THE CONTRACT
1104 Words
CHAPTER FOUR
I had never encountered gates this tall before.
The dark iron entrance rose higher than the apartment building Monica used to call home, watched over by cameras and men dressed in dark suits who seemed capable of causing harm without even flinching.
As the car slowed down in front of the mansion, I felt my stomach knot.
This wasn't just wealth.
This was an entirely different world.
The gates swung open by themselves.
I gazed through the rain-streaked window as the car moved slowly up the long, winding driveway bordered by fountains and neatly trimmed bushes.
Even the quietness here seemed luxurious.
My fingers gripped the folder containing the agreement that rested on my lap.
Every part of me felt like I didn’t fit in here.
The car came to a stop underneath a huge marble entrance illuminated by golden chandeliers.
Before I could process what was happening, someone opened the car door for me.
A servant.
An actual servant.
I stepped out cautiously, suddenly conscious of my worn shoes and the small tear near the sleeve of my coat.
The mansion loomed over me as if it belonged to another era.
It took my breath away.
“Miss Vale.”
I looked up.
A woman in her forties, elegantly dressed in black, stood by the entrance.
“Please come with me.”
Her tone was courteous, but her gaze was cold.
She was already evaluating me.
In fact… everyone was.
The employees were trying to act like they weren't watching.
The guards were glancing at me for too long.
The maids were softly murmuring after I walked by.
They all seemed puzzled about why someone like me was in a place like this.
To be honest, I was puzzled too.
I followed the woman down the vast hallway, attempting to appear calm.
The floors were made of marble.
Chandeliers sparkled above.
Paintings were bigger than the wall in my old bedroom.
I felt out of place, like I didn’t belong in this grand setting.
The woman finally halted outside a big office.
Inside, three men in formal attire were gathered at a lengthy table filled with papers.
Lawyers.
Naturally.
One of them rose immediately. “Miss Vale, please take a seat.”
I sat down quietly.
The contract was already laid out in front of my chair.
The lawyer adjusted his glasses and spoke in a practiced manner.
“The length of the agreement is one year, starting right after the wedding ceremony.”
My throat felt tight.
“During this time, both individuals need to present their relationship to the outside world as if it is a true marriage.”
I nodded gradually.
“There are no romantic commitments between the two people.”
That statement should have made me feel better.
Instead, it felt oddly distant.
“We will keep separate bedrooms unless we agree to do something different.”
Heat rushed to my cheeks without warning.
The lawyer went on as if he were explaining a business deal instead of a marriage.
“Appear at public events, social functions, and family gatherings will be necessary.”
I looked at the documents in silence.
Everything felt surreal.
As if I had unwittingly stepped into someone else's world.
“After a year,” the lawyer said, “the marriage will officially end with a private divorce agreement. You will receive financial support right after.”
My gaze shifted back to the figure again.
A sum large enough to significantly alter my life.
A sum that would free me from any future reliance on others.
A sum that would ensure my survival.
An unfamiliar pain surged in my chest all of a sudden.
Because survival was precisely what this situation was about.
Not affection.
Not fate.
Just survival.
The attorney slowly slid a pen in my direction.
"Do you have any questions?"
Many.
But none that really mattered.
Instead, Monica’s words played over and over in my mind.
I’m fed up with carrying you.
My heart felt like it was being squeezed tightly.
I thought about standing in the downpour with garbage bags at my feet.
I recalled Derek grabbing me forcefully.
I remembered coming to the harsh realization that no one was going to rescue me.
Pride didn’t feed anyone.
Pride didn’t cover housing costs.
Pride didn’t keep women safe when they had nowhere else to turn.
"I get it," I responded softly.
The attorney gave a single nod.
Then the office doors swung open.
The atmosphere changed right away.
Not with noise.
Not with drama.
But authority stepped in first.
I sensed it even before I raised my gaze.
Adrian Kingsley entered the room as if he naturally belonged everywhere.
He was tall.
Wearing a sharp suit.
With a chilly expression.
The type of guy who likely made others uneasy without even trying.
The billionaire heir looked just like how the newspapers portrayed him.
Untouchable.
But somehow… also weary.
His gaze briefly met mine.
And something unusual stirred inside my heart.
Not desire.
Familiarity.
Like my body responded before my mind could figure out why.
His eyes slightly narrowed.
For a moment, he seemed almost uncomfortable too.
Then that look completely vanished.
He was cold again.
Professional.
Distant.
He faced me without saying hello first.
“This marriage will be straightforward,” he said in a calm tone.
His voice was quieter than I thought it would be.
Controlled.
“You’ll have your own space and freedom. I won’t get involved in your personal life unless it’s needed publicly.”
I nodded in silence.
He observed me closely.
“I have no interest in love, emotional obligations, or unnecessary tension.”
His directness could have hurt my feelings.
Instead, I found it somewhat refreshing.
At least he was being honest.
“That won’t be an issue,” I replied steadily.
Something unreadable flashed across his face for a moment.
Maybe it was surprise.
Maybe it was annoyance.
I couldn’t figure it out.
The room became silent.
Then the lawyer pushed the last page towards me.
“Miss Vale, please sign here.”
I picked up the pen slowly.
My hand trembled once before it calmed down.
The moment my signature touched the paper, an odd silence filled the room.
I instinctively looked up.
Adrian was focused on my writing.
Not casually.
With intensity.
His face changed for a brief moment.
Not cold.
Not far away.
Another thing.
Something that felt a bit mixed up.
Then, just as fast, it disappeared.
Yet, my heart was racing and wouldn’t settle.
Because for one odd moment…
It seemed like he recognized me.
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