Chapter 6

AARON

"I told you she’d come around," Connor said with a smug grin.

We were in my office, waiting for my PA to arrive so we could finalize the terms of our agreement. Connor owned one of the most prestigious law firms in New York City, and his reputation spoke for itself. There was no one better to represent my company.

"What changed her mind, though?" he asked, running a hand through his hair.

"Who cares? The point is, she agreed," I replied, glancing at my watch. "She’s late. She’s never late."

"Maybe she changed her mind again," Connor smirked, leaning back in his chair. "Remembered what an absolute ass you’ve been to her."

"Don’t you ever get tired of hearing yourself talk?" I groaned, leaning back in my chair.

"Nah," he said, unfazed. "Especially not when I’m right."

"Shut up," I mumbled, checking the time again.

"Relax. It’s probably traffic." He leaned back further. "Or maybe she realized you’re not worth the stress."

"Connor," I warned, glaring at him.

He raised his hands in mock surrender.

"And would you please, for God’s sake, let me do the talking before you open your mouth and say something that scares her off?"

"Fine. Only because I want this to work."

Just then, the door opened—and Venus walked in wearing the ugliest sweater I had ever seen.

"You're late," I said.

She swallowed. "Traffic."

Connor raised a brow. "Or cold feet?"

"Neither," she replied, trying to keep her voice steady. "I said I’d do this, and I meant it."

I stood and walked toward her slowly, closing the distance until there were only inches between us. She tilted her head to look up at me.

I didn’t speak. I just stared.

"We'll draft the terms today," I said finally. "You’ll move in by the end of the week. Appearances matter—and if anyone suspects this is fake, we both lose."

Connor leaned back, amused. "So romantic already."

I ignored him.

"We’ll set ground rules. You’ll attend dinners, events—whatever’s necessary. I’ll handle the media. You just smile and look like you’re hopelessly in love with me. Think you can manage that?"

She lifted her chin. "Do I get a say in the rules?"

My lips curved slightly. "We’ll see."

Connor stood and clapped his hands. "Well, this should be fun. Shall we get started, lovebirds?"

She took a seat across from me.

"So, you two will announce your engagement on Saturday," Connor said, dropping the playfulness. "He’ll get you a ring before then, and in two weeks, you’ll be married." His gaze flicked between us. "Good enough?"

She hesitated but eventually nodded. I, on the other hand, couldn’t stop looking at the monstrosity of a sweater she wore. There was a bruise peeking out from under her makeup, but I didn’t comment on it.

"You’ll be moving in with him on Sunday. Get your things packed," Connor added.

He tried to hide his hesitation when he mentioned her stuff. Good—at least I wasn’t the only one who had issues with that sweater.

"Wait—what do you mean, move in together?" she asked, clearly surprised.

Connor raised a brow. "Well, every married couple lives together, don’t they?"

I gave him a dry look.

"I, uh… didn’t think of that," she muttered.

Connor chuckled.

"Like I said, you’ll be married for three years. You’re not allowed to be in a relationship with anyone else during the duration of the marriage." He pushed a contract toward her. "Go through it thoroughly. Everything you’re expected to do is listed. If you have any conditions, let me know."

He looked at me, who’d been quiet throughout, then back to her.

"You’ll be paid a million dollars once the contract is signed, and the other million when the three years are completed."

Her eyes widened.

"This is..." she began, struggling for words. We both waited.

"Too little?" I asked, finally breaking my silence.

She turned to me, staring, completely still.

"Venus," Connor’s voice snapped her out of it.

"Yes—I meant it’s enough. More than enough."

My lips twisted slightly.

"Good. You have until Friday to go through it and sign." Connor handed her the file. She took it and stood to leave.

"And Venus?" he added, leaning back.

"You can’t utter a word about this to anyone. If you do, the deal is off."

"Of course," she replied.

And with that, she left the office.