Olaedo tried to eat her food slowly, doing her best to look elegant, which was not her usual style at all, to impress the tycoon sitting across from her.
'This is more difficult than I thought! I really have to take a table manners class when I get back home.'
If only she knew that Chibuzor wasn't even watching her. He was too busy thinking of how he would bring up the topic of a contract marriage after their meal.
Twenty minutes later, the waiters cleared the table, and the awkward silence settled between them like a thick fog since there was nothing left to distract them from having a deeper conversation.
Olaedo sat there, her back drenched in sweat, waiting for what this great Buddha of a man would say next.
She had never been this nervous, not even when she had to persuade investors to invest in her company when she first started. There was something about the man across from her that made her feel like she absolutely had to impress him.
After all, this was her number one mentor!
Ten minutes later, Chibuzor finally cleared his throat and began implementing the plan he had drawn up five days ago.
"Miss Olaedo, I have a deal that can change your life. It's not your usual kind of business deal, but I believe it will benefit you more than any deal you've ever been offered. That is, if you accept."
'This is weird. What kind of deal is this? Also, why is Chibuzor acting a bit differently from his usual direct style?' Olaedo thought, feeling a knot form in her stomach.
Seeing her confused look, Chibuzor decided to cut through the mystery and just handed over the contract to her, letting her read it at her own pace. It would explain things far better than his unusual way of beating around the bush, and that's exactly what he did.
Olaedo opened the thick contract.
'What the heck?!'
Her soul almost left her body when she saw the title, "Contract Marriage Agreement."
She looked at Chibuzor, attempting to ask if he was joking, but he just gestured for her to keep reading. So, she held back her questions and glanced at the contract again, her heart racing.
CONTRACT MARRIAGE AGREEMENT
Parties Involved:
CEO Arinze Chibuzor (The Husband): Hereinafter referred to as "Party A."
Insert name of woman I chose after the interviews (The Wife): Hereinafter referred to as "Party B."
Effective Period:
The agreement lasts 5 years unless mutually agreed upon extension or unless terminated per the Emergency Exit Clause.
Terms & Conditions:
1. Public Display Clause
Party A and Party B must convincingly act as a deeply in love couple in all public settings. This includes, but is not limited to, holding hands, brief hugs, and tasteful acts of affection (Party A's interpretation). Failure to display affection in public will result in a penalty, extra displays of affection agreed upon by Party A and B.
2. Romantic Gesture Quota
Weekly Quota: Party A and B must compliment each other on social media at least 3 times a week. Suggested topics include attire, appearance, or "unique personality traits."
Special Occasions: Additional romantic gestures may be required during birthdays, holidays, and family gatherings.
3. Jealousy Limitations
Both parties agree not to express jealousy, whether real or pretended, toward interactions with third parties. Should Party A or B show jealousy, it will be deemed an "admittance of feelings" and terminate the contract immediately.
4. Family Involvement Requirement
Regular Visits: Party A and Party B must attend all family gatherings and events, providing the appearance of a committed marriage.
Rotating Holidays: Parties will alternate hosting holiday gatherings, each committing to at least one family holiday meal where Party A prepares a dish (regardless of skill).
5. Secrecy Clause
The true nature of the marriage must remain unknown to the public, family, friends, and extended family. Only designated confidants (limited to one per party) are permitted knowledge of the contract.
6. Gift Giving Clause
Gifts on Notable Dates: Party A and Party B must exchange thoughtful gifts on major dates such as birthdays, anniversaries, and public holidays. Minimum gift value: 10,000 local currency
If the gifts appear as obvious attempts to sabotage, Party A reserves the right to demand a replacement.
7. "We Need to Talk" Protocol
All private contract related discussions must occur in "romantic" settings such as restaurants or cafes, with no fewer than two witnesses (i.e., patrons or staff). This is to maintain an alibi of love-stricken partners.
8. Paparazzi Readiness Clause
Both parties agree to be camera ready at all times. This includes:
- Practicing at least 3 couple poses every weekend for impromptu photoshoots.
- Dressing as if always expecting to be caught on camera.
- Maintaining a "backstory" in case of interviews or fan questions.
9. Pet Clause
Should either party possess a pet, the other agrees to participate in "co parenting" activities, including weekend pet outings and sharing pet care duties.
10. No Developing Feelings Clause
Both parties agree that under no circumstances will romantic feelings be developed or expressed. This includes any form of verbal or written confessions, lingering looks, or other signs of "emotional involvement." Any such actions will be interpreted as a breach of contract.
11. Emergency Exit Clause
Either party may terminate the contract in case of an "emergency," defined as:
- Sudden debilitating allergies to any common romantic gesture.
- Media exposure that jeopardizes professional or personal standing.
- Unexpected declarations of love (per Clause 10).
12. Intimacy Restrictions
Physical intimacy is limited to:
- Holding hands.
- Occasional hugs (minimum 5 seconds, max 10).
- Brief and tactful adjustments (like hair touching or waist holding) only in public.
- Pecks on the cheek or forehead. Private or extended displays of affection, including kissing on the lips or other areas except the cheeks and forehead, and sex are strictly forbidden.
13. Separate Sleeping Arrangements
Separate rooms are mandatory. However, both parties must be prepared to share a room when parents, relatives, or guests are present to avoid suspicion. In such cases, both parties must maintain a distance from each other as far as the east is from the west (or according to the size of the room)