Borrowed Throne

Chapter Five: The Contract

Montgomery's office looked different in the morning light. Less intimidating, more mundane. He was waiting with a stack of papers that had to be two inches thick.

"Miss Voss. Please, sit. Coffee?"

"Yes. Please. Strong."

He poured from a carafe that probably cost more than my monthly rent. The coffee was perfect, because of course it was.

"The contract is comprehensive," Montgomery began, sliding the stack toward me. "I'll walk you through the key points, but I recommend you read every page carefully. Take your time."

"How much time do I have?"

"As much as you need. However, Mr. Ashford would like this finalized today."

I pulled the stack closer and started reading.

ARRANGEMENT AGREEMENT

This agreement is entered into on [DATE] between Damien Ashford ("the Employer") and Elena Voss ("the Participant").

The legal language was dense, but Montgomery walked me through it section by section.

"The term is one year from the date of signing," he explained. "You'll live in Mr. Ashford's primary residence, attend no fewer than three public events per week, and maintain the appearance of a genuine romantic relationship."

"What counts as a public event?"

"Charity galas, business dinners, any function where Mr. Ashford's presence is expected. You'll also need to be photographed together regularly—restaurants, museums, that sort of thing."

I kept reading.

COMPENSATION:

- Two million dollars (USD) upon signing this agreement

- Four million dollars (USD) upon successful completion of one (1) year

- Monthly allowance of fifty thousand dollars (USD) for personal expenses

- All reasonable living expenses covered

Fifty thousand dollars a month. For personal expenses. I made thirty thousand a year.

"The personal expenses allowance is for clothing, grooming, anything you need to maintain appearances," Montgomery said. "You'll be attending high-profile events. You'll need appropriate wardrobes."

TERMINATION CLAUSE:

The Participant may terminate this arrangement immediately with retention of all compensation already paid if the Employer engages in:

- Physical violence or credible threats of violence

- s****l coercion or assault

- Unlawful activity that places the Participant at legal risk

Early termination by the Participant for any other reason will result in return of all compensation with the exception of one hundred thousand dollars (USD).

Early termination by the Employer for any reason will result in immediate payment of all remaining compensation.

"So if he decides he doesn't like me after a month, I get the full five million?" I asked.

"Correct. The risk is his. He's chosen you specifically, Miss Voss. He doesn't intend to terminate early."

I moved to the next section.

PHYSICAL INTIMACY:

- Separate bedrooms will be maintained at all times

- Any physical intimacy beyond what is necessary for public appearances is entirely optional

- Neither party may coerce or pressure the other into unwanted physical contact

- Public displays of affection (hand-holding, brief kisses, embraces) are expected for authenticity

"So I have to kiss him," I said.

"In public, yes. Brief, appropriate kisses. Nothing more unless you both agree."

The thought made my stomach flip. I'd barely touched him last night, and now I'd have to kiss him? In front of people?

PUBLICITY REQUIREMENTS:

- The Participant will maintain social media presence reflecting the relationship

- The Participant will cooperate with approved media requests

- The Participant will be photographed for engagement announcement

- All public statements regarding the relationship must be pre-approved

"I have to post about us on social media?"

"Yes. It needs to appear authentic. Mr. Ashford's team will guide you on what's appropriate."

I flipped to the NDA section. Pages and pages of legal binding silence.

NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT:

The Participant agrees to maintain absolute confidentiality regarding:

- The transactional nature of this arrangement

- The Employer's personal life, business dealings, and family matters

- Any information learned during the course of the arrangement

- All terms and conditions of this agreement

Violation of this NDA will result in:

- Immediate termination of the arrangement

- Return of all compensation received

- Legal action for damages not to exceed ten million dollars (USD)

- Potential criminal charges for breach of contract

My hands started shaking. "Ten million dollars. Criminal charges?"

"Mr. Ashford is a very private man protecting a very public company, Miss Voss. The penalties are severe because the stakes are severe. If you tell anyone—your best friend, your family, a therapist—you will face legal consequences that could destroy you financially."

"This is insane."

"This is protection. For both of you." Montgomery leaned forward. "Miss Voss, you need to understand what you're agreeing to. This isn't just playing dress-up for a year. This is committing to absolute secrecy about the nature of your relationship with one of the wealthiest men in America. If you have any doubts about your ability to maintain that secrecy, walk away now."

I read the rest of the contract. Every clause, every subcategory, every legal term. It took two hours.

At 10:47 AM, I picked up the pen.

"Once you sign, it's binding," Montgomery warned. "Are you certain?"

I thought about my mother. About the bills. About David's worried face and my empty bank account and the landlord's final notice.

I thought about Damien Ashford standing in his penthouse, looking at the city like he owned it, offering me a solution to every problem I had.

I thought about Victoria Langley, who'd disappeared from the internet like she'd never existed.

I signed anyway.

Montgomery witnessed, then slid a document across the desk. "Your bank account information. The first two million will be transferred within the hour."

Two million dollars. In one hour.

"What now?" I asked.

"Now you go home and pack. Mr. Ashford's driver will collect you at 2 PM. You move into the penthouse today."

"Today?"

"The arrangement begins immediately, Miss Voss. Welcome to Damien Ashford's world." He stood, extending his hand. "I hope you survive it."

That phrase again. I hope you survive it.

Everyone kept saying it like it was a joke.

I was starting to think it wasn't.