CHAPTER FIVE
261 Words
One Contract, One Condition “I’m not sharing a bed with you,” I said firmly. Cole leaned against the doorframe. “We need to be convincing. My lawyer said separate rooms could look suspicious.” “This isn’t a romance movie,” I snapped. “No, it’s business. High stakes.” He stepped inside the master bedroom where two suitcases were already unpacked. One was mine. “You had my things moved?” I asked, stunned. He shrugged. “Expedited. Efficient.” I looked around the room—one massive bed, black silk sheets, and enough tension to suffocate me. “This is temporary,” I muttered. Cole handed me a folder. “Sign the deal.” I flipped through: ninety days of public appearances, weekly events, daily photos, a clause forbidding romantic involvement with anyone else. And a payment schedule—$100k every thirty days. I signed. Cole watched me closely. “Don’t fall for me, Aria.” I rolled my eyes. “As if.” The next morning, we arrived at the gala. Cameras flashed as we stepped onto the red carpet. “Smile,” Cole whispered, sliding an arm around my waist. I forced one. My face burned from the contact. “You’re good at faking,” he murmured. “Years of practice,” I replied. Inside, we mingled with New York’s elite. Then someone called out, “Is that Aria Blake?” I turned. And froze. It was my ex. The man who betrayed me first. Walking straight toward me—smiling like nothing ever happened.
- Writer
