12

**Sofia**

Sitting at the glass conference table, my fingers nervously drummed on the cold surface. The fluorescent lights in the office cast a harsh glow over the documents in front of me, highlighting the boldness of the proposal written there. I still couldn’t believe I was about to accept a marriage contract.

My hands trembled slightly as I adjusted my blazer, trying to maintain my composure. The lawyer's words echoed in my mind, repeating the terms that had brought me here. "A marriage of convenience, lasting one year. No emotional involvement."

I never imagined my life would take such an unexpected turn. Just a few months ago, I was a young lawyer focused on building a successful career. Now, here I was, considering an arrangement that seemed straight out of a movie script.

My mind wandered back to the last time I was in a courtroom, defending a client with all the passion and determination that always accompanied me. I had always been practical and focused, but my mother’s medical bills, as she fought a serious illness, were piling up rapidly. My savings were nearly depleted, and I knew I needed a quick and effective solution.

When the door opened, I looked up, meeting the piercing eyes of Logan Thorne. He had an imposing presence, with a confident posture and a gaze that seemed to see right through me. It was hard to believe that a man like him needed a contract to find a wife.

Logan approached with firm steps and decided to sit across from me. For a moment, silence was the only thing between us. He was the kind of man who attracted looks wherever he went, not just because of his appearance but also because of the aura of power he exuded.

Finally, he broke the silence. "Sofia, I know this is unusual, but it’s the best solution for both of us. I have my reasons for needing this marriage, just as you have yours for considering this proposal." His voice was firm, but there was a touch of vulnerability that surprised me.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm the whirlwind of emotions inside me. "Logan, I understand the logic behind it, but a marriage... even a contract marriage, isn’t something simple. There’s a lot at stake."

He nodded, leaning slightly forward. "I know. But I want you to know that I’m not asking you to pretend feelings that don’t exist. It will be a business arrangement, pure and simple. You’ll continue with your professional life, and I with mine. We just need to keep up appearances."

My mind returned to the financial problems that haunted me. My mother’s medical bills were piling up, and my savings were rapidly depleting. This contract could be the solution to my problems, but I was about to commit to an entire year of my life.

"And what about our personal lives?" I asked, trying to hide my apprehension.

Logan seemed to consider the question for a moment. "We’ll have to live as a couple in public. At home, we’ll just be two adults sharing the same space. You’ll have your freedom, as long as you respect the terms of the contract."

My thoughts wandered to what this would mean on a day-to-day basis. What would it be like to live with a man I barely knew? And if... No, I couldn’t think about the emotional implications right now. I needed to be practical.

I looked at Logan again. His expression was serious, but there was something in his eyes that made me believe he was struggling with this decision as much as I was. Maybe he was as nervous as I was, even though he didn’t show it.

"Alright," I finally responded, the decision weighing on every word. "I accept the terms."

Logan relaxed slightly, a look of relief crossing his face. "Great. I’ll arrange for the contract to be signed as soon as possible. We can set a date for the civil wedding soon."

When he stood up to leave, part of me wanted to shout for him to come back, to reconsider everything. But necessity spoke louder. I was stuck in a situation with few options, and this marriage contract was the way out I needed.

I watched as he left the room, feeling a mix of fear and determination. This was just the beginning of a journey I had never imagined. And although I didn’t know what the future held, one thing was certain: my life was about to change forever.

I first met Logan Thorne at a charity gala six months ago. It was one of those high-society events I rarely attended, but my firm insisted I go to represent them. I remember feeling out of place among the wealthy and elite, my simple black dress paling in comparison to the designer gowns around me.

I was nervously clutching a glass of champagne when Logan approached me. He introduced himself with a charming smile, and we struck up a conversation. I was immediately struck by his confidence and charisma. Despite his imposing presence, he made me feel at ease.

As we talked, I learned that Logan was not just a successful businessman but also deeply involved in philanthropic efforts. His company had donated millions to various causes, and his passion for making a difference was evident. We discussed everything from our careers to our favorite books, and for the first time that night, I felt like I belonged.

Our paths crossed a few more times at similar events. Each time, Logan made a point to seek me out, and we would pick up our conversations where we left off. I found myself looking forward to these encounters, though I never imagined they would lead to a marriage proposal.

When Logan approached me with the contract marriage idea, I was taken aback. It was through a confidential email, which seemed like a big joke—being proposed to via email? I remember nearly choking on my latte as he explained his situation—the clause in his grandfather’s will, the stipulation that he must be married to take control of the company, and his need for a trustworthy partner.

He chose me because he believed I was someone he could trust, someone who understood the importance of discretion and professionalism. I was flattered but also overwhelmed by the magnitude of what he was asking. It was one thing to enjoy his company at social events; it was another to commit to a year-long marriage, even if it was just a facade.

As Logan explained his reasons, I couldn’t help but see the desperation in his eyes. This wasn’t just a business move for him; it was personal. His company, his employees, everything he had worked for was on the line. Despite my reservations, I found myself empathizing with his plight.

In the days that followed, I weighed my options. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that this contract marriage could be mutually beneficial. Logan needed a wife to secure his company, and I needed financial stability to support my mother. It was a pragmatic solution, even if it was unconventional.

And so, here I was, on the brink of signing a contract that would bind me to Logan Thorne for a year. As I watched him leave the room, I took a deep breath, wondering if I was ready for this.