Chapter 5: The Signature
347 Words
Emily's hand trembled as she reached for the pen.
One signature.
That was all it would take to change her life forever.
She looked up at Alexander.
"If I sign this... what exactly do you expect from me?"
Alexander met her eyes.
"You'll attend public events with me, wear the engagement ring, and convince everyone that we're deeply in love."
Emily frowned.
"And after one year?"
"We walk away. No questions. No obligations."
She hesitated.
"There has to be a catch."
"There is."
He paused before continuing.
"You can never reveal that our engagement is fake."
The room fell silent.
Emily thought about her overdue rent, her mother's hospital bills, and the future she had been fighting for.
Slowly...
She signed the contract.
Alexander picked up the document and smiled for the first time.
"Welcome to my world, Emily."
Just then, his assistant entered.
"Sir, the press conference is ready."
Emily's eyes widened.
"Press conference?"
Alexander nodded.
"In fifteen minutes, the entire country will know we're engaged."
"What? You never told me that!"
"If I had, you probably wouldn't have signed."
"You tricked me!"
"I protected the plan."
Emily glared at him.
"This is insane."
Before she could argue further, a stylist entered with several assistants.
A dazzling diamond ring was placed in front of her.
A white designer dress followed.
"We have ten minutes, Miss Emily."
Everything happened so fast that Emily barely had time to think.
Minutes later, she stood beside Alexander under hundreds of flashing cameras.
Reporters shouted questions.
"Mr. King! When did you meet?"
"Are wedding plans already underway?"
Alexander smiled confidently.
"I've finally found the woman I want to spend my life with."
The crowd erupted with excitement.
Emily forced herself to smile.
Suddenly...
A loud voice echoed from the back of the room.
"She's lying!"
Everyone turned.
The elegant woman from Alexander's office pushed through the crowd.
Tears filled her eyes.
"You promised you loved me, Alexander!"
The cameras immediately focused on the dramatic scene.
Emily's heart dropped.
Who was this woman...
And what secrets was Alexander hiding?
To Be Continued...
- Writer
