The Contract

Chapter 54-The Old Friend

The dress clung to the contours of my body, showcasing every curve and line. The floor-length skirt moves gracefully with every step, swishing like the green leaves of a forest in the wind.

The open back and halter neck added a seductive, almost sensual touch, accentuating my shoulders and back. The deep green color is as lush and rich as a rainforest at night, drawing all eyes to me.

I could stare at this mirror and admire myself but I had to head down stairs. I grabbed my little purse and headed out.

I headed down the stairs when I heard him in a phone call, he was standing by the glass wall in the living room, hands in his pocket.

He turned and his eyes shot to me and he couldn't look away. He was in a dark green suit that exudes an air of sophistication and modern style. The blazer was impeccably tailored, with smooth, clean lines that hug the frame of the wearer.

The absence of a tie and open shirt buttons give off a relaxed, nonchalant vibe, a hint of edginess that contrasts beautifully with the sophistication of the suit. The shade of green is a deep, almost forest-like hue that catches the eye without being too ostentatious. The clean, crisp white of the shirt complements the dark green perfectly, creating an eye-catching and dynamic ensemble.

And we matching for some reason. I let go of the dress and it dropped to the floor, his eyes still roved my body. He said few things to the person on the other side before ending the call.

He turned to me fully. "I'm ready" I said since he wasn't gonna say anything.

He got into the driver's seat and I took the passengers side, I was surprised he was driving. I mean I haven't been allowed to drive since I came here.

The ride to the Villa was a lot silent, I had my face out the window at all times. If things went like this, this 6 months will be so easy.

Infact, I'll feel like I don't deserve the money because I did nothing.

He does his thing and I do mine, we only be together when necessary. This is easy money.

We arrived the Villa and there was a lot of cars outside. Trust my mom to host events. She runs this organization called Pearson.

He stopped in front of the house and the door was pulled open for me. I stepped out and Travis appeared beside me, we linked hands and walked in.

And just as we stepped in, we had smiles plastered on our lips. It was a lifestyle now, to always put up appearance.

"Travis, Pearl" we instantly got recognized, my mom introduced us to everyone at the event, I was grateful for the alcohol.

"Turn around" Aunt Lucy said and I laughed as I did. "I love this dress, it's my size I'm sure of that, can I borrow?"

"Yes, Aunt Lucy. How was your cruise?"

"I'm sure Edward wanna propose"

"Oh my gosh!" I squealed. "It won't last" she deadpanned and I chuckled. "Pearl " I spuned around immediately to see a man.

A tall dark skin man in blue suit, he had a smile on his lips. How does he know my name? I think the real question is, who was he?

I gently lowered my glass, my face squinching in confusion. "You might not remember, I'm Darren" he straight out his hand to me.

My jaw dropped immediately. "Oh my gosh, Darren?"

"Finally"

I was still in shock. "Oh my gosh, oh my gosh!" I repeated.

"Look at you, you look... breathtaking" he said, spinning me around and I laughed. "You look good " I poked him lightly and Aunt Lucy cleared her throat.

I turned back to her. "Darren, this is my Aunt... Lucy"

"Your Aunt? Ma'am, you look beautiful" he said. "Always, who is this gentlemen?" She asked.

"Darren and I go way back, we worked at LA times before I left to chase greener pastures. What do you do now?"

"Let me see, I own LA Times now"

"You're shitting me"

"No"

"Wow congrats!"

"I should be telling you that, you got married" he said. "And you're the one who wouldn't quit talking about me in the papers" I chimed and we both laughed.

"What are you doing here?"

"I'm here to get a scope of the Vega's event, the Ferraris' gossip did bring money" he pointed out and I chuckled. "I'm glad we meet again " I said, sipping from my glass.

"You look... amazing, Pearl. Wanna dance?" He asked and I grinned. "Why not?"

So, I had a dance with Darren. He was a funny guy, we spent the rest of the evening by the bar. "...Mr Noel was thrown aback, he couldn't believe it"

"He deserves it, he was cruel...to me especially"

"You were the only one who stood up to him back then" he reminded and I chuckled and took another sip of the wine. "So, tell me, how have life been? I mean, you're married. I thought we agreed to wait till 40"

I chuckled. "Darren"

"I was waiting, you know, you kept me hanging for 3 years" he added, leaning on the bar, I locked eyes with him before taking another sip of the drink.

"You're not allowed to say that"

"Right, although I was surprised it was to Travis Ferrari, I thought we hated him"

"Of course, you know about it all. I confided in you back then" I muttered. "I promised to beat him up for you if he ever stepped foot in LA" he reminisced.

I chuckled and we turned and faced the party, there he was in the midst of men. "So, what led to the marriage?"

"I forgave him, we made up and then...you know" I recited it like a poem, turning to him. "Alright, I'll take that, how is Paradise?"

"It's going great. Why do I feel like I'm in an interview here? Am I gonna see all this on tomorrow's paper?" I asked. "Touché"

"Mind if I join you two?" I heard his voice from behind and felt his hand skim my bare back. I straightened up. "Hey babe" I glanced back at him, he placed a light kiss on my lips.

I smiled and I turned back to Darren. "Meet Darren, and Darren this is my husband, Travis "

"Nice to finally meet you in person" he said, straightening out his hand and Travis took it. "Do I know you?"

"If you mean the papers, then yes. Darren Watts"

"He now owns LA Times, where I worked as an intern" I explained further for clarity sake. "Of course" he retrieved his hands and silence followed.

"I and Pearl were really close back then" he prompted. "We were basically best friends" I added with a smile on my lips.

"How come I haven't heard about him?" Travis asked. "Oh, we met after...you know..." I trailed off but he understood what I meant and nodded, rubbing my open back lightly.

"Can I steal my wife for a minute? I've been dying to have a dance" he charmed, shooting me that smile. "Of course"

"See you later, Darren" I called he nodded and I followed Travis to the dance floor.