The next day, I found myself pacing in my tiny studio, staring at my unfinished painting. "Lara, focus!" I muttered to myself. Pero sa isip ko, all I could think about was Ethan Rivera. His words, his eyes… parang may kakaibang effect sa akin.
Sophie barged in, coffee in hand. "So… did you call him back?" she asked with a mischievous grin.
"Of course not!" I protested, though my voice lacked conviction.
"Laraaa… admit it. You're curious. You want to see if the guy is serious, di ba?"
I groaned. "Fine. I'll meet him. But just to discuss terms. Nothing else. Business lang."
When I entered Ethan's office again, I felt a weird mix of nerves and excitement. He looked even more… commanding today. "Ms. Mendoza," he greeted. "Thank you for coming back."
I set my bag down, sitting across from him. "Alright, let's get this straight. You want me to enter a contract marriage. I need details: duration, responsibilities, boundaries… everything."
Ethan leaned back, fingers steepled. "One year. We live separately. Public appearances only when necessary. Financial compensation… negotiable."
"Wait. We live separately?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. "So… why even pretend to be married if we won't even—"
"Because appearances matter, but if you insist, we'll live together in the process" he interrupted, calm but firm. "Some situations require a spouse, even if temporary. Business deals, family expectations… it's easier if people believe I'm married."
I crossed my arms. "And if people ask about… feelings?"
Ethan's gaze softened for a moment. "We'll keep it professional. No personal attachments. That's part of the contract."
I scribbled notes furiously. "Alright… that seems… manageable. But what about privacy? And social media? And… uh, um, events?"
He smiled faintly, almost teasing. "We'll create a detailed agreement. Every scenario covered. Think of it as… a business contract, with emotions removed."
I laughed nervously. "Easier said than done."
He leaned forward. "I'm serious, Lara. I don't want misunderstandings. Everything will be clear: rules, limits, boundaries."
As he handed me a draft of the contract, I felt the weight of reality. One year. Fake marriage. Public appearances. Emotional boundaries. Pero deep inside, I knew… kahit gaano ko gustong panindigan ang logic, may parte ng puso ko na hindi makuntento.
"You'll have 24 hours to decide," Ethan said, standing. "I understand this is a lot. Take your time."
I nodded, clutching the papers. His presence lingered, though he had already walked to the door. And as he left, my heart… betrayed me.
Sophie raised an eyebrow as I returned home. "Well? Decision?"
"Not yet," I muttered, staring at the contract. "Pero… something tells me… this isn't going to be just business."
That night, I lay on my bed, contract on my lap. One year of pretending. One year of following rules. Pero the thought of Ethan… made my pulse race. And I couldn't deny, deep down, curiosity was stronger than fear.
Little did I know… signing that paper would be the start of a year that would change everything—my art, my heart, and my life forever.