Xia Yi mulled over He Shihan's proposal, pacing the length of her apartment.
A contract marriage. It made perfect sense on paper—but everything about him irritated her, and the idea of being tied to that man...
Her phone buzzed. It was He Shihan. Of course. She took a breath, rolled her eyes, and answered.
"You've had enough time to think," his deep voice teased through the speaker.
"What's your decision?"
"You're really that impatient, aren't you?" she snapped.
"Impatient? No. Efficient," he replied smoothly.
"We both know you're going to agree."
"You're unbelievable."
"I get that a lot." He paused, then added,
"But we should set some terms, don't you think?"
Xia Yi sat down on her couch, rubbing her temples.
"Fine. Let's hear them."
"Rule number one," He Shihan began, "We keep things professional in public. No unnecessary drama."
"Agreed," Xia Yi responded curtly.
"Rule two: You don't control my personal life."
A low chuckle came from his side.
"That's non-negotiable. If we're married, I have a say in what you do."
She clenched her jaw.
"I don't think so."
"Relax," he said, his voice laced with amusement.
"I'm not your warden. But no unnecessary risks. This is about mutual benefit."
"Fine," she muttered.
"What else?"
"Third," He Shihan continued, "We play the part convincingly. No loopholes, no weak spots. We need to look like a real couple."
"That's the easiest part."
He laughed.
"I wonder how easy it'll be to pretend not to hate me."
Xia Yi smirked.
"Trust me, I've had worse practice."
He gave a low hum of approval.
"So, we're doing this?"
She took a long breath.
"I need one thing, though."
"Name it."
"If, at any point, we want out—we end it clean. No strings attached."
He Shihan's voice grew serious.
"Agreed. But trust me, Xia Yi, you won't want out."
"Don't flatter yourself," she retorted.
"Now send me the contract. I'll sign it."
"Done." His satisfaction was evident in his tone.
"Welcome to our new arrangement, Mrs. He."
Xia Yi rolled her eyes but couldn't stop the small smile tugging at the corner of her lips. This was only the beginning—and she had every intention of coming out on top.