The Contract

Chapter 87-The Santorini Trip

PEARL'S P.O.V

"No fast life, it's been 24 hours, you could go back to your normal diet, no drinking for now"

I glanced at Travis, why does it feel like he wrote it all down for the doctor to tell me?

"You have to lead a healthy lifestyle for the time being, Mrs Ferrari " he finished. "No problem, doctor. I'm really good at that" I assured.

Travis shot me a look and I showed him my molded fist. We rounded up the talk with the doctor and headed out.

I got discharged at a little past 5 pm the next day, so far the pain was slowly coming to me but at least I could go back to work.

I dropped my bag at the back and got into the passengers seat while Travis took the driver's. He's been driving a lot these days.

The rest of the cars followed behind as we drove out, I took in the fresh air. I'm so happy to be out, i was suffocating in there.

"I'll be heading to Sun Valley," I informed him as he glanced at me.

"It hasn't even been 24 hours since you got discharged, and you're already heading back to work?"

"It’s not work. I just need to drop this off at Natalia's." I reached into the backseat for the gift bag. "Azalea’s one-month celebration was last week, and I couldn’t make it. Some godmother I am."

I peeked into the bag, a small smile creeping up as I looked at the tiny designer outfit. My first gift to her—proof I was going to be the cool aunt.

I sighed and placed the bag beside me before glancing out the window again. Then, curiosity got the better of me, and I turned to him.

He was dressed in black baggy pants and a dark red shirt with short sleeves. The buttons were undone just enough to expose the necklace resting against his chest. It's rare to see him in casual.

He caught my stare, and I immediately looked away, clearing my throat. "So, where were you all day?" I asked.

"Washington," he replied nonchalantly.

I frowned, turning to him. "Don’t you get jet lagged?"

"There’s no time difference," he reminded me, smirking at my ignorance. "Even so, you shouldn’t fly that often."

He glanced at me sideways. "Are you worried about me?"

I rolled my eyes, leaning back against the window. "In your dreams, Ferrari."

We arrived at the Coopers' mansion, and I stepped out, grabbing the bag. My eyes scanned the driveway. "Must we have an entourage?" I referred to the trail of cars parked behind us.

"Only important people do," he quipped.

I didn’t have the energy to entertain his ego, so I turned toward the building. But as I got closer, I froze at the sight of more cars surrounding the house.

My ears caught the faint sound of laughter drifting from inside. My stomach tightened. The family was here.

I instinctively stepped back, glancing over my shoulder at Travis, who was still lingering by the car. "Can you come in with me?" The words escaped before I realized it.

"...I think there’s a family dinner. Bella mentioned something about it, but I didn’t know it was today. Just—please..." My voice wavered as I stared at him through the open window. "Let’s go in together. They’ll be less...judgy if you’re with me."

He held my gaze for a moment before stepping out of the car. Relief flooded me. I couldn’t handle the inevitable barrage of questions alone.

As he approached, I started to explain, "I know you probably have things to—"