Episode 5

Maximo

I went to the restaurant, ordered various dishes, and when she went to the bathroom, I spoke with her employer.

"Madam, I wanted to ask if you would allow Lisa to have dinner with me."

"Of course, sir. She finished her shift a while ago but doesn't want to go home."

"I appreciate it. Could you ask her to join me, please?"

"Sure."

Lisa arrived minutes later, quite surprised by my request. I suppose it's not common to receive dinner invitations from a stranger. I introduced myself without mentioning my last name, assuming she must know me.

She looked more at the food than at me and ate with great appetite. I could tell how hungry she was, and it pained me to see. I was searching for the right words to speak to her and explain what I needed without scaring her away. She looked at me with a cold gaze, as if she had nothing inside.

After ordering different desserts, I asked her to stay and have coffee with me, and she accepted. As we had it, I explained the situation I am going through and the urgency I have to get married. All she wished for me was to solve my problems. I decided to hint at what I needed, hoping she could understand on her own, and she told me she needs a job. She understood that, and I didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

"Lisa, what I'm offering you is better than a job."

"I don't understand, Mr. Maximo."

"I want you to be my wife."

"Is this a joke? Someone like you wouldn't marry someone like me."

"I'm not joking, and I don't have time to do so in such a serious and delicate matter. You would be perfect to be my wife."

"Why me? Look, sir, I don't have money, class, or a university education. I couldn't be with you under any circumstance."

"I need a legal wife for appearance, and I'm offering you a three-year contract. You'll have a monthly allowance for your personal expenses, new clothes, jewelry, and anything you need."

"How much are we talking about, and what would being your wife entail?"

"Fifty thousand per month. You would have to live with me and pretend to be my wife in society, accompany me to parties and events. That's all."

"Did you say five thousand? I think I heard wrong."

"Fifty thousand, just as you heard. You would only have to pretend to be my wife and love me in front of others. Furthermore, I would take care of you studying at a university or purchase a store or business for you to manage. It wouldn't be a problem. When we divorce, you'll have five million in your account and an apartment."

"What's your company?"

"Blent Company," she paled upon hearing me say that.

"I'm sorry, but I can't."

"Why? Tell me."

"People from there hurt me."

"If you're my wife, no one would dare to touch you. You could even fire them or make their days miserable. Your word would be law to them."

"Are you sure about that, sir?"

"Absolutely. No one will disrespect you, and I'll help you with whatever you need. You can accompany me and see where you'll live, as well as review the contract in person."

"Alright."

We went to my mansion, located in the most expensive part of the city. She looked at every corner, and I gave her a tour. We went to my office, where a contract lay on the desk. She took it, and I leaned back in my chair, observing her face closely while she couldn't see me. My hands sweat from nervousness. I hope she accepts and I can protect her.

People from my company hurt her. I can't erase their words from my mind, and although I am against workplace harassment, she is free to take revenge if she becomes my wife. I will do everything in my power to give her the life she deserves.

"Well?" I asked when she finished reading.

"I just have a few doubts."

"Tell me, and I'll answer them."

"Do you and I have to...?"

"Have relations? No, unless you want to," I smiled, and she looked at me with a chilling coldness that ran through my entire body. "I was just joking. Relax."

"Do we have to sleep together?"

"Yes, that is, there are employees here, and if they were to talk, it would be a problem for me."

"I understand."

"It says here that I would have to travel with you."

"There are partners who prefer dealing with family men or at least married individuals. It's common to travel in jobs like mine."

"I don't have a passport."

"That can be solved with just one call and a little money."

"When will the wedding be?"

"Within a maximum of ten days. I don't have much time."

"Can I give you an answer tomorrow?"

I took a card and wrote my personal number on the back of it.

"Here's my number, you can call me."