Emily did not sleep that night.
She sat on her bed, staring at the contract on the table. The words on the paper felt like chains wrapping around her life.
Contract Marriage Agreement.
Duration: 1 year.Role: Legal wife of Alexander Moretti.Obligations: Attend public events, live together, and follow arrangements made by Mr. Moretti.Compensation: All family debts cleared. Monthly allowance. Internship position at Moretti Group Hotels.
It looked less like a marriage and more like a business deal.
The next morning, Emily returned to the same office.
Alexander was already there, as if he knew she would come.
"So," he said calmly, "have you made your decision?"
Emily looked at him, her hands clenched tightly.
"I will do it," she said quietly. "I will marry you."
Alexander studied her face for a few seconds, then nodded slightly, as if he had already expected that answer.
"Good," he said. "You made the right choice."
"I have conditions," Emily said suddenly.
Alexander raised an eyebrow. "You are not really in a position to negotiate."
"I will marry you," Emily said, trying to sound brave. "But this is only a contract marriage. After one year, we divorce. And you cannot control my life."
Alexander walked slowly toward her again. He always walked slowly, like a predator that was never in a hurry.
When he stopped in front of her, Emily could feel the pressure he brought with him.
"You think you can tell me what to do?" he said softly.
Emily forced herself not to look away. "If you want me to be your wife, then you should at least respect me."
For a moment, the room was completely silent.
Then Alexander suddenly smiled — a very faint, dangerous smile.
"Interesting," he said. "No one talks to me like that."
He picked up a pen and signed the contract.
"One year," he said. "After one year, if you still want to leave, I will let you go."
Emily didn't know why, but when he said that, her heart suddenly felt strange.
As if one year with this man…was going to change everything.
"Welcome to your new life, Mrs. Moretti," Alexander said.