BOUND BY CONTRACT, CLAIMED BY DESIRE

Chapter 5: The signing

Valentina's POV

I stared at the contract file which was across the table, my hands sticking to the fabric of my dress, tracing the pattern while I inhaled quietly.

The file was open to page forty-two, the signature line blank and waiting.

Leonardo leaned back slightly, as he adjusted his watch, while his lawyer with silver hair, sat to his left, with not a single line moved on his face as he watched me.

To my right sat my lawyer Mrs. Delgado, the only lawyer I could afford on forty-eight hours' notice, her hair in a neat bun, as she was focused on the contract.

"Ms. Rossi," Ricci said, his voice low that made the hair in my arm stood up before I even processed his words. “Before we proceed, I'm required to confirm that you've read and understood all terms outlined in the agreement."

"I have," my voice was cool, but my toes curled in my shoes.

"Then let's review the primary conditions one final time. Section Two, Financial Terms. Upon execution of this contract, Mr. Monte will transfer one million dollars to your designated account. Do you understand this term?"

"Yes,” I said, letting out a slow and low exhale, as Leonardo slowly took a sip of his coffee.

"Section Four," Ricci continued, his voice like a quiet certainty that has never been told no.

"All medical expenses pertaining to Elena Rossi, both outstanding and future, will be covered in full for the duration of the contract term. Do you understand?"

"Yes.”

My lawyer leaned closer to me and whispered, "You don't have to go through with this.” But my eyes remained fixed on Mr. Ricci.

"Section Seven, Public Conduct. You agree to maintain the appearance of a legitimate marital relationship in all public contexts. This includes physical gestures of affection as required. Do you understand?"

"I understand,” my gaze drifted to Leonardo, his blue eyes settled on my face, calm and unreadable.

My lawyer touched my arm, breaking eye contact. "There's still time to negotiate, we can ask for more protective language, and better exit terms."

"I'm fine," I said, touching her arm.

"You're not fine," she whispered back. "You're about to sign away two years of your life to a man you barely know."

"Ms. Delgado, if you have legal objections to any specific clause, now is the time to raise them, " he said, raising an eyebrow.

Her jaw tightened. She opened her mouth, then closed it, her gaze drifting to Leonardo who was watching the exchange with the detached interest of someone observing a mildly interesting chess match.

"No objections," my lawyer said finally, her voice thin.

"Very well, Ms. Rossi, if you're ready, you may sign on page forty-two, next to the highlighted line."

I reached for the pen Ricci offered, my fingers closed around it, as I held it above the page, my heart pounding rapidly in my chest.

I lowered the pen to the paper, about to sign, but my eyes caught on a section near the bottom of the page, just above the signature line.

“Clause 14.3. I had read it before, but somehow seeing it now, in this moment, made my stomach drop.

"In the event of pregnancy during the contract term," I read aloud, my voice barely above a whisper, "the child shall remain in Mr. Monte's custody until the child reaches age eighteen.”

The room in the air suddenly felt heavy, as if the oxygen had been sucked out.

"What?" My lawyer said, her voice loud, breaking the silence.

My fingers went numb, the pen slipping from my grip, as it bounced to the table.

"That clause was disclosed in the original draft," Ricci said calmly. "Ms. Rossi received the contract seventy-two hours ago. There was ample time to review."

"Ample time?" My lawyer's voice pitched higher. "This is insane. You can't put a custody clause in a marriage contract. That's not how this works."

"It's a standard protective measure," Ricci said, his tone unchanged. "Mr. Monte's assets require safeguarding against any potential complications."

"Complications?" She stood up. "You're talking about a child… a human being!"

Ricci adjusted his tie. "I'm talking about legal contingencies, Ms. Delgado. Which is precisely what contracts are for."

I stared at the words on the page. The child shall remain in Mr. Monte's custody. I had read it before at three in the morning and told myself it didn't matter because there wasn't going to be a child.

The contract explicitly stated separate bedrooms, no conjugal expectations. This clause was theoretical…Irrelevant.

"Ms. Rossi," Ricci said. "Do you have questions about this clause?"

"No," I said, looking up to my lawyer with a small smile, but she looked at me with her eyes wide open.

"There's nothing to talk about," I said, looking back at Mr. Ricci.

“But…,”

“

It's okay,” I can handle this, I said, looking at my lawyer, her face turning completely red now.

"Ms. Delgado, your client is an adult capable of making her own decisions. If she has objections to any term in this contract, she's free to walk out of this office right now,” Leonardo said, the air suddenly turning cold.

“You don't have to do this," my lawyer said.

"Yes, I do, there is no other way." My voice came out bolder than I intended. “This is the only option left, and the only fastest way…my mother doesn't have time for slow options."

I lowered the pen to the page, my hand was steadier now as I signed my name, as Ricci took the document, witnessed the signature with his own, then slid it across to Leonardo.

Leonardo picked up a different pen from the holder, and signed without hesitation.

"It's done," Ricci said, as he closed the folder and stood. "I'll file the paperwork with the county clerk this afternoon…congratulations, Ms. Rossi."

Leonardo pulled his phone from his pocket and tapped the screen a few times. "Check your account," he said.

Before I could understand what he said, my phone buzzed in my purse as I pulled it out, the payment notification staring at me.

I sat there, phone in my hand. My lawyer reached over and touched my shoulder.

"Valentina?"

My eyes were filled as the tears came fast, spilling over before I could hold them.

"It's okay,” my lawyer's hand tightened on her shoulder.

"You have two days to move into the penthouse. I'll send the address."

I wiped my face with the back of my hand, smearing mascara across my skin, as I nodded, not trusting my voice.

Ricci gathered his papers and stood. "I'll leave you to discuss logistics. Mr. Monte, Ms. Rossi…congratulations again."

My lawyer stood slowly, as she looked at me, then at Leonardo, then back at me. "Call me if you need anything…anything at all."

The office was quiet now, just me and Leonardo and the signed contract sitting on the desk between us.

I stood, my legs felt unsteady, but I picked up her purse, clutching it against my chest like it might anchor me to something solid.

I was halfway to the door when Leonardo spoke again.

"One more thing,” I stopped, as I turned slowly.

"The wedding is scheduled for one week from today. Small ceremony, immediate family only. My assistant will send you the details."

"Understood," I said, as I let out a sigh, my heart pounding rapidly in my chest.

"And Ms. Rossi?"

"Yes?"

His expression didn't change. His voice stayed even, but something in his gaze shifted.

"Don't make me regret this.”