The Contract

Chapter 179-The Papers

My eyes were shut but my mind awake, the whirling of the engine as we drove kept me up, even as early as it was. The car finally came to a stop and it took a moment for me to open my eyes and sit up.

I glanced out the window to see the sun still rising, the driver still sited, waiting for me to make the next move. My phone buzzed in my pocket and I got it out and checked it out, it was a reminder, I had to catch a flight in to Croatia in an hour.

Getting out of the car, I got handed my suitcase before heading to the elevator, the ride lasted for a moment before I got out and headed to my office. "Mr Ferrari" someone called and I halted, letting out a breath.

I wasn't even supposed to be here today and they still found a way to bother me.

Turning back around, it was Harrison. "You have got a visitor"

"I told you to cancel all my meetings today" I reminded and he nodded, glancing back and that's when I caught sight of the figure—the visitor.

"She came here really early this—"

"Leave" I ordered, my eyes still on her. She walked forward and stopped in front of me. "Mr Ferrari, I'm sorry this was...uncalled for and impromptu, I shouldn't have —"

"It's fine. Kourtney"  I answered and she let out a sigh. "I didn't know when to meet with you, this was the only cut"

"Let's talk in the office" I suggested and she nodded in agreement, the door was pulled open and we both stepped in. I walked further in, placing my suitcase on the table before turning to her.

She still stood still by the door, clutching her bag In front of her, like she was scared to take another step. "Please, come in" I said, taking off my jacket and she took another step further in.

Her visit was still a surprise to me, the chances of her meeting me today was really slim but she still came. "I...I won't be here for long, I don't want to take up much of your time, Mr Ferrari. I just..."

I knew what she was about to talk about, I knew it from the moment I saw her, that was the only reason she will be here. "...I know you must be feeling... disappointed and uh...somewhat angry with all of the news going on around. But I can assure you, Mr Ferrari, it's...all a lie, none of it is true"

"I know" I answered and she paused, surprise shooting through her features, she wasn't expecting that from me but I wasn't untruthful.

None was true, but knowing the truth doesn't change anything.

"Then I..." She took a step closer, hope evident in her eyes. "... this could be easy. This whole thing is taking a toll on Pearl, she doesn't show it but I know and...I can't help it, she's my friend and I care so much and I know you do too"

I stared back without uttering another word, "I know you care, I know you love her...and she loves you too"

I looked away at once, leaning from the table and fixing the cufflinks on the sleeves. "Mr Ferrari, it's... it's been the best months of her life. Pearl's been different, she's been happy and I know...you know and you have to believe me, she needs you"

I was the last thing she needed, me being anywhere near her will be the end of it, end of everything I was working towards fixing. I didn't lie when I told her I was gonna fix it all, I just lied on how soon and better it was gonna be.

It's definitely gonna take longer and the end result couldn't even be good. In this game, there could be no loose end, no weak links.

"Congratulations on your engagement" I mentioned and she stopped, the look on her face draining and she just stared at me, I've seen that look before.