The next morning, when I arrived at the office and was called to the president’s office, the contract was ready. It was a thick stack of legal jargon, but the bottom line was clear: I would marry Sarah and the Atkins family would agree to her demands. In return, she would provide the information that could lead us to Grachelle’s captor.
Mr. Atkins' lawyer, a graying man in a sharp suit, placed the papers in front of me. His face was unreadable, but his tone carried a weight of finality. "When you sign this, you’re legally bound to her conditions. There’s no backing out, Ram. Are you sure?"
My throat felt tight, but I nodded. "I’m sure."
The pen felt heavier than it should in my fingers. A single signature, and my fate was sealed. I pressed the tip to the paper, and my hands didn’t shake
