I could hardly stand Klaus's presence as dry jokes flew out of his lips, ones that made me cringe so badly but his crew seemed to enjoy every bit of it while i remained the only woman in their midst. Hours felt like an eternity and to escape his presence, i had to stand up to use the restroom, sitting there for minutes until the pilot informed us we would be landing soon and as the plane decelerated slowly, I felt an uneasy sensation in my guts, it was a soft and fine landing but as i stood up to alight from the plane, i felt a cold grip on my wrist.
"And where do you think you're going?, this ain't your city!" He revealed, pulling me back to the seat.
I rested my back and allowed him walked pass me before i finally stood to my feet, giving him the respect he craved so badly. As we stepped out of the jet, another set of bodyguards welcomed him so respectful with their heads bowed like he was a king and this only got me more irritated than i could imagine, they worshiped him like a demi god who had just fallen from the sky.
"It's good to finally have you back Mr Klaus" an elderly man revealed, he was dressed in a fine Italian suit and his face carried a broad smile that came from his heart, by old fashioned looks, i could tell he was far older than Klaus and he looked far older than all the other men dressed in suit to welcome home the pompous Klaus.
"It's good to be back Rafael, take me to the continental" Klaus ordered without even glancing at Rafael once, his words were commands that needed utter obedience from his minions.
"Aren't you heading home first Mr Klaus?, your mother is waiting, Rafael suggested but Klaus wavered him off before he could finish his statement.
"My mother can wait, i need to rest and make some arrangements, inform my uncles that I'm back, it's so annoying that i associate with those old cargos" he spat out in disgust, i stared at Klaus with a wrinkled face, i had no clue on how rude and pompous he was, he was clearly different from the man i imagined he was.
Different SUVs drove straight to where we stood, forming a convoy, one of his bodyguards opened the door for me and before i could step inside, Klaus's voice thundered.
"Arabella come sit with me!"
"I will take another car, Klaus, i need some space!" i revealed quickly, my tone raised.
"You don't know anyone here other than me and i suggest you take a seat with the devil you know" his words sounded like a quiet threat.
The bodyguard ushered me to Klaus's SUV and i hated him the more, the air inside the car thickened, almost suffocating me as his constant stares made me so uncomfortable. We drove out of the airport and the ride was smooth with him finally shutting his mouth for an hour, giving me room to think about how far i came, my skin growing cold as i sighed to keep myself together but as soon we reached the continental, i was thrilled. I expected something grand, but the hotel stood only fifteen feet high and simple, almost unimpressive at first glance. Yet as I looked closer, the glass caught the light beautifully, and a soft, warm glow seeped from within. It wasn't extravagant, but there was something about it. Something calm and quietly inviting me inside with each glance at its name, "De Continental"
"Don't act like you haven't seen an hotel before" Klaus's voice snapped at me.
"I have been here before, there's nothing special about it" i lied to his face, hoping to get him off my skin for a while as we walked inside with his hand wrapped around my wrist like i was his mistress. The receptionist and some workers bowed on seeing Klaus and this attitude of theirs pissed me more than i expected, why would they bow to a man?.
"Sir, you didn't inform us you would be paying a visit today, most of our apartments are booked but your special suit remains untouched" The manager said with a smile as i stared at his name tag, Mr David.
"It's alright David, i won't spend long, i just need a room to rest for a minute" Klaus said softly as they shook hands, his smile broadening.
While they spoke, i noticed the preying eyes of some ladies at the reception, they each had the look of disbelief and before they could take out their phones for pictures, i used one of the bodyguards as shield, covering my face and remaining composed.
"Isn't that the missing bride on the news?" i could hear their faint questions.
My heart sunk deep but i held my composure and covered my face stylishly, Klaus didn't fail to recognize the situation as he held my hand and led me to the elevator at once while his guards scattered to secure the perimeter.
"They recognize me, Klaus, people took pictures and in no time, my ex-husband will see them and people will think..."
"Think of what?" he asked, silencing me before i could finish. "You're an adult and you're old enough to make your choice, let them see you, let them wonder and if the situation gets out of hand, i will be there to make sure it goes my way"
"And what does that mean?" i asked immediately but he ignored, we made our way to his special suit and on getting there, he opened the thick bullet-proofed door with his thumbprint. Immediately i stepped inside, the fragrance passed through my nostrils, i sat down on the bed, feeling so comfortable and taking a good glance at the spacious room that had a good view of the city.
Klaus poured me a glass of champagne from his mini fridge but i declined and he smirked before opening his drawer and tossing me a brown envelope.
"That's the contract you're going to sign before we leave this hotel, everything that happened before now were mere formalities, this is the real deal" he said.
I took out the papers from the file and stared at them, reading each line carefully until i caught a particular line that gave me a weird feeling of joy.
"Two million dollars?" i asked.
"When the duration of our contract has elapsed, you're walking away with two million dollars in any account of your choice and as a bonus, i also offered to help you get your revenge on your Playboy Husband. Consider it a good gesture of my good nature" he explained while pouring himself another glass of champagne.
I couldn't read further as i thought about the life i could start with such an enormous amount, i sighed, i held the pen but my body twitched, what if this was a death sentence for me?.
"Can i sign this tomorrow, i need time to know if I'm making the right..."
"There's no time, Arabella!" he screamed, his thick voice filled with rage. My body shook in fear as i stared at his eyes, he turned around, rubbing his forehead like i was a pain in his ass.
"There is no time, woman, i fucking need your help and you need your revenge and a new life away from this country. We both need something!" he yelled again, i could see the desperation in his voice, this contract meant everything to him.
I stared at the contract again, my heart racing fast but the satisfaction of revenge on Ethan made me smile, it was greater than the fear in my heart. I signed the contract boldly and all i could see on his face was a sigh of relief. It felt like i was doing him a favor but his pompous nature would never allow him to admit to such allegation.
I tossed back the contract files and stood up to freshen up, looming back as he held the papers in his hands, staring at my signature.
"It's a done deal, this is just the first stage, freshen up, I'm taking you out for a quick shopping" his voice revealed softly.
I was stunned, staring into his eyes with shock and a laughter that forced its way out of my lips.
"And to what occasion?" i managed to ask.
He walked closer, caressing my hair romantically as his eyes dug deep into mine.
"We are going to see my mother, your new mother-in-law" he confessed, a dark smile at the edge of his lips.