The contract
746 Words
The papers lay spread across the coffee table, rain tapping softly against the window. Harper read every line twice, her hands trembling. It didn’t make sense. Liam hadn’t mentioned any partnership with Jaxon’s company and Nora Bennett, why her?
She grabbed her phone, typing Nora’s name into the search bar. Photos loaded; charity events, fashion luncheons and glossy magazine spreads, then one image made her stomach twist. Liam and Nora, side by side at the Bennett Foundation Gala, smiling. Her hand rested on his arm. The caption read: Business partners finalize major investment deal. Harper's throat went dry.
The front door opened suddenly. Liam stepped in, shaking off his umbrella. “Hey.”
She turned the laptop toward her instinctively, then shut it fast. “What are you doing here at this hour?”
He smiled, distracted. “I forgot my laptop. I got a meeting with Mark and...” His eyes fell to the papers on the coffee table. His expression changed. “Where did you get those?”
She tried to sound casual. “Jaxon stopped by. He said he left something.”
Liam’s jaw tensed. “He came here? This morning?”
“Yes.”
“Why?” he asked.
“He said it was just business.” she responded.
Liam laughed under his breath short and tight. “He has always been unpredictable.” He gathered the papers quickly. “These are confidential, Harper. You shouldn’t be reading them.”
Her voice softened, “You didn’t tell me you were working with him again.”
“It’s temporary,” he said. “And messy. Jax doesn’t follow rules.”
She tilted her head. “And Nora Bennett? Does she?” His eyes snapped to hers. For a moment, the air went completely still.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” he asked.
“You didn’t tell me she was involved,” Harper said quietly.
He gave a strained smile. “You’re reading too much into it. She’s just an investor. You know how rumors get.” But his calm rehearsed tone didn't match the flicker of guilt in his eyes.
Harper nodded slowly. “Of course.” Liam kissed her cheek before heading back out. “I will be home late. Don’t wait up.”
The door closed. Harper exhaled shakily, sinking back onto the couch. Every instinct screamed that something was wrong. Liam’s voice and his body language .
Her phone buzzed. Jaxon: Did you open the folder I brought.
She hesitated, typing back.
Harper: Yes, I did but why Nora Bennett name is in it?
A pause. Then:
Jaxon: There's more than that.
Her pulse raced.
Harper: Tell me everything.
Jaxon: Not here. Meet me tonight at 9 PM at the pier.
Harper’s hand trembled over the phone. That evening, the sky hung low with storm clouds. Harper parked near the old pier, wind whipping her hair. Jaxon was already there, leaning against his truck, rain glinting on his jacket.
“You came,” he said softly.
“Why wouldn't I?” she added, "I want to know everything."
"I thought you were mad for what I did"
"If you didn't want me here, why ask me to meet you?"
He looked at her the same quiet intensity and storm in his eyes. “Because you deserve to know who you’re married to.”
“Then tell me.”
He nodded toward the folder in her hand. “That contract? Liam didn’t sign it for business. Nora’s his investor, yes, but she’s also the reason he’s been avoiding you. They have been meeting privately for months.”
Her breath hitched. “You’re saying...” Jaxon cut her off gently. “He’s cheating, Harper.”
The words landed like thunder. Harper stepped back, shaking her head. “No. He wouldn’t.”
“He already did,” Jaxon said quietly. “And he’s planning to leave you once the project closes.”
Rain blurred her vision. For a long moment, she just stood there, the sound of waves crashing beneath them. “I didn’t want to tell you like this,” Jaxon said. “But you needed the truth.”
She looked up at him, tears mixing with the rain. “And what am I supposed to do with it?”
“Whatever helps you sleep at night,” he murmured. “But don’t let him fool you again.” Lightning flashed in the distance, illuminating the pain on both their faces.
- Writer
