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ELSIE

My eyes stayed on the phone.

Ian was peacefully eating his cereal while he wiggled his shoulders at the song playing on the cartoon.

The bowl with my food stayed untouched. I couldn't eat. Not with my stomach twisting in anxiety since my last conversation with Fenix.

I didn't even sleep last night. The whole time, I stared at the ceiling, overthinking the situation I was in. Every single scenario that could happen, I already over analysed. With every little detail.

Whatever I thought of, I couldn't let myself lose everything and put Ian in a difficult situation. It was already hard for me to find the job I have now.

I went through every hardship just to get a job that will pay enough. I couldn't afford to lose it.

I doubt Nino will feel bad if he fires me. He knows about my state of living but I'm sure he doesn't care.

Fenix's proposal sounded good if you looked at it from a point of view where you were not involved in it. Ian and I get to live comfortably for the rest of our lives even though I had to endure living with a stranger and play his wife.

It was the thought of Ian having a better future than the one I have.

He would be able to go to a good college and get a good job.

"I'll make a quick call and then you'll get dressed, okay?" I said to Ian and he nodded his head. He was almost done with his cereal and I had to hurry up.

Taking hold of the phone, I stood up from the chair and walked to the bathroom. I locked the door behind me and let out a long breath.

Okay this was it.

It was now or never. I took out the card from my pocket and tapped the phone number on the screen.

After a minute of gathering myself, I pressed on the green button and brought the device to my ear. I paced the small bathroom while I waited for him to pick up.

It was early in the morning but I didn't care. He himself said that I should calm him first thing in the morning today.

After a few seconds, he picked up.

"Good morning, Elsie." Why did I doubt that he would have my phone number? Also I wouldn't really call this morning good.

I cleared my throat and bit my lip.

"Hello." The words got stuck in my mouth but I had to say it somehow.

Fenix waited for my answer.

"Um... I made my decision. I agree to your deal but I have to see the contract. And also set some rules myself." Without seeing the contract there was no way I was going to sign my life to him. Many people got fooled that way and I was going to do my best not to be in that group.

Who knows what he can put in there?

I also had some rules that I wanted to add. He can't just trap me in the marriage without me saying anything.

"Consider it done. Anything else?" He spoke again. His voice sounded even more deep on the phone and I had to gather myself because what was I even doing, thinking about that.

"You're gonna have to meet Ian. If he doesn't like you, I'm afraid I'm gonna have to say no."

"Alright."

I hummed and nodded my head despite him not seeing me. My heart hammered against my chest and I ran my fingers through my hair.

"I'll bring you the contract tonight and I'll meet Ian in the process. How does that sound?" He said. Scary. That's how it sounded. And tonight?

It was one thing him visiting the restaurant every day. It's another thing him coming here to my apartment.

"I,... okay then."

"You have a day off. You don't have to go to work today."

"What?"

"I called Nino, you have a free day." I was not use to being at home on a work day. It felt strange. I haven't even taken a break since I started working there. Aspen's probably going to be worried when she doesn't see me there.

"Fine. Okay then." I shrugged my shoulders and waited for him to say something else because there was nothing I had to say.

"I'll be there tonight, Elsie. Goodbye."

"Bye." I said quickly and hung up the phone. Why was he always being extra relaxed? It was stressing me out.

I covered my face with my hands and took couple of breaths. I had to go back to Ian and get him ready for school.

When I calmed myself down, I grabbed the knob and opened the door of the bathroom. I got out and placed the phone in the pocket of my sweats.

Ian was placing the bowl next to the sink while lifting himself on his tiptoes.

I smiled at the sight and walked towards him.

"Look I ate all of it." He pointed to the empty bowl. I crouched down and rubbed his belly.

"Good job. Of course you can eat all of it. You're a big boy, aren't you?" He nodded his head. The hair falling over his forehead.

I felt the knots in my stomach tighten as I stared at him. Fenix was going to visit us and I had to tell him.

"We'll have a guest tonight. Do you want that?"

"Is your boyfriend visiting us?" He was onto me immediately. Of course he didn't forget our conversation last night. I grinned at him.

"Yes he is. His name's Fenix. He wants to meet you."

