Chapter 6
1126 Words
It was hard to believe. No one had ever signed a document that substantial without hesitation, negotiation, or fear. The soft scratch of the pen on paper seemed louder than it ought to have been.
Cathie and Rose stared at the signature in stunned silence.
Cathie was the first to regain her composure. Slowly, she lifted her gaze from the document to him, suspicion creeping into her expression.
“Did you even read what you just signed?”
“Oh, the paperwork doesn’t matter,” he replied casually. “As long as you explained why you’re hiring a husband. It’s a valid reason.”
Her fingers tightened around her pen. He didn’t seem desperate or greedy, just unnervingly calm.
“What do you say you do for a living?” she asked coolly.
“A small shop,” Rowan replied without missing a beat, lying smoothly. “I run a small shop.”
She scrutinized him for a moment before tapping the document sharply.
“Let me be very clear,” she said. “There will be no romance, no emotional attachment, and no interference in my work or decisions. This marriage exists solely for appearances.”
Leaning forward slightly, she continued, “You will follow my rules. Keep your distance in private and remember that your settlement comes after the contract ends—not before. Know your boundaries.”
Rowan nodded again, seemingly unfazed by her statements. “As stated.”
That lack of resistance unsettled her.
“Fine.” Cathie stood up and smoothed her dress. “I’ll introduce you to my parents. But first, you’ll need to attend counseling.”
Rowan's gaze flickered for just a moment.
“…Counseling?”
“Yes,” Cathie replied evenly. “Before I can bring you to them or to the gala event, you’ll need counseling on how to act confidently and professionally in public. I’m not sure how you'll manage facing a crowd of 100 people… whether they’re like me or different.”
A laugh almost caught in Rowan's throat; her words took him by surprise...much like how they made him feel—momentarily stunned before he pretended to suppress a cough.
“Well, I understand your concern,” Rowan said carefully. “But honestly, that won’t be necessary.”
Cathie's eyes hardened instantly at his calm demeanor… he always seemed so composed. Did he really grasp what I was saying?
"Hey," Cathie snapped at him, "enough of your stupid act. How am I supposed to trust you when you've already shown a lack of awareness by running into me in public last time? I'm talking about gatherings here; I can't have you embarrassing me in front of everyone.”
“That was an accident,” he replied evenly. “Are you still hung up on that?”
Rose, standing beside them, pressed her lips together to suppress a smile. If Cathie knew he had bumped into another influential person earlier, things would only get worse.
“Ma’am,” Rose interjected smoothly, “I think it’s best if I excuse you both.”
She slipped out and quietly closed the door behind her, leaving the two of them momentarily stunned.
Silence enveloped the room.
Cathie and Rowan exchanged glances almost simultaneously.
She crossed her arms. “Alright, don’t act recklessly or you’ll embarrass me.” She took a breath. “Tonight, they’re hosting a Valente ballroom party. You’ll attend as my fiancé, and this will be the perfect opportunity for you to demonstrate your capabilities.”
Rowan tilted his head slightly, his expression inscrutable. This was the kind of event he attended regularly, but unbeknownst to her, he was more of a powerful figure who viewed these occasions as just another day rather than a celebration.
She scrutinized his face closely for any sign of hesitation.
There was none.
Interesting.
She gestured toward the door. “My assistant will arrange transportation for you. Get ready. My contact information is in the documents.”
Rowan paused at the door and glanced at one of the papers in his hand.
“Damn, she's something else,” he murmured to himself as he turned away. “Let’s see how long she can keep that up.”
****
Rowan sat at a measured distance from Cathie, his posture relaxed, almost indifferent. His gaze was fixed on the city beyond the tinted glass, where flashy lights blurred into ribbons as they zipped past in the night. A faint, inscrutable smile warmed his eyes as the black Mercedes-Maybach came to a halt.
They had arrived at the Valente Estate. The mansion loomed like a symbol of power… vast and pristine. Its sprawling architecture glowed under a canopy of lights, white and gold sharply contrasting against the dark sky. Ornate golden railings adorned the grand staircase, their reflections shimmering like polished coins. Photographers gathered near the entrance, while overlapping laughter and the clinking of champagne flutes drifted through the hedges.
Cathie broke the silence first, her voice calm and unfazed, as if they were stepping into an ordinary meeting rather than navigating a battleground of reputations.
“Are you ready for this?”
Rowan turned to her, finally making eye contact.
“Sure.”
Just one word, casual and almost careless. He adjusted his cuffs with practiced ease and added lightly, “I’ll follow your lead.”
Cathie’s gaze lingered on him for half a second, evaluating him.
“Stay composed,” she said as she reached for the door. “And don’t let me down.”
The door opened. Rowan stepped out and walked around the car without hesitation. When Cathie emerged, he instinctively extended his arm… without being prompted.
She was stunning. Her red gown hugged her figure with ruthless precision, flowing down to brush against the ground like unfurling petals. A daring slit traced along her leg, striking an elegant rather than inviting note. Her hair was flawlessly swept to one side, each strand meticulously arranged. Deep red lips and sculpted features completed her look, as if the night itself had adorned her.
Rowan glanced at her with polite admiration.
“You look beautiful.”
Cathie looked up at him with an unreadable expression. She brushed the hem of her dress, took a steady breath, and lifted her chin confidently.
“Let’s go.”
She slipped her hand into the crook of his arm, and together they moved toward the entrance. Heads turned instinctively; conversations fell into whispers as cameras surged forward, shutters clicking like distant gunfire.
“Is that Cathie Valente?”
“I thought she and Jake broke up—”
“Wait… who’s that man with her?”
Flashes lit their path as they approached the grand entrance when suddenly Rowan's phone vibrated sharply against the silence.
- Writer
