Episode Three: Sign Here
818 Words
Natasha didn’t sleep.
Every time she closed her eyes, she saw Joel—calm, unreadable. Then Cassidy followed… pale, waiting, trusting her.
By morning, the decision was already made.
Fenny Ora didn’t let her sit.
“You’re out of your mind.”
Natasha dropped into the chair. “Good morning to you too.”
“No, say it again,” Fenny leaned in. “You’re marrying who?”
“Joel Shamrock.”
Fenny blinked. “The rich, cold one?”
“That’s specific.”
“Because it’s accurate! Natasha, that man is a walking red flag.”
Natasha stirred her coffee. “I’m not marrying him for love.”
“That doesn’t make it better.”
“It makes it necessary.”
Fenny paused. “This is about Cassidy.”
Natasha didn’t answer.
“You could’ve told me,” Fenny said softly.
“And asked you to fix it?” Natasha shook her head. “This is the fastest way.”
“Fast doesn’t mean safe.”
“I don’t need safe,” Natasha said quietly. “I need money.”
Fenny sighed. “And after three months?”
“We walk away.”
“And your heart?”
“Not involved.”
Fenny didn’t look convinced.
“Be careful,” she said. “Men like Joel don’t play fair.”
Natasha gave a faint smile. “Neither do I.”
By evening, Natasha stood outside the Shamrock Estate again.
Same storm.
Different choice.
This time, she walked in.
Inside, everything felt too quiet.
Joel stood by the table, the contract laid out. Beside him was Hannah Gordy—calm, observant.
“You’re late,” Joel said.
“I’m on time.”
Hannah spoke smoothly. “Mr. Shamrock values precision.”
“And I value breathing room,” Natasha replied.
Joel looked up. “Sit.”
She did.
Hannah slid the contract forward. “Final review.”
“I can read.”
“I’m sure,” Hannah said. “But clarity matters.”
“Three months,” Natasha read. “Public appearances… shared residence—no.”
“You’ll move in,” Joel said.
“I have a life.”
“And I have a reputation.”
“I don’t care about your image.”
“I do.”
That ended it.
“Fine,” Natasha muttered, flipping a page. “No romantic involvement… that’s fine.”
“It never was,” Joel said.
The words stung.
“Payment…” Natasha paused.
It was enough.
Cassidy flashed in her mind.
“You investigated me,” she said.
“I needed to know what you needed.”
“And what I’m worth?”
“That’s not the same.”
She didn’t reply.
“Why me?” she asked.
A flicker crossed his face.
“Because you won’t confuse this with love.”
Her grip tightened. “Don’t flatter yourself.”
Silence.
Joel slid a pen toward her.
“Last chance.”
Natasha looked at it.
Then at him.
“You’d like that.”
He said nothing.
Her phone buzzed.
Cassidy.
She stared… then declined.
Decision made.
She picked up the pen.
“This changes nothing.”
“It already has,” Joel replied.
She ignored him.
And signed.
Quiet.
Final.
Hannah closed the file. “You’re engaged.”
“That was fast,” Natasha muttered.
“We move efficiently,” Joel said.
“Wedding is in five days,” Hannah added.
Natasha blinked. “Five days?”
“Yes.”
“That’s insane.”
“That’s necessary.”
She looked at Joel. “Do I get a say?”
“You can choose the dress.”
She laughed lightly. “How generous.”
Suddenly—
The doors burst open.
A man walked in like he belonged.
Gregory Gustavo.
“Well,” he said, smiling. “Right on time.”
Natasha froze.
Joel’s expression hardened.
“Gregory,” Joel said coldly. “Leave.”
“And miss this?” Gregory stepped closer.
His eyes found Natasha.
“Natasha… you look the same.”
Her voice tightened. “You shouldn’t be here.”
“I think I should.”
Joel stepped between them.
“This doesn’t concern you.”
Gregory smiled. “Doesn’t it?”
His gaze dropped to the contract.
Then back to Joel.
“You actually married her.”
“Leave,” Joel repeated.
Gregory ignored him.
“I’m not here to stop anything,” he said calmly.
“Then why are you here?” Natasha asked.
His smile sharpened.
“To tell the truth.”
The room went still.
Natasha’s heart raced. “What truth?”
Joel’s voice cut in.
“Enough.”
But Gregory didn’t stop.
“The reason he left you.”
Silence.
Natasha’s breath caught.
Her eyes moved to Joel.
For the first time—
His control cracked.
Just slightly.
But enough.
And suddenly…
This marriage didn’t feel like the most dangerous thing anymore.
- Writer
