ors slid open w

d the faint scent of his cologne followed him like a quiet shadow. He turned to

his

owly placing my hand in his. His grip was firm but careful. Somehow, it st

the warm light from recessed fixtures. Abstract paintings hung on the walls, but I barely n

a large office. He opened the d

ase,

but it made me feel slightly more at ease, as i

ming tea rested on it. He placed one in front of me and one in front of himself. The gentle aroma of

he servant, who bowe

into my palms. It grounded me slightly, made the room feel mo

lded neatly on the desk. His ey

"what I'm about to say is serious. I

omach twisting.

wife. For six month

fr

Contract. Ma

my fingers grip the cup a little tig

ld you choose me out of everyone? You saw

en you," he said. "I've watched you work. I've seen how you handle pressure, how y

mbling slightly. "But... does it

about appearances. It's about suitability. You me

my chest. The idea of agreeing to this arrangement was te

lightly. "Now, Ivy.

I hadn't expected

y thousand dollars. That's the entire duration of the contract. Not

My salary couldn't even reach tha

t. It reflects the importance of your role. You are not being f

e sat, the way his posture stayed composed, the faint rhythm of his breathing, the small crease of h

s, to gatherings, to any occasion. If you feel uncomfortable, you do not ha

a small, elegant card. Thick, smooth, fo

need to attend if you accept. Bring someone you trust. If you're unsure,

ifty thousand dollars. Six months. A gala. My chest tightened

Think carefully. This isn't something to rush. If you a

armth settled in my hands, and somehow mad

pered, "I... I

carefully. Your choice affects both of

as he walked toward the door. I stayed seated, my heart p

eful even, but I knew nothi

illed across the desk, and the invitation card gleamed under i

at this wasn't jus

st about mon

something that could chan

rushing the edge. I leaned back in the

be married to him?

I felt around him?

uld everyon

ain. I could feel my

isting in my stomach, part of

surface and the bold invitation letters. F

feel. Nervous. Excite

it at

a choice whatever that choice was nothin