The Contracted Stripper

Flashback to Ryan’s 30th Birthday*****************

“It’s going to be your 30th birthday soon, son. When are you going to get married? I wasn’t even up to your age when I got married,” Mr. Kendrick had said to Ryan, his tone firm.

“Dad, I’m not ready to get married. I need to find true love, if that even exists,” Ryan had muttered.

“When you keep going from one lady to another, how do you intend to find true love? Bella is there, she’s a perfect match for you. You can’t keep going like this,” Mr. Kendrick insisted.

“You are a man, not a boy. Act like one. I will not transfer the empire to you if you don’t get married,” Mr. Kendrick had blurted out.

“Dad! No, you can’t do that,” Ryan had protested.”I can, and that is final,” Mr. Kendrick had said, leaving the study room.

Fuming, Ryan had left the mansion. His mother, Mrs. Rose, had tried to get his attention about his birthday preparations, Ryan come see the decorations i choose for your birthday”. but he ignored her and stormed out, heading to his favorite club to escape the pressure.

Living Mrs Rose and the event planner seated beside her in surprise.

The club, known for its prestige and high-class patrons, was packed that night.

Ryan, a regular, was soon served his favorite vodka. As he sipped his drink, the weight of his father’s ultimatum bore down on him.

But then, something caught his attention. The crowd was cheering louder than usual.

A new stripper was on stage, and she was mesmerizing.

She possessed a timeless beauty, a curvy figure, alluring gray eyes, long cream coffee blond hair, and stood about 5’4″.

Ryan was captivated by her, his problems momentarily forgotten as he watched her move to the rhythm of the music.

She was different from the others, and he couldn’t take his eyes off her.

After her performance, the image of her stayed with him. Even later, as he brought a woman home to distract himself, it was the stripper’s face that kept flashing in his mind.

Ryan woke up the next morning to find that the woman he had brought home was already gone.

This was a routine occurrence for him, and it didn’t faze him in the slightest.

He rolled out of bed and headed straight for a glass of water, a habit he never skipped before making his way to the bathroom to freshen up.

As he showered, thoughts of the mysterious stripper from the club filled his head. After dressing and eating a quick breakfast prepared by Sarah, Ryan headed to his car.

His chauffeur drove him to the office in the usual silence. When they arrived, Luca, his best friend and assistant, greeted him and walked with him to his office.

“Hey man, how’s the birthday boy preparing for his party?” Luca asked, his tone light.

“What’s there to celebrate when Dad won’t hand over the empire to me?” Ryan replied, frustration evident in his voice

.”I’m sure they just want you married. That’s how it is in your family. Your dad got married before he turned 30 and the empire was handed over to him. We all know that you’re nowhere close to getting married, even if you turn 40,” Luca said, chuckling.

Ryan shot him a quick glare. “You’re right, man. I can’t afford to take on the responsibility of being a husband. That’s too much work sticking to one woman when I can have so many. Why cage me?”

“Come on, man, you can’t keep doing this. You have a lot of responsibilities, and your father just wants what’s best for you. Marriage isn’t that bad, you know,” Luca said

.”Really? Then why aren’t you married?” Ryan asked, giving him a side-eye.

“I’m still searching, man. Soon, I will,” Luca replied.

“Soon? When you turn 70?” Ryan scoffed. “I just don’t know what to do, man.”

“Well, since they want you to get married or bring your girlfriend to your birthday party, you could just take Bella,” Luca suggested.

“Never. You know I can never date Bella, not to mention marry her. It’s not possible,” Ryan said.”But why? She’s into you, and obviously, your parents want her for you,” Luca said. “Or you could just do a contract marriage with her. Once the empire is handed over to you, you can get divorced.

“Ryan’s face lit up as realization hit him. He walked over to Luca and hugged him, kissing his head.

