08

"Good morning everyone. I am Gabriel Moretti. You can consider me as your solicitor for today. I also happened to be Luke's best friend. We have been friends since the day we were born," Gabriel began his talk. He was standing with a swimming pool in the background and he was holding the contract that is supposed to be signed by Luke and Ruby. While Ruby and Mia were sitting on the bar stools and Luke was filling in his glass of whisky with ice cubes. He had taken off from work today, so he could drink all he wanted.

They all had gathered at Gabriel's house the next day after Luke and Ruby agreed on the proposition. Luke had promised to contact her as soon as the contract was ready. But she did not know that Luke would be this quick. He had called her late at night to inform her about today's plan. He had picked Ruby and Mia first thing in the morning and drove to Gabriel's house. Gabriel was generous enough to offer the space to discuss and sign the contract at his place because Luke's house and office are very dangerous places as there would be no privacy and it is filled with tons of spies that secretly works for Luke's stepmother, Anna.

“Too much information, dude. Anyone can guess you two are best friends since you stick together a lot,” Mia said, making Luke smirk at her words. He had no doubt that Ruby and Mia shared the same bond and friendship that he and Gabriel share.

Gabriel smirked at Mia, “Of course, just like you two.” Mia could not help but smile at him. It seemed like they shared a different kind of chemistry. Luke and Ruby paid no attention to this exchange. They were engrossed in their own worlds of thoughts.

Ruby got off from the seat and walked towards the bar to get something to drink. Earlier when Gabriel had offered she had refused but now she was thirsty and in need of some drinks. Luke noticed her and said, “No alcohol.” Ruby gave him a stern look which translated to I know that. Luke raised his hands in surrender and went back to his drinks.

“So, shall I read the contract loud and clear to everyone?” Gabriel asked and everyone nodded their heads in agreement. The contract was the main agenda anyway.

Gabriel cleared his throat before speaking, “There is a lot of legal stuff and you two can read that on your own. I will just talk about the important stuff.”

“1. Luke Sawyer and Ruby Bakers, who are to be parents soon agree to co-parent their kid. And promise to spare time from their schedules to go through the pregnancy together and be a hands on parents when the baby arrives. And they are expected to be responsible parents.

2. Luke Sawyer abides by the agreed terms of supporting Ruby Bakers financially which does not limit to just her college expenses and living expenses.
3. Luke Sawyer and Ruby Bakers are to be respectful of a personal boundary and never make conspired agreements with any other third party regarding the other person and also agree to be honest with one another.
4. On the personal side, Luke Sawyer and Ruby Bakers are to pretend to be in a romantic relationship until Luke Sawyer inherits the Sawyer Corporation. Luke Sawyer and Ruby Bakers are expected to show off a little public display of affection in order to make the relationship more convincing.
5. Luke Sawyer and Ruby Bakers are to be living under the same roof as soon as the agreement is signed. And both of them are expected to maintain a good distance and also respect each other’s preferences and opinions. No matter if they agree to it or not. The main agenda of this contract is to support one another and enjoy the benefits.
6. The terms above mentioned are effective as of the signed date.”

With that, Gabriel completed reading the terms and went towards the bar to grab a drink for himself. Luke sat there, simply staring at Ruby’s face. She listened to all the terms very intently. And Luke wondered what was running inside her head. He had particularly asked this personal advocate to keep the terms simple and neat. He did not want to complicate things between them.

Mia leaned towards Ruby and whispered, “The terms sound pretty good. If anything, it is more on your side.” Ruby nodded her head in agreement, "I know right. And I can't believe that I am even considering doing this."

"Chill, it is going to be fine. Remember I will always be there for you no matter what," Mia tried to ease Ruby’s tensions. Mia was actually glad that Luke was taking initiative to make things work for himself and as well as Ruby. He was being a real gentleman if anything.

Ruby walked towards Luke and tried to grab the pen from him but he pulled away for a second. He was already waiting for her. Gabriel smiled at the new parents to be and made his way towards Mia.

"You sure?" Luke asked Ruby one last time before they both jumped into their agreement. Ruby swallowed the saliva secreted in her throat and said, "Yes, I am sure." Luke smiled at her warmly for the first time. He signed the papers first and then handed the pen and papers to her. Ruby closed her eyes once to calm herself. She then took the pen from Luke's hand and signed the contract.

Gabriel looked at Luke and Ruby and smiled to himself. The new couple had signed the contract and Gabriel only hoped that they would be successful with it.

"You are smiling," Mia commented. Gabriel turned to her, "I am just happy to become an uncle soon."

Mia could not control the chuckle that left her mouth, "I can't wait to be an aunt either."

Gabriel smirked at her, realizing they were on the same boat, "So, do you have a boyfriend?"

"What if I have?" Mia challenged him. She was curious to know this handsome friend of Luke's.

Gabriel's smirk grew only wider, "Not that it matters if you truly have a boyfriend. I think I am going to sweep you off your feet anyway."