"Will he play with me? I'll show him the cars in my room." The excitement on his face expanded as he spoke.

"I'm sure he will." I hope he doesn't act cold to Ian. He better act properly because if Ian doesn't like him, I can't get married to him. Ian's comfort is always my first priority.

"Can I stay home and wait for him?"

"No, Ian. You have to go to school. You know how important it is." He whined and I know what he felt. When I was younger I used to do everything in my power to stay at home and not go to school.

Now as an adult I see how right my parents were for not letting me miss school for nothing.

His shoulders slumped and I poked his stomach to lighten up his mood.

He immediately started to giggle and I kissed his cheeks and then his forehead.

"Let's get you ready. Macy's gonna miss you in school if you don't go." As soon as I said the words, he chuckled and ran to his room.

I followed behind and took out the clothes from the cabinet covered in car stickers. If it was not evident, he loved cars. Way too much.

He took off his pyjamas and waited for me. I dressed him in pants and t-shirt. He grabbed his jacket as well and I took his backpack. He sat on the sofa in the living room and waited for me to get ready.

I changed into purple jeans and a baby pink top. My hair was down and tied half up. I swung the yellow bag over my shoulder and got out of the bathroom after I was done.

Ian was still sitting on the sofa and as soon as he saw me, he stood up.

I checked if we needed anything else and then I locked the door after us and we headed downstairs.

As usual, I took him to school and left him in the classroom. I told him that today I was going to pick him up which made him happy.

After I did that, I went to the store and bought some ingredients for lunch. I'll have time so why not prepare something for me and Ian.

My heart rate didn't ease though.

On my way home I got a message from Aspen. She asked if I was okay to which I replied yes and that I was going to call her as soon as I could. She proceeded to sent me a photo where she was fake crying with a caption.

"You'll pay for leaving me all alone. I'll miss you."

The whole day I spent thinking about what's going to happen when Fenix visits and how everything is going to play out.

Like on purpose the time passed quickly. I picked up Ian from school and we got back home. He was excited and after we ate, he began to reorganise his car collections.

He sat in his room, planning on how he was going to spend the time with Fenix.

I swear if Fenix dismisses him, I'll poke his eyes out.

We even ate dinner and he was still not here. Which was good because that meant when he arrives, he'll leave soon. I doubt he will stay here past 10pm.

I changed again and put on wide hot pink pants and an orange top. My hair was now in a bun because I had no time to do anything else and also it was bothering when it was down.

The door bell rang and at that moment everything felt real. Honestly I wanted to cry.

"He's here!" Ian exclaimed and ran to the door.

"Be careful." I called out for him. My voice shaking. My hands were trembling as well as my legs.

Ian turned the key and then grabbed the knob, opening the door. I didn't even get the chance to peek through the peephole because Ian beat me to it and ran to the door.

I caught up to him and stood behind him when he pushed the door open.

And there was Fenix. Standing by the entrance.

He was dressed more casually. He was still in dress pants but he had a t-shirt instead of his usual attire. His hair was pushed back like always. Now that he had short sleeves, I was able to see couple of tattoos on his arms.

He had two bags in one hand. One smaller and one bigger and a file in his other hand. There was a watch on his wrist and I lifted my eyes to his face when I caught myself ogling his body.

To my surprise he was doing the same. His eyes were travelling over my outfit. His eyebrows furrowed upwards. The colours must have blinded him.

I suppressed a laugh.

It was almost everyone's reaction to my style.

"Hello, I'm Ian." He waved at Fenix and then looked up at me for the slightest second.

"Hello, Ian. I'm Fenix." He said and I held my breath.

"Come in." I gestured with my hand, not wanting him to stand there and make the situation awkward. He nodded and stepped inside.

His tall strong presence made my tiny apartment even smaller. I pushed the door close behind him and wiped my hands off my pants.

Fenix crouched down next to Ian and extended his hand and gave him the big bag.

"A little gift from me." Ian gasped and dig into the bag. He took out the box from inside and his eyes widened while he hugged it close to his chest.

"Eli look. It's a car." He turned the box around and indeed there was a car toy. With a little remote. Ian sat on the floor and looked up at me for permission to open it.

