Chapter four

Logan sent the car, just like he said he would last night. I didn’t want to see him, but I had no choice.

Good news? Logan and I didn’t like each other, and neither of us wanted to get married. He didn’t say it, but I could feel it.

Bad news? I still didn’t know if Raymond took my daughter to another city, another country, or if she was close by.

I thought the car was taking me to Logan’s house, but it stopped in front of a tall glass building. The name Grey's Wine was emblazoned outside. 

I was seated across the other side of the table, and our eyes touched. I stay glued to my chair, not breaking eye contact even though I was struggling to fight each wave of chill hitting me. 

"You are probably not smart, so I'll explain everything to you."  He said.

For someone in a wheelchair, he was really rude. Was he born this way, or was it an accident?

“I’m not interested in this, and clearly, neither are you.”  He broke eye contact and would look back every five seconds. 

“The reason I agreed to this marriage is none of your business. The reason you agreed is not my business either. So, I’m proposing a contract.”

My brow arched at his mention of contract. He noticed the confusion on my face. 

"Three years. No, two years. After two years, we will go our separate ways."

His plan was alright, but I had no plans to stay that long. Two months—maybe less—was all I needed to find my daughter and disappear.

"Fake wife. Fake husband till we both get what we want."

Before I could even say my opinions, he called someone in through the intercom, and two formally dressed men stepped in almost immediately.

"The one on the left is your lawyer, the one on the right is mine," Logan said. The men moved closer to us. They both looked young. The one on the left, which I suppose was my lawyer,, wore glasses while the other didn't have any on. 

“I’m Ethan Stone. I’ll be your legal counsel moving forward,” said the one in glasses. I gave him a small nod. 

They both placed documents in front of us.

“If you don’t understand a clause, please let me know so I can explain before you sign it,” Ethan said.

I didn’t wait. I started reading. I wanted to get it over with. I had no time to waste, not when my daughter could be somewhere needing me.

Marriage Agreement

Between Mr. Logan Grey (Party A) and Ms. Liana Dakota (Party B)

   "This contract will begin on May 20th, 2025, and end after two (2) years. Once the term ends, the marriage will be dissolved with no further responsibilities to either party." 

   "Party A and Party B will maintain separate bedrooms within the marital residence. Communication and interaction will be kept to a minimum and only when required for public appearances or legal matters." Done.

   "No emotional or romantic relationship shall be formed between Party A and Party B. They are not to rely on each other for comfort, support, or companionship." Done. 

   "Each party will remain financially independent. Party B has no claim to any of Party A’s businesses, income, or properties, Similarly, Party A will not interfere with Party B’s personal finances."  Party A is Logan, right? I scoffed inside. Anyway, done. I wasn't after his money, couldn't care less about it.

  "Both parties agree to keep this agreement private. No one, including family, friends, or the media, must know the marriage is based on a contract." Done. 

Too long, I skimmed through the whole thing and stopped when my eyes landed on 

  "If either party breaks any part of this agreement, the offending party will face a $20 million penalty."

   My eyes met his. Twenty-million-dollar penalty? Ridiculous.

I didn’t ask questions. I didn’t need to. Let Logan think he had control. I would play the part for now.

I picked up the pen. Two months or less. I’d find my daughter, and this whole thing would be over.

I signed.

And so did he.

Logan was staring at something on the table. Or maybe at nothing at all. I couldn't tell with him.

The two men left without another word, the door clicking softly behind them. Silence filled the room.

He finally looked at me, his gray eyes unreadable. “Our dating announcement goes out tomorrow night. At the charity gala.”

I blinked. “What?”

He leaned back in his wheelchair. “You heard me. We’ll act like a couple. Hold hands. Smile for photos."

“And if I don’t?” I asked. I didn’t care if he was cold, broken, or powerful. I’d been caged before, five years in a basement where my screams never made it past the concrete walls. No man could intimidate me now.

His lips twitched into something that wasn’t quite a smile. “Then I guess you’ll owe me twenty million dollars. And I don’t think you have that kind of spare change, Liana.”

God, I hated how calmly he said that.

“Don’t be late,” he added, turning his chair toward the window like I’d already left. “The press will be watching, you can leave.”

I didn’t move. I wanted to say something, anything to wipe that smug, cold look off his face, but then the door opened again.

And in walked Keith.

Tall. Clean-cut. Strong build. Those eyes...

His presence sucked the air out of the room. 

“What are you waiting for?” Logan asked, still not looking at me. 

Keith’s eyes didn’t leave me. “Why does your bride-to-be always look like she’s confused about where she is?”

Logan didn’t even glance up. “Maybe because she is.”

They were talking about me like I wasn’t standing right there. 

My fingers curled into fists.

Hatred burned slowly and steadily in my chest. Not the kind that explodes but the kind that sits quietly, patiently, waiting for its moment.

What was their relationship anyway? And why was Keith acting like he didn't know me? Like he didn't ruin my life?

I didn't say anything and just left.