The Royal Contract

He wished he did not have to see her again, knowing how much he wanted her but could not have her. But he had no choice. He had to come and see his grandmother.

Nevertheless, he knew he could not have her because she would want more. She would demand something he was not capable of giving. He was not a commitment kind of guy. The man that she wanted.

“Hi, Grandmama.” He greeted her as she came out of the door.

“Evan, what are you doing here alone?” Angela walked towards him, sitting on the chair opposite to him under the big oak tree.

He had been hanging out most of his time in the backyard to avoid bumping into Amelia. His grandmother wished him to stay overnight before he returned to the city in the morning, claiming she missed him.

“I am helping mow the lawn.” He reasoned, pointing to the half-done cut grasses.

.....

It had been years since he had operated that piece of machine. In truth, he had paid a boy passing by to do it for him. What did he know about manual labor? Nothing.

“I am glad that you are here.” Angela looked satisfied as she stared at his face.

How could he complain when he saw how happy and seemingly alive his grandmother was with these two ladies as her company? He could only be thankful to them.

Although somehow, he felt that his grandmother was deliberately making all these small requests to make him spend more time with Amelia. But he could not disappoint her since he had agreed to this condition when she came with him.

It was a trap that he could not do anything but avoid getting caught. Else, he would end up making everyone disappointed with him. It was the only scenario he could foresee in the future.

“I am happy I can finally spend more time with you,” Evan responded, not wanting her to think of another reason he was here.

But the glint in her eyes told him she was up to something. However, he could do nothing about her grandmother’s mischiefs. She was old and sickly. That was her excuse.

All he could do was wrapped her in his arms and tell her how much he loved her. Moreover, she could get away with murder if she wanted to because he would defend her for all he was worth.

“Well, I better get out of this heat. Are you not coming inside?” Angela asked him as she moved along the pathway.

He could only smile at her little efforts to make him dance to her tune. But he was fine staying here until the coast was clear, probably when everyone was fast asleep.

Then, he could sneak out in the morning and run as fast as his feet would take him, as far away from the temptation residing inside that house.

He leisurely lay around on a hammock in the backyard, peacefully trying to lull himself to sleep while staring at the lushed trees. Suddenly, a voice penetrated his thoughts.

Not just anyone’s, but a very familiar one. “Angela asked me to bring you some refreshments. She felt that you might get dehydrated from the heat.”

Hearing her voice felt like a dream, but he knew he was wide awake as he turned around to face her. It was like torture to see her and not touch her.

“Thanks, Amelia. But I think what you meant to say was forced you to bring it to me.” Evan corrected her, knowing exactly how her grandmother could become manipulative in her ways.

“Sort of.” Amelia finally agreed with a smile, probably remembering how her grandmother had sweet talk her to bring him the drink.

“Well, you should not allow her to trick you again, or she would be walking all over you,” Evan warned her against his angelic grandmother. She was sweet, but she had a way with her words.

Then, he extended his hand to take the glass from her. Somewhat, he could not avoid touching the tip of her fingertips. It was like electricity flowed in his body with the merest contact.

He could also notice how it affected her as her hand immediately retracted as if scorched by his touch. He had always known he had never been alone in this struggle. She was in the same boat as him.

But he knew nothing could happen between them. It did not matter if they wanted each other. Because at the end of the day, they would both regret it.

“I will try to remember that.” Amelia finally responded, stepping a few steps back.

Evan knew the chase was making him crave for her, but after he had her fill of her, he would lose interest just like all the girls that had gone through his hands.

Then, what? His grandmother would hate him because he broke the heart of the one girl she wanted him to marry. But he was not ready for that. He could not marry her or any girl for that matter.

Marriage was not in his cards.

“Thanks again for this.” He knew he was dismissing her.

He felt it was better if she was beyond his reach. Before, he could do something he could not take back.

Because at that moment, he could feel he was already on edge. How long could he keep putting his desire at bay? He knew if only he could expel her out of his system. Then he would be out of his misery.

“It is nothing. But I better get back inside. I am helping Eida and Angela with dinner.” She finally excused herself, walking away from him.

He could only stare at her retreating back. But what else could he do? He could not lie to her and pledge to her forever when he knew he could not deliver such a promise.

On the other hand, he knew she would not settle for a one-night stand. She already expressed how much she valued relationships and long-term commitments.

But he could not do that either. So, how could they compromise? He could only surmise that what they had was an impossible situation.