Julia Owen POV:
Liam lends me his upstairs study to draft the contract. The room is all dark wood and leather, smelling of old books and his cedarwood cologne. He hands me a heavy, cream-colored business card.
"Simon Tate is the Hewitt Outfit's lawyer," he says, his voice neutral. "If you don't trust him, find your own."
I take the card. Simon Tate. The name is infamous. He's known for making problems—and people—disappear.
Half an hour later, a single sheet of paper sits on Liam's massive desk. My terms are concise, focused entirely on protecting the only two things I have left: myself and my manor.
The contract stipulates that I will assist with wedding preparations and appear publicly as his partner for a period not to exceed three months.
Another clause states that the Hewitt Outfit, and Liam Hewitt personally, will permanently relinquish any and all claims to demolish, acquire, or repurpose the Owen manor.
Liam reads it carefully, his face unreadable. Then he suggests two amendments.
"First," he says, tapping the clause about the manor. "A breach of this contract will result in a fifty-million-dollar penalty. Payable to you."
I stare at him, shocked into silence. The highest offer they ever made for the land was less than a tenth of that. Is he insane?
He brings up the second point, a strange hesitation in his voice. "Three months is a bit rushed. Even for a... strategic marriage, it could affect the Hewitt Corporation's stock."
I study him, trying to see the trap.
His eyebrow twitches, but his eyes are clear when he meets my gaze. He suggests a new clause: if both parties agree, the contract can be renewed before the three months are up.
Before I can protest, he adds, "You're single now. Your fiancé cheated on you. Maybe starting a new relationship will help you heal."
I almost choke. Heal? With my ex-fiancé's cousin and rival? The man who tormented me for years?
He presses on, his expression confident. "I don't have time to meet anyone else. Let's just give it three months. If there are no sparks, we part amicably."
The more open he is, the less I understand his real motives. But I have no other options. I'm cornered. I give a reluctant nod.
A wave of relief washes over me as he signs his name with a flourish and stamps the document with a heavy, official-looking seal. He locks both copies in his safe.
As the reality of my situation sinks in, an awkward heat rises in my cheeks. Betrayed by my best friend and my fiancé, I have nowhere to go. My only other option is the manor, with its stray cats and ghosts.
"Um..." I start, unable to meet his eyes. "Can I... can I stay here for a while?"
"Of course," he answers, almost too quickly. "You're my girlfriend now. You live here."
Just then, his phone buzzes on the desk. He glances at the screen, and a frown creases his brow. Cayden.
Liam clears his throat and steps aside to take the call, but in the echoing silence of the villa, I hear every word.
"I was too impulsive today," Cayden says, his voice tight. "I'll have Vivian bring Julia back tomorrow. They're best friends, they've always lived together."
A low chuckle comes from Liam. "Hold on, let me ask her."
Before Cayden can object, Liam raises his voice, pitching it to carry across the room. "Darling, do you want to move back to your friend's place?"
The word "darling" sends a shiver down my spine. "No," I reply, my voice firm.
Liam nods at the phone. "You heard her. My girlfriend doesn't remember anything, so don't bother Vivian." He pauses, letting the silence stretch. "And we just had a heart-to-heart. We've agreed to this marriage."
Cayden is silent for a long moment. When he speaks again, his voice is low and dripping with arrogance. "Don't push it, Liam. She'll remember eventually, and when she does, she'll come running back to me crying. Julia's been with me for three years. No parents, no family. I'm the most important person in her life."
He boasts that a few sweet words will be all it takes for him to get me back.
"And Vivian?" Liam asks, his tone one of mild curiosity.
"Vivian and I were just using each other," Cayden claims with a dismissive laugh. "She likes my skills in bed, I like the thrill. You wouldn't understand. Just keep Julia occupied for me. I'll owe you a big one."
The call ends. Liam turns back to me, and for a second, I see something like pity in his eyes. "You're crying."
I quickly wipe my cheeks, turning my back to him. "Just dust in my eye."
Liam clears his throat. "The windows are closed."
