Nikah Kontrak, Diam-Diam sang Penguasa Mencintaiku

I stood outside the interview venue of Crescent Moon company, the fancy decor starkly contrasting with my current predicament.

This was undoubtedly the hardest time in my life: I was unexpectedly pregnant and my savings were far from enough to support a child.

If my boyfriend had stayed, we could have tackled this together, but he vanished the moment he learned about the pregnancy.

Normally, a pregnant she-wolf would have the support of her pack, but I belong to none. I'm not a wolfless, yet my wolf has always been dormant.

All I have is this child and a looming student loan—penniless, jobless, hopeless.

After being rejected by many companies due to my pregnancy, I surprisingly received an interview invitation from the renowned Crescent Moon Company. Getting this dream job, with its substantial maternity benefits, could surely solve all my problems.

I had to make the most of this opportunity, no matter what.

So, there I was, sitting stiff as a board while two representatives from the Crescent Moon’s HR department proceeded to run through nearly the same exact list of preliminary questions that I’d heard about a dozen times in all the other jobs I’d previously interviewed at.

The process always made me nervous. But I felt deep in my bones that this one was different!

Unconsciously, I let my hand drift to my stomach, feeling the awful worry seep into my bones.

This interview felt like my last possible lifeline. I needed it in order to ensure the support for my baby.

“Okay, Miss Johnson.” The first representative, an older-looking woman named Lucy, graced me with a promising smile. “I think you would make a fine addition to our team of clerks.”

For the first time in weeks, it felt like an overwhelming weight had finally lifted off of my chest and I was able to breathe.

“I disagree,” Jackson, the second representative, said with a harsh glower. “I think she’s the last person we should consider hiring.”

My heart dropped into my gut. I practically sputtered and tripped over my own words.

“It’s obvious that she’s only after the job because she’s pregnant!” he shouted. “Good God, she’s just like all the other applicants we’ve interviewed. She’s only trying to cheat Crescent Moon out of the generous maternity allowance we grant.”

Panic raced through me as I shook my head. “No, that’s not true.

Jackson sneered while raising a doubtful brow. “Oh, isn’t it? If you were hired, you would immediately apply for maternity leave and not put a single hour of work in.”

I continued to shake my head. “No...Look, I...Yes, it’s true, I am pregnant. But I have every intention of working to the best of my ability up to the time where I can no longer do so.”

“Your resume says that you currently work as a server at some restaurant,” Jackson commented dryly.

I watched him pick up one of the full glasses of water that had been placed on the table in front of us. My breath caught in my lungs as he proceeded to toss every last drop of water straight at me. My clothes were instantly soaked through along with there being a large puddle surrounding my feet.

I was at a total loss for words, as was Lucy.

“Then perhaps you ought to know where your place is and remain where you are,” he said sharply. “Make yourself useful and clean up the mess—”

“That is ENOUGH!” a deep voice called out.

Jackson’s face fell pale as my whole body went stiff as stone. I slowly turned my head to glance over my shoulder. I couldn’t believe my eyes. Standing just a few feet away was a tall, devilishly handsome man whose eyes flared with hammering anger.

The man came to stand in front of me as if he were a man-made shield. I stole a small glance at his dark features, feeling a strange sense of familiarity about him. Suddenly, it hit me. I knew who this was.

James Derek.

The very man who I was once deeply in love with when we were just mere children. Growing up, James had always remained close friends with my older brother, Chris. The pair of alphas were almost always in the special spotlight, while I remained hidden in the background. Back then, I was far too shy and noticeably fatter.

Since then, I managed to lose a good portion of the weight. But there was no doubt in my mind that James would recognize me now.

“I was just trying to act with the company’s best interests in mind—”

“Really? Because to me, all I saw was cruelty and total discrimination towards a woman who’s here for nothing more than a job,” James countered back fiercely. “You’re fired. I want you gone before lunch.”

Jackson's face contorted in anguish. His eyes filled with tears. “Oh, but sir! Please, please reconsider,” he begged through sniffling whimpers. “I’ve worked for the company for years. Please, oh please reconsider.”

“I never say anything twice,” James stated coldly.

All of us watched as Jackson carried himself out of the office space with his head hanging in despair. Lucy informed him that she would ensure Jackson’s departure from the company would be seen through. Meanwhile, James finally turned to face me.

“Allow me to offer my sincerest apologies on behalf of the company. I’m James, by the way.” He extended his hand for me to take. “I happen to have a little bit of sway here at the company. Believe me, Crescent Moon holds a deep respect for pregnant women.”

My face flushed at the unexpected shift in his demeanor. The corner of my mouth curved upward into a smile.

“Mia,” I muttered.

A strange look crossed his face as our hands pulled away. James’ eyes grew wide as I turned to grab for my bag, not wanting to waste another moment standing around in a soaked blouse. I wanted to preserve whatever was left of my crippled dignity and head home.

But, as soon as I took my first two steps, I felt a strong hand wrap around my arm, pulling me back. I nearly lost my footing on the slippery floor beneath me and was swiftly caught by a pair of strong, capable arms.

My heart jumped into my chest as my body started to tingle from the unexpected spark that exploded beneath my surface. I stared up at the man who I’d forced myself to forget all those years ago.

His voice came out rough and with a hint of disbelief in his tone.

“Mia?” he asked blatantly. “...Could you be Chris' sister Mia?"