CHAPTER 33- MARITAL DUTIES

A few minutes later, Karl finally arrived and took her in the car as they both made their way to the Mansion.

"How was it?"

"Horrible, I was set up."

"How?"

Allison showed him her ring finger.

"What the hell?"

"I know, I know. I thought so too but I didn't have much of a choice." She said, crossing her arms to her chest.

"What now?"

"I don't know Karl, I wish this was all a nightmare that I would wake up from."

~~~~~~~~~~~

"What is this I'm seeing on the news Hades?" Lisa yelled into the phone that afternoon.

"Lisa will you calm down and listen?"

"Heck no! I want you back home right now."

"I won't be back in New York for awhile."

"What are you saying Hades? Please tell me you didn't actually get engaged to someone else. Please tell me that was a prank." She sobbed.

"It wasn't Lisa. I'm getting married...in a few weeks."

"How can you sound so unaffected you bastard! How could you do this to me? To us?"

"I'm sorry. I've apologized, there you have it."

"What? You shameless scum! Oh I can't believe you'd be this cruel."

"Lisa..." He signed, tiredly. "I told you before and I'll say it again, there was never anything real between us and there never will be."

"What are you saying? No." She yelled, her voice cracking.

"I don't love you Lisa." He said, bluntly, almost too cruel but he didn't care as long as she was being told the truth and that was what he was doing.

"Hades..." she called out, clutching at her chest, hurt. "Don't say that please."

"I have no feelings for you whatsoever Lisa. I'm sorry for the time wasted in delusions."

"Delusions? You think my feeling for you are some baseless fantasy?"

"Maybe"

"You're a horrible person Hades."

"Mmm"

"I feel sorry for her."

"What?"

"You don't love her either. You know it."

"Yes I don't but our union will benefit me."

"What could you possibly gain from a crumbling empire? You have more than enough wealth as it is."

"Oh no Lisa, not in cash....."

"What?"

".....but in kind."

HAMILTON MANOR

12:30pm

"Welcome home dear, I'm proud of you. You did well today." Vera said, smiling.

"Mmm."

"Oh what's with the long face? Cheer up Allison."

"There's absolutely nothing to cheer up about."

"Humph! Suit yourself. I just wanted to let you know that I'll be retiring in a few days from now."

"Wh...what? But aunt you're not even sixty yet. Why would you? Please don't, I still need you around.

Vera smiled, the lad genuinely cares for her so much. Adopting Allison was one of the best thing that had happened to her since her husband died untimely.

"You'll always have me sweet Ally."

"Why are you doing this Aunt Vee?"

"I figured I should be out of the picture so our plan of restoring our company would speed up."

"How?"

"With the original owner, retired. It would be easier for customers to trust the new owner."

"Me?"

"No your husband, Lenshaw."

"Don't call him that. We're not married."

"Well get used to it. That isn't far off from what I see."

"Where will you go aunt?"

"Cuba. I hear you once managed my brother's resort there. I plan on picking up from where you left off."

"Oh auntie" Allison smiled. "You do love a life of partying and fun."

"I need it now that I'm getting older."

"I agree. I think it would suit you perfectly but auntie I still need your mentorship. I still need your presence around this house. It'll be an empty void without you."

"Not to worry, Lenshaw should be moving in after the contract signing."

"What?"

"Why the surprise? Don't husband and wife live together? Besides I'm changing the Mansion to his name."

"You can't be serious Aunt. Don't you think you're doing a bit too much?"

"What do you mean?"

"What if...what if He's up to something else? What if he wants you to do this so he'd get easy access to us? What if he's purposely taking advantage of our desperate situation to further wreck us?"

Vera chuckled. "You're such a drama queen Allison."

"Why does everyone keep saying that?" She frowned, Hades had called her that earlier today.

"But don't worry, a sham isn't a sham without all the right props to go along with it. I'm only making these changes so our plan continues on foolproof. Everything is temporary Allison, keep that in mind."

"When will you leave aunt?"

"Immediately after the signing."

"I'll miss you aunt."

"I'm just a flight away sweetheart."

"Right." Allison smiled.

"Make me proud Allison."

"I'll try."

"And when your best isn't enough?"

"Give it my all."

Vera smiled, proudly. "I have thought you well."

The Saturday of the very next weekend was the day for the signing of the contract marriage. That morning at nine, Allison was already present. Going against her aunt's wish , she ditched the wedding dress for a more corporate wear.

They might have succeeded in coercing her into this sham but she wasn't going to give them the pleasure of a wedding dress. She therefore chose to wear a black sleeved blouse and an equally matching skirt. Her hair simply tied behind her.

"Auntie where are you? I'm here already."

"You sound so anxious." Vera said, amused.

