“Well,” Jace said, leaning back like he hadn't just seen me naked two nights ago, “you must be Sophie.”

I swear, my heart straight-up forgot how to beat.

He said it with a smile, one hand resting casually on the arm of his chair, the other lifting a mug to his lips like this was just another boardroom deal.

No flicker of recognition in his eyes. No sly smirk. Nothing.

But I knew. I knew he knew.

His gaze found mine and lingered for just a second longer than necessary. Just long enough to confirm what I already felt in my gut.. he was playing it cool for a reason.. Andi was dead grateful for that.

“ Uh… yes,” I managed, my voice barely more than a whisper.

Matt, who clearly hadn't noticed a damn thing, clapped his hands together. “Right? She’s perfect. Told you. Sweet face, obedient, doesn't talk much.. ”

“ Matt,” I snapped before I could stop myself.

He raised a brow, then grinned like I was just being “ cute.”

The lawyer.. an older man in a tailored gray suit with wire- rimmed glasses and zero soul in his eyes.. cleared his throat and placed a thick stack of papers on the glass table.

“If we’ re all ready to proceed,” he said, opening the folder, “Mr. Callahan has outlined the agreement in full. Miss Leighton will receive two hundred thousand dollars per month for the duration of the one-year marriage. Conditions include cohabitation a minimum of five days a week, public appearances, attending corporate events, and conducting herself in a manner befitting a billionaire's wife.”

I didn't breathe.

“ Clause fourteen,” the lawyer continued, “ strictly forbids emotional entanglement or physical intimacy unless initiated by Mr. Callahan and deemed necessary for the performance of the marriage role.”

I blinked.

Was this… a joke?

Matt looked practically giddy. “This is crazy, right?” he whispered to me like we were kids about to rob a candy store. “We’ re gonna be loaded.”

We?

I stared at the pen in my hand. It shook a little.

Jace's eyes were on me. Not invasive. Not demanding. Just… watching.

I didn't know why that made it worse.

The room went silent except for the faint hum of the AC. I thought of my parents. Of the life that used to be mine. Of the house Matt had threatened to sell. Of the stranger beside me who somehow saw too much.. even when he said nothing at all.

And I signed.

Just like that.

A name on paper. A life handed over.

Jace extended his hand. “Welcome to the arrangement.”

I shook it. His touch was warm. Steady. Too steady.

The lawyer packed up, gave a nod to Jace, and left. Matt was already on his phone, probably texting someone about our new riches.

“Oh, babe,” he said, turning to me, “I’ ll go pack your stuff now. Don’t worry.. I know what to bring. Be back in a few.”

He kissed my cheek and walked out like this was the easiest thing in the world.

And then it was just me and Jace.

Silence stretched out between us like a loaded wire.

He stood slowly, slipped his hands into his pockets. His expression was unreadable.

I didn't move. Didn't know how to start. What could I say?'Hey, thanks for not mentioning that time I drunkenly slept with you before we got fake -married?’

The air between us felt like it could shatter.

Finally, he cleared his throat. “You okay?”

I let out a laugh that didn't sound like mine. “No. Not even a little.”

He nodded once, jaw ticking. “ Yeah. Didn't think so.”

He didn't ask anything else. No questions. No judgment. And weirdly… that hurt more.

**

I thought I knew what rich looked like.

I didn't.

Jace's mansion was a freaking cathedral. Marble floors, tall arched windows, chandeliers that sparkled like they belonged in dreams. The kind of place that made you feel like you were wearing shame on your skin.

The elevator doors opened into a penthouse suite.. mine. Apparently.

Floor-to-ceiling glass. City skyline views. A bed that could fit three of me. And closet space that looked like it belonged to someone who actually mattered.

A woman in a sleek black dress introduced herself as Elise, the house manager. “Mr. Callahan asked us to make sure you had everything you need. Wardrobe, beauty appointment, stylist, spa. The gala's in three days.”

I nodded, numb. “Right. Gala.”

“Everything’s already scheduled.”

Of course it was.

I let them dress me, touch my hair, measure me, paint my face. I let them guide me like I was some porcelain doll.

And the whole time, something inside me curled tighter and tighter.

Because no matter how soft the robes were or how many labels they threw at me, I couldn't stop feeling like a bird trapped in a glass cage.

**

That night, Jace knocked on my door.

Not barged in.

Knocked.

I opened it slowly. He was still in a white dress shirt, sleeves rolled, tie gone. He looked tired. Or maybe that was just how I wanted him to look.

“House tour?” he asked.

I followed him downstairs. The place was bigger than I’d thought.. kitchens, offices, a private gym, a library. He walked ahead with calm confidence. No nerves. No second guesses.

When we reached the main balcony, he stopped. City lights sparkled below us.

He turned to me. “We need to go over a few rules.”

“Okay,” I said, folding my arms.

“No touching,” he started, his voice low and even. “No need to put up the act when we're home. No personal questions. This is a transaction. I’ ll protect you, pay you, and play the part. In return, you’ ll show up when needed. Smile when necessary. And never forget this ends in one year.”

I nodded slowly. “Got it.”

But my chest ached.

Because his voice was calm, but his eyes… they weren't. They looked like they’d seen more than they wanted to. Like mine.

He turned to leave, but paused. “And Sophie?”

“ Yeah?”

He looked over his shoulder. “Whatever happened between us… it didn't.”

I opened my mouth.

Closed it again.

Because I didn't know if I wanted to argue or agree.. and for some reason, it.. hurts.

He walked away without another word.

And I stood there, barefoot on a billionaire's balcony, married to a man who wasn't mine, wearing a silk robe that felt more like a shroud than a gift.

And all I could think was:

What the hell have I done?