Chapter 11

• I know I'm not exactly model gorgeous; however, it's one thing for someone to think something about you and not tell you than it is to have someone make you sign a contract promising to change your looks. I nod my head but say nothing, gritting my teeth somewhat and willing myself to stay composed. I still have my dignity, there aren't any rules signing that part of myself over.
• "Anything else Amelia?" Graces voice is soft, like she's trying to remind me that she's on my side when before she was basically telling me 'agree to everything don't embarrass me in front of him'.
• "PDA in public?" I ask. He nods his head gently.
• "I will initiate what I am comfortable with in public" He says sternly.
• "And I'll just have to be fine with it" the words fall out my mouth and I can't pull them back, like a car sliding off a hill. Mr Whitlock' face drops slowly into a subtle smirk as he nods his head.
• "Exactly, do I need to add a rule about you being a smart-ass" I think he's flirting with me, but I'm not. This is what our relationship would be like; me following his rules and him reprimanding me as though I'm a child if I don't follow them perfectly. It's unsettling to say the least, but my mind keeps going back to my bank account. I need the money, maybe it won't be as bad as I think. I shake my head.
• "Sorry sir" I mumble quietly and look back down at my paper. There is silence for a moment before Lory clears her throat.
• "Shall we move on?" She asks, I don't know who she's talking to but I'm assuming it's not me. I'm proven correct as Mr Whitlock tells her yes and they both turn the page, I do the same.
• "Now let's talk dates; this is where we will discuss the kinds of events and functions that Mr Whitlock will request that you accompany him to" Lory tells me, I nod as my eyes glance down at the list. There's quite a list of them; balls, auctions, openings, charity events, anniversaries. I'm going to need a lot of help with my outfits, maybe I should use some of the money I get and employ Poppy to help me.
• "There will be more that need to be added as they come up but these events so far are the ones you must be available for. And some of these will involve travel, I will get an itinerary together for you" Mr Whitlock says whilst I read. I think that means he will get someone on his staff to create a copy for me. Why must I go to these things? Can't he ever go alone?
• I nod once again. "Questions?" Lory asks.
• "What about my events?" I ask, looking first at Lory and then to him. They both eye me curiously. "Am I allowed to bring you to events?" Mr Whitlock let's out a slight chuckle.
• "I don't do college parties, or children's birthdays. So no" I try and stifle the sigh that wants to escape. I'm his arm candy, not his equal.
• "There could be some exceptions, but that is something that you two can discuss later on" Lory attempts to break them tension between the two of us, placing a hand on my own. I know that I am shaking, very subtly and I know that she can feel it. And it's not due to nerves or anger, I'm upset. What the hell am I signing myself up for?
• "Lastly, let's talk finances" Lory takes her hand off my own and flips over to one of the last pages, gesturing for me to do the same.
• "Before you begin Grace, I'm prepared to increase the weekly allowance that I normally offer" Mr Whitlock voice causes me to lift my head up, even though he is speaking to Lory he is looking directly at me. I have a feeling he's trying to make up for everything that I'm agreeing to by signing.
• "I'll be offering 拢1500 per week, that is just for you to spend on whatever you wish. I will take over your rent payments as well as your water and power." My breath hitches in my throat, that's a lot of fucking money. With both of my jobs combined I was making around 拢450 a week, I would have to be so stupid to pass this up. Just when I think he's done, he continues.
• "You will be provided with transport to and from events with me, and I will also allow a monthly stipend of 拢5000 to go towards your clothing and makeup expenses" I feel as though I could throw up all over the contract and the table in front of me.
• "I'm also known to be quite generous when it comes to gifts. I can assure you Amelia, you will be well taken care of" His eyes soften as I give him a gentle smile. Who couldn't smile at hearing someone offer them so much money, he's literally lifted the weight of the entire world off my shoulders. I can stop looking for a third part time job, I don't have to script in my head the way I will desperately plead with my parents for money. I can make rent, I can eat food, I can live my life and a rather glamorous and comfortable one at that.
• This is a business deal, it's not a relationship. I have to stop thinking about it as one, just as he has done. I will not fall in love with him, nor will he fall in love with me. I'm a doll, to be played with however he seems fit. I will play by his rules, obey his commands, be his ideal. And in six months time when this contract is up having saved enough of the money to survive on, I will run for the hills and never see this man again.
• "That's incredibly generous, thank you Mr Whitlock" I tell him sweetly, giving him a gentle smile. Lory seems very impressed.
• "Indeed Mr Whitlock, very generous. Shall we sign?" Mr Whitlock is the first to flip over his page and quickly flurry his signature along the bottom of the document.
• I turn over my copy as well and scan through the last page. It looks like the terms and conditions you agree to before reading when you sign up for literally anything. I give it a try and scan quickly and when nothing raises alarm bells, I quickly sign.
• Mr Whitlock then slides his contract across the desk to sit in front of me and Lory slides mine across to him. I examine his signature; crisp and clean. I sign below it, quite fitting I think to myself; under his thumb.
• "Well congratulations you two" Lory sings out and squeezes my hand, the joy and elation in her voice would only be fitting if we had just gotten married or had a baby. I give her a smile back, swallowing the ever present lump in my throat. I hope I don't regret this.