Chapter 2. The Agreement

“Yes, doc, I’ll be there in twenty minutes,” Hadley said over the phone, even though she was still in her white bathrobe, hair still wet, face still bare. She stood in front of the huge vanity mirror, staring at her goddess-like reflection.

‘Damn, Hadley, you’ve come so far.’ She thought to herself while recalling everything she did just to be in her current state. At thirty-two, Hadley was already making her name huge to the path she chose; people recognized her as one of the best cardiologists in Manhattan, even in New York. It was a rough road, but she knew it was all worth it. It really was.

Now, she can have everything that she will ever want in this life. Unless she asked for love, then it would be hard. Well, that would probably be the last thing on her list.

After brushing her white and perfect teeth, Hadley walked through her massive walk-in closet. The lights were dimmed, but her collection of branded clothes and luxurious shoes still captured and put a glimmer in her eyes.

‘My babies,’ she thought, and it gave an instant smile on her face. She then picked a pair of heels and a dress randomly then put them on. It fits perfectly on her hourglass-shaped body. After that, she went back to the vanity mirror.

At first, you call Hadley an angel because of her breathtakingly good look. Later on, you figure out that she’s no angel. It’s her choice not to put any attachment to anyone, though. She’s only attached to her shoes and to anything inside that closet. Never again to anyone.

After putting light makeup on her face and fixing her hair, she decided to go down and get her daily morning coffee. Hadley then grabbed her newest purchased bag, Hermes Kelly Rose Gold, and slowly walked through the staircase and down the hallway.

“Oh, hellfuck, this feels so good!” was heard from the room nearest to the hallway.

‘That was intense,’ she thought as she shook her head, chose to ignore the familiar noise, and just went straight through the breakfast bar.

After preparing herself a coffee, Hadley grabbed her tablet to check her today’s schedule. While scrolling, her attention was immediately shifted to someone. She just came out of the room, has her hair tied in a messy bun, wearing a casual dress, neck full of... hickeys. ‘The last one I saw was naked. At least this one has some clothes on.’ Again, she said in her thoughts.

The girl was instantly followed by a shirtless man who gave her a quick peck on the lips. She bowed her head when she walked past Hadley, who was sitting still—full of poise—with her tablet and coffee.

‘As if I haven’t heard your loud moans,’ that was the last thought that came through her head.

As the girl disappeared from their sight, the man went straight to the fridge, took a water pitcher, and directly drank from it.

“Good morning, wife,” he said in such an annoying voice, adding a smirk on his face. His perfect face, well-defined body, and silky black hair made it more annoying for Hadley.

Benedict Anderson, Hadley’s fake husband.

The guy was thirty years old, the son of a business mogul, the black sheep in their family. His life revolved around clubbing, drag racing, one-night stands, and spending his family’s wealth on useless stuff. At that age, he should be taking part in running their businesses like his siblings were doing, but that might never happen. He was very much contented with having a happy-go-lucky life.

They were under and stuck with a fake marriage.

The two had known each other since they were in high school. Their families—Andersons and Carters—have a strong bond and connection, so they set the two up on a date, and when they reached the ‘right age’ of getting married, they immediately asked them to get married.

Of course, Hadley wouldn’t agree if she would not get anything from it, Benedict too. They both agreed for a reason. Hadley, to get more than enough money from her—the most prominent hotelier in Manhattan—dad so she can have the most significant share of stocks in White Valley Hospital. And as for Benedict, to get his monthly share from their family businesses even without doing a thing.

Since they were smart enough and their parents were desperate enough, Hadley and Benedict faked everything. Fake marriage license. Fake marriage certificate. Fake love. And soon, fake divorce papers. There was no wedding ceremony; they just showed everything to their families, and they believed. Now, the two just have to live under the same roof and learn how to ignore each other and mind their own businesses. But sometimes, it’s just way too hard, especially for Hadley when Benedict is doing nasty things.

“Can’t you get yourself a glass?” Hadley said as she stood from her seat and put the mug she used on the sink. “One more thing, clean the dishes. I bet it was easier than just waiting for your balls to grow.” She added, clearly pissed off.

Benedict walked past her, “I told you to get a hot housekeeper. It’s like shooting two birds using one stone. We’ll get to keep the house clean, and I’ll have an in-house babe.” He said, obviously wanting to piss Hadley off even more.

“That would never happen. I don’t want another stranger in my house.” She made her point clear.

Before Hadley could even walk away, Benedict had already managed to grab her arm. “Why? You want me all by yourself in this mansion?” He teased. But Hadley was strong enough to escape from his grip. “Shut the fuck up, asshole. I don’t ever want your dirty hands touching me again. And let me remind you, we are strangers, get it?” She spilled out.

“And one more thing, remove the thong of your mistress from your head.” She ended, finally moving away. It left Benedict ashamed and dumbfounded.