ALL THE STRINGS ARE ATTACHED TO HER PAST.

CHAPTER 3: THE CONTRACT

They both went to a coffee shop. Tasha sat across from Ethan. As she looked at him, she wondered how he could stay so composed even when he knew that he got married to her impulsively while she felt like she was going to lose her mind.

“This is really ridiculous,” Tasha said.

“It’s practical,” Ethan countered, his dark eyes steady. “We agreed to this last night. I don’t see why we can’t at least try to make it work—for now.”

Tasha leaned back, letting out a disbelieving laugh. “You want to “make it work”? We don’t even know anything about each other! I don’t know your favorite color or your middle name!”

“Exactly and as for my middle name, you can always check it out on the Internet” he said, leaning forward. “ But you should think of it as an arrangement, not a marriage. No emotional strings, no expectations. Just two people helping each other out of a very rough spot.”

“Helping each other?” she echoed, narrowing her eyes. “And what exactly are you getting out of this, Mr. CEO?”

Ethan shrugged, his lips curving into a faint smirk. “You’d be surprised how useful a wife can be at certain corporate events. It keeps the vultures—journalists, investors, even competitors—at bay. They respect stability.”

Tasha stared at him, dumbfounded. “So I’d basically be a prop for your career?”

“Think of it as a partnership,” he said smoothly. “You’ll benefit too. Financial security, a roof over your head, and—if you play your cards right—a fresh start.”

Her chest tightened at his words. He wasn’t wrong—her life was in shambles, and the idea of stability, even under such bizarre circumstances, was tempting. But was she really ready to dive into another entanglement, even one devoid of love?

“We’re going to need some rules so that we don't overstep some boundaries,” she said finally, her voice firm.

Ethan’s smile widened. “I was counting on it.”

In the afternoon, they quickly had lunch together at a restaurant while they made small talk. They discussed the recent technology that his company was about to invest in. He bragged about how big the return on investment would be if the technology started selling fast.

Tasha had studied some things about the technology he wanted to invest in about a year ago and she advised him to not take any risks by investing a lot. She talked about the technology, its characteristics, advantages and limitations.

As she kept talking, he couldn't help but be in awe of her intelligence and elegance while talking. After she was done with saying her opinion, he clapped for her but he told her he'd rather risk it all. In her mind, she thought he was very stubborn, why would he risk everything? But then again, he had all the money to spend. He looked at her disappointed face and acted nonchalant but deep down he appreciated her input and planned to cancel his investment in that technology.

After a while, his assistant came, paid the bill for their food and escorted them to the cars that were outside. They got into the car and zoomed off to Ethan's penthouse.

When they got back, they went to the dining room and sat at the dining table. The assistant then handed the contract paper to Ethan and excused himself from the dining room.

“A contract,” she said aloud, her tone dripping with skepticism.

Ethan nodded. “A simple way to set boundaries and expectations. Think of it as insurance—for both of us.”

Tasha scanned the neatly typed clauses, her brow furrowing with each line.

Clause 1: No romantic involvement outside the marriage during the contract period.

Clause 2: Public appearances must be made together when required for social or professional events.

Clause 3: Respect each other’s privacy; no unnecessary questions about past relationships.

Clause 4: The contract will last for exactly one year, after which any party can request for a divorce.

“So what happens if I break one of these ‘rules’? Do I owe you my firstborn?”

Ethan chuckled, his tone light but firm. “There’s no punishment. The rules are there to protect us both. You’re free to walk away whenever you want. It's your choice.” “This could be the beginning of a new chapter of your life.”

Tasha tapped her pen against the desk while in deep thought. A year. That was all it would be—a temporary arrangement, no strings attached. She could survive a year, couldn’t she?

“Fine,” she said finally, scribbling her signature at the bottom. “But don’t expect me to play the doting wife.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it, don't worry” Ethan replied.

After their conversation, there was a lot of tension between them. This was no ordinary partnership, and they knew it.

Living with Ethan was...surprisingly easy. His penthouse was exquisite with the best furniture she had ever seen. Tasha claimed one of the guest bedrooms, as she was determined to keep as much distance as possible.

At first, their interactions were awkward and stilted. Ethan was polite but distant, while Tasha kept her guard up, afraid to let her walls down.

One evening, a week into their arrangement, Ethan knocked on her door. She opened it to find him holding a plate of takeout.

“I ordered Chinese,” he said, holding up the plate. I figured that we should at least pretend to be civilized roommates.”

Tasha hesitated, then stepped aside to let him in. They sat on the couch, the aroma of soy sauce and sesame oil filling the air.

“I didn't think that you would be a takeout kind of guy,” she said, breaking the silence.

“Well one thing you need to learn is that I’m full of surprises,” he replied.

For the first time in a long while, Tasha allowed herself to relax and open up a little. They talked about everything including her favorite books, his love of classic films, their shared dislike for pineapple on pizza and their shared love for anime.

It was the first time she’d laughed in weeks and she felt really good after their talk.

Their first public appearance as a married couple came when Ethan’s company was hosting a charity gala, and he insisted she attend.

“I don’t really have anything to wear,” Tasha said.

“That can be easily arranged,” Ethan said while pulling out his phone.

Two hours later, a personal stylist arrived, with all types of designer gowns. Tasha stared in disbelief as the woman transformed her looks.

When she stepped into the living room, Ethan’s eyes widened and he even blushed a little.

“You clean up really well,” he said.

Tasha rolled her eyes even though a small part of her warmed at the compliment.

The gala was filled with flashing cameras, champagne and lots of important people. Tasha clung to Ethan’s arm, feeling quite anxious.

“You’re doing fine, okay?” he whispered, his breath warm against her ear.

She glanced up at him and was surprised by the genuine reassurance in his tone.

As the night went on, she couldn’t shake the feeling that they were playing a very dangerous game that they were going to regret later on. But she decided to just live in the moment, at least for now.

It wasn't going to be too dangerous or was it?...