No Option
1339 Words
Lucian opened the folder and slid a document across the desk. It stopped in front of Brenda.
She looked down.
The words at the top of the first page were printed in bold letters.
*CONTRACT MARRIAGE AGREEMENT*
For a moment, she simply stared at them.
Then she looked back at him and let out a slow breath and pulled the file closer.
The first page contained only names.
*First Party:* Lucian Marco.
*Second Party:* Brenda Michael.
Even seeing her name beside his felt unreal. She turned another page.The document was in details.
Every clause had been carefully written.
Every condition had been anticipated.
Every possible disagreement already had an answer.
She looked up.
When did your lawyers prepare this?
Weeks ago.
You were planning this before you ever called me.
Yes.
Brenda closed the file.
"That doesn't answer my question".
Lucian rested his forearms on the desk.
Ask it again.
"Why did you choose me"?
His eyes met hers.
Because you fit the requirements.
She almost laughed.
Requirements?
I'm applying for a marriage, not a job.
In this case...
The difference is very small.
Brenda shook her head.
I think You're hiding something.
If I told you everything today...
There would be nothing left for us to discuss tomorrow.
She leaned forward.
You're asking me to trust you.
No. He answered so quickly that she stopped speaking.
I'm asking you to read the contract.
Trust is earned. Not requested.
The room became quiet again.
Brenda lowered her eyes and continued reading.
One year..Separate bedrooms.
Either party could request a divorce after twelve months.
Neither party would interfere in the other's private life unless it affected the agreement.
Public appearances would be required whenever necessary.
Absolute confidentiality.
She stopped reading. No romantic obligation?
No expectation that we pretend to be in love when we're alone?
Correct.
No... relationship?
Only if both parties choose it.
She turned another page.
Halfway down, a figure caught her attention.
She blinked.Then looked again.
Hospital expenses, Paid in full.
Future treatment ,Paid in full.
Rehabilitation ,Paid in full.
Medication, Paid in full.
Her fingers tightened around the paper.
She swallowed before speaking.
This amount...It covers everything.
Yes.
Including complications after surgery.
Even if recovery takes months?
Yes.
She slowly lowered the contract.
Why?
Lucian answered without hesitation.
Because if I make an agreement...
I keep it.
She searched his face.
No one offers this much without expecting something in return.
I do expect something.
She straightened in her chair.
What?
One year.
Nothing more.
Nothing less.
She couldn't believe it.
Half a million dollars.
An entire year's commitment.
A contract prepared weeks in advance.
None of it made sense.
She closed the file and pushed it back across the desk.
I can't sign this.
Lucian didn't move.
Why?
Because I don't even know you.
He nodded once.
That's true.
I don't know why you chose me.
Also true.
I don't know what happens after this year.
Understandable.
Frustration crept into Brenda's voice.
Then how can you expect me to say yes?
Lucian looked at her calmly.
I don't.
She blinked.
What?
He folded the contract and placed it back inside the folder.
I expect you to make the best decision you can with the information you have.
Nothing more . Nothing less.
Brenda stood up.
Then this meeting is over If that's your decision.
He didn't stop her
That unsettled her more than if he had begged.
She picked up her bag.
I should go.
Lucian inclined his head politely.
Victoria will show you out.
Brenda turned and walked toward the door.
Her hand settled on the polished brass handle.
She paused, Not because he called her back.
He didn't.
The room remained completely silent behind her.
That silence followed her all the way to the door.
And somehow...
It felt heavier than any argument.
Victoria was waiting outside when Brenda stepped into the corridor.
She rose immediately.
Finished already?
Brenda nodded.
Victoria studied her face for a moment.
She didn't need to ask how the meeting had gone.
The answer was written all over Brenda's expression.
This way.They walked toward the elevators in silence.
The executive floor was as calm as it had been before, but Brenda barely noticed it now.
Her thoughts refused to settle. She had expected Lucian Marco to pressure her.
To threaten her, to persuade her.
He had done none of those things.
Instead, he had placed an impossible choice in front of her and quietly stepped aside.
The elevator doors opened. They stepped inside.As the doors slid shut, Victoria spoke for the first time.
Mr. Marco rarely explains himself.
He believes people make better decisions when they aren't pushed.
Brenda gave a tired smile.
"That's one way of looking at it".
The elevator descended in complete silence.
When they reached the lobby, Victoria walked with her toward the main entrance.
The morning rush had grown busier.
Employees hurried through the revolving doors while visitors checked in at reception.
Life inside Marco Tower continued as though billion-dollar decisions were made every hour .
They stepped outside.The warm breeze carried the distant sound of traffic.
Victoria stopped beside the waiting car.
I'll take you back to the hospital.
Brenda shook her head.
No. I'd like to walk for a while.
Victoria didn't argue.
She reached into her handbag and brought out the same folder Lucian had placed on the desk.
He asked me to give you this.
Brenda frowned.
I thought he took it back.
He changed his mind.
Brenda looked at the folder without taking it.
What's the point?
I already told him I can't sign it.
Victoria's voice remained gentle.
He knows. He believes you should read every page before making your final decision.
Brenda finally accepted the folder.
It felt surprisingly heavy.
As though it contained far more than paper.
Victoria took a small step back.
Mr. Marco asked me to tell you one last thing.
Brenda waited.
There will be no phone calls. No reminders, No second meeting.
If you decide this isn't the life you want...
Destroy the contract.
We'll never contact you again.
Brenda searched Victoria's face.
" What if I decide to sign"?
Be at Marco Tower tomorrow morning.
Nine o'clock.
The same office.
Victoria inclined her head politely before returning to the car.
Within moments, the black sedan disappeared into the traffic.
Brenda remained standing on the pavement.
People walked around her, each carrying their own worries, their own plans, their own destinations.
She looked down at the folder in her hands.
For the first time since her father died...Her future wasn't being decided by what she wanted.
It was being decided by what she was willing to lose.
That evening, her apartment felt smaller than ever. She placed the folder on the tiny kitchen table and stared at it while the kettle boiled.
The room was quiet except for the ticking of the old clock on the wall.
She poured herself a cup of tea. It grew cold before she took a single sip.
Finally, she opened the folder. She read every page.Then she read it again.
There were no hidden clauses.No impossible demands.The agreement was frightening because of how reasonable it sounded.
One year of Public appearances when necessary.
Respect each other's privacy , No romantic obligations.
Every medical expense for her mother paid in full.
Everything was clear and legal. It was waiting for one signature.
Brenda closed the file and rested both hands on the table. She thought about her mother's smile , about the classroom full of children who expected her back on Monday.
About the promise she had made beside a hospital bed.
I'm not losing you.
She closed her eyes.
When she opened them again, her gaze settled on the final page of the contract.
The blank line waiting for her signature seemed almost alive.
Brenda reached out.Her fingertips rested lightly on the paper.
She didn't pick up the pen . For the first time , She stopped asking herself whether she could marry a stranger.
- Writer
