THE CONTRACT WIFE: A ONE NIGHT STAND BILLIONAIRE ROMANCE

Zara’s POVCopyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

Fifteen years have passed since Lucas and I exchanged our vows, a journey filled with ups and downs, tears and smiles. We have faced countless challenges, nearly losing hope at times, but our determination has kept us fighting.

Has it been an easy road for us? No, there’s no such thing as a perfect relationship. We, like any couple, have experienced moments of doubt and contemplation.

But we have also found reasons to hold on tightly, to weather the storms together. We understand that true happiness and a healthy relationship require effort and commitment.

They say that when you’re truly happy, time flies by unnoticed. And indeed, the time has flown. It feels like just yesterday when my children were young, and now they tower over me, grown into remarkable individuals.

Enrique, our eldest, is now 25. He has blossomed into a handsome, intelligent young man, dedicated to his studies and still possessing a gentle sweetness. He will forever be Mama’s boy, choosing to remain close to home despite his age.

He’s yet to find a partner as he is savoring his bachelor days, and while I’m not in a hurry for grandchildren, I can’t deny that time waits for no one. With a business degree under his belt, Enrique is poised to take on the responsibility of managing the Blackwood group of companies.

We have always encouraged him to follow his own path, be it in medicine, law, engineering, or any other field. However, it’s clear that business flows through his veins, and our pride in him knows no bounds.

Bless, our youngest, has blossomed into a young woman, celebrating her 19th birthday in November. At the age of 13, she underwent eye surgery, a pivotal moment in her life. Now, she aspires to become a model and fashion designer, drawing inspiration from her godmother, Antoinette, and her aunt, Stephanie. I wholeheartedly support my daughter’s dreams and aspirations.

As the cold December wind embraced my skin, I found solace in wrapping my arms around myself upon exiting the van. We had just returned from the market, having completed our shopping for the upcoming christmas. Yes, we have a maid, but it has become my tradition to prepare for this special occasion.

Amidst the busyness, I often find myself missing my children. They have embarked on their own journeys, carving their own paths in life. I know that the day will come when they must spread their wings and venture further away from me. Such is the nature of life. Yet, it doesn’t stop the bittersweet sadness from enveloping me.

“Darling,” a voice interrupted my thoughts, unmistakably familiar.

He embraced me once more, and in that moment, it felt as if time had stood still. Our marriage, still as sweet as that very first kiss, had stood the test of time. We both may be showing signs of aging, nearing our 50s, but my husband remains as captivating as ever.

“Love, you seem lost in thought again. Are you tired? I told you to let Dolores handle the preparation,” my wife expressed her concern.

“Lucas, I’m still strong. I may have a few wrinkles, a few imperfections, but I’m still strong,” I playfully retorted.

While many have commented on how I seem to defy the aging process, I do take care of my skin, appreciating the importance of self-care.

As we continue on this remarkable journey together, navigating the twists and turns that life presents, I am grateful for the fifteen years we have shared and excited for the many more to come. Our love is a testament to the enduring power of commitment and the beauty of growing old together.

With a smile on my face and Lucas by my side, we head inside to prepare food for the Christmas Eve.

My husband turned to me, a slight frown on his face. “Who sees you as ugly and old? All I see is the young woman I fell in love with, Zara Delafontaine Blackwood.” His words still carry the sweetness that first captivated me.

A smile refuses to leave my lips as the Christmas lights in our home twinkle as brightly as the love in our eyes. I gently release myself from his embrace, assuring him that I’ll take care of preparing our meal. He insists on helping, but I stand my ground, affirming my role as a devoted wife and mother.

As I enter the kitchen, my husband playfully scampers upstairs, his childlike excitement endearing. Though the years have passed, he remains as handsome as the day we met. Both of us make it a priority to maintain our figures, regularly visiting the gym and embracing a healthy lifestyle. Our commitment to exercise and well-being ensures that time doesn’t take its toll on our appearances.

That’s why, despite the calendar advancing, we both possess the strength and vitality of youth.

I dive into the culinary task at hand, skillfully gathering the tools and ingredients for the day’s cooking. This morning, I prepare freshly baked bread rolls, while planning to craft a sumptuous feast of roasted chicken and pasta for our evening meal. The rest of the dishes will be cooked later in the day.

As I fry the bread rolls, a warm embrace envelops me. Automatically, a smile spreads across my face.

“Merry Christmas, Mom! I’ve missed you and Dad so much!” My son’s eyes glisten with tears.

“I’ve missed you too, my dear. Have you returned home? How was your trip to Italy? Are you with Aunt Stephanie?” I ask, passing the tongs to our dedicated helper, Dolores.

“They’re at Grandpa and Grandma’s. We’re all gathering at their place tomorrow.”

I can’t help but recall the time when Bless had suitors aplenty. Lucas and Enrique, protective brothers, created an impenetrable shield around her. How could she find a boyfriend with such vigilant guardians?

“Why am I not part of this hug?” a male voice interjects playfully.

I swiftly turn to see my eldest, Enrique, standing tall, a hint of jealousy in his eyes.

I wrap my arms around my firstborn, who has been away from home for three months due to a work project abroad. “You didn’t mention that you were coming, my love,” I say, peppering his face with kisses. He pretends to be annoyed, but a hint of a smile betrays his true emotions.

“Mom! I’m grown now. Please stop with the kisses,” he chides me, his tone light-hearted.

I indulge in some acting. “Oh, my oldest no longer loves me. He’s grown so tall, undergone circumcision, and now he has a girlfriend. It seems he’s forgotten about his dear old mom,” I say, feigning a sad frown.

“Mom! That’s not true at all! You are the greatest woman in my life, and my love for you knows no bounds,” he reassures me, his words bringing a smile to my face.

As we gather around the table, ready to feast and celebrate this Christmas, Lucas and I exchange knowing smiles. How many Christmases, New Years, birthdays, and ordinary days have we shared together?

Perched on the rooftop, our hands clasped tightly, we gaze at the perfect crescent moon. At that moment, he leans in and kisses me.

Tears unexpectedly stream down my face-a manifestation of overwhelming happiness that cannot be contained.

“I love you, Lucas Blackwood. You are the greatest gift life has bestowed upon me.”

“My dear Zara, I will love you eternally. In this life and the next…”