Chapter 3 The contract

Sophia sat at the polished mahogany dining table in Aaron's sprawling estate, feeling like an imposter in a world that wasn't hers. The mansion was cold and impersonal, much like Aaron himself. As she glanced around, taking in the expensive art and modern decor, she felt a pang of regret. What had she gotten herself into? Aaron entered the room, carrying a thick stack of papers that he placed in front of her. "This is the prenuptial agreement," he said, his voice devoid of warmth. "Everything is outlined here."

Sophia glanced at the document, her eyes skimming over the legal jargon. It was clear-this was not a marriage based on love or even affection. It was a business transaction, as sterile and unfeeling as the room they were in. "We stay married for one year," Aaron explained, his arms crossed as he stood over her. "After that, we divorce quietly, and you can go back to your life. No emotional involvement, no expectations beyond public appearances."

Sophia nodded, her throat tight. She had expected this, but hearing it laid out so coldly still hurt. "I understand," she said quietly, picking up the pen. But before she signed, she hesitated. "And what about Catherine? What happens if she recovers sooner?"

Aaron's eyes softened for a brief moment, but his tone remained firm. "Then we renegotiate. But until then, this is what we have to do."

Sophia signed the papers, feeling like she was sealing her fate. The moment the pen left the page, Aaron pulled the contract away, tucking it into a leather folder with a sharp snap. "We'll make the announcement tomorrow," he said, his voice all business. "There will be a small ceremony. No fuss. This is strictly for the sake of appearances."

That night, as Sophia lay in the guest room of Aaron's mansion, she felt the full weight of her decision. She had agreed to live under the same roof as a man who didn't love her, a man who barely knew her. But worse than that, she was pretending to be someone else-for Catherine, for their family. The bed felt too big, too cold, and she pulled the covers around herself, wondering how she would survive a year in this hollow arrangement. As she tossed and turned, her thoughts kept returning to Aaron. Beneath his cold exterior, she sensed there was more to him, a man who had locked away his emotions so tightly that even he might have forgotten they existed. But why did she care? This wasn't supposed to be about emotions. This was business, nothing more.