The 90 days deal | Jackunzel

PROLOGUE

All has been a lie—a hideous lie. She was, as if, locked in a cage without a key to free herself, without anyone helping her. She was left alone in the fathomless and narrow abyss of secrets and deception. With no way out... no air to breathe.

The street is cold. The light from the lamppost gave enough visibility in the park, it shone in brightest white. The wind howled and groaned—as if a monster had escaped from underneath, it tasted dry and damp. The park was unoccupied and bare for quite an hour ago, it was almost close to midnight.

But at the very center of the place, there she is, seating on a bench.

Rapunzel pulled her clothing tightly to maintain warmth. Her golden blond hair flowed together with the wind.

Her eyes closed and opened.

"Of—of all the people, all the choices laid in front of you..." Rapunzel clasped her hands.

"Why did you choose me? Wh-why me?"

The woman, in her mid 40's, stood and towered over her. But still, youth blooms within. A thick dark cloak covered her body up to her knees, both of her hands were instilled in a black glove and her lips... was scarlet red as blood.

Ah. She expected her to ask such intriguing question. Of course, it was the first thing that should be asked.

The woman smiled.

"You have the true potential." She neared. "And I know, you can pull it off together."

Rapunzel was left in total silence. Her eyes were darted in front—not looking back at her, not looking back at anything. She was left in wilderness. Her thumb rubbed against her warm skin.

Rapunzel didn't know if that is the answer she wanted to hear. Potential? For she knows, she pushed herself beyond its limits. Not that she has the skill to, it's just... something triggered within.

A piece of white gleamed paper with golden letterings laid idly beside her... and a pen and an opened suit case. It was formal and concise and too intimidating to look at—knowing the rules that should be followed.

Rapunzel travelled her gaze into the paper, passed through the letter of integration of both sides and both teams. She can hear her heart flutter. Again. And again.

And at the very end...

Lies a thick black line, with her name: Rapunzel Corona.

And a signature written atop of it—in a black cursive kind of writing.

Her stare gazed back sharply. She swallowed.

"Remember," The woman began.

"This works in three months' time. Ninety days, Rapunzel."

The blonde lady stuttered to answer. She can entirely feel the heat spreading underneath her eyelids... it was warm, her eyes started to water—she clamped her throat and gripped her hands into fists.

"I—I know."

"Just follow what is within the contract, follow the rules and everything will be under your own control—all will be fine, I assure you that."

The woman gazed over her features, watching all of her facial expressions, the way her lips moved, the way her eyebrows curled and the way her eyes speak. She can say that Rapunzel is in discrete shock and confusement. The very first time she'd saw her bare face with such distraught.

The woman opened her mouth and tried to speak.

"But..." She warned. "There is something I wanted you to know."

Rapunzel looked at her.

Her eyes moved with doubt and uncertainty.

"Make him fall in love, alter himself into somebody entirely, change him into a better person if that's the case." She paused. "Do anything you want to do."

Rapunzel knew there was a catch, if that is what is called. A scam or a trick. But she has nothing to do now, she cannot undo what is done in her own singular decision. She signed the contract. That is the least she could think of this certain time. Rapunzel cannot back down. She can't and she knows that.

The woman grinned—her lips was perfectly curved in a smile of secrecy.

"After all the things you have done,"

Rapunzel's heart thumped against her chest, like a drum inside. It echoed. Her eyes quivered. She can feel her fingers trembling.

"After what?" She asked softly.

The woman stilled—and smiled.

"Break his heart."