Time-limited Engagement Novels & Stories

"Before we get into logistics, I have terms." "Terms?" Ayra looked up at me. "If we're doing this, t's on my terms." I leaned forward. "No time limit. This engagement lasts until I say it's over." "What do you mean until you say—" "I mean no contract with an expiration date. No 'let's revisit this in six months' clause. No ending it when the PR crisis dies down." I held her gaze. "We're engaged until I decide we're not. That's non-negotiable."

“I really can't say as of now, just send in their info and I’d be able to check that out. But we have no options than to tread that path” “Why?” “See Lord, things are getting more complex and even the government and these individuals are tightening up their sleeves, we really are left with no choice” Isabella said, sounding pissed “No problem then, you’ll get their details in a jiffy but I hope you’re aware with our contract terms” “Yeah, so what about it?” “Our deal doesn’t end with the death of the targets, it’s a three year deal and we only are left with 2 years and some months”

Even though our contract forbids me from doing so. I swallow, peering my gaze to the side. There by my pillow lays my marriage agreement. I go over it daily to remind myself of why I’m engaged in the first place and what and what not to do. I also read it to remind myself of the time period of the contract. This engagement is not permanent. Only the two of us are aware that it’s temporary but we’re not allowed to portray such outwardly. We’re supposed to act as if it’s not. It kills me but I can’t say a word. Not when I was fully aware of the terms before signing it. I stare back at the ceiling and close my eyes.

The offer of contained participation, or the promise of uncontained opposition. Matteo studied them. The screens flickered behind him, global markets in motion, political shifts, conflict zones, the world in its eternal turbulence. He was calculating cost. Risk. Optics. The precedent it would set, the others who might demand similar terms, the erosion of absolute control that began with a single exception. Finally, "Temporary," Matteo said. "Provisional Observer status. Six months." Ava didn't hesitate. The number was wrong, calculated to feel generous while being untenable. Too long to maintain ambiguity. Too long to hide their true purpose. "Three."

"Well, there's something about you that gives me confidence. I know you wouldn't go to the press right away. With news like that they would pay you a lot of money. Besides, my father also saw something in you. He practically told me that women like you I need in my life so that I can move forward. Wow, having said all that in front of that man had been worth it. But not only that, he had a chance to go back to college and all he had to do was put up with this idiot in one year. "According to this contract we would pretend that we are committed to everyone." -So is. Everybody. "Besides... would we get married?" -Yes of course. Three months after I asked you to be my wife. I swallowed thick. —

she said suddenly interrupting me from the message I was about to send to Grace. "Why?" I asked, feeling a little bit annoyed. "I have something I want to show you" she whispered and I almost scrunched up my face in disgust. Okay. Wordlessly, I followed her out the room wanting to hear her out. "Have you had your lunch?" "Let's get something to eat!" she said as we entered the elevator. "Okay" I replied nonchalantly. I met Vivian as a business partner. We dated for two years and we got engaged because she is an ambitious woman. And I saw her as a good asset to myself.