The silence stretched between them, thick and uncomfortable.
Lina lowered her gaze to the papers on the table. The contract lay neatly stacked, every page sharp and unforgiving—just like the man sitting across from her.
"This marriage will last one year," he said calmly. "During that time, you will act as my wife in public. No emotional involvement. No interference in my personal affairs."
Lina's breath hitched. One year. One signature. A life completely different from the one she had imagined.
"And if I refuse?" she asked quietly.
His lips curved into a faint, unreadable smile.
"Then you walk out that door," he said, tapping the contract once, "and everything you're running from catches up to you."