WebNovels

Chapter 4 - That Soon

Was this really happening?

Evie thought to herself as a sleek black car pulled up in front of her. The driver exited the vehicle and approached her, bowing slightly before straightening. "Miss Evie?" he asked, and she nodded firmly.

"My master instructed me to bring you. Did he inform you of this?" The driver's eyes narrowed slightly as he spoke.

"Yes, he did," Evie replied, and the driver acknowledged her response with a curt nod. He took her luggage from her grasp and placed it in the boot of the car. Then, he opened the door for her. "Thank you," she said as she slid into the seat, and he nodded before returning to the driver's seat and starting the engine.

Once settled, Evie inhaled deeply. She was about to meet Ezra, and today marked the beginning of their arrangement. They were set to start immediately, just as he had indicated.

Ezra, the mogul who had been making headlines recently due to rumors of his emotional unavailability spread by his ex. Because of the rumors, the public were starting to doubt whether he really liked women. The situation needed to be addressed and to do so, he had chosen her.

This was her path now, and deviating from it was not an option. On top of Ezra's propositions, he was insistent on compensating her. Why wouldn't she seize this golden opportunity?

The ride was smooth, but Evie remained focused, watching as her apartment faded in the distance. This move was not just about distance; it was about crafting a narrative that appeared real, and for that, she needed to live with him. A half-smile played on her lips as she realized she was leaving behind the familiar.

When they arrived at the mansion, Evie couldn't help but admire Ezra's property. It loomed behind imposing black gates, nestled within a meticulously manicured landscape. The exterior showcased a bold fusion of dark marble, matte slate, and towering glass panels that mirrored the sky. Soft lights lined the serene driveway, casting a gentle illumination over the sculpted hedges and the luxury cars parked neatly at the entrance.

The main door was tall and oak, devoid of a handle, with a gold-accented touch panel that unmistakably announced the mansion's occupant. This place didn't merely flaunt wealth—it exuded power.

Evie gathered her resolve, reminding herself that she was now here and needed to be assertive. The driver opened the door for her once again. She stepped out confidently, and a waiting attendant promptly took charge of her luggage.

"Miss Evie?" he inquired, already preparing to assist.

"Yes," she affirmed.

"Please come with me," he said, and without hesitation, Evie followed. The man, dressed in polished attire with a stylish jacket and glasses perched on his nose, exuded an air of professionalism that confirmed her assumption—he was the butler.

As she crossed the threshold through the grand double doors, her breath caught.

The interior commanded attention—black marble floors sprawled beneath her feet, glossy and cold, reflecting the soft golden light from an impressive modern chandelier overhead. The design was bold, featuring long, gold, and matte-black rods suspended in tiers like frozen falling stars, casting a warm glow throughout the space.

The living room unfolded in one commanding glance—walls painted in smooth charcoal gray, with floor-to-ceiling windows ushering in the amber light of the setting sun. A sleek, angular fireplace anchored the center of a statement wall, its flickering flames contained behind glass, casting dynamic shadows across the room.

The furniture struck a balance between minimalist design and opulent luxury—deep black velvet couches, gold-trimmed coffee tables, and art that spoke of refinement rather than excess. Everything exuded an air of untouched elegance. Cold. Masculine. Expensive.

Evie felt as though she had stepped into a scene from a high-end lifestyle magazine—into a world that seemed far too grand for her own.

"I'll go inform the master that you're here," the butler announced, glancing at her as she stood there, momentarily speechless.

She agreed, still absorbing the surroundings, as he bowed subtly and began to ascend the staircase. Evie took a moment to collect herself, struggling to fully grasp the spectacle before her.

In no time, her gaze shifted upward when she heard the door close gently. Her eyes locked onto the intense dark ones watching her from above.

His expression was stoic, yet she sensed a hint of approval before he diverted his gaze, hands tucked in his pockets, and began descending the staircase with effortless grace. Evie found herself captivated, unable to look away until he drew nearer.

He had closed the distance between them, towering above her, and for the first time, she noticed the hint of grey in his eyes. Navigating the awkwardness, Evie broke the silence, "Hi." He simply stared at her.

"Sam, take care of the luggage and prepare something for our guest," he ordered, glancing over his shoulder before turning to Evie, straightening his spine.

"Follow me." He strode toward the living room, and Evie followed, fidgeting with her dress until they reached the couch. He gestured for her to take a seat on the other one.

Evie sat up straight, hands in her lap, watching as he retrieved a black leather folder from the cupboard and handed it to her. "Here's the contract. It outlines terms, conditions, and expectations. Read and sign it," he instructed, leaning back in his chair.

"Now?" Evie asked, her curiosity piqued.

"If you're going to pretend to be mine, you sign on my terms. We don't drag things out," he replied, his expression cool and unreadable.

Evie pursed her lips and opened the file, silence enveloping them as she skimmed through the clauses regarding public appearances, private conduct, and emotional boundaries.

- **Relationship Duration:** 6 months

- **Public Appearances:** Attendance at events, interviews, and red carpets together is mandatory.

- **Affection Clause:** Maintain believable physical closeness in public (e.g., hand-holding, occasional kisses)

- **Cohabitation:** Must live together in the same residence

- **Privacy Agreement:** No sharing of private matters or arguments with the media

- **No Romantic Entanglements:** Remain "exclusive" publicly, avoiding scandals

- **Personal Space:** Separate bedrooms permitted unless required otherwise for appearances

- **Termination Clause:** Either party can opt out with 2 weeks' written notice (unless breached)

- **Compensation:** Monthly payment (negotiable) + full coverage of personal expenses

- **NDA:** Complete confidentiality regarding the agreement

- **Emergency Clause:** Mediator involvement if either party is emotionally compromised

- **End of Contract:** Six months later, assessing mutual goals achieved.

"Are there any issues with these terms?" He asked after a moment, assessing her reaction.

"N-no," Evie stammered, forcing a tight smile. "They're fine." She reached for the pen, but he interrupted.

"There are cohabitation rules as well," he stated, and she found herself momentarily speechless.

Ezra continued, "Respect each other's privacy; knock before entering bedrooms, split chores evenly—no mess left unattended, no loud noises or parties after 8 PM, must get prior approval before inviting anyone over, no unauthorized use of personal belongings, eat together at least twice a week to maintain the 'couple' image, disagreements handled calmly—no public arguments, physical affection only as required, dress appropriately for unexpected media encounters, and no disturbances during designated rest times." He finished, and she swallowed hard.

"Is there anything else I should know?" She asked, gathering her composure.

He shook his head but narrowed his eyes slightly. "I want to emphasize the no emotional entanglements clause. Always remember this is a façade that can end at any time—better to guard your heart."

"Of course," she responded, nerves rising. Six months was manageable, and doing this with a stranger was just a matter of following the rules. "Are there any other things I should... Know?"

"Those are the basics," he replied, shrugging slightly.

Evie nodded, then looked back at the agreement, finally signing it with determination. She handed the file back to him, and he gave a single nod before standing up. "Our debut as a couple is in the next 48 hours—there's a red carpet event. Be prepared," he stated firmly.

Evie's eyes widened, her stomach tingling with a mix of excitement and anxiety. "That soon?" she asked, her heart racing, still processing the timeline.

"Yes, that soon," he confirmed decisively.

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