Chapter 6
1031 Words
Richard
The next evening, Richard found himself unable to focus. Anticipation needled at him as he stood at the floor-to-ceiling window of his study. Before him, the city stretched endlessly, sparkling with nightlife.
Ten years ago, he’d begged Cassie to stay. Now, she had agreed to be his wife, if only in name. The irony was almost poetic. He chuckled humourlessly. A knock came at the door, interrupting his thoughts.
“Come in.”
Marcus stepped inside with a leather folder tucked under his arm. Marcus Hale, Richard’s COO and right-hand man, was nothing but polished, controlled and efficient.
“The draft contract,” Marcus said, placing it on the desk. “It’s been reviewed with standard protective clauses. Asset separation, public conduct guidelines, and a non-disclosure agreement. One-year term.”
Richard nodded. “Add a medical discretion clause.”
Marcus raised a brow. “Meaning?”
“No medical decisions regarding her are to be made without my authorization.”
A slight pause. “Understood,” Marcus replied smoothly.
Richard didn’t miss that half-second hesitation. He filed it away.
“Also,” Richard added, “clear Terry’s debt the moment she signs. All of it.”
Marcus studied him carefully. “That’s… generous.”
“It’s leverage,” Richard said coolly. “Nothing more.”
Marcus inclined his head. “Of course.”
After Marcus left, Richard stared down at the contract. One year. He told himself it was about finally getting closure and sweet revenge. So why did it feel like stepping onto unstable ground?
*******
An hour later, Cassie walked into his study. Richard studied her expression. There was no trace of hesitation or visible fear in those brown eyes. She wore a simple dress, the same one he’d sent her. It fit her perfectly. He shouldn’t have known her size. But he did.
Richard cleared his throat. “Have a seat,” he said, gesturing to the seat before his work desk.
She crossed her arms across her chest defiantly. The movement called Richard’s attention to her generous bosom. He dragged his eyes back up to hers to hear her say, “Let’s not pretend I’m your subordinate.”
A flicker of amusement passed through him. “Very well. Stand.”
She rolled her eyes but remained where she was.
He slid the contract across the desk. “The terms are straightforward. One year of legal marriage. Public appearances as required. Discretion in all personal matters.”
She walked towards the contract, but didn’t touch it immediately. “What do you get out of this?” she asked.
Richard’s jaw ticked. “I told you already.”
She picked up the contract and began reading carefully. Not skimming, reading. Good.
“You’ve included a cohabitation clause,” she said calmly.
“Yes.”
“I’ll have my own bedroom.”
“Agreed.”
“And no conjugal expectations.”
He exhaled, rubbing his forehead. “I already said I don’t force what isn’t freely given.”
Her cheeks warmed slightly, but she didn’t break eye contact. “I want it written.”
A second passed, then he nodded. “Addendum accepted.”
She continued reading. “There’s a behaviour clause,” she said. “No actions that could ‘damage corporate image.’ That applies to you, too.”
He leaned back in his chair. “It does.”
“I want equal public standing. No silencing. No scripted humiliation.”
His eyes sharpened. “You think I’d humiliate you? I’m nothing like you, Cassie.” Richard’s tone withheld none of the venom he felt running through his veins. Cassie blanched. That hit its mark. Satisfied, he continued, “You’ll have full autonomy in public settings. Within reason, of course.”
“And Terry?” She pressed.
“Debt cleared upon signature. He resumes work under my protection.”
She stilled slightly at that word. “Protection?" Her brow shot up."From what?”
He didn’t answer immediately because he wasn’t entirely sure. “Your accident... it wasn’t random,” he said finally. "I think someone's targeting your brother."
Her breath caught. “You know that?”
“I suspect it,” he clarified.
“Was it you?” she asked quietly.
Richard's jaw tightened. “If I wanted to hurt you, Cassandra, I wouldn’t use a truck.”
She stared at him for a long moment. Whatever she saw must have convinced her. In the next moment, she exhaled slowly and looked back down at the contract. “One more condition.”
His lips curved faintly. He realized something in that moment. She wasn’t afraid of him, not truly. That was more destabilizing than defiance.
He needed to put her in her place. “You’re negotiating with a man who holds all the leverage. I’ve been too accommodating, it seems. Sign now, or walk, Cassandra. Your call.”
She regarded him for a long moment before picking up the pen. The sound of pen against paper felt louder than it should have. He signed immediately after. Marcus entered minutes later to witness and notarize.
Terry was called in. When Richard handed him the cleared debt documentation, Terry stared at it as if it might disappear.
“It’s… gone?” Terry whispered.
“Yes.”
Terry looked at Cassie. Then at Richard. “Thank you,” he said stiffly.
Richard inclined his head. “This arrangement is professional. See that it stays that way.”
Terry looked away, not missing the warning. After Terry left, silence returned.
Cassie stood near the door. “So that’s it?” she asked.
“Yes.”
She nodded once. “When’s the wedding?”
“Friday.”
Her eyes widened. “That’s three days.”
“I dislike delays.”
She stared at him for a long second before turning to leave without another word. The moment the door closed, Richard released the breath he’d been holding. He walked back to the window.
Three days. One year. Ten years of unfinished history.
Behind him, the signed contract sat neatly in its folder on his desk. Richard looked out the window, watching the sky darken as the weather twisted into something dark and sinister.
- Writer
