Chapter 5 TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The oppressive silence enveloping the office was disrupted solely by the soft rustling of papers as Ava meticulously scrutinized the contract that Julian had positioned before her. Her fingers hovered delicately over the sleek, immaculate sheet, the ink on the page so precise that it appeared as though it had been produced for an idealized reality. She found it nearly inconceivable that she was on the brink of relinquishing her autonomy-her very life-by signing this contract. It constituted a considerable risk, a gamble and yet...

something deep within her insisted that she had no option other than to move forward. Julian sat directly across from her, observing her with keen interest. His fingers drummed gently against the edge of his desk as he awaited her decision, his gaze steadfast. He had exuded confidence when proposing this arrangement; however, a subtle tension now marked his posture-perhaps he was anticipating her withdrawal. Or perhaps, just perhaps, he was secretly wishing she would commit. Finally, Ava broke the silence, her voice calm and unwavering despite the storm of emotions raging within her. "So, just to clarify... this is a one-year arrangement. You require me to present myself as your wife in public, but the marriage itself will not be genuine. It's merely a facade."

Julian nodded, his gaze unwavering as it remained fixed on her face. "That's correct. We will lead separate lives beyond the public eye; however, in the presence of others, we will present ourselves as a married couple-attending events, making joint public appearances and showcasing a unified front. But, for all intents and purposes, this arrangement will essentially be a business one." Ava frowned, her brow deeply furrowed. She could already sense the weight of what this entailed, the strain it would impose on her personal life; yet, it also held immense potential for her art. "And what exactly do I receive in return?" Julian leaned back in his chair, fingers interlaced. "In return, you will have financial support for your artistic endeavors. The studio, the materials, the exhibitions-all of it will be funded. You will possess the resources to pursue your craft without the burden of financial concerns. Moreover, your work will reach a significantly broader audience. I have the connections necessary to facilitate that."

Ava bit her lip (reflecting deeply) on his words. For years, she had struggled to keep her studio afloat: her art became almost a distant dream at times, as she focused more on survival than on creativity. She had sacrificed so much; however, the idea of no longer worrying about rent or whether she could afford the next set of supplies was tantalizing. Although this thought filled her with hope, it also stirred a sense of apprehension.

But at what cost?

"What's the catch?" Ava inquired, her voice laced with skepticism. "What's in this for you, Julian? Why would you go through all this trouble just to assist me? You're not merely doing this for the sake of my art, are you?" Julian's lips curled into a faint smile, revealing a blend of amusement and something more profound lurking beneath the surface. He leaned closer, his gaze sharpening. "I'm not engaging in this for philanthropic reasons, Ava. There's a business arrangement I'm navigating, one that necessitates me to project a specific... image to the public. This is where you come into play. You'll be my wife, in the eyes of the world. And in return for this 'marriage,' you'll gain access to the resources you require. It's mutually advantageous."

Ava's thoughts raced rapidly. She had not anticipated becoming a pawn in another's business dealings; however, the truth was that this arrangement held mutual benefits, did it not? Nevertheless, she could not shake the feeling that she was being asked to assume a role far larger than she felt prepared for. Opportunities had come her way before, but nothing quite like this. A fabricated marriage? It seemed utterly absurd. And yet, the allure of financial stability-of stepping into a life where she would not have to struggle for every single penny-was difficult to dismiss. "You mentioned I'd have to live a public life with you. What does that entail, exactly? How public are we talking about here?" Ava inquired, still attempting to comprehend the situation she was about to enter. "Public appearances," Julian elucidated. "Charity events, galas, business functions and any occasion where I need to present a wife at my side. We will play the part. However, when the cameras aren't rolling, you'll be free to lead your own life. We won't be cohabiting or engaging in anything beyond the public facade-just the bare minimum to maintain a convincing front."

Ava nodded slowly, processing the information she had received. It appeared to be a favorable arrangement, at least theoretically. She would possess the resources necessary to create her art and all she would need to do was comply for a year. The more she contemplated the situation, the more it resembled an opportunity that she simply could not forgo. "You make it sound so easy," she remarked dryly, raising her eyes to connect with Julian's. "However, I've spent enough time in the art world to recognize that matters are seldom as straightforward as they appear." Julian grinned, a smile that conveyed both assurance and experience. "Life is rarely uncomplicated. But that's precisely why you require someone adept at navigating it. You need not fret over the particulars. I'll manage the logistics and the public relations. You simply need to stand by my side." Ava experienced a moment of unease. She had consistently forged her path independently, establishing herself in the realm of art with little more than innate talent and an indomitable spirit. To depend on someone else, particularly someone like Julian Blackwood, was a daunting prospect.

However, she then reflected on the years spent in her cramped studio, where long hours were devoted to creating art that went unnoticed by the world. She considered her mother, whose worn hands bore the marks of a life dedicated to her family, never once requesting anything in return. This situation transcended her personal struggles; it was fundamentally about her future. It encompassed the need to secure something for herself and her art-something she had tirelessly worked toward, yet had never been able to fully embrace. "I'll do it," Ava declared, her voice now resolute. "I'll sign the contract." Julian's eyes sparkled with an inscrutable emotion, his expression momentarily enigmatic before his lips transformed into a satisfied smile. He slid the contract toward her, accompanied by a pen. "Good," he remarked, his tone crisp. "This will be beneficial for both of us." Ava did not waver this time. She grasped the pen, her fingers unwavering as she inscribed her name at the bottom of the page. The moment felt surreal, the weight of her decision lingering palpably in the air. Yet, as she set the pen down, she recognized that there was no turning back now. "Welcome to the team, Ava," Julian said, rising to extend his hand across the desk.

She shook it; the handshake was firm (yet somehow) distant. In that moment, Ava found herself unable to determine whether she had made the best decision of her life or, conversely, the worst. Only time would tell, however, this uncertainty loomed large.