"The tax and receipts… that was all just an excuse, wasn't it?" she continued, her heart pounding in her chest as her thoughts spiraled. "You wanted me to sign the contract, so I'd be tied to you both, even if I said no to your confession! A backup plan in case I rejected you?"
Oscar's eyes flickered with guilt, and he let out a small cough, trying to regain his composure. He hadn't expected her to see through him so quickly, but now he was caught.
"Luciana, wait… it's not like that," he tried to explain, but his voice wavered slightly, betraying his own uncertainty. He stepped closer, his hands raised as if to calm her. "I didn't mean for it to sound that way. The contract was meant to help, but—"
"To help?" she interrupted, her voice rising. "Help me or help you?" She took a step back, feeling the weight of the situation settle in. "I didn't realize I'd walked into a trap."
