One week had passed since Lisa accepted the contract marriage. Today was a Saturday and she was meeting with Leonard's family.
Jennifer had sent over a dress that morning, tucked neatly in a branded box, along with a small card that read, "Thank you and good luck." Lisa wasn't sure how to feel about that.
Emily was safe and she had returned home to Derek, his debt cleared, and she had over $300,000 sitting in her account-a safety net she'd never known before. Elena had scolded her when she found out, but what else could Lisa have done?
She untied her towel and got ready in silence. Elena was in her room; they weren't exactly on speaking terms since Lisa had agreed to the marriage without telling her first.
When Lisa finished dressing, she took a long look in the mirror. The purple dress fit like it was made for her-elegant, expensive, understated. She applied light makeup, then grabbed a black purse and headed out.
"Elena, I'm going out soon," she called, knocking gently on her door.
"Okay. Have a nice day," came the muffled reply.
Her phone buzzed. A message from Leonard Kingston.
Text your address so I can send a car to pick you up.
She typed it quickly and sank into the couch, nerves dancing in her stomach.
A few minutes later-another message.
Car's outside.
Lisa stepped out to see a sleek black sedan parked by the curb. The tinted window rolled down to reveal a man in his forties with sharp eyes and a calm expression.
"Good evening, Miss. I'm Logan, Mr. Kingston's personal driver."
"Hello," she replied softly, slipping into the back seat.
As they drove off, she turned her face toward the window. The city slowly gave way to quieter streets lined with towering trees and sprawling estates-homes that spoke of wealth and perfect order. The further they went, the calmer it became. Finally, they turned into a gated driveway with polished stone pillars and trimmed hedges.
The car stopped before a large cream-colored mansion with tall glass windows and a double staircase leading to grand oak doors.
"Welcome, Miss," a uniformed butler greeted, holding the door open.
Lisa nodded politely, clutching her purse as she walked in. The air inside smelled faintly of lilies and something expensive she couldn't name. She barely had time to admire the massive chandelier or the paintings on the wall before Leonard appeared, looking effortlessly composed in a dark suit.
He offered his hand-confident and practiced. "Lisa."
She placed her hand in his, her heart fluttering. His grip was steady as he led her toward the dining hall. All eyes turned their way.
"Is that her? Oh my, she's really beautiful," a young woman said, smiling brightly.
The woman beside the one that just spoke rose first. "Welcome, honey. I'm Leslie, Leonard's mum." She pulled Lisa into a warm, brief hug.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Lisa."
"I'm Frederick, Leonard's father. This is my wife, Henrietta, and my son, Nicholas."
"I'm Sophie," said the young woman, still beaming. "His sister."
Lisa smiled. "It's nice to finally meet everyone."
Lunch began with polite chatter between Leonard, his mother, and Sophie. Leonard seemed lighter, more human, when speaking to them. But Lisa couldn't ignore the watchful stares of Henrietta and Nicholas-quiet, unreadable.
Leslie dabbed her lips with a napkin. "Leonard told us you both called things off because he wasn't sure about marriage."
Lisa's mind blanked. He did? "Yes... um, he wasn't ready at the time."
"Men can be a handful," Leslie said kindly. "Leonard right here can be tough to handle, but he's a good man."
Lisa forced a little laugh. "He's a handful sometimes, but he can be sweet... and very romantic."
The words shocked even her. Where had that come from?
Leonard cleared his throat, eyes dark with warning.
Frederick smiled. "What do you do, dear?"
Lisa opened her mouth. "I work-"
"Marketing specialist," Leonard cut in smoothly. "She quit recently." He took a sip of red wine, never breaking eye contact.
"Oh? What about your family?"
Lisa hesitated. "It's just my brother and me. We lost our parents."
Leslie's face softened. "Oh, sweetheart. I'm sorry."
Then Henrietta spoke, her tone cool. "How far along are you? You're not showing at all."
Lisa froze. "Sev-"
"Lisa, I love your hair!" Sophie interrupted brightly. "Do you have tips? Mine never stays this soft."
Lisa smiled gratefully. "Of course. I'd be happy to share."
Henrietta started. "What-"
"Are we interrogating her now?" Sophie muttered, rolling her eyes.
Leonard slid a glass toward Lisa. "Here."
"She can't have wine!" Sophie teased. "She's pregnant! You know nothing, brother."
Lisa managed a small laugh as Sophie poured her orange juice instead. Conversation softened after that. Lisa relaxed, though she couldn't shake the feeling that Henrietta and Nicholas were watching her, analyzing every word.
When dinner ended, Sophie hugged her warmly. "Bye, Lisa. See you again soon." She winked at Leonard before heading inside.
Outside, the autumn breeze hit Lisa's skin. Leonard followed beside her in silence.
"I'll drop you off," he said, opening the car door.
Once inside, the air felt heavier.
"What was that about me being romantic and sweet?" he asked.
Lisa shot him a look. "Should I have said you were a rude jerk?"
"And what were you about to say-seven months?"
"It was unexpected! You didn't give me any heads-up. I just went in blind."
"You should've thought-"
"Oh, please." Her voice cracked. "You should be grateful I even agreed to this."
"I'm paying you, aren't I?"
Her chest tightened. "To hell with this-and your money!" She reached for the handle, but his hand caught her elbow.
"Look." His tone was firm. "This situation's frustrating, I know. But we just have to make it work."
She turned her face away.
"Whatever."
The rest of the drive was silent. When they finally pulled up to her building, Lisa unbuckled without meeting his eyes.
"Thanks for the ride," she murmured and stepped out.
The car pulled away, the red taillights fading into the distance. Lisa climbed the stairs to her apartment slowly, her heels clicking against the steps. Her chest still felt tight with a mix of exhaustion and disbelief.
The door creaked open, and Elena's voice floated from the living room.
"You're back."
Lisa stopped short. Elena was curled up on the couch in her pajamas, a mug in her hand and an uncertain look on her face.
"I didn't think you'd wait up," Lisa said quietly, slipping off her shoes.
"I wasn't sure if I should," Elena replied. But... I did."
Lisa gave a small nod, crossing to the armchair opposite her. "It was... intense."
"That bad?" Elena's lips curved slightly.
Lisa exhaled. "His family's complicated. His stepmother looks like she'd rather throw me out the window, but his mum and sister were nice. I... almost said the wrong thing."
Elena's brows lifted. "What did you say?"
Lisa groaned, covering her face. "That he's sweet and romantic."
Elena burst out laughing. "You didn't."
"I did." Lisa peeked through her fingers. "It just came out. I didn't know what to say when I was being questioned."
"What did he say?"
Lisa lowered her hands and sighed. "He reminded me I'm being paid for this."
Elena's expression softened. She set her mug down and stood. "Lisa..."
Lisa looked up, her throat tight.
"I'm still mad that you didn't tell me," Elena said, her tone gentle, "but... I get it now. You did what you had to do."
Lisa nodded slowly. "I didn't want you to see me differently."
"Too late," Elena teased, and then her face broke into a smile. "I see you as someone braver than I thought."
Lisa's chest loosened. "So... we're okay?"
Elena shrugged, pretending to think. "Buy me coffee tomorrow and maybe I'll forgive you completely."
Lisa laughed a real one this time. "Deal."
Elena grinned. "Now go shower. You smell like rich people and tension."
Lisa rolled her eyes but smiled all the way to her room.