approval is so important.

I had to make her like me. She never did, though. The only one who showed any care for me was his dad, Mr. Roman Ferrari.