"Why?"
"Because I need a wife. And you need your family to survive. It's a practical solution."
"Practical." The word tastes like poison.
“Is that why you were at the library? You were interviewing me?”
“Of course. I had to make sure everything checked out. I’m not a madman.”
"You’re not? You're talking about marriage like it's a business transaction."
"It is a business transaction." His gaze doesn't waver. Doesn't soften. "I'm not interested in romance. I'm not going to court you or pretend this is anything other than what it is. I'm interested in stability, alliance, and legitimacy. A wife provides all three."
In the library, I thought he was flirting with me. I thought there was something between us, something real and unexpected and rare. I thought the way he looked at me meant something.
He wasn't flirting. He was evaluating.
"There are hundreds of women who would—"
"Who would want something from me. Money, status, access." He dismisses them with a slight wave. "You're different. You won't develop delusions about what this is. And you have enough at stake to ensure your loyalty."
He moves around the desk. Closer. I press back in my chair, but there's nowhere to go.
"But more than that." His voice drops lower. "You're exactly what this family needs."
The way he says it is weighted. Something that suggests this isn't as random as I thought.
"Read the contract," he says, gesturing to the folder. "Take your time. But understand, you'll give me your answer today.
My mother’s words echo in my head. Play their game.
My hands shake as I open it. Inside are dozens of pages of dense legal language. I scan the terms, and each paragraph is worse than the last.
Marriage duration: Minimum three years, renewable at Don's discretion.
Three years. Renewable. Like a fucking lease.
Residence: Primary estate, subject to Don's approval for any absences exceeding 48 hours.
I'd be a prisoner.
Conduct: Wife will maintain appropriate appearance and behavior befitting the Vitale name at all times. This includes but is not limited to: public events, family gatherings, and any situation where the Don's reputation may be affected.
Property. He's describing property, not a person.
Fidelity: The wife will share the Don's bed when requested. Both parties agree to sexual exclusivity for the duration of the contract. Violation of this clause by the wife results in immediate termination and forfeiture of all protections. Violation by the Don results in financial compensation as outlined in Appendix C.
My stomach turns. He can buy his way out of cheating. I can't. Not that I could afford it, but I don't like this clause one bit. What am I thinking? I don't like any of this crazy shit. I continue reading.
Heirs: Wife agrees to attempt conception and produce at least one child within the first three years of marriage.
No. No, no, no.
Termination: Marriage may be dissolved only under terms specified in Section 12 (see attached), or upon death of either party. Early termination initiated by wife results in reinstatement of original debt plus penalties to be paid by wife's family.
I'm trapped. Completely trapped.
"This is insane," I whisper.
