Contract of Hearts

Chapter 2: Terms and conditions

Emily gazed around the opulent apartment Alexander lived in, her eyes wide at how lavish it was. With its huge all-glass wall, it gave one million dollars a view on the heights of Manhattan… added with modern and elegant decoration which only echoed Alexander's good taste. It was a nerve-wracking moment - as if something mysterious was in the air.

His voice was smooth and confident, although I have to admit that if *I* were the one making a speech like this it wouldn't be nearly as charming: "Welcome to your new home. He motioned her in.

There was a moment in which Emily considered crossing the threshold. "Remarkable," she muted, of her wonder. "However, whatever the terms were to be defined.

Alexander nodded leading her towards the dining table in their big, modern looking house where a heap of paperwork was placed. "Of course. Let's go over everything."

Emily drew in a deep breath, steeling herself. For one, I will need to stay independent. I won't be quitting my job. It is difficult to be where I am.

Alexander sat back in his chair regarding her. "Agreed. I appreciate your desire to be more autonomous. But you make it authentic in exchange. But our settlement needs to look realistic.

Emily nodded. "Understood. But it has to have a clear way out. I do not Arrangement to be stuck here any longer than I have too

Agreed, we will establish a timeline, Alexander said. "One year. Then we will re-evaluate and decide whether to extend or terminate the deal.

Relief passed over Emily's face. "Okay. Social distancing... Individual space. No crossing lines."

Alexander gave a slight look of softening. "I can agree to that. However, everyone else needs to see us as a couple. That means PDA when needed.

Hurwitz wrote that "Emily blushed, just a bit". "I understand. But just a little.

Alexander grinned, a sparkle of entertainment in his eyes. "Deal. Shall we sign?"

They picked up the pens with finality and turned to sign their names on the dotted lines, agreeing. Emily started moving her stuff into the penthouse realizing what had happened. It was not an easy transition and they had moments with many awkward lives together.

After Julia was settled in their room, and Emily had begun to unpack hers for the second time that day, Alexander appeared at the doorway. "Need any help?"

She looked up, startled. "Oh, no, I'm fine. Just... getting settled."

He pressed against the door, arms folded. This living together business was going to be an adjustment.

Emma mumbled, with a grin returning back onto her face then.

The days dwindle down to a mix of awkward silences and polite conversation. Neither did anything, because they both acknowledged the unwavering professional distance that lay between them. Neither wanted to upset the delicate balance.

What was the real hardline, though: gearing up for their first official event together to make a donation at an elite charity gala. Alexander talked about the need to establish a strong presence. He was practically serenading himself in the mirror while fixing his cufflinks. "We have to dress for this stuff."

Pansy swiveled her head back to us and nodded quickly, eyes still on Emily who gave a nod herself. "I know. I've got this."

And just then, as they were getting ready to call it a night, Emily's phone beeped with an incoming text..... Her heart skipped a beat, and she just looked down at the screen. A message from an unknown number: Stay away from Alexander if you know what's good for you.

Her face grew white and she frantically shoved the phone back into her clutch. When Alexander saw her sudden downcast mood, "Everything alright?"

Emily forced a smile. Ye-yeah, just... nerves, I guess."

He gave her an old smile with a guilty look. "You'll be fine. Just stick with me."

The ride to the gala atmosphere was a silent one, that soon became deafening with Emily's ears ringing out of control from her earlier words alone. What kind of cryptic message would someone send, and for what reason was not clear. She shot a look at Alexander who appeared not to notice the war within her.

Stepping out of the car Emily put on her bravest face with a smile, knowing hundreds of flash bulbs were trained on them. Taking Alexander by the arm, she lent into him as they walked down the red carpet. The cameras blitzed on, capturing the every move of these celebrities.

At that gala, Alexander began to introduce her around the room and she felt his hand on the small of her back. Emily played her role to perfection, talking nicely and laughing when you were supposed to laugh. Still, that warning message rippled in her brain like a threat.

In the waning hours of evening, Emily was mired in confusion and restlessness. The mysterious call from earlier made her skeptical of the illusion she wore like a skin - a facade painted over their contract marriage that was Alexander.

It was early in the evening and they were sitting together quietly on their living room couch when Emily began sharing her fears. Do you think there is going on more with that whole situation? Alex, I think most about that message over and all around still bothering me for the night.

Alexander turned to her with a worried look on his face as she did the same. Emily...I've been considering the same thing. Somebody has to be aware of our arrangement, however that leaves the question of who and why now?

Apprehension tinged Emily's voice, her eyes darting about in search of answers that he might not possess. "Could there be something about you that I'm unaware of? Something perilous to us?"

Alexander's expression became gentler as he extended his hand to hold hers, a comforting action during an uncertain time. "Emily, I am unsure about what is ahead of us. Nevertheless, I guarantee we shall confront it unitedly. Don't forget that we're in this together," he affirmed sincerely.

Emily couldn't rid herself of the notion that they were standing before a precipice far beyond their expectations despite his rhetoric. The fissures in their intricately crafted exterior grew wider, revealing mere fragments of veracity capable of disrupting all preconceptions acquired thus far.

In the subdued ambiance of the room, surrounded by uncertainty, Emily pondered whether this marked merely a preface to an expedition that would push their boundaries and confront their convictions beyond what they could fathom.