Chapter 2 ♡♡♡

Jane is nervous as she gets ready for her dinner with Michael. She's never been on a business dinner before, and she wants to make a good impression. She decides to wear a simple black dress, her hair pulled back in a neat bun. She doesn't want to look too fancy, but she also doesn't want to look too casual. She takes a deep breath and walks out the door.

Jane arrives at the restaurant, and the maître d' leads her to a table where Michael is already seated. He stands up as she approaches, and he smiles. "It's nice to see you again," he says. "Please, have a seat." Jane smiles back and sits down. The waiter comes over and hands them both menus. Michael suggests a bottle of wine, and Jane agrees. After they order, there's a moment of awkward silence. Finally, Michael speaks up. "So," he says..

"Let's talk about our agreement," Michael says. "I know you must have some questions. So, please ask away. I'm happy to answer anything you want to know." Jane is grateful for his straightforward approach. "Okay," she says. "First, I want to make sure I understand the terms of the agreement. We get married for one year, and you help me with my writing career. In exchange, I give you the rights to my first book." Michael nods. "That's correct," he says. "Is that all clear to you?"

Jane nods. "Yes, that's clear," she says. "But I still have some questions. For example, what happens after the year is up? Will we get a divorce?" Michael shakes his head. "No," he says. "That's not part of the deal. The marriage will be for a year, but it won't be legally binding. So, there's no need for a divorce. It's just a temporary arrangement." Jane looks a little surprised. "That's... interesting," she says. "So, this marriage is just for show, then?"

"In a sense, yes," Michael says. "It's a business arrangement, and we both have something to gain from it. But that doesn't mean it can't be a pleasant experience. I hope we can be friends during this time, and that we can enjoy each other's company." Jane considers this for a moment. "That sounds reasonable," she says. "But I'm still not sure if I'm ready for something like this. It's a big commitment, even if it's only temporary." Michael nods, understanding her concern. "I understand," he says.

"Let's talk about the practical details, then," Michael says. "If we're going to do this, we need to figure out the logistics. Where will we live? How will we divide our time? Will we need to go on dates and act like a couple in public?" Jane's head is spinning with all the possibilities. "That's a lot to think about," she says. "Where should we start?" Michael smiles. "Let's start with where we'll live," he says. "I have a house in the suburbs, and I'm happy to offer you a room there.

"But I understand if you'd prefer to keep living in the city," he says. "If that's the case, I can rent an apartment in the city and we can both live there. What do you think?" Jane considers this. "I like the idea of living in the city," she says. "But what about my job? I work downtown, and it would be difficult to commute from the suburbs." Michael nods. "That's a valid concern," he says. "But I'm sure we can figure out a solution that works for both of us. We just need to be open-minded and flexible."

"Maybe we could try living in the city for a few months, and then if it's not working out, we can move to the suburbs," Michael suggests. "Or we could try the reverse. Or we could look for an apartment that's somewhere in between. There are lots of options. We just need to be willing to compromise and try different things until we find something that works." Jane is impressed by Michael's practicality and willingness to negotiate. "That's a good point," she says. "Maybe we could find a place that's not too far from my job, but also not too far from your job.

"I know a great real estate agent who could help us find something like that," Michael says. "I'm happy to call her and see what she can find. In the meantime, we can also think about other details, like how we'll divide our time. I have some ideas, but I'd love to hear your thoughts." Jane is grateful that Michael is being so thoughtful and considerate. "Thank you for being so open to discussing all of this," she says. "I really appreciate it." Michael smiles. "No problem," he says.

"I know we're both consenting adults," Jane says, choosing her words carefully. "But I want to be clear that this is a business arrangement, and not a romantic relationship. There will be no physical intimacy between us, for the entire length of the arrangement." Michael's face is serious. "I understand," he says. "And I respect your decision. I want to be clear that I agree to the same terms. No physical intimacy, for the entire length of the arrangement."

There's a moment of awkward silence between them. Jane looks down at her hands, fidgeting nervously. "I know this is probably not the most romantic way to start an arrangement like this," she says. "But I want to be honest and clear about my expectations." Michael nods. "It's actually refreshing to be so upfront about everything," he says. "I appreciate your candor." He takes a deep breath. "So, now that we've established that, we can move on to other topics."

●●●●●●

Jane and Michael get into Michael's car, and he starts to drive her home. The silence in the car is a little tense, but it's not uncomfortable. After a few minutes, Michael speaks. "So, if we're going to do this, we should make some plans," he says. "I know we agreed that you'll move in with me in two weeks. Is that still okay?" Jane nods. "That's still okay," she says. "I'll need some time to pack and make arrangements for my current apartment. But I can be ready in two weeks."

"Great," Michael says. "That gives us some time to get to know each other and figure out how this is all going to work. I think it's important that we establish some ground rules and boundaries, so we both know what to expect. Do you agree?" Jane appreciates Michael's practical approach. "Absolutely," she says. "I think that's a good idea. I'm not sure where to start, though. Can you suggest some ground rules?" Michael nods. "I have a few ideas," he says. "But I'm also open to hearing your suggestions."

"I think it's important that we have separate bedrooms," Michael says. "At least for the first few months. I want us both to have our own space and privacy. I don't want either of us to feel like we're being intrusive or intruding on the other person's space." Jane agrees. "That makes sense," she says.