Chapter 4 The One-Year Contract

Sam's POV

I lowered my head slightly to reveal my slender neck against the silk collar. My eyelashes trembled lightly as I looked up again. "Mr. Sterling, thanks for honoring the merger agreement to preserve the reputation of both the Wade Trust and myself. I am very grateful for that but since you have someone else in your life, I shouldn't be the one to take away the one you love. How about the two of us being just a Contractual Couple? Would you like to do that?"

Ethan was obviously moved. He involuntarily took a deep breath and his gaze kept flickering. He was no longer composed as before. 

“A Contractual Couple?” he asked as if he was surprised that I could suggest such a thing!

Seeing that he didn't say anything after that, I continued listing out the terms, "After one year, we can cite irreconcilable differences and quietly file for divorce. By that time, we will both marry who we want as our families would have finalized the business arrangement without any long-term complication. How does this sound to you, sir?"

Ethan still couldn't say a word. It seemed like he was uncomfortable. It seemed like he was wondering why I was requesting to leave him. 

After all, he was a CEO, one that was young, talented, handsome and full of promise. Most eligible women would be falling head over heels for him, yet here I was, treating him as if he was an unwanted bachelor. 

These were the thoughts that was clearly going on in his mind.

Naturally, he was feeling a prick of masculine discontentment. He had just brought me into the Sterling home in a grand, multi-million dollar ceremony. He was obviously expecting me to be clinging on to him.

He examined me again, closely, from my gentle features, my flawless skin and my large, bright eyes particularly. He let out a soft sigh as if he was captivated. 

At this moment, my demeanor was serene and composed. It was neither hostile nor overbearing. He finally changed his gaze as if he was admiring my professionalism.

But yey, his discomfort kept growing and it showed on his face.

"Wait, why are you in a rush to leave the Sterling family and all these luxury? Do you have someone waiting for you back in your small town?" Ethan spoke with a bit of anger without thinking deep.

I was a little furious.

If what he just said spread outside, it would surely affect my reputation.

How would I face anyone in the future? 

Is he trying to frame me that I was proposing this because of my infidelity?

"You know that is not true. I wouldn't be able to pass family's background checks with due diligence. Or are you saying your family are well versed enough to research about a simple small town girl like me?" I suppressed the anger in my heart and curved my lips into a mocking smile. 

If the Sterlings had found out that I was promiscuous and still accepted me despite that, then their vetting process wouldn't be something that could be counted on.

As he heard this, Ethan clearly regretted his words. 

My words were also spoken in the heat of the moment, he couldn't take any offense. “If you have been truly dishonest, it would have been impossible for you to escape the scrutiny of the Sterling family's security team.”

*****

"I'm sorry, my words were inconsiderate and abrupt," he promptly apologized and gave a slight nod. 

He was obviously a straightforward and honest businessman. Seeing him apologizing for misspoken words made my heart soft.

"That was nothing to worry about. It was just a careless comment from a stressed CEO, that's all!" I softened my voice and quickly accepted the apology.

Holding onto anger and going against Ethan on his own turf would be nothing but a foolish move.

"Fine. After one year, we will divorce." He finally nodded in agreement.

“After all, the Sterlings won't force you to stay as the agreement would have been abided. They had nothing to  worry about publicly.” 

“After one year, we would find a suitable and discreet reason for both parties to divorce. It was even going to be a happy resolution.” 

“I had no reason not to agree.” 

“We can't get a divorce now that we just got married, that would trigger speculation and drum up idle talk for no reason!”

"Be assured that the Sterling Group will not treat you unfairly. I will ensure a substantial settlement that will give you a comfortable life for the rest of your days," Ethan generously added. 

The Sterling wealth was great enough to rival some small nations. 

Seeing that I was so understanding and proactive, he couldn't help but offer me a generous settlement. 

If I even wished to remarry in the future, the generous settlement would add to my prospects.

"Thank you, Mr. Sterling," I bowed my head once more.

This time, my gratitude were sincere and heartfelt. Since Ethan made the offer intentionally, I was certain that the money would be substantial. Substantial enough to secure a glorious future.

"During this year, our role as a contractual couple must be a strict secret. This matter should be known only to us. We mustn't tell anyone else." I stared into his eyes.

"Of course." He nodded as I expected.

Were this matter to be divulged, it would not only embarrass me but also him and the entire Sterling corporation. He certainly wouldn't tell a soul.

"Do you have anything else to discuss?" he asked after he must have noticed that I was hesitating.

After a moment of contemplation, I said, "I do have an awkward favor to ask. It's about Ms. Farley. As I will only be in the Sterling estate for one year, could you wait until after our divorce before you formalize your relationship with Ms. Farley?"

*****

Ethan was startled, he looked at me with a mixture of feelings.

I also felt stunned before my face became flushed with embarrassment. I stammered with an awkward chuckle, "Oh, I'm sorry, my apologies. I was confused. Forgive me!"

The reason I said that was influenced by my past life. I didn't want Gwen to be elevated to Ethan's official partner now. 

Firstly, what would that make me as the lawful wife? 

Secondly, I didn't want the hassle of an open or covert struggle with Gwen! 

So, it was best if Gwen didn't join us in the residence for now.

But for Ethan at present, since I had made it clear that I would leave after a year, he could marry Gwen as his actual wife after the divorce! 

It was just a year, he could wait. He shouldn't bring Gwen into the house as an unofficial "mistress" right now!

Ethan looked at me skeptically for a moment longer. Seeing that I was feeling ashamed, he decided not to respond to that. 

After a while, as if he felt a surge of relief, he yawned and covered his mouth. "I'm tired. I’ll take the couch in the media room while you sleep on the bed."

With that, he went to the wardrobe and took out a blanket for himself.

I didn't expect him to have such courtesy. I was thinking he would force me to sleep on the floor.

I touched my deflated stomach as I felt hungry. My belly had almost got stuck to my backbone.

"Mr. Sterling, you should rest. I’m starving. I would like to order room service first before going to sleep."

Ethan froze in place. His mouth twitched as he eventually stammered, "Please do as you wish." 

He seemed remorse for forgetting about that.

Meanwhile, I sighed to myself.

How could I have been so polite in my past life that I let him push me around on an empty stomach?

****