Chapter 8:
The rain came down in sheets, cold and unrelenting, as Rowan knelt on the slick pavement and gently helped Lena to her feet.
"Come on," he said softly, guiding her under his umbrella. "Let's get you out of this weather."
She didn't argue. Her body felt heavy, her chest hollow, her legs barely moving as he led her into a warm, quiet café nearby.
The air inside smelled of coffee and baked bread, a soothing contrast to the storm outside. Rowan ushered her to a corner booth and waved over a concerned waitress.
"Two towels. Hot chocolate. And honey tea, please," he ordered without hesitation.
When the drinks arrived, Rowan slipped off his jacket and draped it gently over her shoulders.
"Here. You're soaked," he murmured, kneeling slightly to towel her dripping hair. His movements were soft, careful, as if afraid she might break.
"I don't know what's going on," he said quietly. "But if you want to talk, I'll listen."
Lena wrapped her cold fingers around the steaming mug, staring blankly at the swirling tea.
Her lips trembled.
"I need… the bathroom," she whispered suddenly.
"Take your time," Rowan replied.
Inside, she gripped the sink and stared into the mirror. Her reflection looked like a stranger—pale face, wet hair clinging to her cheeks, eyes swollen from crying.
This day is the worst, she thought bitterly. Why did I have to meet him like this? And Rowan… he's so kind. His jacket even smells good. Get a grip, Lena. Smile. Apologize.
When she returned, her shoulders were straighter, her voice calmer.
"Sorry to make you worry," she said, forcing a faint smile. "And thank you. I'm fine now. I called a taxi—I'll head home."
"Lena—" Rowan started.
But she was already at the door, waving faintly before disappearing into the rain.
By the time Rowan paid and rushed outside, her taxi had gone.
A Friend's Apartment
At Aline's apartment, Lena sat cross-legged on the couch, still wrapped in Rowan's jacket.
"They did what?" Aline gasped, eyes wide with disbelief.
"The worst part?" Lena's voice cracked. "I dressed up for Rowan… and he saw me crying in the street like some lunatic."
Aline flopped beside her. "Girl, your life is a drama. Any minute now, you'll be swept into a scandalous romance with Will Shade, and I'll run off with his handsome assistant."
"Not the time, Line," Lena groaned, burying her face in a pillow.
"Sorry, sorry." Aline stroked her hair. "But seriously… are you sure you don't want to go home tonight? Won't your parents worry?"
"I texted Kyle. He knows I'm staying here." Her voice hardened. "Besides… they already sold me out. What's left to say?"
Aline's face softened. "What are you going to do now?"
"I don't know," Lena admitted. "First, I need to see what conditions they signed. Then I'll figure out how to survive this mess."
"One year isn't so bad," Aline said gently. "Think of it like living the luxury life for a while."
"With his personality?" Lena muttered, recalling Will Shade's cold, piercing stare. "I doubt it'll feel luxurious."
Aline pulled the blanket tighter around her friend.
"You don't deserve this," she whispered.
The Contract
The next morning, Lena found a warm breakfast waiting with a handwritten note:
Whatever you decide, I'll always be here for you. You can do this!
Lena smiled faintly. After eating, she called Jin.
At a quiet restaurant, Jin slid a thick envelope across the table.
"Here's a copy of the contract your parents signed," he said calmly.
Lena flipped through the pages. Her eyes scanned the terms—Kyle's school fees, internship expenses covered, her parents' debts erased, even the flower shop subsidized for a year.
"Okay," she murmured. "That's… fair."
Her stomach dropped as she read further:
She was forbidden from being seen in public with any man other than Will Shade.
Required to live under the same roof.
And if Mr. Shade demanded her presence, she was to comply—no questions asked.
"That…" she muttered, scowling, "doesn't sound good at all."
Jin's expression didn't waver.
"When do I move in?" she asked.
"The sooner, the better. The contract begins the day you step into the Shade mansion."
"And if I leave before the year is up?"
"You and your family will owe Mr. Shade for the rest of your lives."
"Of course," she said bitterly, pushing the papers aside.
"I'll send a car when you're ready," Jin said as he stood. "If you have questions, call me."
Lena watched him leave, her thoughts in turmoil.
One year. Just one year. I'll endure it… somehow.
The CEO's World
At Lumina Corp, Will Shade's mood was as icy as ever.
"Report," he ordered without looking up.
"Everything is ready with Miss Morisawa," Jin replied. "Her family has begun receiving support."
"Good. Now prepare for the meeting with Louis Beau."
The Invitation
At an upscale restaurant, Will sat across from Louis Beau and his elegant wife, Juliette.
"It's a pleasure to meet you both," Will said coolly.
"The pleasure is ours," Louis replied. "But I must admit, Mr. Shade… public image matters a great deal in our partnerships."
Will's jaw tightened slightly. "I understand."
"And you really intend to marry that flower shop girl?" Louis asked bluntly.
"It'll be quite the fairytale, no?" Juliette chimed in with a dreamy smile.
"This is irrelevant to business," Will said curtly.
"Not entirely," Louis countered. "People trust a man based on how he treats his wife."
Will's irritation flared, but he remained composed.
Juliette clapped her hands. "I have a wonderful idea! Why don't you and your fiancée join us for our anniversary party on Saturday?"
Louis's eyes sparkled. "Perfect. After that, I'll finalize our contract terms."
Will's lips pressed into a thin line. "You want her to come?"
"Is there a problem?" Louis asked. "Or is she not really your fiancée?"
Will's tone turned icy. "There's no problem. We'll be there."
The Preparation
Later, in the car, Will's fingers drummed against the leather armrest.
"Bring her up to speed," he told Jin. "We have barely a day and a half to prepare her to stand by my side."
"Yes, sir."