Chapter 2: Signing the Contract

Harper stared at the thick stack of papers in front of her, her fingers twitching slightly as she resisted the urge to tap her pen against the polished mahogany desk. Nathan Blackwood sat across from her, his expression impassive as he watched her with quiet amusement.

“You’re acting like you’re signing your soul away,” he remarked.

Harper shot him a glare. “I might as well be.”

Nathan smirked, reclining in his chair. “It’s just a contract, Ms. Hayes.”

She arched a brow. “A contract that dictates where I live, what I wear, and how I behave for the next six months.”

His smirk deepened. “Are you getting cold feet already?”

Harper exhaled sharply, forcing herself to focus. She had made her decision last night, though she had spent hours trying to talk herself out of it. But when she thought about the consequences—losing her job, her credibility, and potentially her future—she knew she had no choice.

This was damage control.

And if Nathan Blackwood wanted to pretend she was the love of his life, then so be it.

“I just want to make sure I understand every single detail before I sign,” she said firmly. “I’m not going into this blindly.”

Nathan gave an approving nod. “Good. You should always know what you’re getting into.”

He pushed the contract toward her, flipping to the first page. “Let’s go over the key terms, then.”

Harper straightened in her seat, gripping her pen as she scanned the first section.

1. Duration:

“This agreement will last for a period of six months, beginning immediately upon signing.”

No surprises there.

2. Living Arrangements:

“Harper Hayes will reside at Nathan Blackwood’s primary residence for the duration of the agreement. A private suite will be provided, along with necessary accommodations.”

Harper frowned. “So I actually have to live with you?”

Nathan’s lips twitched. “You say that like it’s a prison sentence.”

She rolled her eyes. “It’s just… unnecessary, isn’t it?”

“Not if we want to be convincing,” Nathan replied smoothly. “Couples live together. If we’re engaged and maintaining separate residences, it’ll raise suspicion.”

Harper sighed, knowing he was right.

She moved on to the next section.

3. Public Engagements:

“The engaged parties will attend social and corporate events together as a couple. Harper Hayes will act in a manner befitting a fiancée, including but not limited to: hand-holding, public displays of affection, and verbal affirmations of commitment.”

Her cheeks heated. “Public displays of affection?”

Nathan’s expression remained neutral. “People will expect it.”

Harper narrowed her eyes. “And what exactly does that entail?”

“A kiss here and there, holding hands, the occasional touch,” he said, as if discussing stock market trends. “We don’t have to overdo it, but it has to be believable.”

Harper swallowed hard, trying to ignore the way her stomach flipped at the thought of kissing him—even if it was just for show.

She quickly moved on.

4. Exclusivity Clause:

“For the duration of the agreement, both parties will refrain from romantic or intimate relations with third parties. Any violation of this clause will result in termination of the agreement and subsequent legal action.”

Her gaze snapped up. “So I’m not allowed to date?”

Nathan’s jaw tensed slightly. “You’ll be engaged. It wouldn’t make sense for you to be seen with another man.”

Harper bristled at the possessive edge in his voice but let it go.

She continued reading.

5. Termination Clause:

“This agreement is legally binding for the full six-month period. Should either party choose to terminate the contract prematurely, they must pay a penalty fee of $500,000.”

Harper’s eyes widened. “Half a million dollars? Are you serious?”

Nathan nodded. “Consider it an insurance policy.”

“That’s extortion.”

“It’s business.”

Harper exhaled sharply. “You really don’t believe in trust, do you?”

“I believe in protecting my interests,” Nathan said simply.

Harper clenched her jaw, but she couldn’t argue. He was a businessman, and businessmen didn’t take risks unless the odds were in their favor.

She flipped to the final page, scanning the last lines before her gaze landed on the signature line.

Nathan slid a sleek black pen toward her. “Are you ready?”

Harper hesitated. Once she signed this, there was no turning back. For six months, she would be Harper Blackwood—at least in the public eye.

She’d have to lie to her family, her friends, and the world.

She’d have to smile for the cameras, hold hands with a man she barely tolerated, and pretend she was deeply in love.

But in return, she’d walk away with her career intact and her reputation restored.

It was a trade-off. A necessary sacrifice.

Harper tightened her grip on the pen, inhaled deeply, and signed her name in bold, unwavering strokes.

When she lifted her head, Nathan was watching her with a hint of something unreadable in his eyes.

“Welcome to the engagement, Ms. Hayes.”

She handed him the pen, ignoring the way her fingers brushed against his.

“Let’s hope we don’t kill each other before the six months are up.”

Nathan chuckled as he signed his own name.

“No promises.”