THE CONTRACT WIFE: A ONE NIGHT STAND BILLIONAIRE ROMANCE

Zara’s POV

I’m feeling extremely bored. There’s nothing to do at home. I think I’ve wandered through the entire house, walked by the beach earlier, but this boredom is overwhelming. It’s like being imprisoned in a cage. My movements are so restricted. How much longer will my life be like this?

Because I have nothing to do, I decided to go to the kitchen and cook something to eat. Pancakes, cupcakes, noodles, and more. Until I got tired of it and went back to the living room to watch TV.

I can’t find any show that would interest me. I really don’t know what to do! Sigh.

It’s always like this when Nick is not around. I’m always alone, and I’m not even allowed to go to the neighboring village. Eugenie is always keeping an eye on me. I don’t want to be rebellious.

Sometimes Eugenie is also hard to talk to, and she’s a bit aloof. So just imagine how bored I am right now.

While I was searching the internet, I saw that there’s a resort on the other side of the island. I suddenly felt like a mischievous child who came up with a daring plan. It’s already almost noon, and I’ve had lunch.

Eugenie cooked seafood with coconut milk earlier. The old lady seems to have had a good sleep. I, on the other hand, was outside, enjoying the fresh air. I was wearing a white dress while holding my tablet.

I was deep in thought about the events of the past few nights, when I had strange dreams. Dreams of getting married to a handsome man, but upon waking up, I couldn’t remember his face.

That’s why I’m starting to think about stopping the medication they’ve been giving me. I feel like it’s not helping me. The side effects are also puzzling. I often feel dizzy, and my vision blurs. When I don’t take it, nothing bad happens to me. So, I quietly stopped taking the medication.

While I was outside the house, I couldn’t bear the boredom anymore. I needed to get out. Even if it’s just this once, I’ll escape for a while. If this continues, the excessive boredom might drive me to my limits. I don’t want to think about everything all at once.

Sometimes, I find myself wondering how my day passes-eating, scrolling through Facebook, and sleeping.

I went to the kitchen first. I left a note for Eugenie, in case she looks for me, so that she wouldn’t worry too much. Nick wouldn’t find out, and besides, I’m just going to the neighboring village. I’m just going to visit Ava for a while.

Dear Eugenie,

If you wake up and I’m not here, I’m just in the neighboring village, okay? Don’t worry, I’ll be back before dawn. I just can’t handle the boredom. I’ll take care and I have my cellphone with me. It’s fine, right?

After writing the letter, I prepared to leave. I still have some pocket money that I can use, and I brought my cellphone, power bank, umbrella, and a handkerchief. I changed into a neater dress. Just a summer dress, and then I left.

I walked towards the neighboring village. Lost in thought, I realized I was wondering how long I would be confined to this island.

It’s like I’m one of those women in a story, imprisoned, like the Lady of Shallot. Sometimes, I feel like my freedom is being stolen from me. Sometimes, I feel like I don’t belong here. I mean, don’t get me wrong, this island is a paradise. But I feel like there are memories outside that I should revisit.

Unknowingly, I had already reached Ava’s village. I was immediately greeted by Ava, who hugged me tightly.

“The young lady has ventured out of her house! Oh, and my dear, did you get lost?” Ava welcomed me. I laughed at her. She left her work just to give me a hearty welcome.

“I’m just sneaking out. Nick and Eugenie don’t know. I was getting bored at home,” I told Ava as I sat beside her. They were making baskets that they exported to other countries.

“Oh my, you’re in trouble with your hubby Nick again. As for him, he’d lock you up at home if it meant you couldn’t escape to the other side of the Earth. Hello! If he were my boyfriend, I’d tie myself to him! What more could you want? Rich, tall, handsome, and supposedly wild in bed, rawr!” I laughed at her playfulness.

“You really have a crush on my husband, don’t you? And maybe Nick has a reason for wanting to limit my movements. I trust him and his reasons,” I said with a smile.

“Looks like Nick is possessive too.”

I noticed what they were doing. I wanted to learn how to craft baskets too. It didn’t look easy, but I was willing to learn if it was fun.

“How do you make baskets, Ava? Can you teach me? I can help you!” I suggested. She sighed.

“We’re almost done, Zara. If you want, you can join us. We’re going to the other side of the island, where there are many tourists. We’re delivering the baskets. What do you say?” she asked. I got a bit excited, but I was still hesitant.

“But if Eugenie and Nick find out, I’ll definitely get scolded.” It’s scary to think about that.

“What are you afraid of? You already escaped, right? Haler?! You might as well commit the crime fully. Come on, Zara, don’t be too scared. They won’t kill you. It’s just a one-time thing to get rid of your boredom,” Ava persuaded. What could I do? Well, let fate decide.

I decided to join them. We rode a boat around the island. Ava was actually skilled at driving the boat. It was impressive, even though most of the time she was just being playful.

We reached the other side of the island. Just like what I saw in the pictures earlier. There was a resort and a hotel. There were a lot of tourists, both foreigners and locals alike. The place was lively and full of life.

The beauty of the white beach was unparalleled. You could see yachts and boats in the sea with tourists on board. I suddenly felt happy. It felt like I had a temporary taste of freedom after a long time.

“Stay here, alright? We’re going to visit our main dealer for the baskets. Let’s meet in front of our boat, okay? Don’t go too far so we won’t worry. And my cellphone number? You still have it, right?” Ava instructed me.

I laughed at her motherly attitude. “Sure, I can handle myself, Ava. Go ahead, and I’ll explore for a bit. There are lots of souvenir shops here. I want to take a look.”

Ava, along with Jenny and Aries, bid me farewell again. I started to entertain myself. I went to the souvenir shops. The items there were beautiful. They had necklaces and accessories made from shells and other local materials.

There were also nice shirts and square pants. I bought some for myself. Nick often gives me gifts, especially when he comes back from Claybourne. But it’s different when I choose my own clothes.

While I was walking, I bought a coconut from a vendor. It quenched my thirst and cooled me down. Even though it’s windy, the heat is still intense on my skin. It’s a good thing I have a handkerchief, so I wiped my sweat from time to time.

I didn’t realize I had walked quite far from the boat. I should probably head back now. What surprised me was a child, around 11 or 10 years old, hugging me. He was good-looking and was crying while holding on to me.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

“Mom, I’ve missed you so much. Mommy, I finally found you. Please don’t leave us again. I’ll be a good son…” he said while sobbing.

I felt sorry for the child. Maybe he just thinks I look like his mother. I took out my spare handkerchief and wiped away his tears.

“Sorry, okay? I’m not your mother. Maybe I just look like her. Don’t cry,” I told him.

He was stubborn, shaking his head.

“You are my Mom. I’m ten years old now, Mommy Zara. Look, I have this, your gift to me,” the child said while showing me a pendant with a picture of me.

What shocked me even more was that the child knew my name.

Suddenly, my head started to throb as memories flooded in, still unclear. I closed my eyes, feeling dizzy. I stepped back from the child, but a man blocked my way.

His face looked familiar. He resembled the man I’ve been dreaming about every night. The man in a wedding suit.

Just as I was about to leave, he held my hand.

“Do you really think I will let you go?”