Chapter 0009

As he draws nearer, I feel a quickening in the rhythm of my heartbeat. He places his hand on my waist and goes in for a cheek kiss.

I have no idea what to do with my hands or, to be honest, any other part of my body, so I just give him a small grin.

As I greet Mr. Whitlock with a pleasant "Hello," I see Grace is staring at me intently.

Mr. Whitlock mumbles, "Amelia," before taking a step back and keeping his hold on my waist. "I only have an hour, shall we get started?" Lory instantly takes action, directing me to one side of the table and motioning for me to take a seat next to her before taking a seat herself next to me at the table.

She crouchs to the side of her body, slides out a stack of papers, and places one stack in front of me and one stack in front of herself.

When I look up, I find Rhodes is watching at me intently, and I can't help but smile when I catch his gaze. Just then, I saw him reaching into his suit danteil for a pen.

"Okay, Amelia. The contract will be read aloud to all of us, and you and she will have the option to make any changes you deem necessary as we proceed.

She expresses to me that she should be telling this to both of us, but I have a feeling he won't be that flexible. Some issues will be negotiable, but others will not, and we will both need to be as tolerant as possible if this is to succeed.

My heart is racing as I look down at the page, shaking my head and smiling warmly. I'm not sure what any of it means; the first page is just legalese to me. I don't understand a word of it.

"Amelia, you must sign here because this is a non-disclosure agreement." Please continue to the next page." What this effectively means is that you will not reveal to your family, friends, or anybody else how you and Mr. Whitlock met. And if things don't work out between the two of you, you are not to sell your story to any media outlets."

My mouth goes dry as she continues to speak. I had no clue Mr. Whitlock was as well-known as he is, or that he would be worried about something like this. Despite the fact that I do not particularly like how this is all starting, I am delighted that this is included.

She cuts me off before I can finish my idea and ask Lory a question. "It's okay that Poppy knows; she signed a similar piece of paper." I nod and click my ball point pen before signing next to a blue tab at the bottom of the page.

"Just perfect," Lory exclaims as she turns the page of her book, and I do the same.

This page's name gives me the creeps and makes my stomach feel like it's about to explode.

RU T I N E S

"Here is a list of the rules that and Whitlock have given to his previous matches in the past." I force the lump in my throat down and look at Lory for a second before returning to the list:

1. Be on time for all scheduled events and dates.

2. Dress appropriately for the formality of each gathering.

3. Make sure your diet and workout program are both healthy.

4. You are not permitted to discuss the relationship on any social media platforms.

5. Always maintain a high level of physical beauty.

6. Under no circumstances should you divulge the nature of our relationship with anyone else.

7. Throughout our collaboration, you must always be truthful.

8. When you are at a gathering or event, you should only speak when spoken to.

9.Avoid making public demonstrations of physical intimacy.

10. You will not be offered things in exchange for sexual favors; instead, gifts will be acquired over time.

11. Make it a point to be available to others when they need you.

12. Always express gratitude and grace.

13. Only speak when spoken to

14. Inquire when you need anything

15. Do not cause a commotion in public

16. Only exclusivity is allowed.

As I run my eyes over the rules, I notice my heart rate increasing dramatically. This is what it is, and this is what it will turn me into.

As a commercial transaction, I am expected to adhere to these principles; otherwise, I will be held liable. This is not a personal relationship; rather, it is a business transaction. He is not my boyfriend or a future partner; he is my boss. I do what he says since he is in charge.

"Any questions?" Lory puts her hand on my shoulder and asks as I continue to look at the ground beneath the rules. She stated that these are his special needs, which are somewhat strict. How many times has he attempted this, and why hasn't it worked?

"Uh the Uh, the healthy diet one.." I begin to question whether he has the authority to tell me what I can and cannot put into my body or what I can and cannot do with it. I think that's true, but after I sign my name on the dotted line, does it truly belong to me?

"There is a list of foods in the back, and you will be provided with a personal trainer," Lory says, and I can't help but giggle as I hastily seal my mouth. This is entirely and completely absurd.

When Mr. Whitlock says, "I need you to be presentable if I am going to take you to events," I raise my head to gaze at him and watch him twirling his pen in between his fingers.

After a brief period of hypnosis, I concentrate my concentration on the page in front of me. I received the idea that he liked the way I looked, yet my heart is starting to sink.