Chapter 3: Deal

Evelyn sat across from Damian in his private office, the air thick with unspoken tension. The contract lay on the polished mahogany desk between them, a single pen resting on top. The agreement was clear—one year of marriage, complete discretion, and a carefully maintained public facade. Yet, as she read over the clauses once more, her stomach twisted.

Across from her, Damien Lancaster leaned back in his chair, his piercing grey eyes studying her with a calm intensity. The man was a vision of power—dark hair immaculately styled, sharp jawline, and a presence that commanded the room with effortless authority.

Damian Lancaster was the kind of man who turned heads the moment he entered a room. With thick black hair that always looked effortlessly tousled and piercing blue eyes that seemed to see straight through people, he possessed a magnetic allure few could resist. His features were a striking contradiction—sharp cheekbones and a strong jawline softened by a boyish charm that made him both intimidating and disarmingly approachable. Every movement he made was calculated yet casual, exuding a quiet confidence that didn’t need to be flaunted. People didn’t just notice Damian—they remembered him.

Though he was a billionaire known for ruthless business tactics, there was something deeply human about him that only added to his mystique. His easy smile, rare but genuine, hinted at layers beneath the polished surface. He was the man women dreamed about and men envied—not just because of his wealth, but because of the way he carried himself. Everything about him—his tailored suits, the low timbre of his voice, the glint of mischief in his gaze—suggested that being with Damian Lancaster was a fantasy anyone would gladly step into.

"You're hesitating." His voice was smooth, unreadable.

Evelyn swallowed, her throat dry. "It's not exactly an easy decision to make."

Evelyn couldn’t help the wave of insecurity that washed over her as she sat across from Damian, even though she was strong, capable, and had fought hard for every inch of independence she possessed. Looking at him—the impossibly composed billionaire with his cool blue eyes and effortless charm—she suddenly felt small, like a pawn in a much larger game. Her fingers traced the edge of the contract as doubt crept in again, silent but persistent. “I just want to make sure I understand everything,” she said quietly, lifting her eyes to meet his. “The terms… they’re all clear, but I need to hear them from you one more time.”

His lips curved slightly, though it wasn't quite a smile. "It's just a contract, Evelyn. Nothing more."

Nothing more. The words rang hollow. Marriage wasn't just a business deal, but for him, it might as well be. To Damien, this was a simple exchange—he got a wife to satisfy his grandfather's will, and she got financial security beyond her wildest dreams. It was cold. Practical. And yet, why did her heart hammer so loudly?

"I just..." She exhaled sharply, gripping the fabric of her skirt. "What do you expect from me in this marriage?"

Damien's eyes flickered with something unreadable before he replied, "Loyalty. Discretion. And the ability to play the role of my devoted wife in public."

She bit her lip. "And in private?

A smirk ghosted across his face. "That depends entirely on you.

Her stomach twisted. There was something unnervingly intimate about the way he said it, the weight behind his words sending a shiver up her spine. She wasn't naive. She knew what a man like Damien Lancaster could demand from his wife, even in a contract marriage.

"I want my own space," she said firmly, trying to regain control of the conversation. "My own room."

"Granted." He didn't even hesitate.

"You will have your own room, and we will interact only when necessary for appearances." Damian stated, his voice firm but devoid of emotion. "Anything else?"

She blinked, surprised that he agreed so easily. "I also want a clause stating that after a year, this marriage will be annulled with no further claims."

For the first time, something shifted in his expression. A flicker of amusement, maybe even curiosity. "You're already planning our divorce?"

Evelyn straightened her shoulders. "This is a business deal, right? You don't expect this to last forever."

A beat of silence stretched between them. Then, Damien leaned forward, elbows resting on the desk as he studied her like a puzzle he was trying to solve.

"One year," he murmured. "Fine. But during that time, you'll be my wife in every sense of the word—at least in the eyes of the public."

Her breath hitched slightly. There it was—the binding clause. Once she signed this contract, there would be no turning back.

Evelyn lifted her gaze, studying the man before her. Tall, powerful, and exuding authority, Damian Lancaster was the kind of man who dictated the terms of every situation. His sharp gray eyes gave nothing away, but his words made one thing clear—this was purely transactional.

She swallowed hard. "And in return, you'll pay off my debts and ensure my financial stability?"

He nodded. "You'll have access to a generous allowance, a personal driver, and all the benefits of being my wife. But make no mistake, Evelyn—this is not a love story. You're a necessity for my situation, nothing more."

Reaching into his desk, Damien pulled out a sleek black folder, flipping it open to reveal the document that would change her life forever. He placed it in front of her, along with an expensive-looking pen. "All you have to do is sign."

Evelyn stared at the contract, her heart pounding against her ribs. Was this really the right choice? She had spent years working under Damien, dealing with his impossible standards, his cold commands. And now, she was about to tie herself to him in a way that was far more binding than any professional agreement.

She could walk away. Find another job. Struggle on her own. But deep down, she knew the reality—this was the best chance she had. The only way to secure her future.

Evelyn's fingers trembled slightly as she reached for the pen. Love had never been part of her expectations, but hearing it stated so coldly sent an unexpected pang through her chest. She took a deep breath, pushing aside any emotions. This was survival. Nothing more.

With one final glance at the contract, she signed her name in elegant cursive.

Damian followed, his signature swift and precise. The deal was sealed.

When she lifted her gaze, Damien was watching her with something dangerously close to satisfaction. He reached for the document, flipping it closed.

"Welcome to your new life, Mrs. Lancaster," he said, his lips curving into a faint smirk.

She had just signed away a part of her life. And there was no going back now.