The Deal
The room smelled like money.
Leather chairs. Polished glass. Cold air that kissed my skin and reminded me I didn't belong here. I sat across from him, my fingers digging into the fabric of my dress as if holding on to it would keep me from slipping into a life I didn't understand.
He didn't look at me.
Not once.
He was on his phone, speaking quietly to someone, his voice calm and firm. The voice of a man used to being obeyed.
"You can leave it there," he said into the phone. "I'll handle it."
The call ended. Silence returned.
Slowly, he finally lifted his gaze to me.
And in that moment, I understood something painful.
This man had never begged for anything in his life.
"Sign," he said, sliding the document across the table.
Just one word. No softness. No persuasion.
My throat tightened as I stared at the papers. Marriage. Three years. No love. No intimacy unless required for appearances. No interference in each other's lives.
I was to be his wife in public.
A stranger in private.
"What happens after three years?" I asked quietly.
He leaned back, studying me like a business proposal.
"We divorce," he replied. "You get paid. We move on."
So simple.
As if hearts didn't bleed.
As if people didn't break.
"And if… if I fall in love?" The words escaped before I could stop them.
Something flickered in his eyes surprise, maybe. Then it was gone.
"That would be your mistake," he said flatly. "Not mine."
I swallowed hard and picked up the pen. My family's debt flashed through my mind. My mother's tired eyes. The eviction notice folded inside my bag. I had no luxury of pride.
I signed.
When I pushed the papers back to him, he nodded once, like a deal successfully closed.
"Good," he said. "Welcome to your new life, Mrs_"
He paused, glancing at the document. "_Mrs. Hale."
Hearing his name attached to mine felt unreal. I was his wife now. On paper.
He stood up, already done with me. "The wedding will be small. Private. My assistant will contact you." I forced myself to stand too. "That's it?" "Yes." No congratulations, No ring, No smile, Just business.
As he walked away, a strange ache settled in my chest. I told myself I could survive this. That love was overrated. That three years was nothing. I didn't know then… that the man who said he could never love me would be the one to ruin me completely.