Chapter 3:Bound by a contract
589 Words
Sophia sat in the corner booth of a sleek, upscale café, her fingers wrapped around a steaming cup of coffee as she waited. The aroma of roasted beans and freshly baked pastries filled the air, but her appetite was nonexistent.
She had barely slept last night, her mind replaying her conversation with Ethan over and over. The moment she had uttered the words I’ll do it, she had felt a strange mix of relief and dread. Relief because Bennett’s Blooms had a fighting chance now. Dread because she was willingly stepping into Ethan Sinclair’s world—a world that had once broken her heart.
The sound of footsteps approaching made her straighten. Even before looking up, she felt his presence.
Ethan slid into the seat across from her, exuding the same effortless confidence he always had. He was dressed in a crisp charcoal suit, his blue eyes sharp and unreadable.
“You’re on time,” he noted, his gaze flicking over her. “I expected you to keep me waiting.”
Sophia lifted her cup, taking a slow sip before answering. “I figured we should get this over with.”
His lips twitched slightly, as if amused. “Straight to business, then.”
Ethan reached into his briefcase and pulled out a stack of neatly printed papers—her contract. He slid them across the table, tapping the top page.
“This outlines everything,” he said smoothly. “Your responsibilities, compensation, and the duration of the contract. You’ll be the exclusive floral designer for Sinclair Resorts for the next twelve months. In return, your shop will receive a generous upfront payment, along with a steady income from the partnership.”
Sophia’s fingers hovered over the papers, hesitation creeping in. She knew she should be grateful. This deal was everything she had been hoping for—financial stability, exposure, and a chance to keep Bennett’s Blooms alive.
But it also meant working with Ethan.
She forced herself to focus. “Twelve months is a long time.”
Ethan leaned back in his seat, his expression unreadable. “Not really. Just long enough for you to realize this is a good decision.”
Sophia met his gaze, searching for any sign of hidden motives. “And what do you get out of this, Ethan? Why me? You could have hired anyone.”
His lips curved into a knowing smirk. “Because you’re the best.”
She let out a short, bitter laugh. “That’s not the real reason.”
Ethan’s expression shifted, something unreadable flickering in his eyes. For a brief second, she thought he might say something personal, something real. But just as quickly, the moment passed.
“Sign the contract, Sophia,” he said instead, his voice smooth but firm. “Or walk away. The choice is yours.”
Her pulse pounded. She hated that he made it sound so simple when it was anything but.
Taking a deep breath, she reached for the pen he had placed beside the papers. Her hand hovered over the signature line as doubt gnawed at her.
Could she really do this?
Could she work beside Ethan for an entire year without falling into old habits—without reopening wounds that had never fully healed?
Lily’s words echoed in her mind. Make sure it’s on your terms.
Sophia swallowed hard and pressed the pen to paper, signing her name in bold strokes.
When she looked up, Ethan was watching her, his expression unreadable.
“Welcome to Sinclair Resorts,” he murmured.
- Writer
