The Conditions
240 Words
"I have three conditions," Ethan said, his voice calm but firm.
Sophia folded her arms, trying to hide her trembling hands. "I'm listening."
"First, our marriage will remain a secret until I decide otherwise. Second, you will never question my business decisions. Third, no matter what happens, you must trust me."
She stared at him in disbelief. "Trust you? You haven't told me the truth about anything."
Ethan looked away for a moment, his expression unreadable. "There are things I can't explain yet. But if you walk away now, your family's problems won't disappear."
Sophia's heart raced. She hated feeling trapped, but she couldn't ignore the reality. Her father's debts were growing, and this marriage seemed like the only way to save him.
"What do I get in return?" she asked quietly.
"You'll have financial security, protection, and the chance to rebuild your family's future," Ethan replied.
Silence filled the room.
After what felt like forever, Sophia took a deep breath. "Fine. I accept your conditions."
A faint smile crossed Ethan's face, but it didn't reach his eyes.
"Good," he said. "Because once we begin, there's no turning back."
As she reached for the contract, a mysterious envelope slipped from Ethan's desk onto the floor. She picked it up, and before Ethan could stop her, she saw a photograph that changed everything.
Her own face stared back at her—from a picture taken years before they had ever met.
- Writer
