CHAPTER FIVE

The lawyer steps into the room, a thick stack of documents in his hands. He moves with the quiet confidence of someone who's done this a thousand times before. For him, this is just another business deal. For me? It's signing away five years of my life.

He sets the papers on the table, flipping through them with practiced ease before sliding them toward me. "Ms. Rodriguez," he says, his voice smooth and professional, "before we proceed, I have to ask—are you sure you want to sign this without any legal consultation?"

My throat tightens.

I feel Adrian's gaze on me, observing. Waiting.

I force a nod. "Yes, I'm fine."

The lawyer nods, tapping the last page where my signature is required. "Alright. Just sign here, and the agreement will be finalized."

I reach for the pen. My fingers tremble.

Breathe, Mara. Just breathe.

But the moment the tip of the pen touches the paper, a wave of panic crashes over me.

I can't do this. Not yet.

I swallow hard and glance up. "Can I—" My voice wavers, so I clear my throat and try again. "Can I take a moment? Just to step outside for a breather?"

The lawyer doesn't look surprised. He's probably seen this before—hesitation before the fall. He nods. "Of course. Take your time."

I push back my chair and stand, feeling Adrian's gaze follow me as I walk out of the room, his fingers drumming lightly against the table.

Out in the hallway, I pull out my phone with shaking hands and dial Sarah. I grip the phone so tightly my knuckles ache.

She picks up on the second ring. "Mara?"

I exhale sharply. "Hey." My voice is barely above a whisper.

"What's wrong?"

I press my back against the cool wall, trying to steady my breathing. "I'm scared, Sarah."

A beat of silence. Then, softly, "Talk to me."

I squeeze my eyes shut. "It's the contract. He's saying I can't have kids during the period. I always wanted to be a young mom, you know? And now, I have to wait five years." My voice cracks. "What if that's too long? What if—"

"Mara." Sarah's voice is firm but gentle. "I know how much you want kids. I do. But think about this rationally. Having a baby with a man who sees this marriage as nothing more than a deal? That's not just risky—it's dangerous. It'll be disastrous and unhealthy for your kids."

I bite my lip, tears burning in my eyes.

"Five years isn't forever," she continues. "You'll still be in your early thirties. You'll still have time. And when you do have kids, it'll be with someone who actually wants to be a father. A kind man."

The lump in my throat thickens. "I wish you were here."

Sarah sighs. "I know, babe." Then, after a pause—"Switch to video."

I blink. "What?"

"Switch to video call," she repeats. "I want to see your face."

With a shaky hand, I hit the video button. A second later, Sarah's face fills my screen. She's in her apartment, curled up on her couch, concern etched into her features.

She studies me for a moment before offering a soft smile. "You're gonna be okay, Mara."

I nod, but a tear slips down my cheek.

Sarah sighs dramatically. "Ugh. Look at you, making me all emotional. You know I hate that."

A small, watery laugh escapes me.

"Better?" she asks.

I sniff. "Yeah."

"Good. Now wipe those tears, go back in there, and sign that damn contract."

I take a deep breath, nodding. "Okay."

"Atta girl." She winks. "Call me later, okay?"

"Promise."

I end the call, take another steadying breath, and head back inside.

Adrian and the lawyer are exactly where I left them, waiting.

I sit down, grip the pen, and meet Adrian's gaze. His expression is blank, but there's something in his eyes—something sharp, like he's analyzing my every move.

"I'm ready," I say.

The lawyer slides the documents toward me again. The pen feels heavier than it should, but it doesn't stop me from signing.

One stroke. Then another.

It's done.

The lawyer smiles. "Congratulations, Ms. Rodriguez."

I exhale, my entire body feeling both lighter and heavier at the same time.

The lawyer turns to Adrian. "Do you have plans for the marriage yet?"

Adrian shrugs, leaning back in his chair. "I do. But if we rush into it too fast, people will get suspicious. My parents, especially."

The lawyer nods, listening.

"I'll announce it to my family tonight," Adrian continues. "Then, we'll go through the motions—date publicly for two or three months. Make it look convincing." He pauses, then adds, "After that, we'll get married."

The lawyer offers a polite smile. "Sounds like a solid plan. Best of luck, Mr. Cole."

He gathers the documents, shakes both our hands, and leaves.

Now, it's just Adrian and me.

Silence stretches between us for a moment. Then, Adrian exhales, standing. "Alright. Let's go."

I blink. "Go where?"

He adjusts his cufflinks. "Dinner."

I stare at him.

"We have a dinner with my family tonight," he reminds me. "Are you ready?"

I square my shoulders, pushing down the lingering nerves.

"Yes."

Tonight, I have to convince Adrian's family and the world, that this is real. Even though it's not.