NA

om. Beckett sat at the head of the table, exuding a cold, regal air, his expression unreadable. His l

arely slept, my mind racing through the pros and con

s. "Please read it carefully, especially the sections regarding the non-di

ions of Beckett's choosing-usually inexpensive restaurants or parks. At least two "couple photos" posted on socia

lause made

must, within one week of the contract's execution, move into the resi

back in his chair, arms crossed, a flicker of amusement in

ything look more authentic. If you're not living together, your family or the

still felt wrong. It felt like

g the contract period, a private trust would cover all my tuition and basic living expenses, ensuring no direct financial transactions bet

et to freedom. My inde

name on the final page: Fiona Wagner. The scratch of t

different pen and signed his name with a flourish. In

ssional smile on his face. "A pleasure doin

been sold. Beckett hadn't said a single word to

voice surprising me

to look at me, an unspok

ng my voice even. "What's the a

with a sharp clink. "The address is on the keychain. You have three days. Afte

ot a request. I clenched my fists un

got a sharp tongue. Don't take it to heart.

s attempt at an explanation

fingertips. The keychain was engraved with an address: 1515

now this isn't easy. But please believe me, Beckett

felt more like a grima

. It felt like all of Chicago had become a giant stage, and I was a

st step: go home, announce my "new re

felt harsh. I looked down at the keys in my hand. They f

It was Kristina

You weren't answering your phone! J

g my eyes in exhaustion. "Kris, I'm okay. I just... I