Claire's POV
I left in a daze, still shocked. I hadn't expected him to apologize for overstepping. My boss, the formidable, intimidating Louis Smith resorting to blackmail? It was almost laughable. He must have thought he could use the knowledge of my lie to coerce me.
Sucks for him, I thought, smirking quietly to myself.
And then there was the apology. That single, unexpected gesture completely threw me off guard. It was the last thing I had ever expected from him and somehow, it made everything feel even more complicated.
I felt myself soften a little. How desperate must he have been, to go to such lengths just to convince me to agree?
But now, sitting in his office after hours, the quiet hum of the city outside the windows, I felt the weight of what we were about to do settle on my shoulders.
He motioned to the chair across from his desk. "Claire, Please sit," he said, his tone brisk but not unkind.
I lowered myself into it, "So… we're really doing this," I murmured, almost to myself. Doubts slipping quietly into my mind.
'You need this Claire, the house is at stake' I thought to myself.
"Yes," he said simply. "But we need to lay everything out. Clauses, expectations, boundaries. You have to understand that these clauses are strict, and there would be no room for breaches."
I nodded, trying to steady my racing heart.
"First," he started, leaning back slightly, "fidelity. We both honor this agreement. Nothing outside these terms. No surprises."
I hesitated. "I'd like the same," I said carefully. "If you… have relationships outside this marriage, I don't want to know. Keep your private life private."
I don't expect him to be faithful. It was a contract marriage after all, we weren't truly married. He has the right to do whatever he wants, I just don't want to know.
'And why is that?' A sneaky little voice in my mind teased.
He tilted his head, eyes narrowing slightly. "And I don't want you to have relationships outside it either."
I blinked. My stomach dropped. "Excuse me?"
What was that supposed to mean? Why does the way he says it sound possessive?
That's impossible. He of all people would know that this is strictly on paper. Not the actual thing.
"What I am saying is," he continued, calm but firm, "you won't be seeing anyone else while this contract is active. Not that you were planning to, I assume, but it needs to be stated."
I crossed my arms, defiantly as I tried to keep my voice steady. "And if I do…?" Who is he to say what I can't or cannot do?
"You won't. But even if you wanted to, I expect exclusivity. , he says pointedly.
My pulse quickened, but his next words almost startled me. "Don't worry," he added quickly, "I have no intention of having anyone else. Not during this contract. Not ever, if I can help it."
'Why does that bother me? What does he mean by 'not ever'?' my mind ran wild.
Not ever?
Why did that sound less like a contractual reassurance and more like a claim?
I swallowed. "That's… not part of the agreement," I said, carefully neutral, even as something tight coiled low in my chest.
"No," he agreed smoothly. "It's just clarity. I don't share what's mine. And I won't ask you to either."
Mine.
The word echoed, uninvited, unwelcome.
I forced a small, disbelieving laugh. "You're talking like this is more than a business arrangement."
His gaze didn't waver. If anything, it sharpened. "Every arrangement becomes more than business once emotions enter the room," he said. "The question is whether you acknowledge them… or pretend they don't exist."
My pulse thudded. "O…Kayy" I replied, unsure of what to say next. This was beginning to feel strange.
I told myself the unease curling in my stomach was fear.
I wasn't ready to admit it felt a lot like anticipation.
I swallowed, my throat suddenly dry. "Alright… if that's the agreement," I murmured, unsure if it was relief or dread speaking for me.
"Good." He paused, then added, almost casually, "We'll also need to keep this entire arrangement… secret. From everyone."
I exhaled, nodding. "Understood. I planned to keep it that way also. I don't want any company gossip."
"Good," he said, leaning forward slightly, his voice lowering, "Also, you'll eventually meet my grandparents. They'll want to see their future granddaughter-in-law or at least meet her formally. It's part of the arrangement. Since this is all their doing actually".
I stiffened. Meeting his grandparents? My heart skipped a beat. I didn't actually think this far…
"I'd also like something in return," I said cautiously. "If this is a contract marriage, I'd like to know what the monetary compensation is and when would I be able to receive it" I hope he doesn't think I'm after his money.
His lips curved into the faintest smile. "Fair enough. But, Claire," he said, his grey eyes locking on mine, "You don't have to be so cautious about asking, I stated that there would be monetary compensation for agreeing to the proposal. This would be sent to you immediately after you sign the contract."
I let out a quiet breath, trying to reconcile my racing thoughts. He seemed… Surprisingly honest.
"How much are we talking about if I may ask?" I asked, unsure. I just hope to get enough to clear the mortgage.
"You would be getting 500,000 dollars, which would be paid in two halves." He says, "You'd get the first half the moment you sign," he continued calmly. "And the second—"
He paused.
"—after the marriage is consummated."