The Deal is Sealed

The next morning was heavy with anticipation as Grace stood at the balcony of her room, looking out at the sprawling Lockwood estate. The lush green lawn stretched far beyond her sight, dotted with meticulously maintained flower beds and a glistening fountain at the center. Birds chirped in the distance, their melodies doing little to ease the turmoil in her heart.

Her father's announcement yesterday had upended her world. Marriage to Alex Williams—a man she barely knew and certainly didn't love—was not the future she had envisioned for herself. Independence had always been her dream, but now it seemed like a distant fantasy slipping further out of her reach.

The thought of spending the rest of her life tied to someone she didn't trust made her stomach twist in knots. Her phone buzzed on the table, pulling her from her thoughts.

It was Emma.

**Emma:** *How was the big family dinner? Did your dad announce world domination or something?*

Grace let out a humorless laugh and typed back.

**Grace:** *Worse. I'm getting married.*

The typing bubbles appeared instantly.

**Emma:** *Wait… what?! To who?!*

Grace sighed, her thumbs moving rapidly.

**Grace:** *Alex Williams. My father basically sold me off for a business alliance.*

**Emma:** *What the actual hell?! You can't let this happen, Grace. Tell them no.*

**Grace:** *You think I didn't try? My dad's made up his mind. It's either this or watch my family fall apart.*

Emma's reply was quick and fierce.

**Emma:** *I'll kill him.*

Grace smiled despite herself.

**Grace:** *Thanks for the support, but I'll survive. Maybe I can figure out a way out of it.*

Emma's typing bubbles appeared again, but before the message could come through, there was a knock at her door.

"Grace?" Evelyn's voice was gentle but firm.

"Coming," Grace called out, dropping her phone onto the bed.

She opened the door to find her mother standing there, impeccably dressed in a tailored blue dress. Her eyes held a mixture of concern and determination.

"Your father wants to speak with you," Evelyn said.

Grace's stomach tightened. "Now?"

Evelyn nodded. "He's in his study."

Grace took a steadying breath. "Fine."

---

The study was filled with the scent of leather and old books. The walls were lined with shelves stacked with business journals and legal documents. Jake Lockwood sat behind his massive mahogany desk, his expression unreadable.

Alex Williams was already there, lounging casually in one of the armchairs with an air of indifference. He was dressed in a crisp white shirt, the sleeves rolled up to reveal strong forearms. His hair was slightly tousled, and there was a faint shadow of stubble on his jaw.

Grace's pulse quickened, though she hated to admit it.

"Good morning, Grace," Jake said, gesturing for her to sit.

She sank into the chair opposite him, keeping her posture stiff.

"We have some things to discuss," Jake continued.

Grace glanced at Alex, who met her gaze with a calm, unreadable expression.

"I think everything was discussed yesterday," she said coolly.

Jake's eyes hardened. "I know you're upset, but this marriage is happening. It's time we discuss the terms."

"Terms?" Grace's voice was laced with disbelief. "What is this, a business contract?"

"That's exactly what it is," Alex interjected smoothly.

Her head snapped toward him. "Excuse me?"

Alex leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "Look, I get that neither of us wants this. But if we're being forced into it, we might as well do it on our terms."

Jake frowned. "Alex, I don't think—"

"With all due respect, Mr. Lockwood," Alex said, cutting him off, "this is between Grace and me now."

Grace blinked in surprise. Alex was taking control of the conversation, and her father was actually letting him.

"What do you mean by *our terms*?" she asked warily.

Alex's gaze was steady. "A contract. We get married, keep our families happy, and after a set period, we go our separate ways. No mess, no drama."

Her heart raced. "Are you serious?"

"Completely."

Jake's jaw tightened. "This is highly unconventional—"

"It's the only way this will work," Alex insisted. "We'll keep up appearances for as long as necessary, but we won't be tied down forever."

Grace's mind whirled. The idea was tempting, but it also felt risky. Could she really trust Alex Williams to keep his word?

"And what happens during this… arrangement?" she asked cautiously.

"We live our lives," Alex said simply. "Separate rooms, no expectations. You can focus on whatever you want—your career, your friends. I won't interfere."

"And after the contract ends?"

"We walk away clean."

Grace swallowed hard. It sounded too good to be true, but it was also her only way out of a permanent nightmare.

"I want it in writing," she said firmly.

Alex's lips curved into a faint smile. "Done."

Jake looked like he wanted to object, but Evelyn placed a hand on his arm, silently urging him to let it go.

"Very well," Jake said grudgingly. "But this stays between us."

"Agreed," Alex said.

Grace met Alex's gaze, her heart pounding. "When do we start?"

Alex's eyes gleamed with determination. "Now."

---

That afternoon, a formal contract was drafted and signed. The terms were simple but clear: a one-year marriage with no expectations of intimacy or emotional involvement. Both parties were free to pursue their interests, and the marriage would end amicably after the agreed period.

As Grace signed her name on the dotted line, a sense of relief washed over her. This was her ticket to freedom—a temporary detour, but a detour nonetheless.

Alex's signature came next, his strokes bold and confident.

When it was done, he looked up at her. "We're officially business partners now."

Grace forced a smile. "Great."

He extended his hand. "Here's to surviving the next year without killing each other."

She hesitated before taking his hand. His grip was firm, his touch warm.

"Deal," she said.

As their hands lingered for a moment longer than necessary, Grace couldn't help but wonder what she had just gotten herself into.

One thing was certain—this was only the beginning of a year that would test their resolve, challenge their perceptions, and ignite a fire neither of them could control.