The contract lay between them.
Clean. Simple. Cold.
Emily read every line.
Marriage.
One year.
No feelings.
No interference.
No love.
She almost laughed.
"How romantic," she said dryly.
Alexander didn't react.
"You will gain status, protection, and resources," he said.
"And in return?"
"You play your role."
Emily looked up.
"And if I refuse?"
"Then you go back to being nothing."
Silence filled the car.
Emily's fingers tightened.
She thought of the wedding.
The betrayal.
The humiliation.
Her eyes hardened.
"Fine," she said.
"I'll sign."
Alexander handed her a pen.
Their fingers brushed.
Just for a second.
But something—
Shifted.