HIS CONTRACT GIRLFRIEND: RULE #1: DON'T FALL IN LOVE

ELENA POV “You’re going to pretend to be my girlfriend,” Ryder Callahan dropped the word flatly. I stared at him for a second, then laughed. “You must be delusional to think I'd agree to date you. I’d rather date a ghost. At least a ghost would be honest about being dead inside and wouldn’t drag me into whatever chaotic mess you’ve created this time. Seriously, Ryder, what makes you think I’d ever say yes to pretending to be linked to you?” Silence filled the room. I leaned back in the chair, crossing my arms as I studied the man sitting across from me. Ryder Callahan. Even saying his name in my head felt like swallowing something bitter. Victoria Hale, his team manager and PR Agent sat beside him rubbing her temples with her eyes fixed on me. I straightened in my seat. “I'm not doing this,” I said, making sure my voice was flat, giving no room for negotiation. Victoria sighed. “Elena…” “No,” I cut her off. “You didn't tell me it was him.” “I told you it involved a high-profile athlete,” she retorted. “And then you intentionally left out his name,” I shot back immediately. “Because you know I'd never agree to this meeting if I knew he was going to be here.” She softened, and released her breath slowly. My jaw tightened as I looked at Ryder. “You should have told me,” I said quietly. She exhaled slowly, her expression softening “And you would have said no before hearing the full offer.” “Then you already have your answer,” I said. “I’m not interested.” I pushed my chair back, ready to stand. "One million dollars,” the words dropped from Ryder's lips. My body froze. The words hit harder than I wanted to admit. “Ten thousand dollars,” Victoria repeated, folding her hands neatly on the table. “Paid in installments over the duration of the contract.” My fingers curled slightly at my sides. One million dollars. Rent. Tuition. Mom’s endless double shifts. Mateo’s medications and the mountain of medical debt we could never seem to escape. I shook the thoughts away, forcing my expression back into something neutral. “Still, no,” I replied but my voice came out weaker this time and I hated that. Victoria looked at me. “Plus a guaranteed internship at Apex Media.” My breath caught. My dream job. The one I had sacrificed sleep, social life, and sanity for. I hated how tempting it sounded. I hated even more that he was the one offering it. I exhaled slowly. “This isn’t worth it,” I said, though the words felt like they were slipping. I looked at Ryder. “Why do you need a fake girlfriend in the first place?” “Image,” he simply said. I scoffed. “Right. Because clearly what you need is a relationship to fix your personality.” Victoria shot me a look. “Elena…” “No, let her talk,” Ryder interrupted. “Fine,” I said. “Let’s talk.” I leaned forward slightly. “You want me to pretend to be your girlfriend so people can forget what you did?” “Is that what you think?” he asked. “I don’t think,” I said. “I know. Victoria cleared her throat. “We’re not here to debate the past.” “Well, maybe we should be,” I snapped. “Elena,” she warned, her tone was sharper now. I forced myself to look away, dragging in a slow breath. “I’m not the right person for this,” I said, more quietly now. “Find someone else.” “No,” Ryder asserted, his voice firm. My head snapped back toward him. “What?” “I said no,” he replied back. I stared at him. “Excuse me?” “If we’re doing this,” he continued, leaning back slightly, “it’s with you.” My stomach twisted. “Why?” He paused for a few seconds before answering. “I don't like you, and you don't like me. Perfect match.” I let out a disbelieving laugh and pushed back my chair again, this time actually standing. “I’m done here.” “Elena,” Victoria called. I ignored her and picked up my bag before turning towards the door. “Three months,” her voice came up again. I paused. “Three months,” Ryder repeated. “That’s all.” I turned back slowly. “You do your part,” he continued, “I do mine. After that, we walk away.” I swallowed hard. Maybe this isn't a bad idea after all. Victoria's voice came softer now. “Elena… this could be a great opportunity for you.” I closed my eyes briefly. Yes, she's right. I need the money. My mom has been working non-stop to fend for the family alone and my brother has not been able to buy medications for his legs. Maybe this is God answering our prayers. My chest tightened as I opened my eyes and looked at him. Ryder Callahan. The last person in the world I want to be anywhere near. I exhaled slowly. “This stays fake,” I said. Ryder nodded once. “No feelings?” I asked. He nodded. “No surprises?” I asked again. “Can’t promise that,” he said. I scoffed and rolled my eyes. I let out a slow breath. “You better not regret this,” I walked back to the table and sat down. Victoria smiled, bringing out the contract paper and a pen from her bag and landed them softly on the table. I stared at the paper for some time. CONFIDENTIAL AGREEMENT OF TEMPORARY RELATIONSHIP ARRANGEMENT was written at the top. I picked it up so I could read it properly. *Clause One: No public denial of the relationship. *Clause Two: No emotional attachment. *Clause Three: Mandatory appearance in required social settings. *Clause Four: No interference in each other’s private matters. *Clause Five: The agreement cannot be terminated until after the three months are over. There are more clauses. Too many but I read them all. At the bottom space was my account details. I picked up the pen and filled up the necessary information before dropping it back on the table. Done. Ryder takes the paper immediately, scanning it to confirm the details. Victoria smiled. “Half of the payment will be made to you before the end of today and the other half will be made after the contract is over.”