James's relief at Cadence's answer was cut short by apprehension when she mentioned "conditions". He waited as patiently as he could for her to continue, with his brows slightly furrowed. "First, I get to keep my apartment. There may be times when we need space from each other and it doesn't feel right to break the lease. Second, I need to be allowed to explain the situation to my mother. I'm not comfortable keeping such a big secret from her. Third, I need you to cover all of my moving costs. I'm not willing to pour money I don't have into this arrangement" said Cadence, pausing as if to consider something else. "All of those sound reasonable. In fact, I'd already decided to compensate you. So if anything, you'll be more financially secure when this is all over. Is there anything else?" asked James. He could actually hear Cadence gulp as she appeared to make a decision. With a determined and slightly sad look in her eyes, she said "This next one is non-negotiable. If I agree to this marriage contract, you will allow me to submit my notice of resignation and support my choice to shift careers."
A subtle knowing smile appeared across James's face. Judging by Cadence's expression, this had clearly served to confuse her. She must have thought this last condition would make him angry or indignant. Instead, James felt proud. He valued her work as his primary personal assistant, but he hated to see such clear talent being underutilized. He wasn't quite ready to bring up the topic of the new position he had in the works for her, but he decided to gauge her interest anyway. "Are you committed to leaving Oliver Enterprises altogether? Or would you be open to considering a different position with the company?" Cadence squinted slightly at James while considering his unexpectedly eager questions and carefully said "If an advanced position became available that I deemed interesting and challenging with a salary to match…I would consider it, at the very least." James was satisfied with her answer and internally resolved to expedite the introduction of the new position. "Very well. I agree to all your conditions. I can have my lawyer draft up a contract by next week. This weekend, let's focus on getting you moved in and talk wedding plans!"
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"Wedding plans?" asked Cadence in surprise. This wasn't going to be a real marriage so she did not expect more than a quick trip to the Justice of the Peace. "Is that really necessary?" she pleaded, suddenly worried that this farce of a marriage was going to be a lot more complicated than she initially thought. "Cadence, I see where you're coming from. However, an actual wedding will make this set up more believable. Remember, one of our goals is to keep my sister from finding out. So, yes, there needs to be a wedding. It can be small, just close family and friends if you like" James said, trying to make things sound bearable. "I guess we need to talk about conditions again" she said, sighing heavily. Already, a headache had begun to creep up on her. "Yes, the wedding needs to be small. Also, I don't want to plan the wedding alone. If you don't want to help me make decisions, I'm willing to work with a wedding planner. Their fee would of course be covered by you. Lastly, there will be no group or line dance songs at the reception. No Chicken Dance, no Cha-cha Slide, no Cotton Eyed Joe, no Wobble, or any thing else of the same nature. I can see you want to laugh, but I'm serious. I hate line dancing, possibly more than I hate anything else" Cadence finished with a slight huff, crossing her arms and looking adorably petulant.
Cadence could see James barely managing to stifle his laughter before clearing his throat to say "Alright, I agree to all terms. I'm happy to help with the wedding plans. Mrs. Garcia will be involved too of course. We've got a bit of work to catch up on today, so let's pick this back up tomorrow after you're settled in to my house. I'll find a service to help you pack up this evening and hire movers for tomorrow if you think you'll need them. I believe my furnishings are more than enough, but you're welcome to bring your own if that would make you more comfortable." Cadence took quick mental stock of her possessions before saying "Besides my clothes, books, and other small items, I would only want to bring my armchair. So, I'm not sure if movers are necessary." James seemed to have an idea and said "In that case, I've got a friend with a truck." She smiled, knowing he could only mean Daniel. Having met him a few times before, she knew even the most mundane tasks could be fun when Daniel was around. She also realized Daniel would make a good buffer for tomorrow in case the process of moving in together proved to be as awkward as she feared it would be. "Does he already know the situation?" she asked. James gave her a relaxed smile and said "Yes, and so does Mrs. Garcia. They were actually the ones to convince me you were the perfect option, not that it took them long to do so. I don't plan on telling anyone else though, if you're concerned". She wasn't concerned. In fact Cadence was happy they would have a few allies. They would certainly need some support to help keep up appearances in the coming year. "That's fine, sir. I just wanted to know how candid I could be in front of him" she said in reassurance. Cadence stood to end their strange meeting and extended her hand to James. He stood as well and shook her hand in silent agreement of their deal. An odd expression flashed across his face that Cadence mistook for trepidation and she said "Don't worry James. We can do this." "Yes" he answered, "I think you're right. We can do this."