Chapter 2 The Contract Marriage

Esther's Point Of View)

Sleep had eluded me the night prior. Each time I drifted off, the contract resurfaced-the one Matthew King had presented. The figures on the page seemed to swirl, a silent challenge, as if they were daring me to agree. How could I possibly decline? The proposal was simply too enticing. Yet, hadn't everything in my life always seemed a touch unreal?

The following morning, I stepped into the office, my mind a tempest. Tara was at the front desk, as always, but I hardly registered her presence. My feet carried me forward, my body burdened by the choice I hadn't yet settled. I couldn't tell if I was fleeing from the offer or pursuing it.

"Morning, Esther!" Tara called after me.

"Morning," I mumbled, offering a quick smile before heading down the hall.

As I opened my office door, I came to a halt.

Matthew was there, leaning against my desk, arms crossed. His stance was casual, but something about it made the room feel constricted, almost suffocating.

I hadn't anticipated his presence, particularly not at this hour. He looked immaculate, as if he'd just walked off a photo shoot, his chiseled features set in that familiar, unreadable expression. My pulse quickened, and I felt a flush rise in my cheeks.

"I thought we should have a word," he said, his voice a low rumble, carefully measured. Too carefully measured.

I swallowed, the effort making my throat ache. I stood, finally. "Y-Yes, Mr. King," I managed, extending a hand that felt like it was made of ice, my palm slick with sweat.

Matthew didn't respond. His handshake was strong, businesslike, but devoid of any real feeling.

Nothing about this felt personal; it was strictly business.

He surveyed the room, his expression unreadable. I could practically feel him sizing up the surroundings, the people, and me. "I hope this won't take too long. My time is quite limited," he stated, his voice sharp, bordering on curt.

I nodded, attempting to compose myself. "Certainly," I replied. I motioned to the chair across from me, and he sat down, wordlessly.

I anticipated him speaking, but the silence between us grew heavy and awkward. My palms were clammy, my pulse quickened. What was the true purpose of his visit? What did he seek from me?

He finally spoke, his gaze fixed on mine.

"You haven't signed yet," he said, the words hanging in the air like a dare.

I blinked, the surprise evident on my face. "I'm... still considering it."

"You'll do what's best," he said, his voice low, almost a whisper. His gaze was fixed on mine, and it sent a chill through me. There was something in his eyes-something that suggested he wasn't just referring to a contract. He was talking about something more.

"But this isn't just a business arrangement, is it?" I asked, my voice barely audible. I needed to know. The air between us was thick with unspoken words. "I mean, there's more at stake than just the money, isn't there?"

Matthew's jaw clenched slightly.

He didn't answer immediately, just studied me for what felt like an eternity. It was as if he was assessing me, scrutinizing every syllable. At last, he leaned forward, his voice dropping to a near whisper, yet somehow more potent.

"It's not solely about the money," he began. "Though the money certainly simplifies things for both of us, wouldn't you agree?" He inclined his head, and I could have sworn I saw a flash of something in his eyes-something that resembled regret. "You require this, Esther. And I require you. For my own purposes."

I held his gaze, my thoughts a whirlwind. "And what's the real incentive for me? Beyond the financial compensation?"

"What do you get out of this?" I inquired, already regretting the question.

He didn't hesitate. "I get precisely what I require. A woman who can match me. Someone who can withstand the strain. This is a business deal, Esther. Plain and simple. No emotions involved."

His words cut deeper than I'd anticipated. I understood this wasn't going to be a romantic story. I understood it wasn't about love.

Hearing it from him, though-his voice so frigid, so detached-it was a different story.

I inhaled deeply, forcing myself to look away. "I'm not like the others, Matthew. I'm not just going to dive into this because of the benefits. This isn't a game to me."

He leaned back, fingers laced, his posture easy, but his gaze unyielding. "You'll discover it's not a game, either. But this deal is one you won't regret. Not in the long run."

A shiver ran through me at his words, but something inside me wouldn't let him see how much they affected me. I had to be strong. I had to remember this wasn't about me.

It was all about staying alive.

I plastered on a smile, hoping to hide the turmoil roiling within. "I'll consider it," I replied, my voice even, though my pulse was anything but.

Matthew rose, adjusting his jacket as he headed for the exit. "You've got until week's weekend. Don't dawdle."

The door clicked shut, and I was alone. My body felt weightless, my thoughts a chaotic whirl. Had he really just proposed a marriage of convenience? Was this the only way out of the predicament I found myself in?

I collapsed into my chair, my fingers shaking as they clutched the armrests. I had no idea what I was supposed to do.

I'd always considered myself the architect of my own choices, but this one... this was a game-changer.

Still, a part of me was leaning toward acceptance. A quiet voice within suggested this was my opportunity-perhaps the only one-to break free from the life I knew.

I shut my eyes, struggling to calm the storm within. What, truly, was I afraid of? Was it the deal itself that terrified me?

Or was it the man himself?

I didn't know. But I was already caught up in his orbit, whether I liked it or not.

And I wasn't sure I could escape.