k up and discard whenever you

have to do more than waltz into my apartment after humiliating me."

small. "I'm not demanding it, Amara. I'm giving you... us, a way out." H

l I'm asking for is one year to stabilize this situation a

er voice was sharp but tired. "You claim to care about my reputation, but this is

his show weakness to my competitors. They're all waiting for my next mov

you want," she grumbled. "Besides, there are lots of women who'd be happy to be y

ould have been missed. "Because you're the best option, the '

amage, all because it's logical? What do I even gain from this fake marri

never put you in danger, Am

I want something tangible, some

me. I'm offering full financial stability for you and your family, full coverage of your younger siste

on my family... my finances?" Am

ch first," Roman stated, stance hard. "You're smart, Amara.

ht of Grace, how the money could get her better treatme

isn't tempting, but you can't just wave your money around and think

tartly, forehead lined with impatience. "I admit I need you too, even more than i

yself," she muttered weakly, bu

s at stake. A stable future where you never have to worry about money again. You have

sense, and it would be foolish not to accept this deal which was the wo

antly, she broke the tension, voice ba

ver Roman. "Not

might be her only saving grace, so she heave

o do or go wherever you choose. No more obligati

for deceit. His face was a mask revealing nothing, as usual, but she coul

ike forever, voice unwavering. "But

fraction. "I'd be surprised if you didn't, l

irm. "We may be together for show in public, but yo

And we won't... there won't be any sexual advances from both sides," she finish

n's lips. "I won't do anythin

glare. "This is a business meeting, Roman, act like it. And don't flatter yourself. We both wanted what happened that night

ace of his previous

itten contract. Review it, and if there are changes you want to make, l

d said. She had no problem with it. The terms were clear. This was

asked, tone

e. "That sounds reasonable. Give me a moment

d her. Looking at the caller, she immedia

she needs more aggressive treatment, and they won

ss thoughts as she held her phone tightly, turning her knuckles whit

hank you so much, Amara. Wh

ll Grace she shouldn't lose hope. She should keep fighti

now she doesn't say it, but she mi

y. "I miss her too. O

her mother a

tell you the details right now, b

I won't ask questions. But if you're ready to talk about it, don't hes

n expression that was hard to understand. She reassured her, "N

Amara, don't forget to take go

ssened. Without sparing Roman a glance or speak

nd backlash waiting for her. She'd be painted as no

the documents, gaze finally meeting Roman's as she handed him back the fully s

e documents and carefully placed them b

ve, a sudden knock fro

contract that would change