Terms and Conditions

Chapter 3:

Lena stared at the folder, her fingers trembling. The bold letters Marriage Contract seemed to mock her from the page.

"You're joking," she whispered, her voice shaking. "Why would I marry someone I don't even know? Why would I agree to this?"

Jin remained perfectly composed, folding his hands neatly on the table. "This is only temporary, Miss Morisawa. One year. After that, you return to your normal life—no strings, no obligations. And if you review the benefits outlined in the contract, you may find them… favourable."

"Temporary? Benefits?" Lena's laugh was sharp and humourless. "This whole situation is insane."

"I understand," Jin said, his calmness only fueling her frustration. "Please think about it. I'll leave my card and the contract for your consideration. You may contact me at any time."

He stood smoothly, adjusting his jacket. "Say goodbye to your parents for me."

And then he was gone, disappearing into the waiting black car that purred softly as it pulled away.

Lena sank into her chair, pressing her hands over her face.

A marriage contract? With a stranger? For what—his image? His reputation? What kind of absurd fairytale logic is this?

Her stomach twisted as she clutched the folder, wishing it would vanish.

The Betrayal Begins

"Did that gentleman leave already?"

Her mother's voice floated from the hallway, too chipper, too curious.

Lena jumped, hastily shoving the folder under a pile of books. "Yes. He left. And I doubt he's coming back."

She rushed toward her room, desperate to shut this whole thing away—literally and figuratively.

"Wait, Lena. Are you really sure?" Paige called after her, eyes sharp despite her sweet tone. "He looked… important."

"I'm fine, Mom. Seriously."

Lena shut her door firmly.

Paige lingered outside, lips pressed tight. As she turned to leave, something on the floor caught her eye.

A sleek, dark card.

She bent down and picked it up, her brows arching as she read the name embossed in gold: Jin Kim.

"Maybe this is the rich man's assistant," she murmured to herself. Slowly, a smile curled across her lips.

"Luck is finally on our side."

She tucked the card into her pocket and walked away.

Inside Lena's Room

Lena sat rigidly on the edge of her bed, staring at her blank phone screen. Sunlight streamed through the curtains, warm and golden, but it did nothing to thaw the cold knot in her stomach.

"This is crazy," she muttered. "Why would someone like him need to marry anyone, let alone me?"

Her phone buzzed violently, breaking her spiral.

Aline. Again.

Lena groaned and swiped to answer. "Line, it's too early—"

"LENA! WHY HAVEN'T YOU BEEN PICKING UP?!"

She yanked the phone from her ear. "Are you trying to make me deaf? What's your problem?"

"Check your phone. Right. Now."

Lena frowned. "Why?"

"Because, girl, you're trending worldwide."

The Internet Explodes

She opened her messages and clicked the link Aline had sent.

#WillShadeFiancée

#FlowerGirlMystery

#FromFloristToFiancée

Her own face stared back at her—blurry at first, then painfully clear.

The video title made her blood run cold:

BREAKING: Billionaire Will Shade Announces Engagement to an Unknown Girl!

She tapped play.

An anchor in a pristine suit spoke in a polished, urgent tone.

"In a stunning turn of events at Lumina Corp's press conference yesterday, tech billionaire and media icon Will Shade shocked the world by announcing his alleged engagement to an unidentified young woman."

Cut to a clip: Will at the podium, his voice smooth and cold.

"I could even marry a girl like her."

The camera panned and froze on her.

Hoodie. Brown skirt. Hands dusted with pollen.

The screen flooded with posts and hashtags:

"Shade's Secret Sweetheart?"

"Cinderella or Gold Digger?"

"Get Ready for The Shade Wedding—Florist Style!"

The anchor's voice dropped an octave.

"Is this true love… or the ultimate PR move?"

The video ended.

Lena's hands shook as she set the phone down.

"This isn't real," she whispered.

But it was.

It was everywhere.

She buried her face in her hands and let out a strangled groan.

Meanwhile, at Lumina Corp…

"Status update."

Will Shade's voice was sharp as ever, cutting through the silence of his office.

Jin stood at attention. "She's still considering, sir."

Will turned from the window, his eyes cold and calculating.

"We don't have time for hesitation. I want this done immediately. People like her always bow to money."

"Yes, sir."

"And the leak?"

"Handled. The employee has been terminated."

"Good."

Suddenly, the doors burst open.

"William!"

A voice dripped honey and venom.

Actress Leeann strode in, her heels clicking like gunshots. Her blood-red dress clung perfectly, hair cascading over her shoulders like silk.

Will didn't flinch. "Don't call me that. Especially not here."

She pouted dramatically. "You broke up with me on the internet. Don't I deserve an explanation?"

"You deserve nothing. This mess is your fault."

Leeann gasped. "You're blaming me? Jin, tell him—"

"Miss Leeann, please calm down—"

"Enough," Will growled.

She leaned forward, voice low and dangerous. "Who is she?"

Will's cold gaze didn't waver.

"None of your business."

"But I care about your life!" Leeann whined, her voice climbing an octave. "I deserve to know!"

She threw her head back in exaggerated despair, nearly knocking over a glass vase. "I want to know now!"

Will sighed, the sound low and sharp. He motioned her closer with a flick of his fingers.

She practically bounced toward him, her stiletto heels clicking like applause.

He rested a hand on her head—barely a pat, more like dismissing a troublesome child. "I'll take care of it soon. Everything will go back to normal, alright?"

Leeann's pout melted instantly into a brilliant smile. "Yes. But next time… just tell me directly, okay? No more finding out online."

Her voice softened as she added sweetly, "By the way, I'm flying to China tomorrow. Big movie. You should come."

"You can go now," Will said coolly, already turning back to his work. " I'm busy."

Leeann hesitated, then planted a kiss on her palm and pressed it lightly to his cheek. "Bye. Love you."

She glided out as if the entire building were her personal runway.

In the hallway, Jin was waiting. He handed her a crisp white envelope. "Your travel funds have been transferred. Safe trip."

Leeann tossed her hair, her ruby lips curving into a smirk. "Thanks, Jin. You work too much. One day, you'll end up stiff like my Will. Try loosening up sometime."

"I'll keep that in mind."

And just like that, chaos departed in red heels and a cloud of designer perfume.