“I’m not asking El. I want you. And before you refuse, hear my terms. It’s a three-year contract. One year guaranteed, with renegotiation for years two and three. You’ll receive five million dollars a year. A five-carat diamond ring. At least ten pieces of gemstone jewelry, amounting to another million. I’ll provide you with a home, an education, and a vehicle when we terminate the marriage. In short, I’ll set you up for life.”
I watch her face. It’s an irresistible offer.
“So I have to live with you for three years? Won’t that be weird? People at the office will know it's fake if you marry the temp you just met.”
I admire her brain.
“I’m impulsive. That’s my brand. We’ll play it as a whirlwind romance. But while we’re married, we have to pull this off. It has to look legitimate. I live in an industrial loft on the Upper East Side. I have one primary bedroom and two guest rooms. They shall remain guest rooms. You will be given a budget to redecorate the primary bedroom. I’ll give you one of the parlors for your private use, but you may not have a bed in there.”
“Then where will I sleep?” She gives me an incredulous look.
“Here’s the fun part: you’re going to share a bed with me. That’s a non-negotiable. To appear as a couple, we share a room. My home could use a feminine touch anyway. You’ll be given a clothing allowance, an entertainment allowance, and—”
“Wait, so I have tosleepwith you?”
“You have to share my bed. Sex will be by consent only.” And I hope to hell she consents. “Sharing a bedroom is the only way we will know each other intimately enough to fool people. I’m of course going to want sex, but we can abstain. However, outside sexual partners are forbidden. Fidelity is part of the contract.”
“And work?”
“As the wife of a senior partner, I’m going to ask that you not work.” I brace myself. I know this is where the fight begins.
10
SELENA
“So I’m going to be a kept woman?”
My voice pitches up, and I think I might pass out.
The next course arrives before Griffin can answer.
“This is a palate cleanser,” the waiter murmurs, setting down a small, artistic plate. “Sweet bread dappled with olive oil, honey, and smoked pistachios on a bed of ripe pomegranate pearls.” He presents the dish like he's offering a sacrifice to the gods. I have absolutely no stomach to eat it.
“Chef wants you to know that this dish is designed to buoy you over rocky times. The pomegranates are tangy and represent pebbles or stones that may present obstacles. The bread is your life raft, with honey and oil as your sustenance. The smoked pistachios represent resilience and rebirth.”
The waiter bows again and leaves us alone with our "apocalyptic" bread.
Griffin picks up the thread of his ridiculous proposal immediately.
“We’re going to be married, Selena. I’m not keeping you like a mistress; I’m providing a home for you as my wife. I have cleaning staff and a chef, so you won’t be required to do housework. But you need to keep up appearances. Dress well, attend volunteer events, and be seen with me in public. We’ll do our fair share for the press. My best friend Beckett has a wife who reminds me of you. She can help you navigate the social expectations.”
“I want to be a lawyer,” I tell him firmly. “Being a trophy wife for three years would accomplish nothing and set me back. I don’t want to end up hidden in a lonely house, only allowed out for photo ops.”
“You can attend law school,” he counters effortlessly. “Think of it this way: let’s say we don’t get married. I hire you as a permanent assistant because you’ve done a marvelous job on the Wilson-Mathius case. Do you have any idea how long it will take you to be considered for a real legal position? Even as a paralegal? If you take my offer, you go to law school debt-free. And when you graduate, I’ll ensure you get hired at a top firm. This is a win for both of us. Plus, you’ll be financially set for life.”
I have to admit, it is a tempting offer.
“When would I have to marry you?” I cannot believe I’m asking this.
“Saturday.”
“ThisSaturday?”
“This Saturday.”
“Why?” I feel faint. My hand reaches for my water glass to steady myself.
“I have my eyes on an acquisition, and I want to make a move. The senior partners have been pressuring me all week. You have a habit of running away, Selena, so I want this deal sealed immediately. Your temp job ends Friday. You’re subletting your apartment for only a month. The timing is perfect. We get legally wed this weekend; the big ceremony will come later. You move in. We plan the wedding. We win.”
