Branch One Hundred and Forty Eight

Jessica found herself enjoying the company of Xavier.

"We have to go around like this for a moment to greet the majority of the people here," Xavier said in a whisper.

"Do I have to?" she asked.

As much as she was enjoying the company she was reminded of the tale of the toad in a pot of water that was set to boil. The frog did not know he was being boiled to death but enjoyed the warmth and subtle changes in the water temperature.

"This is your first official event since we got married. It's the least you could do" Xavier said.

"It's the least I could do. It's a contract. It's just a contract" she whispered as they went.

Xavier heard her but what could he say? Assure her that it was more than a contract at this point. Or should he tell her that the money she would get in the end was more than she needed to do?

They entered inside and the first person they met was Marcus. Xavier had noticed the not-so-subtle glances he threw her way when they signed the contract. It was obvious