The Contract

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CHAPTER 3

While my mind played around my new surname, Blaze's estate came into view. It was breathtaking. Every inch of it was grand and meticulously designed. 

A butler led me through the vast, silent halls until I found myself in a lustrous living room, and there he was, standing with his usual stoic expression. 

My heart skipped, but I forced myself to act calm. He did not say anything more than a welcome after I greeted him before leading me into a private study.

I sank into the leather chair across from him, feeling the pressure in the air. He slid a thick stack of papers across the desk. "This is the contract," he explained calmly. "The essentials are straightforward. For now, we'll present ourselves as a couple to our immediate families and a few close friends. No one else needs to know."

I frowned, staring at the words in front of me. "Then why even bother with the marriage? Wasn't the whole point to keep people off our backs in the first place?"

I know I sounded almost like I was gold-digging into his wealth or something but I needed Shawn, especially, who right now was neither friend nor foe, to know.

He tilted his head slightly, watching me. "It's to keep them out of our lives, not invite the world in."

I rolled my eyes, though I understood what he meant. Scanning the rest of the terms, I noted how he emphasized a "distraction-free" environment—meaning, of course, no more Shawn. 

He'd phrased it so neatly that I almost laughed. With a resigned sigh, I signed the papers.

Our hands brushed as we exchanged documents, a brief tingling sensation passing between us. His gaze lingered on mine, and I could feel my heart pound, though I couldn't understand why. He was so... infuriatingly reserved, yet something in his eyes softened for a second, almost imperceptibly, before he glanced away.

Moving into the mansion felt more like stepping into a fortress or a high-end hotel than a home. Each room was decorated with a flawless, minimalist style that screamed luxury but lacked warmth. 

I tried to stay detached, but my mind kept wandering, noticing the details around me—the orderliness of things, the careful choice of colours. It was like seeing a part of him he would never openly share.

I finally headed upstairs to the room Blaze had prepared for me. My room was no different—spacious, pristine, and a bit intimidating with its towering windows and neutral tones.

Sighing, I let my gaze fall on a row of shopping bags neatly lined up on the dresser. Out of curiosity, I started unpacking, and my jaw nearly dropped at the sight.

First, there was a collection of soft, luxurious loungewear, from plush pyjamas to silky robes in deep jewel tones. Each piece looked like it had been selected with care and attention. 

Then came the casual clothes—stylish dresses, sleek trousers, and blouses that seemed tailored to my exact measurements. Next were the business suits: crisp blazers, fitted skirts, and pants in shades of gray, navy, and black.

But what left me speechless was the evening wear. Gowns and cocktail dresses adorned in sequins, velvet, and silk. 

I held one of the dresses up, its fabric slipping between my fingers like water and its bold red colour was simply amazing.

When I reached the shoes, I had to sit down. Rows of high-end heels lined the bottom of the closet—classic pumps, strappy stilettos, and one pair of delicate, silver heels that looked like they belonged on a runway.

And then, my face burned as I reached the last box: a set of lace intimately picked underwear.

I couldn't help but wonder why he'd gone to such lengths. This was more than just "practical" clothing. This was… spoiling.

Just then, my phone buzzed with a new message from Blaze. I opened it, my brow furrowing as I read: The clothes are meant to help you look the part, as my wife. Status is everything.

I raised an eyebrow, a small smile tugging. Of course. Blaze Black couldn't have anything less than perfection by his side. Apparently, this included everything from my shoes to my evening gowns.

But that smile quickly faded as I remembered his words from earlier when we had discussed the contract. 

His tone had been infuriatingly matter-of-fact as he'd laid down the rules. One, I wasn't allowed to interfere in his personal matters. Two, our 'marriage' was purely functional—no romantic entanglements allowed as if he needed to remind me.

"Just mind your own business, Kaia," he'd said coolly, his gaze hard. "We're not here to play house."

"Likewise. My business is mine and not yours."

He smirked as if recalling something implicating. "And don't fall in love with me," he had added while keeping a straight face. "We don't need complications."

The arrogance! As if he was some irresistible heartthrob I'd inevitably fall for. I'd shot back without missing a beat, "Don't worry, Blaze. I wouldn't dream of it. You're not my type."

His smirk had been almost mocking. "No, I suppose I'm not. After all, your type seems to be loud-mouthed cheats."

The memory of his words made me scowl. He was both smug and infuriatingly observant, and I was starting to understand why he'd been so specific about boundaries. 

Every rule in that contract—from "no emotional involvement" to "complete discretion"—seemed ridiculous as if he'd designed it solely to remind me that, to him, I was nothing more than a temporary solution.

Sighing, I shook my head, tossing the lacy underwear back into the drawer and closing it with a snap. 

Fine, Blaze. If he wanted distance, I'd give him distance. I didn't need his rules to keep me from crossing lines—I knew exactly who he was, and I knew exactly what I was here for.

"In six months, all of this would be over but before then, I had a goal. I needed to build my very own business."

Immediately, I set my phone down and went to the bathroom to take a quick bath. Ever since I woke up, I only washed my face, brushed my teeth, sprayed some perfume, and moved from one place to another. 

My goal back then was to rid myself of this marriage—the one that I now clung to.

Stepping into the bathroom, my lips dropped at the amazing sight before me.

The bathroom looked straight out of a luxury magazine. I took it all in—the polished marble floors, gold fixtures, and a huge glass shower that stretched along one wall. 

At the far end was a sunken tub, its surface reflecting the soft, light above. Everything was overwhelming.

I turned on the tap, letting the tub fill with warm water, bubbles and the rose petals inside before sinking in. For the first time in a long while, I just… relaxed. The faint scent of lavender floated up from the water, and I closed my eyes, letting my mind go blank.

Eventually, I got out, my fingers wrinkled from the soak. Wrapping myself in a thick, soft towel, I found a simple outfit—a casual blouse and tailored pants—from the new clothes Blaze had provided. I slipped them on, realizing he'd chosen everything in my exact size.

Just as I was running a comb through my damp hair, my phone buzzed on the bedside table. I reached over and unlocked it, freezing at the subject line of the new email:

"Termination of Employment."