Terms and conditions: Part two

We need to go over the terms of our agreement, and make sure we're both on the same page". He turned to face her, his eyes narrowing slightly. "I must say, I'm rather looking forward to seeing you play the part of my...wife" he added.

"Well, I dread it. Has the contract been drafted?,is that it?", She pointed to the large brown folder on the table,as she walked over to sit on the chair.

He nodded, walking over to the table to meet her. He picked it up and handed her the folder.

"My lawyers brought it over this morning. You're to review and sign it", his voice serious and businesslike. "In the meantime, I thought it would be helpful and important to go over some of the... vital points of this contract," he said as she opened the folder, pulling out a few sheets of paper,her eyes roaming through it. He continued, "Such as the terms of our agreement, the duration and my expectations for your behavior while we're together", he add, his eyes locked on hers, a hint of warning in his voice.

Red scoffed, looking up at him squarely and irritated.

"And what are your expectations for my...behavior, if I may ask".

He lean against the table, his eyes narrowing slightly as he looked at her, his voice low and smooth.

"I expect you to be...compliant, obedient. To play the part of my fiancée and then my wife. convincingly..., without causing any form scene or embarrassment". He paused, his eyes locked on her as he regarded her. "I expect you to be respectful, to follow my every command, and to avoid drawing any form of negative attention to yourself...or me", he straighten up,hands in his pocket, he voice taking a slightly harder tone. "And, of course, I expect you maintain the illusion of our marriage at all times, both in public and in private".

"And do I get to draft my own terms?,what I expect during the period of our contract, because apparently you have alot of expectations. Why shouldn't I have mine?".

Aiden raised an eyebrow, surprise flickering across his face, "I don't think that is necessary, Isabelle, after all, I'm the one who's employing you. Your only expectations should be that you get paid at the end of the contract", his eyes locked on hers. "I suppose with time I might allow you other.. privileges. But let's be clear, Isabelle, I'm not making any promises. I'll consider your proposals, but I reserve the right to...amend or reject them as I see fit". His eyes daring her to object.

"That isn't fair at all. It's a contract and I believe I still have rights, regardless".

"Given the circumstances?,I highly doubt that. But like I said, with time. But as for now", he straightened up, his expression unyielding. "Let's not forget I'm the one holding the reins here".

Red eyed the contract considering his terms. "How long do I have to review it?".

His voice was calm and low, "you till the end of the day to go over it. Just know, the terms in that contract is non-negotiable, and there is no backing out when we both sign the contract", his eyes cold and his voice firm.

"someone's in a rush",she eyed him and murmured sarcastically, making his face soften and he smiled as he responded

"I can hardly wait love".

He stood up, fixing his suit, "I'll leave you be,I have some matters of urgency to attend to in the office. I will come back later in the evening to collect the document, I expect it to be signed before then,as the terms are very reasonable and straight forward. Any complain that you may have, I will see to it when I'm back", he walked towards the door, without sparing her a glance, he spoke as he left the room. "Enjoy the rest of your day miss Aisling".

The door closed,she was alone again.

She wants to scream. But no, she wouldn't give him the satisfaction of knowing he is making her miserable,she rubbed her face in frustration and turned her attention back to the papers on the table. She picked it up and began to go through it's contents. And it read....

MARRIAGE OF BENEFIT CONTRACT

This Contract is dated 16th September 2024, by and between the parties:

AIDEN ASGHAR WELLS ("Husband") and

ISABELLE AISLING ("Wife")

1. Purpose and Term:

_The parties agree to enter into a marriage of benefit for a period of one (1) year from the Effective Date _______.

_This Marriage will be platonic, and the parties will not be required to consummate the marriage.

_The parties will have to live under the same roof and share the same bed for atleast a period of six (6) months.

2. Obligations of the Wife

During the Term, the Wife shall:

1. Pretend to be the Husband's wife in all public appearances.

2. Respect the Husband's wishes and instructions,and be submissive and faithful to him.

3. Maintain confidentiality regarding the terms of this Contract and the nature of the Marriage.

4. She shall not engage in any behavior or act that may damage her Husband's reputation or business interests.

5. The wife shall sign over the rights of her past; she is expected to leave her old life and ways behind and start a new.

6. Accompany her husband to social events, necessary public appearance, and other functions,while maintaining a hint of playful flirtation.

7. Participate in romantic gestures, such as getaways, candlelit dinners, and other activities that promote a convincing marital image.

3. Obligations of the Husband

During the Term, the Husband shall:

1. Provide the Wife with a comfortable and suitable living arrangement.

2. Cover all expenses related to the Wife's public and private appearances as his wife.

3. Pay the Wife a handsome payment, (negotiated by both parties) upon completion of agreement.

4. Payment/Settlement

_The Husband shall pay the Wife the amount agreed on, upon completion of the Term.

_The Payment shall be made in any currency of the Wife's choice, immediately after the Term is over.

5. Divorce

_Upon completion of the Term, the parties shall divorce amicably.

_ Both parties shall cooperate in obtaining a divorce, all costs associated with the divorce proceedings shall be taken care of by the Husband.

6. Confidentiality

_The parties have agreed to maintain confidentiality regarding the terms of this Contract and the nature of their Marriage and shall not disclose any information as to regarding the Marriage to any third party without the consent of the other party.

By signing, the parties have acknowledged that they have read, comprehended, and agree to be bound by the terms of this Contract.

Signature of AIDEN ASGHAR WELLS: _____________________________

Date: __________________

Signature of ISABELLE AISLING: _____________________________

Date: ___________________

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Red looked at the contract,she sighed. Her eyes scanned the contract again, her mind racing, was she beginning to have doubts?. She had known what to expect, but seeing it all written down and laid out made it feel more daunting at the realization that it was infact real. It was going to be harder than she thought. Even though it was just for show; to make everyone around them believe the act, the thought of sharing a bed with Aiden Wells made her cheeks flush.

But no, she was sure the contract was referring to the bedroom, not the bed, she would sleep on a couch or floor if she had to.

She was overthinking it. It was just a business arrangement, it was going to be a platonic marriage.

She sighed, rubbing her temples. She glanced at the clock; she had until the end of the day to make her decision.

What had she gotten herself into??