"This isn't funny. I'm only doing this because it's not on permanent basis."

"Yes honey, keep that in mind."

"I hate you so much for this." She said, her voice breaking.

"And I love you too child. I'll be there in a few minutes."

Hangup!

"Urgh! That woman!" Allison gritted her teeth in anger.

The office was a spacious, well-lit room with large windows letting in natural light. The walls were adorned with framed diplomas, certificates and a few tasteful pieces of art. A large wooden desk stood in the center with comfortable office chairs arranged around it.

The desk was neatly organized with a laptop, a stack of papers and a few pen holders. The atmosphere was calm and professional, yet welcoming. The lawyer, Charles Wick was a man in his early sixties. Both her and Hades were seated facing the lawyer. Vera was also present as a witness to the occasion.

"Good morning everyone. Thank you all for being here today. Without further ado, we all know why we're gathered here today. To discuss and finalize the contract marriage between Mr Hades Lenshaw and Miss Allison Hamilton." Charles said. "Vera, thank you for being here today as a witness."

"My pleasure, barrister."

"Now let's ensure all concerns are addressed before we proceed."

"Miss Hamilton?"

Allison flinched at the mention of her name. "Y...yes sir?"

"Is there anything you'd like to share with us today? Any differences you may have as to regarding this union today?"

All eyes were on her, especially Hades who was waiting for what she'd say next.

"It is important that everyone here understands and agrees to the terms of this contract willingly. Do you need more time or do you have any reservations Miss Hamilton? You may wish to let us know now." The lawyer went on.

"No." She shook her head. "I approve of this union."

"And you Mr Lenshaw?"

"Same." He simply said.

"With that being said, let's review the contract shall we? Starting from the top. We'll go through each clause and you can stop me at any point if you have questions or need any clarification. Are we ready?"

"Yes, let's go through it." Hades said.

"Clause one covers the duration of the contract marriage. It specifies a period of two years within which the wife is expected to have a baby in the relationship. Clause two being that the said child would have no knowledge of its mother and totally and solely belong to its father and finally clause three which clearly states that once the aim of this marriage had being reached and Hamilton restored to it's former glory, a divorce can now be sorted by both parties even before the dead line of two years. Please note that if the aim is yet to be reached after the two years deadline, an extension of the contract can be made. Have I said this all to your understanding?"

"Yes indeed." Hades nodded.

"Now let's proceed to the signing, vows and exchange of wedding rings."

"Right away Mr Char...."

"Barrister?" Allison cut Hades short much to everyone's surprise.

"Is something wrong Miss?"

"Let's skip the exchange of vows please. This is afterall a sham and I see no use to disrespect such precious words. They are for people who mean what they're about to venture into not for sceneries like this."

"Very well then, is this okay by you Mr Lenshaw?"

"Whatever she wants, let's proceed."

It was over, documents signed and closed, wedding rings exchanged and Allison walked out of the office, nervous and trying hard not to fidget.

"Congratulating honey." Her aunt said to her.

"Congratulations? Who said I wanted this?"

Vera sighed. "You'll do fine Allison, trust me."

"Do you really have to leave now?"

"I have to darling, my flight is scheduled for twelve noon, I can't afford to miss it not when someone's paying for me."

"Who?"

"Who else?"

"Hades? Seems he's really in a rush to get rid of you."

"Oh stop it Ally."

"I'll miss you aunt."

"And so will I."

"Aunt..."

"Yes Ally?"

"I'm scared." She admitted.

"About what?"

"You know...I don't...it's just..." Allison shut her eyes, furtratedly embarrassed. Vera smiled.

"It'll be fine. It's only one child afterall."

"I know but what if it doesn't work out the first time?" She asked, nervously.

"Then keep trying." Vera said, chuckling.

"Your impossible aunt. I'm having a seizure here and that's all you can say?"

"What else honey? I'm being honest."

"Well that's right but it isn't helping. Have a safe flight aunt Vee. Call me once you arrive at Cuba."

"I will honey, I will."

Outside the premises was crowded by the media authorities and this time, she knew there was no escape. They had to answer questions. Wasn't that the point afterall? To spread the news to the public.

"One minute, Miss Hamilton."

"What can you say about the decision you've made today?"

"Whatelse? I'm truly happy." She said, faking a smile.

"Are you sure? This seems too rushed, you both came out of the blue and suddenly there's a wedding?"

"Well erm...you see..."

"...why wouldn't we be sure?" Hades cut in, salvaging the situation. "It's true that we've had a very private relationship over the years but now, we both have considered it time to make it known as man and wife officially. Isn't that right darling?" He asked, smiling down at her.

