As the car pulled into the private underground parking of one of the tallest skyscrapers in the city, Jade leaned slightly toward the window, trying to remain composed.
From the outside, the building looked like a luxury hotel for royalty sleek glass panels shimmered under the sunlight, reflecting the skyline. A valet opened the door the moment they stopped. Jade stepped out, heels clicking softly against polished stone. Everything smelled clean, expensive, and cold.
The elevator was private, operated by fingerprint, and climbed with a silence that somehow made her more nervous. When the doors opened, she was greeted not by a hallway but by the penthouse itself.
And what a penthouse.
It was beyond anything she could've imagined.
Floor-to-ceiling windows gave a panoramic view of the entire city. Natural light poured into the wide, open space, highlighting flawless hardwood floors, minimalist furniture in rich tones, a grand piano in the corner, and abstract art she wouldn't even pretend to understand. The air was lightly scented with something expensive and calming. Every surface sparkled. Every detail whispered wealth.
Okay… maybe shouted it.
Still, Jade forced her face to remain neutral, though her eyes betrayed a flicker of awe.
A well-dressed staff member stepped forward and bowed slightly.
"Miss Jade Lee has arrived."
She was guided to the dining area, where Daniel sat at a long, modern glass table alone, and halfway through breakfast.
If the penthouse was impressive, the breakfast was overkill.
A full Western and Eastern spread, fresh-cut fruits, four types of bread, imported cheeses, smoothies, espresso, and a soft-boiled egg that looked too perfect to be real.
Daniel glanced up and smiled faintly.
"Good morning. Come, sit."
She did.
But instead of reaching for food, Jade looked him in the eyes and spoke with quiet determination.
"I accept. I accept to marry you."
Daniel calmly took another sip of his coffee, unfazed. Then he set down his cup, a grin tugging at the corner of his lips.
"You might want to read the contract first," he said smoothly.
He clapped once.
A servant entered, holding a silver tray. On it a leather-bound folder. She placed it carefully in front of Jade, gave a graceful bow, and silently exited the room.
Jade stared at the contract in silence.
Then opened and started reading.
[ Marriage Contract Agreement*
Between Mr. Daniel Ooman & Miss Jade Lee
This agreement outlines the terms and conditions of the marriage arrangement between the aforementioned parties, effective upon signing.
CLAUSE 1: DURATION
This marriage shall last for a minimum of twelve (12) months
Any premature termination requires mutual consent or will be considered a breach of contract.
---
CLAUSE 2:EXCLUSIVE
Both parties agree to remain exclusively committed for the duration of the contract.
No romantic, emotional, or physical involvement with third parties is permitted.
Any violation will result in the immediate dissolution of the agreement, with penalties.
CLAUSE 3 :Public Representation & Image
Miss Lee shall attend all required public, corporate, and family events with Mr. Ooman and behave as a proper spouse in appearance and demeanor.
She must protect the image and reputation of the Ooman name at all times.
---
CLAUSE 4: Residence
Miss Lee shall take permanent residence in Mr. Ooman's primary home (the penthouse) for the duration of the contract.
Separate bedrooms will be maintained unless otherwise agreed upon by both parties.
---
CLAUSE 5: Confidentiality
All terms of this contract, including the nature of the arrangement, must remain strictly confidential.
Miss Lee is not permitted to disclose any personal, professional, or contractual details to third parties, including the press.
Violation of this clause will result in a fine of 5,000,000 USD.
—
CLAUSE 6: Compensation
Miss Lee shall receive the following compensation:
- A monthly stipend of 50,000 USD
- Unlimited access to a corporate card with an agreed monthly cap
- Upon successful completion of the contract, a final payment of $20,000,000 USD will be granted
- All legal and health expenses will be covered during the contract
---
CLAUSE 7: Final Clause – Nightly Affection Obligation (written in elegant cursive)
Each night, no later than 11:59 PM, Miss Lee shall give Mr. Ooman a kiss.
The length, style, and frequency of said kiss will be determined solely by Mr. Ooman.
If Mr. Ooman chooses to go further, Miss Lee has no right to refuse, as consent is assumed by the signing of this contract.
Any attempt to reject physical contact may be considered a breach of contract, subject to immediate termination without compensation.
---
Signatures:
Mr. Daniel Ooman _______________
Miss Jade Lee _________________
Date _____________
]
.
.
.
Jade was flipping through the contract calmly… until her eyes landed on Clause 7.
She paused.
Read it again.
Then again.
A beat of silence before a sharp, dry laugh slipped from her lips.
Not amused. More like *"Is this man serious right now?"*
She glanced up at Daniel, who was still sipping his coffee with infuriating calmness, as if he hadn't just dropped a bomb in legal print.
"So… let me get this straight," she said, arms crossing, one brow arching with attitude.
"Every night, I have to kiss you. And if your royal highness decides to go further, I just… lie back and say 'Thank you, Mr. Ooman?'"
Daniel didn't answer immediately.
He simply looked at her with that same infuriatingly confident smirk the kind that made her want to slap it off… or kiss it. She wasn't sure anymore.
Jade slowly closed the file and pushed it back toward him with graceful precision.
"Bold of you to assume I'm that easy, Mr. Ooman."
Then she leaned forward just a little, voice like honey, gaze sharp as fire.
"But if you think I'm just some girl you can order into your bed with a penthouse and a leather-bound contract…"
A beat of silence.
"…you might not be entirely wrong."
She smirked.
Daniel chuckled under his breath, eyes glinting.
Game on.
Daniel set down his cup at last, the sound of porcelain meeting glass sharp in the quiet.
"So," he said, voice smooth like velvet. "You're not entirely against the idea."
Jade leaned back in her seat, arms folded, chin slightly tilted in mock thought.
"I didn't say that. I just find it hilarious how confident you are. Like, dangerously confident."
"I'm rarely wrong," he replied without missing a beat. "And I don't make offers twice."
She picked up the contract again, flipping through a few pages slowly, as if weighing the value of her pride versus fifty million dollars and a luxury life for a year.
"Is there a clause about biting?" she asked casually.
Daniel raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Do you plan on biting me, Miss Lee?"
She smiled sweetly. "Only if you try anything before I say yes."
He smirked, eyes narrowing.
"I'd consider it foreplay."
Her jaw dropped slightly half amused, half scandalized.
This man is insane.
Daniel didn't say a word. He just watched her, like a king who had just claimed something rare something dangerous.
But instead of storming out, she reached for the pen on the tray, twirled it between her fingers, then lowered it to the page.
In one clean motion, she signed her name
"Congratulations, Mr. Ooman," Jade said, rising from her chair. "You just married trouble."
Daniel stood as well, slipping his hands into his pockets, eyes never leaving hers.
"I was counting on it."