Vanessa POV
Edward's bodyguards helped in loading the SUV with our boxes as I ushered Liam into the car.
"Where are we going mommy?" He asked me curiously. I didn't even know what to tell him cause I had no idea of what to expect. But I decided to be hopeful.
"We're going to our new home Liam. You're going to love it." I hope my words are true
"Yay" he responded to me as he returned his attention to his Nintendo game console.
The car stopped and pulled over at a stunning white mansion. It was so beautiful. Nothing like I'd ever seen before in the city of New York. Edward must have just newly acquired this place. It seemed like he was just moving in too.
The mansion had big see through gates circled all over it. The design of the gate was very rare and the color was mixed with shiny silver stones like rubies.
The gate required a code and had a security camera right outside it. One of the body guards typed it in and the gates flew open, revealing a beautiful garden. The garden was well nourished and filled with different colors of roses to the right. And to my left? Unbelievable.
Edward put a play ground with a few fun rides that kids loved to play in. I turned to Liam and his face lit up instantly at the sight of it.
Edward knew how to make his money do the talking. It almost makes me feel bad for not having enough to give my son the proper lifestyle he deserves. Was this arrangement made to just rub his wealth in my face? If Liam fell for his tricks then he would surely choose him over me.
A feeling of nervousness began to overwhelm me as I thought of the endless possibilities. It was me vs Edward. Who would win? Towards the farthest corner to my right there is a swimming pool covered by a shed. To the opposite sides I could spot about 4 exotic cars. A Bentley, Lamborghini, 2 Mercedes Benz and then the black SUV behind me.
We finally got into the mansion and the interior was even more fascinating. The furniture, walls and floor boards gave off the vibe of a rich and classy setting. The chandelier was golden and very huge, it lit up the living room as we walked further in. There are a few maids scurrying around and they seem kind.
"Good evening miss, I'm Alice. it's nice to meet you." One greeted me, offering to take my bags and my coat off.
"Nice to meet you, I'm Vanessa." I spoke
My eyes spotted Edward as he emerged from the staircase, taking slow strides down and turning round to come to where I was standing. He was dressed in a dark suit, looking as handsome as ever. Was he preparing to go out?
"Wow mom. This place is so cool. Are we really going to stay here?" He tugged on my arm asking excitedly. Before I could respond, Edward jumped in.
"Of course my boy. This is your new home, you can do what ever you want." He smiled cheerfully, stretching his arm out to hold Liam, but he resisted and leaned in closer to me instead. Liam felt scared.
"Is this the man that made you cry mommy ?" I heard him say glaring at Edward like he had just seen a ghost. Edward finally turned to look at me, daring me with his eyes with hope that I will speak well of him.
I had to lie for my son.I turned to face him and I bent down so our eyes could meet.
"No baby, he didn't make me cry. This is your father, his name is Edward. Remember when I told you he travelled far away?" I reminded him.
Whenever Liam asked about his father I always told him that Edward travelled to a far place and would be back someday. Turns out I was right.
Liam nodded in response.
"He's back now my love and he's here to stay. Talk to him okay? He loves you." I said to him and Liam warmed up and walked over to Edward. He opened his arms and embraced Liam like he was just seeing him for the first time. Watching them interact like this brought peace to my heart. But my fate lies in his hands and he toils it like the wind.
"I'm so sorry I haven't been around you Liam, I've been so far away. But I'm back now and I want you to know that I love you dearly. We can catch up slowly. I'm just glad that you are here." He said to him and Liam smiled happily.
"Why don't you go see a tour of the play ground? I will be with you shortly." Edward told Liam and he hurriedly ran off excited that he would explore it.
Edward and I are finally alone in some way.
"Good evening." I said to him, trying to start some conversation. His eyes locked with mine and I couldn't completely read his mood. He ignored me.
"Lawyer is upstairs in my office. Let's go." He commanded, leading me to the two way staircase that branched to the left and right of the upper floor. The floor is made of cream colored marble tiles and the staircases are made of brown wooden floorboard covered with a beige rogue.
The lawyer greeted me warmly as Edward and I entered the office. It is a mixture of a white and cream color, with grey floor boards and a wide office desk of the color black. I sat down and the contract laid in front of me.
'Secret contract marriage ' The heading wrote. Of course. Edward didn't want the world to know about this. I read the rules in my mind. It is only for a duration of 6 months and will be terminated right after.
It stated:
-To receive a weekly allowance of 25k dollars for myself and additional 5k monthly for Liam and his upkeep only if I agreed to quit my stripping job.
- To Escort Mr Silver and support him at business events and social gatherings
- To keep the marriage a secret from the public and avoid conversations with paparazzi
- An open relationship with liberty to see other people.
An open marriage. I could tell he was loving my facial reactions to the rules as I read through the contract.
- To keep to your side of the Mansion and avoid snooping around.
And the last but not the least
-"To fulfill marital duties whenever Mr Silver demanded." Why would he still be interested in sleeping with me? I asked my self looking puzzled.
"Don't worry about the last part. The lawyer put it there forcefully. I won't be going anywhere near you." Edward snapped after noticing I got to the last line. It felt like I got punched in my stomach.
"What happens after 6 months?" I had to ask.
"Liam will have to choose me or you. Simple."
He adjusted his tie in the mirror opposite the office desk and walked round the chair to stand above me. So after all this drama, I would still be vulnerable and could loose Liam? Shit. I wish I never met Edward Silver at the club that night. My whole life and plans have been turned upside down.
Taking a deep breath, I wrote my name at the bottom of the contract and my signature came right after. Edward reached for the pen and signed his name and signature too.
It was sealed. The Lawyer took the contract and made 2 more copies. He kept one on Edward's table and gave me the second. Then he took the original and spoke briefly with Edward before leaving us alone in the office.
"You want our son to choose between us Edward? Is this what we have become?" I stood up from the chair, walking towards him.
Edward glared at me, I could see hatred beaming from his eyes.
"Don't act like you didn't keep him from me these past 5 years Vanessa. Things are this way because it's all your fault!" He yelled me, causing me to jolt back in fear.
"I've told you Edward, I didn't mean to but you don't want to hear me out."
"I won't have this conversation with you again Vanessa. If you'll excuse me, I have a date tonight. Make yourself at home. Alice is the head maid, she will tell you all you need to know. Now leave." Edward said to me, stirring up tears in my eyes as I walked out of his office.
Is this the life I'm supposed to live? Am I to be treated harshly and discarded like nothing just because I got tangled up with a Billionaire? Unacceptable.
I walked down from the stairs. I was about to head out to bring Liam in when I spotted a familiar face coming from the front door.
A young Busty female in her mid twenties dressed in a red sequence dress. What the hell is my ex best friend doing at Edward Silver's Mansion? I cleaned my tears quickly so she wouldn't notice. I had to get closer to be sure.
"Susan Ash? Is that you?" I asked almost confused. She turned from the doorway, her vibrant blonde hair swaying in the direction of her body. Her eyes widened in shock as her lips turned to put on what resembled a fake smile.
"Vanessa Coleman? It's nice to see you. What are you doing here?"
"I live here. How about you?" I asked wondering why Susan would show up here in the first place. Is she also one of his flings? Oh no.