Contracted To The Beast novel Chapter 50

Chapter 50

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purses is probably enough to pay the mortgage of mom’s clinic. Rich people do live in a completely different world.

If bever got stranded and needed money immediately I can just comfortably sell off some of the outfits and I’ll be alright.

I’ve never been so grateful I have another closet. I don’t want mom to see the stuff I got. You’re probably wondering why I still live with her in my childhood home; it’s because of Zara. Of course I can hire a sitter, but she’s still a bit of a secret.

Once the contract expires I’ll move to another city with my baby and we’ll be free at last to live our lives. Then mom will be stable enough to take care of herself and her clinic.

I don’t even know the day we are leaving yet. I’m just getting ready so I won’t be caught unaware. I got out of the shower and prepared for bed.

My phone pinged, signifying a text. It was Maddox.

“We leave the day after tomorrow by llam. Spend the night at the condo tomorrow, so our logistics will be easier.”

That’s it as usual. No pleasantries or check ups; nothing. Just instructions. Although I prefer it to the fake small talk.

It’s a good thing my outfits will arrive packed in suitcases. I only need to worry about my hair and nails tomorrow.

I woke up the next morning and started preparing breakfast, pancakes drizzled with honey and hot chocolate.

“You don’t seem to be going to work today?” Mom asked, raising her eyebrow slightly as she descended the stairway with

Zara.

“Yeah I’m not, I’m on leave,” I replied as I placed the plate in front of Zara and proceeded to pack her lunch box.

“I’ll be travelling tomorrow,” I said after being quiet for a few minutes.

“Traveling?” Zara asked, holding her backpack.

“Yes love,” I crouched down to her height. “I’ll be back before you know it and I’ll bring you lots of gifts.”

Zara’s fingers curled into my shirt before I could even finish talking.

“Don’t go,” she mumbled, pressing her face into my neck.

My chest tightened.

I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her closer, breathing her in like I could store it for later. Baby lotion, syrup, something soft and warm that was just… her.

“I have to, Zar Bear,” I whispered, smoothing down her hair.

She shook her head against me. “Stay.”

God.

I closed my eyes for a second, holding her tighter than I should.

“I’ll call you every day,” I said softly. “And I’ll bring you something pretty, okay? Something only you will have.”

She pulled back just enough to look at me, her small hands still gripping my shirt like I might disappear.

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Chapter 50

“Promise?”

I forced a smile and kissed her forehead. “Promise.”

“I’ll miss you Mama,” she said, wrapping her little arms around my neck.

54 You

“I’ll miss you more Zar Bear,” I gave her a peck on both her cheeks, picked her up and took her to her bus that was already parked outside.

“Explain. Now,” Mom furrowed her brows as I got back in.

“I’m traveling to Mykonos with the team and Maddox to shoot a couple of content,” I said.

“Wait what? Where even is that?” she asked, placing one hand on her hip.

“In Greece,” I replied, my voice small.

“I’m traveling to Mykonos with the team… and Maddox,” I said.

The words sat heavy between us.

Mom went still. “You’re leaving the country… with him?”

“It’s work,” I added quickly, turning back to the stove even though the pancakes were already done. “It’s part of the contract.”

“Contract,” she repeated, like the word tasted bitter. “So now contracts take you on vacations too?”

I pressed my lips together. “It’s not a vacation.”

She let out a short laugh. “Designer clothes. Expensive car. Now Greece. Tell me again how this isn’t a vacation, Nia.”

I gripped the spatula tighter. “You think I asked for any of this?”

“But you didn’t refuse it either.”

That one hit.

I turned slowly. “What do you want me to do, Mom? Say no and lose the job? The money? Everything I’ve been working for?”

“I want you to be careful,” she shot back. “Men like him don’t give without taking something in return.”

My chest tightened. “I know that.”

“Do you?” she asked quietly. “Because from where I’m standing, you’re getting used to this life very quickly.”

I swallowed. “Everything I’m doing is for this family.”

Her expression softened for a second, but it didn’t last. “And your child?” she asked. “You’re leaving her behind to go play pretend with a man who doesn’t even respect you.”

“That’s not fair,” I said, my voice coming out thinner than I wanted. “Zara is taken care of. She’s safe. She’s loved.”

“And you?” she pressed. “Are you safe?”

I didn’t answer. Because I didn’t know.

Silence stretched between us.

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Chapter 50

She sighed, rubbing her temple. “I’m not your enemy, Nia.”

“I know.” I said quietly.

“Then stop shutting me out.”

I looked away. “I’m not shutting you out. I’m just… trying to survive.”

Another silence. This one is heavier.

“If you get hurt-” she started.

“I won’t,” I cut in quickly.

But even to my own ears, it didn’t sound convincing.

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She nodded slowly, like she didn’t believe me but didn’t have the strength to argue anymore. She grabbed her bag.

“Just remember who you are,” she said before walking out.

The door closed behind her.

I stood there for a long moment, staring at nothing. Then I turned off the stove and sank into a chair.

My hands were shaking.

Not because of her. Not completely.

I exhaled slowly and leaned back.

This isn’t forever.

It’s a contract. A means to an end. Nothing more.

I just have to get through it.

And when it’s over… I’ll take Zara, leave all of this behind, and start over somewhere quiet. Somewhere safe.

Somewhere no one knows Maddox Kane.

Or the girl I’m becoming around him.

I watched as she grabbed her stuff and headed out, without bothering to eat the breakfast I made.

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