"Sure, let's begin..."
Emily exhaled deeply before straightening her back and staring at Jake Lewis's breathtakingly attractive face, waiting for him to begin.
He removed another piece of paper from a folder in his desk drawer.
"For the marriage agreement, I'm not sure if you can recall, five years ago, on your 21st birthday, you met a man and..."
Jake was unsure if he should continue. Emily's expression was lifeless, and he could not read her.
He was about to continue when he heard Emily's garbled words.
With her head down and a calm tone, she continues, "Sir, I'm very... sorry! That day was a disaster, and as you know, I lost my memory following the catastrophe. I could hardly recollect it correctly." She's unable to look up as she speaks.
She had no idea that I was the one she had slept with that night. Could this mean she also had no idea we were already married? Whatever happened that day was a mystery to her.
A sinister smirk formed on Jake's face. Realizing that Emily has no recollection of what happened four years ago is good for him.
After the year is done, he will be able to finally escape his grandfather's persistent pestering to keep the long-ago commitment his parents made.
The document he was about to show to Emily was retracted and put back into the folder in the desk drawer. It was their marriage certificates dated four years ago.
"Let us go back to business. Marriage is out of the question because you already know I have a fiancée. We could acquire false marriage documents to establish we're married, and for the child...--Aiden, your son, will suffice. So, that would satisfy the will's two stipulations."
Emily was paying close attention to what Jake was saying. His tone is so beautiful when he's not talking haughtily. Jake had asked her a question, but she was unaware that she was zoning out.
"So, read this..." He gave her a large paper to peruse. She looked at it and saw that it said "Contract." She woke up from her reverie abruptly and spoke quietly.
"What is this contract for again?" Emily naively enquired.
It was evident to Jake that she disregarded his earlier advice. That somewhat infuriated him.
But then he remembered the document he wanted her to sign, so he composed himself before continuing.
This agreement is for us. I am in control of all your assets as your legal guardian until we eventually part ways and go our own ways. We have exactly one more year left until we may d.. separate, as you are already 25."
Jake almost blurted out divorce. Luckily, he realized it and was able to correct himself.
" As I already stated, the deal will be for one year. We are married and a lovely pair in front of our family and friends. When asked when we married, you can tell it happened on your 21st birthday. We were married, and Biola, our son Aiden, was born overseas. When our time is done, we shall part ways, and I will be free to marry whoever I choose."
After he finished speaking, Jake felt immense and exhilarating satisfaction. He was beaming with anticipation that Emily would heartedly agree.
From how Emily listened intently, he knew she heard and understood everything.
"So, to be completely clear between you and me, no feelings should be involved. It's strictly a business arrangement. We will have a one-year contract; by then, the five-year conditions will have been met. You will have the freedom to use your inheritance as you see fit. I shall not ask for a penny; you will do the same. To ensure this is done, we will draft a prenuptial agreement that we will both sign. Once this phony relationship is over, you and I will be free to marry anyone we want."
Jake felt somewhat cocky, believing he had everything covered. After he finished speaking, a mischievous smirk appeared on his face.
After hearing Jake's lengthy sermon, Emily flipped the page to the area where she needed to sign and put her thumb mark.
Without question, she neatly signed her name, took the red ink pad, and put her thumb mark when she finished, "Done!..-- Now is my turn."
She let out another sigh before she began speaking.
"First, however, you do it, and how will you create a verified result? Remember one item... Aiden is my son, and if we part ways, you will not battle for his custody because he is not your biological son. Another thing to remember is that you must keep your relationship with the love of your life private until the contract expires. Also, I intend to move as soon as possible; it would be fantastic if you could assist me. If not, that's okay too. Finally, you cannot tell me what to do or how to live my life if it does not affect you. Do you agree to my terms? If not, we can invalidate the arrangement, and I don't mind if our entire inheritance goes to charity."
Emily was out of breath after completing her obligation.
Jake was astounded to hear all of Emily's terms. He was speechless for a moment.
He eventually compromised after regaining his bearings.
He can't let them move out; he wants to be by his son and watch him grow.
He originally planned on telling her the truth once they signed the divorce papers, a year from now, and not before then; he must keep an eye on her and his son.
After much contemplation, Jake conceded: "It will not look good, and who would believe we are married if you live in another house? So, that's a no. We can discuss Aiden when the time comes."
Emily lifted her eyebrow at Jake.
"Regarding my relationship with Klara, I will speak with her and explain that we need to show people we had a significant relationship and are no longer tied together. Your life is yours, and I will not tell you how to live it. You do not need to worry about it. Regarding the partnership, you must refrain from developing relationships with other guys while we are together. So, if it is satisfactory, we will design another contract with all of your specifications and re-sign after it is completed. Do we have a deal?"
Jake extended his hand for a handshake.
Emily stood up and cleansed her right palm before accepting Jake's hand.
"Deal!"