10. Drakar

“I’ve probably completely lost it.”

My voice echoes slightly throughout my bedroom, a muttered admission to the empty space around me.

Tossing in my bed, the sheets tangled around me like a knot of uncertainty, I find no solace in the darkness of the night. My mind replays the unexpected proposal I made to Sally, each word spoken echoing like a haunting melody in the stillness of my room.

Moonlight filters in through the window, casting ethereal shadows across my face as I sit up restlessly, grappling with the whirlwind of emotions that swirl within me. The weight of my impulsive decision hangs heavy in the air, a thread of doubt weaving through my thoughts like a persistent whisper of self-doubt.

“What the hell caused me to offer a contractual marriage in the first place?” I mutter scoldingly.

As I ponder the connection that compelled my offer, a cocktail of emotions churns within me. Was it the right choice? Was it an act of desperation or a moment of clarity? The lines blur in the dim light, leaving me grasping for a semblance of understanding in the midst of chaos.

I sigh deeply, running my fingers through my hair as I try to make sense of the tumultuous emotions that have taken hold of me. As I search within myself, I find a surprising answer that resonates with a part of my past that I had long tried to suppress.

”It”s because I see myself in her,” I admit softly, my voice barely audible in the quiet room.

I see glimpses of my own struggles in Sally. Her fight for her family, her determination to overcome adversity... it”s all too familiar.

My mind wanders back to my past, recalling the days when I was barely scraping by, trying to keep my family afloat amidst the turmoil that life had thrown our way. I remember the desperate fight for survival, the countless sleepless nights spent worrying about how to make ends meet, and the overwhelming fear that threatened to consume me.

I can”t help but see the parallels between Sally”s situation and my own. The fierce determination that burns within her is a reflection of the same fire that once drove me to claw my way out of despair and forge a path towards success. It”s a connection that runs deeper than I could have ever anticipated, and it”s this shared understanding that compelled me to offer her a helping hand.

As I lay in the dimly lit room, my thoughts a jumbled mess of past and present, I realize that my proposal to Sally was not an act of desperation, but rather a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

That’s why I feel a jolt of anticipation when my phone suddenly rings the next morning, breaking the silence of the room. I glance at the screen and see Sally”s name displayed, my heart skipping a beat. Taking a deep breath, I answer the call.

”Hello?” I say, trying to keep my voice steady.

”Hi,” Sally responds, her tone cautious. ”I hope I”m not interrupting anything.”

”No, not at all,” I reassure her. ”I”m just... glad you called.”

There”s a brief pause before she speaks again. ”I”ve been thinking about your proposal. It”s... a lot to take in.”

I nod, even though she can”t see me. ”I understand. It was quite unexpected for me as well.”

We fall into a momentary silence, both of us grappling with the weight of the decision that hangs in the balance. Finally, she breaks the silence, her voice tentative.

“Can we meet at the cafe again?” she asks.

”Of course,” I reply, relief washing over me. ”When would you like to meet?”

”How about in an hour?” Sally suggests, her voice still tentative but with a hint of determination.

I nod, glancing at the clock on my phone. ”That works for me. I”ll see you there.”

I can”t help but feel a mixture of emotions. On one hand, I”m relieved that Sally is willing to meet and discuss my proposal further. On the other hand, I”m anxious about what her decision will be. I take a deep breath and try to steady my nerves, reminding myself that no matter what happens, I need to stay calm and composed.

As I make my way to the café, I rehearse what I want to say to Sally in my head. I want to convey to her that I truly believe this arrangement could be beneficial for both of us, and that I”m committed to making it work. But I also want to be understanding and respectful of her feelings and concerns.

When I arrive at the café, Sally is already there, sitting in the same corner booth where we talked the day before. I take a deep breath and approach her, trying to project an air of confidence and calm.

”Hey,” I say, sliding into the booth across from her.

”Hi,” she replies, offering me a small smile.

We order our drinks, and then there”s a moment of awkward silence before Sally speaks up.

”Look, I know this is a lot to ask. And I don”t want you to think that I”m just using you or anything like that.”

I shake my head, trying to reassure her. ”I don”t think that at all. I understand that this is a difficult situation, and I want to help if I can.”

She takes a deep breath, looking down at her hands.

“Besides,” I continue. “I’m the one who proposed this, not you.”

As Sally and I sit across from each other in the cafe, I can”t help but feel a sense of admiration for her. She”s been through so much, and yet she”s still strong and determined, willing to do whatever it takes to protect her family.

She begins to outline her terms, her voice firm and resolute. ”First of all, I want to make it clear that this is strictly a platonic arrangement. No sleeping together, no romantic entanglements. Are we clear?”

I nod, my expression serious. ”Absolutely. I understand and respect your boundaries.”

She continues, ”Secondly, I need you to pretend to be really in love with me in front of my family and friends. I don”t want anyone to suspect that this is anything other than a genuine, passionate relationship. Especially my family.”

I smile at the thought of displaying our faux affection to the world, but I keep my tone serious. ”Of course.”

Sally nods, looking relieved. ”Good. I don”t want to put you in an uncomfortable position, but it”s important that we maintain the illusion of a real relationship.”

I nod again, understanding her concerns. ”I get it. And just to clarify, our public displays of affection will be limited to just that, public. When we”re alone, we can be ourselves.”

Sally smiles at me, her expression grateful. ”Thank you for understanding. I really appreciate it.”

“So,” I prompt. “Does that mean you’ll accept?”

”I hope you don”t mind me asking, but what”s your relationship status?”

I understand her concern and quickly reassure her. ”I”m currently single, and I don”t have any plans to change that anytime soon. You have nothing to worry about on that front.”

She nods, looking relieved. ”Good. I just want to make sure that there are no complications or conflicts of interest. This arrangement is important to me, and I need to know that it”s important to you as well.”

I smile, appreciating her dedication to our cause. ”I can assure you, Sally, that I am fully committed to this arrangement.”

We share a moment of mutual understanding, the weight of our situation settling heavily on our shoulders. But in that moment, I also feel a sense of hope and determination. Together, we can make this work.

Sally extends her hand across the table, a solemn look in her eyes. ”In that case, let”s shake on it.”

I reach out and take her delicate fingers in mine.

As Sally and I finish discussing the details of our arrangement, I feel a sense of relief wash over me. I watch her as she turns to hail a cab, and before I can second-guess myself, I call out to her.

”Sally, wait.” She turns around, looking at me expectantly. ”I”d like to take you to dinner tonight if you”ll let me.”

She looks surprised for a moment, but then a smile spreads across her face. ”I”d like that.”

We agree on a time and place to meet. As she climbs into the cab, I can”t help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. This partnership with Sally is unconventional, to say the least, but I have a feeling that it could also be the start of something special.

It doesn’t hurt that I’ve developed a bit of an admiration for her. She’s steadfast and keeps going even when things are difficult.

I watch the cab pull away, then turn and start walking in the opposite direction, my mind already racing with ideas for how to make this arrangement a success. With Sally by my side, I”m ready to take on whatever challenges come our way. Our path forward may be unconventional, but I have a feeling that it”s also going to be one hell of an adventure.