Chapter 18 The Contract

Alicia Davenport Nicholas glanced at the contract before reaching for the folder, his movements slow and deliberate. He opened it, his sharp eyes scanning each page with the kind of focus that made me certain he was analyzing every detail, searching for loopholes or weaknesses. I kept my posture straight, my expression neutral. I had spent too much time preparing for this to let him rattle me now. After a moment, his lips curled slightly as he read one particular clause aloud. "No intimacy unless mutually agreed upon." There was a hint of amusement in his tone. I didn’t flinch. "Yes." He turned to the next point. "We maintain separate rooms and personal space." "Correct." “Both parties are allowed to have a life outside of this marriage.” Another page flipped between his fingers, his gaze moving down the text before stopping again. "This marriage will last only as long as necessary to satisfy both parties' obligations." Nicholas looked up, his eyes locking onto mine with a kno