Chapter 3 Terms and Conditions

Elena's breath felt caught in her throat as she stood in front of Alexander King, his piercing blue eyes locked onto hers. There was something unreadable in his expression—curiosity, amusement, maybe even a hint of danger.

The silence stretched between them, thick with unspoken tension.

Then, Alexander leaned back against his desk, arms crossed. "You have my attention, Miss Carter. Now, convince me why I should agree to this… business arrangement."

Elena swallowed hard.

She had rehearsed her words, but standing here, under his scrutiny, every carefully crafted sentence fled from her mind.

Still, she couldn't afford to hesitate.

Taking a deep breath, she steadied herself. "It's simple. You need a wife. I need money. We can both get what we want without complications."

Alexander tilted his head, his expression unreadable. "And what makes you think I would choose you, out of all the women who would kill for this opportunity?"

Heat crept up Elena's neck, but she forced herself to hold his gaze. "Because I'm not one of them. I don't want your money, your name, or your power beyond what we agree upon. I have no interest in your life, Mr. King. Just a contract."

A slow smirk curved his lips. "How… refreshingly blunt."

He pushed off the desk, closing the small space between them with slow, deliberate steps. Elena inhaled sharply as he loomed over her, the scent of expensive cologne and authority surrounding her.

"You seem desperate," he mused. "That makes me wonder… how far are you willing to go, Miss Carter?"

Elena's fingers curled into fists. She wouldn't let him intimidate her. "Far enough to make sure my mother gets the care she needs. That's all that matters to me."

For a brief second, something flickered in Alexander's gaze—something she couldn't quite place.

Then, just as quickly, it was gone.

He stepped back and walked around his desk, sinking into the leather chair with effortless confidence. "Alright," he said. "Let's talk terms."

Elena's heart pounded.

This was it.

She was about to sign her life away.

A Deal with the Devil

Elena sat across from Alexander, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. The weight of her decision pressed down on her, but she couldn't back out now.

Alexander leaned back in his chair, studying her with sharp interest. "This will be a legally binding agreement. No emotions, no expectations beyond the contract. Do you understand?"

Elena nodded. "I understand."

His lips quirked. "Good. Now, let's establish the rules."

He picked up a sleek, silver pen and twirled it between his fingers, his expression cool and calculating.

"One year," he stated.

Elena blinked. "What?"

"Our marriage," he clarified. "It will last exactly one year. By then, the board will have no reason to question my leadership, and you will have your money."

One year.

Elena exhaled slowly. She could survive that.

She nodded. "Okay."

Alexander continued. "You will be required to live with me in my penthouse. My wife must be seen by my side at all times. There will be public appearances, charity events, and business dinners where you will act the part."

Elena's stomach twisted. She had expected this, but hearing it aloud made it feel real.

Still, she squared her shoulders. "Understood."

Alexander's gaze darkened slightly. "There will be rules. No affairs. No scandals. No secrets."

Elena frowned. "Scandals?"

He gave her a pointed look. "You may not want my money, but if you betray me publicly, it will cost me more than just a reputation. And that, Miss Carter, is not something I tolerate."

A shiver ran down her spine at the quiet warning in his tone.

"I'm not interested in causing trouble," she said firmly.

"Good."

Alexander tapped his pen against the desk, considering her. "You will be compensated, of course. Five million dollars. Half now, half upon completion of the year."

Elena's breath hitched.

Five million.

More than enough to cover her mother's medical bills. More than she could have ever dreamed of.

And all she had to do… was marry a man who had no heart.

She swallowed past the lump in her throat. "Fine."

Alexander smirked. "You agree so easily. No last-minute doubts?"

Elena met his gaze without hesitation. "I made my decision before I walked through that door."

Something flickered in his expression again—something she couldn't quite decipher.

Then, he pulled open a drawer and retrieved a thick folder. "This is the contract. Read it. If you agree to the terms, sign it."

Elena reached for the folder, her fingers trembling slightly as she flipped through the pages. The words blurred together in front of her eyes—clauses, legal jargon, conditions she barely understood.

But one thing was clear.

Once she signed this, there was no turning back.

Her chest tightened.

Was she really ready for this?

Her mind screamed at her to run. To walk away before it was too late.

But then, an image of her mother flashed in her head.

The hospital bed. The machines. The fragile rise and fall of her chest.

Elena took a shaky breath.

She had no choice.

With one last glance at Alexander—his gaze unreadable, his posture relaxed as if this was just another business transaction—she picked up the pen.

And signed her name.

Elena Carter.

The ink barely dried before Alexander took the contract, flipping it shut with a quiet snap.

"Welcome to your new life, Mrs. King," he said smoothly.

Elena's heart pounded.

She had done it.

She had just sold herself to a man who didn't believe in love.

And she had no idea if she would survive it.