Because he was meeting Fenix for the first time, Ian wanted to make sure if he should accept the expensive gift.

When I gave him the encouraging nod, he started to open the box eagerly. For the quickest second my gaze went to Fenix.

Oh my God!

He was smiling at Ian. He knew how to smile?

Fenix had dimples on each cheek, covering behind his five o'clock shadow beard. Who would have thought that the man would ever smile in my presence.

My mouth was still parted in shock when he straightened himself up and took a step toward me.

"And this is for you." He handed me the small bag and the file which I assume was the contract.

My eyebrows pinched together when I looked inside the bag. There was a plastic container. I took it out and my cheeks blushed.

I must look like a tomato.

There was a slice of tiramisu inside of the container. The one from Nino's restaurant which I have told him is my favourite.

My heart swelled at the gesture.

"Thank you." I said and without looking at him, placed the tiramisu on the table together with the file.

"Can you help me with this?" Ian tilted his head and lifted the car in his hands while gazing at Fenix with hopeful eyes.

"Sure buddy." They sat on the sofa and Ian watched Fenix work with the car in his hands. He poked his tongue on the corner of his mouth while he carefully observed Fenix.

"Do you want something to drink?" I asked.

"Water would be good." I hummed as a response and turned to the kitchen. I opened the fridge and took out a bottle of water and brought it to Fenix.

He placed the car on the floor and handed the remote to Ian.

I watched their interaction and it was sure messing with my feelings.

Ian never got to have moments like this with his father. Wayne, Sally's boyfriend wasn't in the picture that much. He was there when Ian was born but I wasn't really seeing around them a lot.

Ian played around and then took Fenix by the hand and showed his room.

At the end of the tour, the whole bedroom was covered in small car toys and dinosaurs. He even showed him all of the stickers he had and jumped on the bed to show him the covers and pillows.

Fenix listed to all of his stories and not for a second did he made Ian feel dismissed or unseen.

"Ian it's your bed time. You should brush your teeth first and then it's time for you to sleep." I said after almost an hour of them bonding.

"Eli please, can I stay longer tonight?" He jutted his bottom lip and circled Fenix's arm with his tiny hands.

He looked even smaller next to him.

"But you have school tomorrow." I didn't want him to feel sad but this was his bedtime and I didn't want him feeling sleepy tomorrow morning.

"Please." He begged and Fenix turned to him.

"You should listen to Elsie buddy. I'll visit you again. You have to go to bed now." Ian's shoulders slumped and he nodded in defeat.

"Okay. But please visit us again."

"I will, don't worry." He ruffled his hair and made him stood up on his feet. "Go on brush your teeth now." Ian ran to the bathroom and I whispered a quiet thank you to Fenix.

After Ian was done with everything, I tucked him into his bed and kissed his forehead.

"Sleep well, Ian. I love you."

"I love you too, Eli." He turned on his side and I left the lamp on. I exited his room, leaving the door slightly open. He didn't like when the door was fully closed and I also felt better knowing that if he needed something, he was able to reach me without struggling to open the door in the middle of the night.

We use to sleep on the same bed but since last year, I wanted him to get use to sleeping alone.

"Thank you again. He was really excited when I told him that you are visiting us tonight." Fenix nodded and stood in the middle of the living room. His hands flexing as he slid his hands into pockets of his slacks.

Strangely, I didn't feel weird having him here. Not that he was standing in my living room and that I have seen him interact with Ian, I felt so much better.

"Feel free to sit." I pointed to the chairs by the table.

I grabbed two spoons from the kitchen and lowered myself on the chair next to him. I offered him the spoon while I opened the plastic container with the tiramisu.

We dig into the dessert and I closed my mouth when the sweet taste hit my tongue. I craved this so much.

Before I lost myself in the sweet heaven of the tiramisu, I opened the file and started to read the contract.

Fenix stayed quiet while I went through every page. The deal was going to last six months, if needed, seven.

Ian's school bills were going to be paid together with everything else. Also mine as well.

We were going to divorce mutually and I was going to have a secure future as his ex wife. All of the things he told me were here. Written without any mistakes.

So he was a man of his words.

"What about my work?"

"You can work from home." He said.

