Chapter 4 The Contract

The man's voice cut through the silence like a blade.

"We need to talk," he said.

Loretta Williams lifted her eyes cautiously.

"How did you find me?" she asked, startled.

Once inside his car, her gaze wandered toward his sharply defined features.

There was no denying Mark Robin's striking appearance-it was the kind of face that could captivate anyone at first glance.

Too bad his personality didn't live up to his looks.

He didn't return her stare.

Instead, he looked coolly out the window and said, "How much do you want in exchange for marrying me?"

"Excuse me?" Loretta blinked, thinking she'd misheard.

"I said," Mark repeated, "since what happened between us can't be reversed, I intend to take responsibility by marrying you."

Loretta scoffed. "You're kidding, right?"

But he turned to her with unblinking seriousness.

"I'm dead serious. If you agree, we can sign the marriage papers right away. I suggest you don't waste this rare opportunity."

She stared at him, bewildered.

The way he spoke made it seem as though marrying him was some sort of privilege.

But he wasn't Tom Robin-Mark's younger brother. If it were Tom she could marry, she wouldn't ever need to hustle so hard to make a name for herself.

"And what exactly do I stand to gain by becoming your wife?"

Loretta asked, arching a brow.

Mark's face betrayed a flicker of distaste.

"As my wife, all your expenses will be taken care of. I'll provide you with a place to stay, and if you ever fall for another man, you'll still receive a fair settlement after the divorce.

That way, no man will ever look down on you again. I can also eliminate any barriers in your path. This arrangement benefits you more than you think."

Loretta chuckled bitterly.

She thought he was joking, but that last offer-getting rid of her burdens-struck a tempting chord.

If she married him, she wouldn't have to return to the Williams family or be forced to marry that foolish heir from the Britton family.

But could Mark Robin really follow through with his promises?

"So you're already talking about divorce?" she asked, wary.

Mark nodded. "Of course. It's a temporary deal. When I decide it's over, you'll need to cooperate.

I'll provide a solid reason to end things without stirring up a scandal.

But you should know, there'll be a prenuptial agreement. Don't expect to take anything beyond what we agree upon."

"Wow, charming," Loretta said sarcastically.

"You don't have to worry. I'm not some gold-digger."

Mark opened the car door.

"This isn't about pleasantries. We're not in this for a happily-ever-after."

"But are you really sure about this marriage? You don't even know me," Loretta said, doubtful.

Mark's eyes held hers. "I don't need to know more. I already know your body intimately."

Her cheeks flamed with embarrassment.

"That wasn't all my fault! I already explained how that night was a mistake!"

Still, she was a woman-and being reminded of that night wasn't easy.

Mark remained impassive, which only deepened her irritation.

"Fine," he said after a beat.

"Let's leave that in the past. I know marriage isn't something to take lightly. If we do this, I'll treat it with the seriousness it deserves.

I'll respect you and make sure our arrangement runs smoothly. I'm not trying to trap you."

He held himself with an effortless grace, and despite everything, there was something calming about his presence.

Maybe that was why Loretta didn't feel completely opposed to the idea.

After a long pause, she gave a small nod.

Mark exhaled subtly and gestured for the driver to start the engine.

The marriage happened swiftly-without emotion, like a contract transaction.

In a corner of the city, a black Porsche pulled to a stop. The driver stepped out, retrieved her handbag, and offered it to her respectfully.

"Madam, please step inside."

Madam?

Loretta still hadn't gotten used to being called that.

As she climbed in, Mark walked past her and stood near the door, cool and unreadable.

Her new husband was almost annoyingly attractive.

With his chiseled features, composed demeanor, and lean build, he had the kind of look that made people jealous without effort.

Mark turned and told her, "I've informed my family. There will be no ceremony."

"Good. It's a secret arrangement. I don't want the publicity either," she replied.

Mark let out a derisive laugh. "You did use underhanded means. If word got out, you'd be humiliated."

"Seriously, Mark Robin!" Loretta snapped.

"I told you it was an accident!"

The guilt still lingered. She knew she'd played a part in what happened, but it wasn't only her fault.

Mark let out a breath.

"You're right. I went too far. I said I wouldn't bring it up again. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to lash out... but you should know I'm not doing this because I want to. I have someone I care about."

His voice was calmer now, laced with honesty.

Loretta looked at him sideways.

For the first time, she saw the man behind the arrogance.

He didn't choose this. He was trapped, too.

That realization softened her heart.

"It's fine. We're both in this mess. Let's try to make it work, at least for the time being."

Mark nodded.

"As long as you stick to the terms."

"I'm a professional actress, remember? I'll play the part perfectly for your family. You have my word. But just so we're clear-this marriage is fake. No physical contact."

"Understood," he said coolly.

"But we do have to live under the same roof, for appearance's sake."

"I agreed to cooperate. Just don't interfere in my personal life."

"You don't have to worry. I've never had an interest in loud, uncultured, or ragged women," Mark replied dryly, eyes trailing over her face.

Loretta smirked.

"That's perfect. I'm not into guys who pretend to be gentlemanly saints but are clumsy in bed and rely on brute force."

Mark's expression darkened instantly.

His jaw tensed as he glared at her, fury flashing in his eyes. Her insult had clearly struck a nerve.