Chapter 7 Sixteen Million Dollars for Me

**Ashley’s POV**

“Okay, but sit down first.”

“Right here.”

“Yes or no.”

I balled my other hand into a fist. “Fine. But it doesn’t mean I’m staying here any longer.”

“You’ll decide after you’ve read the contract.”

“Why?”

“Because then you’ll know. ”

“What’s wrong with the scar on your temple?”

Nix quickly swept his hair over the scar on his temple. “None of your business.”

“I’m not asking out of curiosity or because I care about you. I’m asking because we’re about to work together, so I just want to make sure you’re not someone who’s involved in any kind of violence. Because I don’t want you to be my second lesson.”

“My record is clean. You can check it. I’ll give you the documents after you’ve read the contract.”

I could only sigh as quietly as possible. At this point, I’d already decided to review the contract. So I had to read it carefully.

Nix then pulled a brown envelope out of the drawer next to the bed. He used a special key, which he then hid in his jacket pocket.

“Here’s the contract. I’ll read it to you, and you go over every detail. Don’t think twice if anything doesn’t seem right. Just say something and I’ll make a note of it to be corrected.”

He handed me the envelope, and I took it. But then, when I opened it, I found myself wondering.

“From a quick look, it seems like everything in here is about you and only you. All the points here are in your favor.”

“Then open the second page.”

I did as he said. The second page was blank, with only the phrase “Party B’s wishes” written on it.

“Everything you want will be written there. Feel free to say exactly what you want.”

Of course I would. After everything that’s happened, I won’t be the kind of woman who just accepts things as they are. I’ll take advantage of whatever I can and demand whatever I’m able to.

“Can we start now?”

I nodded. “Don’t rush it.”

He then scrolled through his phone screen. And to be honest, in this situation, I honestly couldn’t remember ever seeing him before. Even as I tried to dig deeper into my memories while living at the orphanage, I couldn’t recall Nix ever coming there—not even in the annual photos with the orphanage owners’ family.

Or, could it be that he had plastic surgery and changed his look? Ah, that’s probably because he’s rich enough to do it.

“Lia? Are you prepared to listen to me?”

I jumped in surprise. But then I quickly nodded. “Go ahead.”

“All right. First, I want you to know, party A is me, and party B is you.”

“Okay, I get it. Go on.”

“I’m emphasizing four main points. First, party B agrees to be party A’s wife in a contract marriage. Second, party B must not get pregnant while the contract marriage is in effect. Third, party A will provide party B with financial compensation for the duration of the contract marriage. Fourth, party A doesn’t want sex but demands both parties act romantically in public.”

“You like women, don’t you?” That’s what spontaneously slipped out of my mouth. I mean, from what he mentioned, it sounded a bit “weird.”

“Of course.”

“Sorry, but may I ask if you’ve ever been in a relationship with a woman before?”

“Never.”

I nodded in understanding. “I see.”

“I’m very picky. It’s not what you think.”

“I understand.”

“Now tell me your conditions.”

“Is that all from you?” I asked to confirm.

“Yes.”

Actually, I hadn’t prepared anything. Because this offer had never even crossed my mind before. I really hadn’t imagined what my life would be like after leaving Elio’s house.

I’d only been thinking about finding a temporary place to stay until my child was born. After that, I’d start thinking about everything else. So an offer like the one Nix made was something I’d never considered before—because I didn’t even know I’d receive it.

“So, is there nothing else you want to add, Lia?”

I immediately shook my head. “I haven’t said anything yet.”

“I thought you were silent because there wasn’t anything.”

I let out a soft sigh. “I need to think.”

“How long will it take?”

“Are you in such a hurry?”

“No. I’m just asking to know when you’ll be ready. I’m explaining and asking because you asked me to—not because I’m in a hurry.”

Nix was right. He’d given me a few days to think it over, but I was the one who wanted to stop him from leaving. So now I also have to tell him what I want because I don’t want to waste his time or mine.

If I have to give an answer, then at least it should work in my best interest, right? Besides giving Elio some payback, I have to think about myself, too.

I finally looked at Nix seriously. “What if the points I ask for are more than 4 and more than what you’re offering?”

“No problem. I’ll fulfill everything.”

“You agree so easily?”

“Why make it difficult if you’ve already agreed?”

“I didn’t say I agreed. I’m just asking you to show me the contract.”

“And I assume that’s the first step to your agreement. Lia, I’m sure we’re both mature enough, so I’m confident you don’t just want to look at it.”

Sadly, Nix was right. The longer he talked, the more convinced I felt to accept his offer—not to think it over anymore. Besides, what he was asking for wasn’t unreasonable, was it? He wasn’t asking for anything I didn’t have, so I figured it was safe and worth a try.

“Am I right, Lia?”

“You’re right,” I replied firmly. I then looked at the blank sheet of paper. “The conditions I’m setting are, first, party A is not allowed to fall in love with party B. Second, party B is free to leave at any time without reason and without party A’s consent if party A is deemed to have crossed the line, violated one or more points, and there’s no room for negotiation. Third, party A must not be possessive toward party B in private. Fourth, party B’s identity—including background, family, and so on—is confidential. Fifth, party B has the right to refuse physical contact.”

“What are some examples?”

“Hugs, holding hands, or public kissing are only allowed if party B agrees.”

“Alright. Please continue.”

“Sixth, party A is responsible for protecting party B from all gossip and threats that could endanger party B, including those stemming from both parties’ pasts. Eighth, party A must not use party B as a tool, as party B is not a public shield or media bait.”

I looked at Nix. He was just listening calmly.

“And most importantly, if any of these are violated, Party A must pay a huge penalty.”

“How much?”

“One million dollars for each point.”

“Agreed.”

My eyes widened in complete surprise. How could he agree so easily?

Either he has a lot of money, or he’s trying not to violate the terms. And I don’t know which one he’ll choose.

“Don’t you want to counter anything?”

“No. But I have to admit, even though you didn’t know the details beforehand, this is quite detailed.”

“It seems like you have a lot of money.”

“As you can see.”

Ah, is Nix’s flaw that he’s a narcissist? He didn’t even deny it—he just admitted it.

“A million dollars isn’t a small amount. If you violate eight points, you’ll have to pay 8 million dollars.”

“I don’t mind. Want to raise it to 2 million dollars per point?”

Nix’s words sent chills down my spine. Money really means nothing to him.

“You’re not trying to trick me, are you?”

“No, Lia. I understand you’ll also be sacrificing your time to marry me. Even if it’s just a contract, I think sixteen million dollars is worth your value.”