Chapter six

~Aiden's ~

I sat comfortably in my plush armchair, my eyes fixed on the spiral stairs that led upstairs. I had called Nora here for a reason, and I couldn't help but feel a mix of anticipation and annoyance at her late arrival. The clock on the wall seemed to tick louder with each passing minute. What the hell is taking her so long?

Finally, the sound of heels clicking against the marble floor echoed through the hallway upstairs. Soon Nora appeared at the top of the stairs. Her presence alone was enough to stir a whirlwind of emotions within me. She was beautiful, there was no denying that, but her fiery spirit often clashed with my strong-willed nature. It took a whole lot of willpower from me not to frown at her as she descended from the stars in such a pompous manner. 

As she stepped down the last case, her eyes met mine, and a spark of irritation flickered between us. It seemed we were both ready for a minor clash, a battle of wills that had become all too familiar.

"What took you so long?" I asked curtly, my voice laced with annoyance.

"Oh, I'm sorry for inconveniencing you, Your Highness." She rolled her eyes, her voice dripping with sarcasm as she said that.

I gritted my teeth, trying to keep my cool. "Let's cut to the chase, shall we? We need to discuss the terms of our arrangement." I said, leaning forward and placing my elbows on my knees.

"Nora," I began, my voice steady but firm, "I've called you here today to discuss the terms of our arrangement. As you know, we are bound by this contract marriage for the next 180 days.." I was, however, unable to complete my statement as Nora interrupted me.

"I'm well aware of the duration of this contract marriage. I'm not dumb not to go through a contract before signing it," she spat, rolling her dim blue eyes as she did so.

Fury burned in me, but Nora Daniels wasn't done yet.

She crossed her arms beneath her perky mounds, her gaze unwavering. "And what exactly are these rules you expect me to follow? Just because you're a billionaire, you can't just go around bossing me around, Aiden."

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes at her stubbornness. I just managed to keep mute and let this slide, she was new here, and she wasn't aware of what I was capable of.

"Firstly, you will respect my privacy and personal space. And that is why you and I won't share a room. Secondly, you will not interfere with my business affairs. You leave me alone, and I might just return the favour. And lastly, you will refrain from any romantic entanglements during our time together." I stated my rules, leaning back into the armchair with a playful smirk up my lips.

Nora scoffed, her eyes narrowing. "You must be joking! Do you think you can control every aspect of my life? I won't stand for it."

I leaned forward again, "Nora, this is not a negotiation. These are the conditions of our contract. If you can't abide by them, then perhaps you shouldn't have gotten into this contract," I said, my voice laced with determination. She was stubborn, but I will show her that I am more than stubborn. 

She stood there for several seconds, saying nothing. Soon enough, she said, "Fine, I've heard you!" she grumbled, and a satisfactory smirk curled up my lips, seeing that I had won.

"So where am I going to be sleeping, or do you expect me to sandwich myself with my kids?" she said, glaring at me irritably.

Gesturing to a guard that was standing close by, I ordered, "Show her her room". And without any delay, the latter moved over to Nora to carry out my order.

As they both made their way up the stairs, Nora and I gave ourselves one last scornful glare.

I was surely going to enjoy bullying this much. 

~Nora's POV~

After the tense meeting with Aiden, I felt a mix of anger and confusion swirling within me. I couldn't believe I had agreed to this contract marriage in the first place. But now, knowing that it would only last for 180 days before we would be divorced, a glimmer of hope flickered within me.

But...what would his parents think? Divorcing someone you have been with for three whole years. Well, that was his burden to carry, not mine.

I followed the guard who led me through the grand corridors of the mansion until we arrived at the front of a particular door. I presumed we'd reached my designated room. 

The guard simply gestured with his arm, bowed respectfully and turned to leave. Sighing deeply, I opened the door and immediately found my belongings already packed and neatly placed inside the large queenly bedroom.

I locked the door behind me and exhaled a breath I hadn't realised I had been holding. I needed to begin to execute my plans for revenge. That was the main reason for my application, my contract marriage and the risk of my kids' bond with me. While on this mission, I knew I wouldn't have much time with my kids. But I had to do this, for the resentment I am currently harbouring against my ex-boyfriend and my kid sister was beyond imagination, it needed to be poured out, and the only way to do that was by getting revenge. 

Quickly, I dashed for my luggage box and opened it. Rummaging through the piles of dresses and underwear in it, I picked out a small purse. I zipped it open hastily and dipped my hand in it, bringing out a SIM card from it. If I'm going to get revenge, I'm going to have to do it secretly.

I grinned at it and quickly brought out my phone and inserted the SIM card. I dialled a number on my phone, my fingers trembling with anticipation. The thought of what I was about to do was giving me goosebumps, but I won't reconsider anyway. 

Placing the phone on my ear, I said quietly, "Meet me at the subway in an hour," I instructed the receiver, my voice filled with determination. "And don't forget to bring the files I asked for," I added quickly, and without waiting for a reply from the receiver, I hung up. 

Ending the call, I allowed myself a small smile. I stood up and changed into a more comfortable dress than the wedding gown I was still putting on, and then I slipped out of my room and made my way down the grand staircase, my heart racing with each step. I couldn't believe I was about to defy Aiden's rules, but I couldn't bear to stay confined within the walls of his mansion when I had an important mission at hand. 

As I reached the front door, my hand trembled as I turned the doorknob. I silently stepped out of the mansion's front door and headed towards the large compound exit. 

Natasha and Kyle, I'm coming for you.