Chapter 2 Bound By Contract

As I held Sarah close, I knew I couldn't tell her about Ryder's proposal. Not yet.

After visiting Sarah, I returned home, my mind racing with conflicting emotions. I paced around my living room, weighing the pros and cons.Pros:

Pay off Sarah's medical debts

Financial security

Possibly save my event planning business

Cons: Pretending to be Ryder's fiancée

Losing my independence

Dealing with Ryder's cold, calculating nature. Just as I thought I'd made up my mind to decline, Ryder's words echoed in my mind:"You need the money, and I need the image. It's a mutually beneficial arrangement."

Was I ready to sacrifice my happiness for Sarah's well-being? The next morning, I arrived at my office, still undecided. Rachel noticed my distress. "Emily, what's going on? You're still thinking about Ryder's proposal, aren't you?"

I nodded.

."What are you going to do?" Rachel asked.

I took a deep breath. "I don't know."

Just then, my phone buzzed. Ryder's name flashed on the screen. "Emily," he said, his voice low and commanding. "I expect your answer by tomorrow." My heart skipped a beat. "Ryder, I..." I hesitated.

"Tomorrow, Emily," Ryder repeated. "Don't miss this opportunity." The line went dead. I looked at Rachel. "I have to make a decision." Rachel's expression turned serious. "What's your gut telling you?"

I closed my eyes, searching for an answer. Opening my eyes I looked at Rachel, who stood waiting for my answer.

"I'll get back to you." I said, walking into my office.

I placed my bag on the table and sat down taking a deep breath and dialed Ryder's number. "Ryder, it's Emily," I said, my voice steady. "I accept your proposal." Ryder's tone remained neutral. "I'll send over the contract and details. Review them carefully."

"Wait, Ryder," I interjected. "I have conditions." "Go on," Ryder said, his interest piqued.

"I want a guarantee that my sister's medical bills will be paid in full, regardless of the outcome of our arrangement."

"Done," Ryder replied. "Anything else?"

"I want to know more about the business deal and why you need a fake fiancée."Ryder paused. "You'll learn more soon enough. For now, just understand that discretion is key." I hesitated, unsure if I should press further.

"Emily, trust me," Ryder said, his voice softer. "This will benefit both of us."I swallowed hard, hoping I wasn't making a mistake."Send over the contract," I said finally.

The Contract arrived via email, detailing the terms:

Duration: 6 months

Public appearances: As required

Confidentiality: Absolute

Compensation: $500,000 + payment of Sarah's medical bills.

I reviewed the contract, "I have to do this for Sarah." I repeated to myself.

I sent Ryder an amended contract, including my additional conditions: No physical or sexual contact between us.

I'm allowed to continue working at my event planning company.

I'm free to go out and socialize whenever I want, without needing Ryder's approval.

Ryder's response came quickly. "Emily, I understand your concerns, but I must disagree with the last point," Ryder wrote. I called him immediately.

"What's the issue, Ryder?" I asked." Your freedom to go out and socialize can compromise our arrangement," Ryder explained. "We need to maintain a united front. I require you to clear your social schedule with me."I bristled. "That's unacceptable. I won't be trapped."

Ryder's tone turned cold. "This is non-negotiable, Emily. You'll do as I say." I stood firm. "No, Ryder. I won't compromise my independence. Take it or leave it." The line went silent.

"Fine. We'll compromise. You'll inform me of your social plans, but you won't need explicit approval. However, you must ensure our arrangement remains private." I hesitated, weighing the concession."

"Deal," I said finally. Ryder's tone softened slightly. "I'll send over the revised contract."

The updated contract arrived, reflecting our agreement. I scanned the revised contract, my eyes widening at the new clause:

"Article 7: Co-Habitation; To maintain the illusion of a genuine relationship, Emily Wilson agrees to relocate to Ryder Blackwood's primary residence for the duration of the agreement." My heart sank.

"Ryder, this is unacceptable," I protested over the phone.

"Emily, it's necessary," Ryder countered. "The public won't believe our engagement if you're living in a... less-than-desirable neighborhood."

I bristled. "My neighborhood isn't 'less-than-desirable.' It's my home."

Ryder's tone turned cold. "Your home is a liability. You'll move in with me, effective immediately."

I hesitated, unsure if I could compromise on this."But what about my independence?" I asked.

"You'll have all the independence you need within my estate," Ryder replied. "You'll have your own wing, and staff will attend to your needs."

The thought of living under Ryder's roof, with his staff watching my every move, made me uneasy.

"What about my business?" I pressed.

"You can continue to run your event planning company remotely or from my office," Ryder said. "I'll provide any necessary resources."

"No, if we go public, people will talk. So I'll still go to my company. I cannot bear them saying I'm relying on you for everything"

"Fair enough." He grunted

I felt trapped.

"Emily, this is non-negotiable," Ryder said, his voice firm. "Take it or leave it."

I weighed my options, in silence.

With a heavy heart, I agreed."Fine, Ryder. I'll move in."

Ryder's response came quickly.

"Excellent. My staff will assist with the relocation. Expect them tomorrow."

I signed it, feeling a mix of relief and trepidation. What had I just gotten myself into?As I looked at the contract, I realized that Ryder's insistence on controlling my social life was unsettling

Sending him the signed document, Ryder's response "Welcome to our arrangement, Emily. Our first public appearance is tomorrow night." My heart skipped a beat. What have I gotten myself into?