Chapter 15 She will be mine
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
You will be mine.
SCARLETT – POINT OF VIEW
“It was stupid to come here. I should have listened to you, Eve.” I whisper as we step into the elevator.
My cheeks are flushed, and my heart is pounding. Shame clings to me like a second skin. I might be desperate, but not desperate enough to stay when an asshole insults me. There is no way Roman and I can work together. He believes the world was made to serve him, and I have gone through enough problems to last me a lifetime.
“You were not flush. You were hopeful. We’ll figure out another way. I promise you.” Eve assures me, rubbing my arm in a comforting manner.
“Let’s not close the lid just yet.” Rick murmurs, and I frown at him.
The elevator door is about to close when Roman runs and rushes in. He almost bumps into me, and I recoil immediately, putting space between us.
“I’m sorry. That was apparently uncalled for. I shouldn’t have said that. I really need your help, Scarlett. Tell me how to make this work.” He rambles, looking constipated. I wonder if he has ever apologised in his life.
“Apparently? You were.” Eve glares at him.
He turns to her and huffs, “I am trying here.”
“Try harder.” She counters, with her hand on her hip.
He turns to me, exasperated, face flushed, “Come on, Scarlett. Do you want me to throw in another million? I am desperate here.”
“I am not going to be impulsive. We are going to sit down and draft a fucking contract together. If I am binding myself to you, then it must be done right. This is non-negotiable. You agree, or you fuck off to hell.” I speak clearly.
He narrows his gaze at me for a moment, then sighs. “Let’s discuss this inside.”
I don’t budge.
“Please.”
Satisfied, we walk back in, into his office, where the lawyer and friend remain.
“I must apologise for his behaviour. He was dropped on the head as a child.” His friend says passionately, and almost pulls a smile out of me.
“Clearly.” Eve agrees.
“Get started, Damien.” Roman glares at his lawyer.
Damian smiles at me, “Ms Brooks. Let’s draft the contract together now. I’ll give you a rundown of an average contract, and you tell me what you think.”
“Alright.” I fold my arms and lean against the desk.
“Purpose and Intent – This agreement establishes a temporary marriage arrangement between the parties for a period of twenty-four months. Both parties enter voluntarily. Party B, Roman Sterling, requires a spouse to present an image of a stable member of society. Part A, Ms Brooks, require financial stability. Both parties agree that this is business, not romantic.” He pauses and peers at me from the rim of his glass.
I nod, and he continues.
“Duration and termination. The marriage will last for twenty-four months. It can be terminated on these grounds – breech of contract, mutual written agreement, or circumstances beyond control. Upon termination, both parties agree to cooperate fully in obtaining a no-fault divorce. Please let me know if you have any questions.” He tells me politely, and I nod with a warm smile.
“Get on with it, will you?” Roman snaps, and my smile falls off.
“Why don’t you fuck off to hell?” I glare at him.
“Public Conduct and Appearances. Both parties shall present themselves as a legitimately married couple in all settings. A wedding date shall be set soon, and preparations must be made. Required Appearances – Minimum of four outings per week.”
I cut in, disgusted, “Four?”
Damian nods, “Yes, four. It is nonnegotiable. Major and minor holidays must be spent together and publicised in certain ways. Corporate events are requested and mandatory. Social functions are mutually agreed upon. Social media and press – Party A will maintain an appropriate social media presence as Mrs S –”
“No social media.” I shake my head, and they look at me.
“Did that make sense in your brain before you spoke?” Roman scoffs in disdain.
Damian cut in before I snarl, “For whatever reason you prefer not to be online, it is important to know that the second you step out in his arms, you will be online. You can create a brief and mysterious social media presence, but you must. It is important to sell the image and show you love him.”
He is right, so I nod.
“Still on Press, no negative comment and remarks must be made about the other publicly and online. All press enquiries are to be coordinated by both parties. Wedding announcement and photos are to be released as agreed. For physical affection in public, both parties agree to display appropriate affection in public, such as hand-holding, kisses and proximity. No expectations of intimacy. Boundaries will be respected.” His words are firm.
“Living Arrangement. Both parties shall reside together, wherever that may be. It is recommended to share a bed, but not mandatory. There shall be shared spaces, and boundaries must be respected. Financial Agreement. Upon signing, he shall provide you with two million and three million per month.”
“Five million.” I counter, glaring at Roman.
“Four. Don’t push me.” He warns.
“Fifty grand shall be provided for clothing and luxurious spending per month. All household expenses are carried by Roman. Upon completion, she will be given ten million. She will be covered by his full insurance. There will be no commingling of assets. Neither party shall engage in a romantic or sexual relationship with third parties during the contract period. In the event of pregnancy –”
“Pregnancy? What the fuck?” My mouth falls open in shock. Disgust courses through me.
“Yeah. What the fuck, Damien?” Eve frowns.
“It shall be discussed in good faith.” He adds quickly. “Any addition or modification?”
“Is she safe?” Rick asks, looking at Roman.
He frowns, “Safe?”
“Do you offer unwavering and unconditional protection?” He explains.
“Of course, she is safe. I am not going to hurt her, and I have an adequate security team. She will be mine, a representation, extension and reflection of me. I will keep her safe.” He snaps, his voice charged with conviction.
Eve and I share a look at his odd display of possessiveness. I genuinely hate the way it makes me feel.
“I want Rick on the security team. I want him as my personal bodyguard. I want Eve to be protected and allowed. She will be allowed to visit whenever she can. I want protection for her, too. I want to keep our privacy and our past. There has to be communication, though. I will be allowed to pursue my career and rights.” I express, choosing my words carefully.
Roman turns to me, and his face is engulfed in fury, “Your career? You are an escort, Scarlett!”