"Hmm yes." She smiled too.

Such an actor, urgh!

"One more question please."

"I'm afraid we can't entertain anymore." Hades said, bringing the interview to an end as they both left the premises with bodyguards trailing at all sides, blocking off the press.

That same day, Hades had moved in to Hamilton Mansion which was now in his name. Allison was in the office at that time. She received every detail from Sera.

"Keep an eye on him. Make sure he doesn't touch anything."

"Will do Miss."

"Thank you, I'll be home by nine."

"Ofcourse Miss."

When Allison got back, she headed straight to her bedroom and had a shower before getting into her pajamas for the night. A sleeved white shirt with long matching pants that had smiling kitten faces imprinted all over. She noticed that the mansion had double the guards now. Obviously his side of security.

It'll be fine. It's only one child afterall.

Her aunt's words sounded in her ears. It'll be fine Allison. Let's get this over with. With that she stepped out of her room.

Knock! Knock!!

"Come in."

She heard his voice from inside. Still awake?She thought as she got in. He was standing by the window, staring outside.

"You're still up" she said, almost awkwardly.

"Mhmm."

"Well..." she looked around the spacious bedroom, her cheeks burning in embarrassment.

"Well what?" He asked, completely amused by her pitiful attempt to make the first move.

"Are you really going to make me say it?"

He moved closer to her. "Duty calls? Or in this case, marital?"

"Just so you know, I'm only doing this once. If it doesn't work out this one time, you're on your own."

Hades let out a chuckle. It was the first time she had ever heard him laugh and she couldn't lie, it was almost...pleasant? Maybe completely if she didn't hate him so much.

"Oh well, just close your eyes and it'll be over soon." He whispered in her ears, holding's the back of her head which fit almost  perfectly into his palm as he started placing soft kisses on her shoulders, slowly brushing her shirt down.

She shut her eyes closed, her back leaning on the study desk in the room, her fingers clenched on the hard wood wishing it would all end. He effortlessly slipped off part of her shirt, revealing a good portion of skin underneath as he continued pressing kissed down her collar.

My gosh! Hades! The woman in his memory giggled.

What's wrong darling? came his playful laugh.

What's up with you today?

I can't seem to get my hands off you Venice, I'm a man bound by his own needs. Don't you dare say no to me sweetheart.

The giggling continued. Someone might see us.

The door's locked.

Is that so? You naughty thing!

As much as he tried to block them out, the memories kept flooding in and Allison wasn't helping either. How was he supposed to focus when the woman underneath him was wriggling and squirming uncomfortably. She obviously didn't want this and the last thing he would do was to force her. Bound by duty or otherwise. He abruptly let go of her and walked to the other side of the bedroom.

"Wh...what?" She blinked, confused. "Wh..why did you st..stop?" She asked.

Damn it! Why was her voice quivering so much? They had barely done anything.

"You can leave now." He simply said.

"What? But...but we haven't.." Her voice trailed off not knowing how to formally put it when there clearly wasn't any.

"You're clearly not in the mood for any of this and until then, I won't be laying a finger on you. Goodnight Allison."

Oh? She felt relieved he wasn't insisting but that only meant this was postponed to some other time.

"Goodnight." She said as she exited the room.

goddamn it! Hades cussed as he watched the door close behind her.

Venice....

He shut his eyes, thinking wearily.

As she walked away from his bedroom, she couldn't help but feel odd. Damn it! There was just no way to stop the shivering was there? She kept fidgeting, holding onto her shirt like she had just committed the worse sin when they barely did anything. The skin on her collar bone and shoulders were still covered with goosebumps from his kisses, she shuddered at the memory.

Gosh! Get a hold of yourself Allison. She winced to herself. How was she going to face him tomorrow morning at breakfast? Oh crap! She totally flopped didn't she? He got annoyed by her prude behavior that he....Oooohhhh

She winced again. If only she didn't have to act like a child in there.

"Miss?"

"What?" She flinched at Sera's voice.

"Are you okay? Why aren't you asleep yet?"

"Oh well I..." Goodness! This was so embarrassing. She was grateful it was dark so Sera couldn't see the flushed look on her face. "...I just decided to look around and make sure everything was still in place."

"I see."

"I'll go to bed now."

"Goodnight Miss."

"Goodnight Sera.

It was a relief when Allison came down the stairs that morning and Hades was not there. She learned from Sera that He left much earlier that morning. Thank goodness but where could he have gone? Oh well that was the least of her worries anyways.