The Contract

Chapter 32 - The Fundraiser

PEARL'S P.O.V

I downed the glass of champagne and let out a sigh before placing it down. This was definitely not a form of relief from my hangover from last night but so is not throwing another fundraising event this morning.

The sun was out and so was everyone conversing and having a good time. I wasn't told about this one and really... I wasn't even in the mood to do anything.

So, it's a good thing I wasn't told.

"Someone is looking tired" I looked up to see Aunt Lucy. "Hey"

"Where were you yesterday after you stormed out of lunch"

"At a club"

"That's good, you gotta enjoy your single days before you tie the knot" she said and I had my eyes on the waiter about to walk by. "Is Mother here?"

"Yeah, she's over there" she pointed at a distance, I took another champagne flute from the waiter and took a gulp. "Pearl!" Someone called out.

"It's your Mother in law" Aunt Lucy chimed and i immediately gulped back out the drink and handed the glass to her before wiping my mouth thoroughly.

I turned and she waved me over to the her circle of ladies. I glanced at Aunt Lucy and she nodded before I headed to her. "Hope everyone is having a good time" I joshed as I got to them and they turned to me.

"Yes, who's this pretty lady?" One of the unfamiliar woman asked. "Oh, this is Pearl" Rosa pulled me closer to herself. "Travis's fiance"

They began fawning and complimenting me. "Thank you" I shot them all smiles before they began talking about other things, that was my cue to walk back to Aunt Lucy and taking my champagne from her.

I took a gulp when she said "You know lunch ended right after you left"

"Why?"

"Martha accused your mother's of always complaining" she answered and my eyes shot to her. "What the..."

"Yeah, she also said your Mother was always finding fault In anything you do and is always tryna push everyone away" I was staring with wide eyes as she went on.

That took me aback for real. "Why was she defending me?"

"She's your godmother"

"Y'all should stop saying that!," I replied, taking another gulp from thd glass. "Where is Travis?"

I haven't seen that one for a day now. I shrugged in response. "And Kourtney and Bethany?"

"I guess they got hungover from all the drinking last night" I replied. "It's not even close to the bachelorette night and things are like this?"

"There is lots of tension in my bridal train. Bella is mad at me..." I said, glancing at her at a distance as she conversed with someone.

"Why?"

"I chose Kourtney as my bridesmaid. But that's only because I made that promise to her that if I ever got married and I've been close to them for the past 3 years" I explained

"Have you talked to her?"

"I've not had the time" I answered, taking another gulp from the glass. "She's your sister. Just go sort things out"

"I'm not good with all this open feelings and shits" I confessed. "Wanna 'cause an everlasting rip in you both's relationship "

"There's always a rip if she's married to Derrick" I stated, staring at her. "Thought we are past that"

"Oh no, shits just began" I replied." Give me that" she took my glass from me. "Go talk to her"

"Aunt Lucy! " I whined. "Now!" I sighed and began walking to her. I wore a black body con dress for this event. She turned to me. "Hey Sis" she called.

"Hey, what's up?" I asked, already feeling awkward. "This is a nice event. I'm sure your wedding is gonna be grand if this looks like this" she said, chuckling to herself.

"I'm actually here to talk about -"

"If this is about the bridesmaid decision. Pearl, it's okay. Kourtney is no stranger, she may even be the right choice. I'm not mad" she admitted and truthfully that was a relief.

"Okay, thank God!" I heaved and she laughed. "Champagne?" She handed me a glass. "Thanks"

"Cheers to...new beginnings " we clinked our glasses and took a gulp.

________________________________________

I climbed the stairs and turned left, stopping at the double doors. With a push, they swung open, revealing the very asshole I was looking for. Recently, he'd been spending an unusual amount of time in his dad's study.

I wasn’t complaining. In fact, his absence made things easier. But this was a social event, and we were supposed to be parading ourselves as a couple. His disappearing act wasn’t helping the illusion.

He stood by the window, phone pressed to his ear, speaking in rapid Italian. I didn’t understand a word, but judging by his tone, it was serious. I leaned against the doorframe, waiting for the call to end, but it stretched on.

Growing impatient, I cleared my throat, crossing my arms over my chest. He glanced back at me, muttered a few final words, and ended the call. Without a word, he walked over to the table and sat down.

"You should join the event," I said, stepping forward.

"Now’s not a good time," he replied flatly, not even looking at me.

"Well, too bad," I shot back, leaning on the edge of the table. "Everyone’s asking for you—my fiancé."

He finally looked up at me, his gaze sharp and unreadable. Moments later, we stepped out together, his arm linked with mine. The blinding flashes of cameras greeted us, the relentless clicks filling the air as we joined the crowd.

"What’s going on?" I asked under my breath.

"Nothing," he replied curtly, his expression as unreadable as before.

"You’re scowling."

"This is the best I can do," he muttered, his lips barely moving.

"Travis and the lovely Pearl!" A man’s voice broke through the din.

Travis turned to him, extending a hand. "Mr. Grant, you’ve already had the pleasure of meeting my fiancée?"

"Of course! And it was a pleasure," Mr. Grant said, taking my hand and brushing his lips across it. I forced a smile, hiding my unease. Who the hell is this guy?

The rest of the day dragged on in a blur of fake smiles, shallow conversations, and far too many drinks. By evening, I was thoroughly drained and desperate to collapse into bed.

When I finally reached the bathroom, I pulled my hair into a bun, only to freeze when I spotted him at the sink. He was washing his hands, his knuckles bruised and swollen.

"What happened?" I asked, my voice cutting through the silence.

"Nothing," he replied, not bothering to look at me.

I frowned, crossing my arms. "Okay, I have to say it—you’re acting really weird."

"Isn’t that easier?" he said, shutting off the tap and turning to face me. His expression was cold, his words cutting.

"What’s your problem?" I demanded, my voice rising.

He ignored me, walking out without another word. I stood there, huffing in disbelief. The audacity. I guess being an asshole just ran in his blood.

After a quick bath, I got ready for bed and walked into the room. He was already lying down, shirtless, his hands tucked behind his head. His eyes were closed, but I doubted he was asleep.

I slid under the sheets, grateful for the pillow barrier between us. Reaching for the lamp, my hand paused as my gaze landed on the engagement ring still on my finger. It glittered mockingly in the dim light, a stark reminder of how much of a mistake this all was.