"What about the restaurant?"

"I hope you can understand that with being my wife there will be changes. In which I mean, you can't just work at a public place where everyone can reach you. I can't afford something happening to you because of my work. You can find a job that you can work from home." He explained and I understood what he meant.

I wasn't going to make fuss out of it. It was for half a year. I think I can menage working from home the whole time, that if I can actually find a job. I'll have to though.

"You and Ian will have a complete protection. Whenever you go there will be signed guards with you. And please follow their lead. They are there to protect you and not to make your life harder. Hmm?"

"Okay." I'll endure whatever for the next following months, I just want Ian to be safe. That's all that mattered.

"What were your rules that you wanted to add?" He asked and I shifted slightly on my seat. I braced my elbows on the table and my skin slightly touched his.

Shivers ran down my spine at the contact.

"Well... now that we'll have to act as a married couple. We'll... we'll have to show public affection right?"

"Mhmm." He hummed. This was embarrassing but we had to have this conversation.

"Just holding hands is enough I think. We'll have minimal physical contact." It was enough right?

"Okay, we can work with that."

"And that is if it's needed. Ian doesn't really understand so we don't have to do any of that in front of him."

"What else?"

"I'll sleep in Ian's room."

"Yeah that's not really gonna work. I'm sure he knows that married couples share bedroom. You don't want him accidentally telling my parents about that." Crap. I forgot that I'll have to meet his parents as well.

"But..."

"I'm not going to eat you, Elsie. You'll sleep on your side while I'll sleep on mine. It's not that hard." I stared at him as he placed his hand on the back of my chair and leaned slightly forward.

His woodsy cologne hit my nose and all I wanted to do was get close to him and take a deep breath. He smelled divine.

"Okay but we'll talk about this." I pointed a finger at him.

"Mhmm." He bit his lip and nodded his head while his eyes never left mine. I gulped and quickly averted my gaze back to the contract.

"When do I meet your parents?"

"Tomorrow preferably. The wedding will be in a week or so. It's better if you meet them earlier." I did read in the contract about the wedding date being close by but it still felt surreal.

And tomorrow? That felt too quick. Everything was happening too fast.

"What will they say to this?" I pointed between us. What if they don't like me? I was just a random girl and I'm sure they expected for him to marry someone from their level of class.

"They can't wait for me to get married so they'll be happy." Okay then...

I tapped my fingers on the table in nervousness. I'll have to add the deals we made into the contract and I'll also need a copy of it.

"Have you had any boyfriends?" The question popped out of nowhere and I faced Fenix.

"Yes. Two." And those two boyfriends were in high school and college. Since I broke up with Mike, couple of years ago, I haven't dated anyone.

It's not like those relationships lasted. The first one was more of a friendship than anything else. Oliver didn't even try to kiss me at all. In the four months of our dating, I was the one who kissed him and that was it.

Nothing happened at all. We broke up and I haven't seen him since.

Mike was an okay guy. He tried his best but we just weren't a match. He wasn't a guy who can settle down at young age. Those were his words. He didn't want to be tied in a relationship so I broke up with him.

We separated on good terms but never saw each again as well.

"What are their names?" Fenix asked again.

"What does that matter? It's in the past. They don't even live here." When I finished with college here, I stayed. I didn't move back home. It was not that far from my grandparents house but I had everything here.

"Fine." His jaw clenched and he averted his eyes.

"That's all from me. For now at least." I closed the file and Fenix stood up from the chair. He fixed his t-shirt and I stood up as well.

"I'll call you tomorrow." He said and looked down to his wristwatch. "It's late and I should go."

"Okay, thank you again for the Ian's gift and for this." I pointed at the now empty container where the dessert was couple of minutes ago.

He just nodded once and started to make his way over to the door. I said goodbye to him and watched him disappear in the hallway of the building.

After I closed the door behind me, I let out s long sigh. One of the things I was worried about is over.

I checked on Ian and found him sound asleep. When I did that, I went to the living room and slumped down on the sofa.

"What did you get yourself into Elsie?"

I whispered to myself and leaned my head back while closing my eyes.

So what do we think of Fenix's interaction with Ian? They are already like a sweet small family.

Thoughts??

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