“Cut it out, man,” Luca said, pushing him away.”You’re a genius! This is a great idea!” Ryan exclaimed, jumping around his office.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Luca asked, looking concerned.”Yes, I’m great!” Ryan replied.”Alright, I have some work to catch up on. I’ll see you later,” Luca said, shaking his head and leaving.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

All day, Ryan was full of energy, carrying out his activities with a newfound enthusiasm. When the workday ended, he headed home, still smiling.

The next day, Ryan was woken up by his mother, Mrs. Rose, and his sister, Ivy, who came to surprise him.”Happy birthday, Ryan!” they chorused, making him jerk awake.

“Mum, Ivy,” he said, rubbing his eyes. They sang for him and presented their gifts.”Happy birthday, son,” Mrs. Rose said, hugging him and kissing his head.

Ivy jumped on his bed, hugging him tightly. “Happy birthday, little boy.”Ryan gave her a side-eye, and they all burst into laughter.”Today is going to be a busy day for you, honey. Make sure you get prepared on time. The party starts at 7 PM,” Mrs. Rose said.

“Alright, Mum,” Ryan replied, still excited-not because of his birthday, but because of his plans.

He drove to his father’s mansion to discuss his idea.”Ryan, are you here to help with the arrangements?” Mrs. Rose asked

.”No, Mum, I want to see Dad,” Ryan replied.”Oh, I thought you wanted to give us a hand. Anyway, your dad is in his study room,” Mrs. Rose said.

Ryan smiles, kisses his mother, and goes to find his dad. He reached the door, took a deep breath, and knocked lightly

.”Come in,” Mr. Kendrick’s voice called from inside.”Hi, Dad,” Ryan said, entering.”Son, happy birthday. Have a seat,” Mr. Kendrick said.

“Thanks, Dad. I want to discuss something with you,” Ryan said, his heart pounding.

Mr. Kendrick nodded, signaling him to continue.”Well, Dad, I’ve found someone I would love to marry,” Ryan said, watching his father’s face light up.

.”That’s good news! Bring her and show her tonight. I’m going to start arranging for the empire transfer,” Mr. Kendrick said.

Ryan’s heart leaped with joy. “Thanks, Dad,” he said, leaving the study room.

The night of his birthday party finally arrived. Ryan was dressed handsomely in a fur tuxedo, his hair neatly styled. He looked like a god, and women, both young and old, were drooling over him.

Bella, representing the fashion icon she was, kept throwing herself around him, being clingy, and telling everyone they were dating.

Friends, family, workers, and investors came to grace the party. Mr. Kendrick was supposed to announce Ryan as the CEO of Kendrick Empire, and Ryan eagerly awaited the big moment.

As the night went on and the party neared its end, murmurs of anticipation filled the room. It was a Kendrick Empire tradition to announce the new CEO when the heir turned 30.

Mr. Kendrick stepped up to give the final speech. Ryan’s heart raced, but to his shock, his father only thanked everyone for coming and appreciated their presence. The party ended without the anticipated announcement.

Furious, Ryan stormed out, ignoring his mother’s calls after him. Bella ran after him but couldn’t catch up as he got into his car and ordered his driver to head to the club in anger.

He sat in his usual spot, looking around for the stripper, but she was nowhere to be found.

Ryan’s patience was wearing thin as he waited at the club for Iris. He asked one of his guards to call the club manager, Mama Peepee, who appeared almost immediately.

She dared not keep the youngest billionaire waiting.”Hello,” she greeted with a nervous smile.”Who’s the new stripper you employed and why isn’t she here today?” Ryan asked, sipping from his glass.

“She will be here soon. She comes late because of her mother’s health,” Mama Peepee explained.”Hmm, I see. How long has she been working here?” Ryan inquired.

“For a week now,” Mama Peepee replied.”Alright.”

“Do you want me to prepare her for you?” Mama Peepee asked, eager to please.”There will be no need for that. You may leave,” Ryan said, dismissing her with a wave.

Mama Peepee bowed and quickly left.

A few minutes later, Ryan grew tired of waiting and decided to go home. Just as he was about to leave, the crowd erupted in cheers, signaling Iris’s arrival.