The Rules of Engagement
741 Words
Chapter 2: The Rules of Engagement
Sophia stared at Damian like he’d just asked her to rob a bank.
She knew he was a businessman, but this? Proposing a fake marriage like it was a simple transaction?
She should say no. She had to say no.
And yet…
She thought of her mother’s mounting hospital bills. Her younger brother’s tuition. The financial stress that kept her awake at night.
One year.
That was all.
She exhaled, forcing her mind to focus. “If I agree, I need to know everything. No surprises.”
Damian’s lips twitched, as if he’d already known she’d say yes. “Of course. We’ll establish rules, terms, and an ironclad contract.”
Sophia crossed her arms. “Then start talking.”
Damian leaned against his desk, folding his arms as well. “The marriage has to be legally binding.”
Her stomach flipped. “You mean—actual paperwork? Not just a public front?”
He nodded. “My father is too meticulous. If we don’t do it properly, he’ll see right through it. We’ll sign a prenuptial agreement outlining the terms—what you’ll receive, what’s expected, and how it will end.”
“And what exactly will I receive?” She needed to hear it—needed to know if this was worth the insanity.
His gaze didn’t waver. “Five million dollars. One year. Paid in full upon divorce.”
Sophia’s breath hitched. Five million.
That wasn’t just life-changing—it was freedom.
Her mother’s medical bills? Cleared. Her brother’s future? Secured.
But five million dollars came with a price. A big one.
She wet her lips. “And what do you expect from me?”
“For one year, you’ll be my wife. That means public appearances, interviews, living together—”
“Wait, what?” She nearly choked.
Damian smirked. “We have to be convincing, Carter. My father is ruthless. If he suspects anything, he’ll dig into every detail.”
Sophia swallowed. “And… private expectations?”
A slow, knowing look crossed his face. “We won’t share a bed. This is a business arrangement, not a romance.”
Something in her chest loosened. At least there were limits.
Still, the idea of moving in with him, pretending to be his wife, acting as though they were in love—it was overwhelming.
She squared her shoulders. “There have to be rules.”
“Of course,” Damian said smoothly. “What do you want?”
She hesitated, then lifted her chin. “No controlling my personal life. I can still visit my mom, see my brother, and handle my own affairs.”
“Agreed.”
“No… intimacy,” she added, though her cheeks warmed saying it aloud.
His lips twitched. “Agreed.”
“No overstepping boundaries.”
“Fair.”
She exhaled. “And I want this written in the contract. Every detail.”
Damian nodded. “I’ll have my lawyers draft it today.”
Sophia’s head spun. Was she really doing this?
“I need time to think,” she said.
“You have twenty-four hours.” His voice was calm, but firm. “If you’re in, we move forward immediately.”
Sophia met his gaze. This was madness.
And yet…
Five million dollars.
A fresh start.
One year.
Could she really walk away?
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Scene Break: A Choice to Make
Sophia sat in her tiny apartment that night, staring at the contract Damian had sent over. The numbers on the page made her stomach twist.
She picked up her phone and called her mom.
“Sweetheart,” her mother’s voice was warm but weak. “How was work?”
“Busy,” Sophia murmured. “How are you feeling?”
“Oh, you know me. I’m fine.”
She wasn’t fine. The hospital had called earlier, reminding Sophia about another overdue bill.
Sophia closed her eyes.
One year.
She thought about Damian. About his cold, calculating nature. About what this would mean for her life.
Was she really about to marry a man who barely knew what emotions were?
She took a deep breath.
She didn’t have a choice.
The next morning, she walked into Damian’s office and placed the signed contract on his desk.
“I’m in.”
Damian leaned back, a small smirk tugging at his lips. “Welcome to the family, Mrs. Hayes.”
And just like that, her life changed forever.
- Writer
