A Deal With Love

Chapter Three: The Arrangement

Adrian stared at the contract on the mahogany table like it had just insulted him personally. The black ink spelled out a lifetime of obligations, expectations, and rules he never agreed to—and yet, somehow, it was now his reality.

Elena sat across from him, perfectly composed, hands folded neatly on her lap. She didn’t flinch at the sight of the contract, didn’t glance nervously at the cameras lining the room—though Adrian knew someone had probably already snapped a few shots. She had the air of someone who belonged anywhere, yet belonged nowhere all at once.

“This is absurd,” Adrian muttered, leaning back in his chair. “Marry me, announce the engagement, maintain appearances, and pretend we’re a normal couple?” He ran a hand through his hair. “This is not love. It’s… it’s a cage.”

Elena tilted her head, one eyebrow lifting. “It’s a mutually beneficial arrangement. That’s the truth of it. Neither of us gains by pretending otherwise.”

Adrian’s laugh was bitter. “Mutually beneficial? Let me guess—you’re here to secure a future for yourself, maybe your family? Nothing to do with me, right?”

She didn’t answer immediately. Instead, she sipped her tea slowly, deliberately, making him wait. “You assume a lot,” she said finally. “I do what I must. You… you need stability. I provide it. That’s all.”

Adrian felt a flicker of irritation. He wasn’t used to being outmaneuvered by anyone, least of all a quiet girl chosen by his mother. “You make it sound so simple. You’re ignoring the fact that my life is… complicated. My past is… a disaster waiting to explode. And you’re agreeing to walk right into it?”

Elena’s gaze didn’t waver. “I see a problem, I solve it. Chaos doesn’t scare me.”

He studied her, caught between admiration and disbelief. “You know you’re dangerous, right? You might be the only person capable of surviving me.”

A faint smile curved her lips, almost imperceptible. “And maybe the only one capable of seeing the man behind the headlines.”

Adrian swallowed. She didn’t sound naïve. Not at all. There was depth to her calm, an intelligence he couldn’t quite place. He suspected she knew more than she let on—about him, about high society, perhaps even about power. That thought was both infuriating and… intriguing.

“Fine,” he said, finally, with a flicker of exasperation. “We negotiate terms, then. No spontaneous declarations of love. Keep appearances. Handle the press. No scandals—beyond the ones we can manage.”

Elena nodded once. “Agreed. I’ll maintain discretion, and you’ll respect boundaries.”

Adrian smirked. “Boundaries? I think I’ll enjoy testing them.”

She didn’t flinch, didn’t even raise an eyebrow. “Then do your worst. I can handle it.”

A sudden ping from her phone drew Adrian’s attention. She glanced at the screen, her eyes flickering just slightly—an almost imperceptible hesitation before she slipped the phone back into her bag. Her composure remained perfect, but Adrian noticed. Something she’s hiding, he realized.

“What was that?” he asked casually, leaning forward.

“Nothing,” she replied smoothly, eyes locking on his. “Just work.”

Adrian didn’t press. He didn’t need to. Something told him he would uncover her secrets eventually—but for now, she controlled the pace. And that, he decided, was… exciting.

Their first official “deal” was settled that afternoon. It was a contract written on paper, yes, but also a fragile understanding: two people, forced together, navigating a world that wanted to destroy them—or at least make their lives a spectacle.

As they shook hands, Adrian felt the first spark of something dangerous: respect. And maybe—just maybe—something else that made him forget, briefly, that this marriage was supposed to be a prison.

Elena, meanwhile, allowed herself a tiny inward sigh. The deal was in place, but the game had only just begun. Every word, every move, every glance had its purpose. She had to play carefully, make sure she remained untouchable… and perhaps, in the process, find a way to secure her future without sacrificing her growing feelings for the man she was supposed to merely “marry.”

Outside, the city lights shimmered across the skyline, reflecting in the polished surfaces of the restaurant. Inside, two hearts—one guarded, one strategic—were already beginning a dangerous dance, neither willing to admit how deeply the game might affect them.