CHAPTER FOUR: The Contract

Sienna's POV

Mason cleared his throat and gestured toward the long dining table overlooking the city. “Perhaps we should sit down. This is going to be a detailed conversation.”

I finally moved, but I chose the seat farthest from Ethan. Lily immediately climbed into the chair right next to mine and leaned against my arm like we’d known each other for years. I didn’t have the heart to move her.

Mason slid a thick folder across the table. “Let me explain the situation as gently as I can. The viral photograph from the gala has created a public narrative that neither Ethan nor his sponsors can control. To protect his image and keep the sponsorship deals intact, we’re proposing a temporary arrangement.”

I narrowed my eyes. “What kind of arrangement exactly?”

Mason continued carefully. “We’d like you to pretend to be Ethan’s girlfriend for the remainder of the hockey season. You would also act as a nanny figure for Lily — helping with her schedule, attending some games and events with her. In return, we would pay off all outstanding debts on Hart Events and provide enough capital to keep the company running smoothly for at least another year. Possibly longer, depending on how things go.”

The room went dead silent except for the soft hum of the city far below.

I stared at him, then at Ethan, who sat across from me looking cold and completely businesslike. His face gave nothing away.

“You want me to pretend to be your girlfriend,” I said slowly, “and play nanny to your daughter… and in exchange you’ll save my mother’s company?”

Ethan nodded once. “That’s the deal.”

I laughed, but there was no humor in it. “You make it sound so simple. Like signing away pieces of my life is no big deal.”

“It’s not forever,” Mason interjected quickly. “Six months, maybe seven. We stage a few public appearances, some dates, family outings with Lily. Then we quietly break up after the season ends. Everyone wins.”

I flipped through the contract pages, my hands trembling slightly. “And what if I say no?”

Ethan’s jaw tightened. “Then the story keeps spinning. The sponsors pull out. I lose endorsements. You lose your company anyway. And the internet keeps tearing your mother’s name apart.”

His words hit like a slap. I looked down at Lily, who was happily drawing on a napkin.

I started reading every clause out loud, refusing to be rushed.

“So I have to attend all home games?” I asked.

“Yes,” Mason replied.

“And post on social media like we’re actually together?”

“Selectively, yes. Nothing too personal.”

I looked at Ethan. “And you? What do you have to do in this little arrangement?”

He met my eyes, cold and detached. “The same. Appear supportive. Keep the story believable. Nothing more.”

“Nothing more,” I repeated bitterly. “Got it. This is all just business to you.”

“It is,” he said flatly. “Nothing personal.”

Lily suddenly looked up. “But you like each other, right? Like in the stories?”

The innocent question made my chest ache.

Mason tried to keep things calm. “Miss Hart, we can negotiate the details. What are your concerns?”

“Everything,” I snapped. “How do I explain this to my best friend? To my staff? What if Lily gets attached and then we ‘break up’? What if the press finds out it’s fake and it destroys what’s left of my reputation?”

Ethan’s patience was clearly wearing thin. He leaned forward. “We’ll have NDAs. Strict ones. And Lily will be fine. Kids are resilient.”

I glared at him. “She’s five. She’s not a business deal. What happens when she asks why I’m suddenly gone? Have you thought about that?”

Ethan looked away for a second. “We’ll handle it when the time comes.”

Mason jumped in. “We can build in some flexibility. Reduced public appearances if needed. Extra support for Hart Events beyond the debt payoff. We can even add a clause for emergency family leave if something comes up with your company.”

I kept pushing. “And physical contact? Am I supposed to hold your hand in public? Kiss you for the cameras? Because I’m not doing that.”

Ethan’s eyes flashed. “We’ll keep it minimal. Hand on the back, looks, that kind of thing. Nothing you’re uncomfortable with.”

“Nothing I’m uncomfortable with?” I laughed again. “The whole thing makes me uncomfortable. And what about Lily’s school? Am I supposed to pick her up like some happy little family?”

“We can arrange a driver for that,” Mason said quickly. “But having you there for pickups and some events would help sell the story.”

I rubbed my temples. “This is too much. What if I mess up? What if I say the wrong thing in an interview?”

“You won’t,” Ethan said curtly. “We’ll prepare talking points. Mason’s team will coach you.”

“Coach me?” I shot back. “Like I’m some kind of actress in your PR stunt?”

Mason tried to intervene. “It’s not like that. We just want to make sure everyone is protected. You included.”

Lily tugged on my sleeve. “Sienna, are you mad at Daddy? You don’t have to be mad. He’s nice sometimes.”

I softened a little and brushed her hair back. “I’m not mad at your daddy, sweetie. This is just… complicated for the grown-ups.”

We went back and forth for what felt like hours. I questioned everything — the money, the timeline, the rules about social media, what I could and couldn’t say to the press. Ethan’s answers grew shorter and colder with every pushback. Mason kept trying to smooth things over.

At one point, when I stood up to stretch and get some water, I overheard Lily whispering to Ethan in the corner.

“Daddy, you have to say yes. She has to stay. She’s the first person I really liked since Mommy left. Please?”

My heart cracked right down the middle.

I walked back to the table, throat tight, and picked up the pen.

“Fine,” I whispered. “I’ll do it.”

I signed the contract with a shaking hand.

I had barely put the pen down when Mason cleared his throat again.

“There’s one more thing. You’ll need to move into the penthouse immediately. For appearances.”

I froze. “Move in? Today?”

Ethan nodded. “Yes.”

Before I could even process that, Mason’s phone buzzed. He looked at the screen and his face paled slightly.

“And… the public story has already changed overnight. According to the media and the sponsors, you’re no longer just Ethan’s girlfriend.”

I stared at him.

“You’re his fiancée.”

I looked between Mason and Ethan in disbelief.

“Are you actually serious right now?”

Ethan rubbed his face, looking exhausted. “We’ll talk about the details in the morning. You can take the guest room tonight.”

I stood there with the contract signed and now my life was officially no longer my own.

And I had no idea how I was going to survive waking up in this house tomorrow morning… next to a man who clearly didn’t want me here.