BOUND BY HIS NAME

A contract marriage? Like, am I dreaming?

I went through it to be sure I read it well. After I had read it for the second time, I blinked, my mind spinning. He was really proposing... marriage? A contract marriage? My first instinct was disbelief, then anger.

How dare a stranger come into my life at this moment and offer me such a thing? But as I read further, my pulse quickened.

Because he made mention of the things I needed the most, which are Mother's hospital bills, protection, status, and leverage-all the things I had lost in the wake of Alex's betrayal were suddenly within reach.

Are you kidding? I asked, "What is the meaning of this? Are you making a mockery of me or what?" I murmured.

You're thinking it's absurd," Alejandro said, his voice calm, almost teasing. "And yes, on paper, it is. But think about it carefully.

He continued.

"Yes, a contract marriage. You're looking for someone to take care of your mother's hospital bill. I am willing to be the person for one year; all I ask in exchange is that you'll be my wife by contract for a complete year.

I swallowed hard, my thoughts tumbling over themselves. Could I really trust him? Could I allow myself to accept help from a man I barely knew? But deep down, beneath the fear and disbelief, a small spark of hope flickered. This was my only chance to save my mother's life.

"And, I hope you're not doing this to cage me and make me pay for ruining our million-dollar suit? What do you want in return?" I asked, suspicion lacing my voice.

The smile on his face said it all. He smiled in a faint manner, a glimmer of something I couldn't quite place in his eyes. As he whispered,

"I have forgiven you. I noticed you didn't do it intentionally."

My mind raced. The idea was dangerous, unpredictable, and thrilling. I could feel my pulse in my throat, in my fists, and in every nerve. The choice before me was terrifying-and yet, for the first time after I lost my job, I felt alive. I had someone willing to stand by me.

I looked up at him, searching his face for deception, for lies, for something that would make me turn away. But all I saw was... opportunity. A chance to reclaim my mother's health.

My phone buzzed, and we both stared at it. It was a message from my doctor; your mother just lost consciousness. She is now in a coma.

Miss Isabella, you have six hours left for her life span to expire.

Immediately my blood ran cold; I felt like it was all the doctor's doing. Is he God? How will he be telling me the time my mother has to live?

Tears gathered in my eyes, and I whispered in my mind, "I'm doing this because of you, Mommy."

My eyes met Alejandro's gaze, and my lips trembled as I whispered, "Fine. I'll be your wife."

Alejandro's smile widened, sharp and knowing, and in that moment, I realised there was no turning back.

Let's not waste more time. Alejandro murmured, "Let's head straight to the court, and let's sign the contract once and for all."

I nodded instantly. Giving him the response he wanted.

We drove to the court; to my greatest surprise, he had everything planned. The judge, the lawyer, the witnesses, the crowd, and his business partners were all sitting in the courtroom. And waiting elegantly.

The look on their face made my heart sink deep into my stomach; I was shocked. Surprised. Speechless.

He knew I had no choice but to concur because of my present condition.

*****

I signed all the necessary documents I was meant to sign. With the help of the lawyer.

Finally the judge concludes, "Miss Isabella Ramirez and Alejandro De La Vega, you both are hereby joined in marriage by contract for one complete year. And Alejandro will be María Ramirez's guarantor for the next year.

The judge hammered his desk, and the crowd stood and gave a lot of clapping; their clapping felt like a knife tearing deep into my skin, and I couldn't stand the sound of their clapping, so I rushed out.

Outside the courtyard I wait for Alejandro to come out; when he comes out, I beg him.

"Please let us head to the hospital so that my mother will be attended to, please."

He nodded slightly, and we entered the car and drove to the hospital.

In the hospital I wasn't allowed to see my mother, because she was in a coma.

We went to the doctor's office and did the necessary signing, and Alejandro paid the two million dollars they requested, and immediately they began the treatment.

"And where are you going?" Alejandro asked.

"To my mother's apartment, of course," I replied, looking at him.

"No need for you to go back to your apartment; now that you are my wife, you must live with me in my apartment," Alejandro whispered as he opened the door to his SUV.

"Ok fine, but first let me get a few things from my mother's apartment," I said.

Back home.

I was completely exhausted, and I lay on the bed, my arms and legs spread wide over the bed.

Then suddenly my phone buzzed again.

1 New Message.

From Hector: 'I gave you money, but you refused, yet you accepted Alejandro's offer.'

Then my phone buzzed again; another message, still from Hector: 'I guess you have answers to my question because I'm outside your house.'

My heart jumped the moment I read the message. I gently walked towards the window to see if it was true, only to see Hector standing outside my mother's apartment.