Chapter 6: Deal!

Rhett’s POV

I, Rhett Simon, the CEO of Opulentia Fashion was not your typical CEO. Yes, I am successful and wealthy, but my reputation as cold and ruthless in business dealings was just a small part of the story. Unlike most successful men of my stature— strikingly handsome, and tall— I am not interested in any form of romance. I have always gotten what I wanted, but getting Laurel to accept my proposal just weirdly made me anxious. She was no longer the former woman I knew, she was now bold and outspoken and held her head high.

With all my wealth, I could get any woman I wanted at my own will but that lifestyle wasn't my type. I was fixated at my work and you’d never see me around any woman.

My past relationship with Laurel’s sister was just an arranged union by our parents, and I had gone along with it for the sake of appeasing my family and maintaining the status quo. I had never truly felt a connection with her, and it had always been clear that our relationship was one of convenience, not love.

As the final day before providing feedback to Laurel's company approached, my nerves were racking. I waited anxiously for her call, unsure of how she would respond to the proposal. My mind raced with possible outcomes, but I knew deep down that I wasn't doing this for the company - I was doing it for her. The safety of this woman, who was unaware of my true intentions, weighed heavily on my mind.

As I sat, lost in thought with my gaze fixated on my phone, my phone suddenly rang, breaking the silence. My heart skipped a beat as I saw Laurel's name on the screen. I jumped to my feet, pacing the living room in anticipation as the ringing echoed through the space.

My mind was in confusion, torn between the desire to know her answer and also the fear of rejection.

“Fuck it. I’ll eventually have to face this," I muttered under my breath, bracing myself for whatever her response might be. With trembling fingers, I pressed the answer button.

My heart pounded in my chest. If she said yes, it would be good for us, but if she refused, I was determined to do everything in my power to persuade her. Laurel's safety was in jeopardy. Her foster family, the ones whom she embarrassed ruthlessly at her wedding ceremony, were now out for her blood upon hearing that she was back in Los Angeles. They were like wolves stalking their prey, ready to pounce the moment they caught a whiff of her scent.

But Laurel had no idea of the danger that was around her. She had finally found a sense of peace, and I didn't want to shatter it by telling her the news of her enemies' schemes. I was determined to protect her at all costs this time, even if it meant keeping the truth from her. It might be a dangerous game I was playing, maybe in the long run, but I had to play it to keep her safe.

“Hello, Rhett. I’ll sign the contract. Where should we meet?” Her voice broke in.

“Yes! It worked!” I said internally to myself with a wide grin.

“Let’s meet at my house,” I suggested.

“Why your house?” Her voice took on a more stern tone.

“I was considering suggesting the previous restaurant we were supposed to meet the other day, but given the incident that occurred, I think it would be safe to meet in a more secure location,” I explained.

“Fine, I’ll be there in 30 minutes,” she replied, cutting me off before I could offer to pick her up.

“Wait, I’ll come pick you u-“ I started, but the line had already gone dead.

With a sigh, I resigned myself to waiting for her arrival. Convincing Laurel to sign the contract was just the beginning, and the real challenge lay in the road ahead.

***

‘Ding’ The chime of the doorbell sounded, announcing Laurel's arrival. I quickly went to greet her, and ushered her inside, gesturing towards a comfortable seat.

“Coffee or soft drink?” I offered.

“None, thank you. Let’s get straight to the point.” She replied, her tone sharp and focused.

“Understood,” I said, bringing the file from my desk and taking a seat across from her..

“I’ve drafted up the terms and conditions for our contract marriage,” I explained, handing her the file.

"Please take a look and let me know if anything doesn't seem right to you. We can make any necessary amendments."

Laurel took the file and began to carefully read its contents, her eyes scanning each word with focus.

I couldn't help but admire her beauty as she read, her features perfectly sculpted and her face displaying a natural radiance. Her eyes, deep and expressive, were framed by a pair of delicate brows. And her lips, soft and full, caught my attention, causing a stir within me.

Laurel continued to read the contract, announcing her approval of each clause.

“The duration of this marriage shall be for a fixed period of six months. Agreed!”

“We shall reside together in the same residence for the duration of the marriage.” Her eyes widened at this particular clause but she quickly composed herself and continued. “Agreed!”

“We agree not to disclose any confidential information about the marriage without the other’s consent. Agreed!”

“Is this all?” She asked, checking the back of the page.

“That’s all,” I answered her.

Laurel gave me a look and continued, “I’d like to add two more clauses,” she stated.

“We agree not to interfere with each other’s personal or professional life outside of the marriage” and “We agree to respect each other’s personal space and privacy.”

I nodded, “If that’s what you want,” with a hint of amusement dancing in my eyes.

“It’s all good now, right?” I watched her expectantly, waiting for an answer.

“Yeah, I’m okay with the terms now.” She nodded, a satisfied expression written across her face.

“Deal?” I asked, signing the papers and handing it over to her with my eyes full of hope.

She took the papers and with a confident nod, she picked up the pen and signed her name.

“Deal!” She affirmed.