Chapter 3: Signing Away Freedom

The thick envelope sat on Isla's desk like a ticking bomb.

She hadn't opened it yet, but she knew exactly what was inside—the contract that would bind her to Alessandro Romano for a year.

Her hands curled into fists as she stared at it, her mind warring with itself. Was she really considering this? Selling herself for five million pounds?

No. Not selling. Surviving.

Her mother needed medical care. Isla needed financial security. And Alessandro… he needed a wife. It was a transaction, nothing more.

So why did she feel like she was making a deal with the devil?

A sharp knock at the door jolted her from her thoughts.

Before she could respond, Alessandro walked in, exuding his usual arrogant confidence. His presence filled the small office, making the space feel suffocating.

"You haven't opened it yet." His voice was smooth, but there was an edge of impatience.

Isla crossed her arms. "I don't sign contracts without reading them first."

His lips quirked. "Good. That means you're smarter than half the people I do business with."

She exhaled, forcing herself to stay calm. "What happens if I back out?"

Alessandro's dark eyes locked onto hers. "Then I find someone else. But let's not pretend you're not going to say yes."

Her pulse jumped. He was too sure of himself, too convinced that she would cave. And damn it, he was right.

Wordlessly, she grabbed the envelope and pulled out the crisp stack of documents. She scanned the first few pages—legal jargon, clauses, conditions.

Then, her eyes landed on a section that made her stomach flip.

Clause 4.2: Physical Expectations

Both parties agree to present a convincing marital relationship in public. Private relations are not contractually required, but should either party engage in intimacy, it will be by mutual consent.

Her cheeks burned. "You actually had your lawyers put this in writing?"

Alessandro smirked. "I like clarity."

"I like boundaries."

"Then we have an understanding." He leaned against her desk, watching her. "Are you ready to sign, or do you need more time to pretend you have a choice?"

She wanted to argue. Wanted to fight. But the truth was, she didn't have a choice—not really.

With a deep breath, she picked up the pen.

Her fingers trembled as she scrawled her signature across the line.

The moment the ink dried, Alessandro's voice cut through the silence.

"Welcome to your new life, Mrs. Romano."

Her heart slammed against her ribs.

What the hell had she just done?