Page 23 of The Substitute Fiancée

Then again… what do I really have to lose? All they ever do is criticize me anyway. So it won’t change much.

That thought is true—even if it hurts.

And before I fully realize what I’m doing, I hear myself say:

“I want clear, precise rules.”

My voice is steady. Determined.

“You set the limits,” he replies.

“Six months. Not one day more. After that, we end things cleanly.”

“Agreed.”

“In public, we play the part. But in private… nothing changes. We’re friends. And I want us to stay friends afterward.”

I know it’s impossible. But I have to try to protect what we have.

“Promise me you won’t cut me out of your life afterward.” I add.

The words come out in a rough whisper, carrying all my vulnerability.

He steps closer and looks straight into my eyes.

His hazel eyes are so intense, so sincere, that my heart starts racing.

“Never,” he says, with a conviction that steals my breath.

He’s so close. I could reach out and touch his face. I could—

I nod slowly.

“Then… it’s a deal. I’ll do it.”

And just like that, it’s done.

I’ve sold my soul to the devil.

I just hope the awakening won’t be too brutal.

*

When he drops me off an hour later, I’m still in shock from the contract I’ve just agreed to.

The car stops in front of my building. Alexander turns to me.

“We’ll talk it through tomorrow with Oliver and David,” he says. “We have to think of everything. We need to be credible.”

“Okay.”

As I get out of the car, he grabs my wrist. His touch burns.

“Sam… thank you. Truly.”

Then he lets go gently. I nod and disappear into my building.

*