Chapter 2 Terms and Conditions

Sharon's POV

I didn't get much sleep. Like a thundercloud, the weight of Thomas's proposal hovered over me and would not go away. With the shredded job ad still in my fingers, I walked the floor of my small, empty apartment, feeling even colder.

"A marriage under contract? Under my breath, I whispered. "Who even engages in such behavior?"

I struggled with a flurry of uncertainties and anxieties. What was his true intention? Why me? However, the eviction notice that was affixed on my wall served as a reminder that my options were limited.

I was back at Harrington Corp. the next morning. As I entered the lion's lair via the slick glass doors, my hands were sweating. My heart was beating so loudly by the time I got to Thomas's office that I was certain he could hear it.

As I walked in, Thomas glanced up. His eyes were unblinking and steady. He motioned for me to take a seat and said, "Miss Sharon."

I gripped the chair's arms and sat rigidly. "Why me? I blurted. "Why would you choose me for this out of all the candidates?"

His face remained composed and in control, as he reclined in his chair. In addition to being clever and resourceful, you have nothing to lose, which is crucial. You are thus ideal for what I need.

Even though his remarks hurt, I forced myself to go on. "You're not giving me all the details. What is the true cause?"

His jaw clenched with tension. 'The board believes marriage will make me appear more responsible to our shareholders. Without a wife, they're questioning my ability to lead Harrington Corp.

I gazed at him, attempting to comprehend his justification. Though my judgment was impaired by urgency, it still seemed like some parts were missing.

"I'll give it some thought," I eventually said, scarcely raising my voice above a whisper.

"You have until the end of the day.' His clipped tone revealed a man unused to having his authority questioned."

I ran with a guy who looked a lot like Thomas on my way out, but he had a completely different attitude. Although his dapper clothes and effortless grin were charming, something was unnerving about the way his gaze hovered over me.

"You must be Sharon," he continued in a mockingly kind tone. Maxwell Harrington is who I am. The half-brother of Thomas

Uncertain of his motives, I nervously said, "Nice to meet you."

Maxwell's eyes did not meet his widening grin. "A word of caution: avoid becoming involved in family affairs. You can't cope with this organization.

My spine tingled at what he said. I defended myself by saying, "I'm just here for a job."

"A job? Is that what Thomas is referring to now? He gave a gloomy laugh. You don't want to associate with him or this business, I assure you. Get out of here while you can.

He left before I could reply, so I was left with more questions than answers. Why was Maxwell so intent on frightening me away, and who was he?

Thomas contacted me later that night and said, "Tonight is a formal business dinner. You're accompanying me.

"What? I stumbled. "I have nothing to wear at all!"

He said icily, "That's been taken care of." "Be prepared by seven o'clock."

As promised, an hour later, a gorgeous black dress showed up at my flat. Feeling uncomfortable in my flesh, I put it on. Thomas acknowledged me just with a nod of approval as he picked me up.

People who seemed to be born with riches and power crowded the opulent hotel ballroom where the dinner was hosted. Thomas's constant presence helped to keep me grounded even though I felt totally out of place.

As we stepped inside, he said, "Stay by my side and smile."

Despite my best efforts, I was overcome by my nervousness. I almost fell on my way to the bathroom, spilt water on a waitress, and stammered when I was presented to a senator.

However, I was taken aback when one of the visitors mocked me and questioned if I was suitable for Thomas. "Thomas trusts me, even though I'm not from your world," I said firmly. Isn't that the important thing?"

To my surprise, the room became quiet, and Thomas smiled at me with one of his rare, approving grins.

His voice was low but forceful when I heard him argue with an elderly guy later. Thomas said, "I won't let you take this company from me."

In a terrifying reply, the guy said, "Then you'd better organize your home." Quickly.

After the meal, Thomas gave me the contract back in his office. I quickly read it, the legalese making my stomach turn.

I pointed to a passage that discussed fines and said, "This clause." "What does it signify?"

Thomas's face was unintelligible. "You will owe me $5 million if you are unable to persuade everyone that our marriage is genuine."

My heart fell. "That type of money is not mine!"

"Then don't fail," he stated plainly, without showing any pity.

My thoughts were racing as I gazed at him. This was more than a marriage or even a profession. The odds were stacked against me, and it was a risky bet.

Are you still interested in signing? His gaze was fixed on me as he questioned.

With the pen hanging above the page, I paused. This choice would determine my whole future.

I took a big breath before signing.

Thomas's phone rang as I set down the pen. His expression darkened as he looked at the screen. He said, "We have a problem." "Maxwell is aware."