The Contract.

The grand entrance of the Hughes estate looked ahead. The mansion was a sprawling review of old-world elegance and modern sophistication, with well-trimmed gardens stretching out on either side. Talk hedges and vibrant flower beds lined the paths, while fountains and statues added a touch of classical charm. As Mark led Gina up the stone steps to the massive double doors, she couldn't help but marvel at the sheer opulence of it all.

"Welcome to the Hughes estate," Mark said, offering her a hand and a reassuring smile. Shall we?"

Gina took his hand, her nervousness not leaving her. "It's beautiful," she whispered, still taking the grandeur.

"Just what until you see the inside," Mark replied as he pushed the heavy doors.

The entrance was more impressive with a sweeping staircase, marble floors, and crystal chandeliers casting a glittering light across the room. The walls were adorned with portraits of Hughes's family ancestors, their stern faces watching over the proceedings with an air of timeless authority. The scenery of fresh flowers filled the air, mingling with the faint aroma of polished wood and leather.

Before Gina could take in more of the scene, Valerie came rushing in, her face lighting up with a big smile as she threw her arms around Mark. "Brother, you're here!" She exclaimed, hugging him tightly. But as she pulled back and noticed Gina standing beside him, her expression turned to one of confusion. "And who is this?"

Gina stood elegantly in one of the luxury outfits they had bought at the boutique; a sleek, dark green dress that hugged her figure perfectly. She tried to protect her confidence, despite the nervous fluttering in her stomach.

"Valerie, this is Gina," Mark said his time firm. "My fiancée."

At the mention of the word fiancée, Gina struggled to maintain her composite as Valerie's eyes widened in shock. 

"Your fiancée? Did you get a woman overnight? You never had time for women."

Make shit his sister a warning look. "Don't talk trash in front of my fiancée, Valerie. Show some respect."

Valerie blinked, clearly taken aback. Her brother has not once in his life raised his voice at her before. She felt humiliated in front of the unknown woman he called his fiancée. "I'll go in from grandfather about your arrival." She said hastily, trying to get off his sight, as she glanced at Gina before hurrying off.

Mark turned to Gina, squeezing her hand gently. "Don't worry, my family are nice people. They might seem a bit intense at first, but they mean well."

Gina nodded, trying to hide her unease. "I hope you're right," she said softly, her eyes scanning the silent hall where only dew servants moved about, tending to their duties with practice efficiently.

Everyone seemed to have proper poise and elegance, including the servants and Gina felt the urge to fight whatever anxiety and nervousness she was facing now.

A moment later, Margaret appeared, her face lighting up with warmth as she saw her son. "Mark, my dear, it's so good to see you," she said, embracing him. But her smile faded as her gaze shifted to Gina who bowed slightly at her. 

Seeing his mother assessing Gina with a critical eye. Mark moved on to speak, introducing Gina with a hint of pride. "Mother, this is Gina, my fiancée."

"Fiancée? This is quite a surprise, Mark." Margaret said in awe. She had more to say, but Mark gestured for her to act calm in front of Gina, using eye signals to communicate with his mother with a stern look on his face.

Just before Gina could introduce, Leonard entered the room, his expression one of mild curiosity. "So, you've brought a woman," he remarked, his tone indifferent. "As long as it keeps the chairman off our necks, I don't care."

"She's not just a woman, Father," Mark said firmly. "She's my fiancée."

Leonard raised an eyebrow but said nothing more, simply nodding. "Very well. I suppose you'll want to get settled in. We'll see you both at dinner."

Margaret and Leonard turned to leave, and Mark led Gina up the grand staircase toward his room. The opulence of the mansion continued on the upper floors, with luxurious carpets muffling their dootsons and orange furnishings decorating the corridors. Gina remained silent, feeling intimidated by the Hughes family.

They reached Mark's room, a spacious suite with large windows overlooking the gardens, and elegant furniture that spoke of both comfort and prestige. Gina stood still, feeling like a statue as she tried to absorb everything that had happened.

Mark closed the door behind them, turning to her with a soft smile. "You okay?"

Gina nodded slowly. "Just a bit overwhelmed."

"Understandable," Mark said, stepping closer. "I know this is a lot to take in, but you handled it beautifully."

"Your family…they're…."

"…a bit intense," Mark cuts in as he agrees with anything she is about to say. "But they're good people at heart, they'll come around once they get to know you."

Gina forced a smile, trying to believe him. "I hope so."

Mark placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "That's more like it."

His words brought some comfort, and Gina nodded again. While she watched Mark take off his clothes in front of her, she was equally lost in thoughts until he was about to pull his sleeves revealing his bare chest which made her flinch. "Please, go change elsewhere." She closed her eyes, her cheeks flushed crimson.

Mark let out a hearty chuckle. "You're forgetting this is my room, lass." 

"But still…"

He gestured to her to remove her hand from her eyes as he wore back his sleeve. "You've seen far from just my bare chest." Mark teased.

Gina's face burned red. He probably was talking about their one-night stand which she didn't want to think about, and then she was worried she'd eventually have feelings for Mark as their fake engagement went on. 

Mark brought out a paper from only God knows where and handed it over to her, gesturing to her to read it properly before signing. "That's the contract and there are the rules so read them carefully before signing them. I'd be back before dinner." He said before leaving.

Gina gazed at the paperwork with keen eyes. Her heartbeat accelerated at every rule that was stated in the paper until she got to the third rule which states that she wasn't allowed to fall in love with him.