“She didn’t say.”
I frown, but since we’re not on a video call, Rise can’t see it. “Find out.”
“Yes, sir.”
“What else?”
There’s a prolonged silence and then Rise’s strained voice. “I told her to call me if she had any needs. Wick, is this really necessary?”
“Yes.”
“It doesn’t make sense that in this day and age, you have to be married to close a business deal.”
“I agree,” I reply. I tap a few keys and pull up the security cameras for Annabelle’s apartment. My apartment, really, since it’s in my name, but it’s hers now, and at the end of the year, it will be hers permanently. That’s our deal. An apartment, five million dollars, and the right to keep any and all jewelry, clothes, cars, etc. that are gifted to her during the year contract. In exchange, she pretends to be Mrs. Charles Wickham and is madly in love. Swept off her feet. Married in haste. Then we part, per the contract. Whatever reason she gives is fine. I cheated. I’m scum.
“I guess you know better than I about these things. How long do you want me to live in this second-floor apartment?”
“For the entire year, Rise.”
“The entire year? What about my apartment?”
“I pay you to see about those details.”
“Unlike Annabelle’s penthouse, this place smells of a rental. The walls are white. There’s not a single rug, and Snow White refuses to leave the bedroom because she doesn’t like the sound of her nails on the hardwood.”
“You should decorate it then since you will be living there for an entire year. And yes, you can expense it,” I add before he can ask.
I hear clapping sounds. “Thank you, oh wise and benevolent leader. Anyone who has ever said a negative word against you should just jump off a bridge.”
“Bring a lifesaver, then.”
“Me? Never has such blasphemy crossed my lips. I’ll go up tomorrow and conduct a more thorough fact-finding mission.”
“Bring her some baking utensils. I’ll order them and have them delivered to you by the morning.”
“You will order them?” Rise sounds incredulous.
“I’ve ordered plenty online,” I lie. I can’t remember the last time I ordered anything online. All my orders go through Rise.
“If you say so.” He’s too smart to call me on my bullshit. “I’ll send you some websites. Use your phone to pay.”
The text comes through right after we hang up. While the websites load on my computer, I pull up the security program and access the cameras in Annabelle’s apartment. The elevator doors slide open, and she hangs back slightly behind Rise as he enters the keycode to the lock. I frown. I don’t like that he can access her apartment. She will need to change the lock code. I make a note.
She takes her shoes off at the entrance. Should I tell her that’s unnecessary? No, because she would wonder how I know that. Although maybe she will think Rise informed me. But then she’ll be wary around Rise and careful about what she reveals. I won’t mention it.
Rise says something to her, and Annabelle responds. There’s no voice on these cameras. That’s a mistake which will need to be corrected.
She doesn’t linger in any of the rooms until they arrive in the kitchen. I switch cameras. From the corner angle, I see her run her hands across the countertops and tap the tablet that communicates with The Residences concierge service. The two are talking again with Rise pointing to the table and then the cupboards.
I watch as he leaves and she makes her way back through the dining room and then living room. She stops by the dining room and breathes in. The flowers must smell nice. Rise needs to make sure that she has fresh flowers at all times. I make another note.
I move to the hall camera as she slowly walks to the end where the double doors lead into the primary suite. She pauses and then opens the door, standing at the threshold like she’s apprehensive of entering, like she hesitated getting off the elevators.
I didn’t have cameras installed in the bedrooms or the bathrooms. I regret that now because she’s entered and closed the doors so all I can do is stare at an empty hall. I open my emails and look for her name. Her folder is empty. That’s my life before I came across her Instagram, but I have a year to change all of that.
Annabelle:
I have been informed you have moved in. Please change the keycode for your safety. I have provided the instructions on how to do this attached to this email. I have also been informed you are choosing not to use the chef services. If this is because of cost, be assured that anything you spend during this year will be of no consequence. Additionally, please remember that you are to report to me on a daily basis per our agreement so that I am able to adequately maintain our charade of marriage.
