13 Strictly Business

Chloe was indecisive and she could not answer Evan’s question last night. She remembered all the situations experienced by them so far and she couldn’t decide at that moment if she was ready to marry someone by convenience.

Evan was in his office but unlike other mornings, he was unable to pay attention to the contracts in front of him. His mind was far away, thinking about Chloe wearing that red dress and teasing him with that smart mouth.

Could he be able to keep himself away from her? Evan didn’t answer that question because he didn’t know it for sure. The more time went by, the more attracted to that girl he was. Could that mean something else besides physical attraction?

Chloe was between the cross and the sword. At one side, her family’s needs and the expectation of a relationship with that hot Mr. Bailey. On the other side, the fear of getting hurt and losing the chance to find her soul mate to share her life.

She couldn't keep that situation forever. All of her energies were being used up in this single matter of life. Should she jump in the unknown or stay in the comfort zone and fight for the rest of her life?

After a few minutes, she got up quickly and made her way to Mr. Bailey’s office. It looked like Chloe had already made up her mind.

“Mr. Bailey, may I come in?” Chloe asked unsure.

He lifted his eyes from the papers and fixed them on her. “Yes.”

Chloe was nervous and her hands were sweating. That fact didn’t go unnoticed by Evan, which made him curious.

“What’s wrong, Chloe?” he asked realizing she was pale.

“I… I already know what I want.” her voice was hoarse.

At first Evan didn’t understand what she was talking about. Then he remembered about the contract. An indiscreet glow passed through his eyes while he got up instantly and made his way towards her.

Evan stopped in front of Chloe and his body exuded anxiety.

“So…What do you say?” he simply asked.

She looked into his eyes and said faintly: “Yes.”

“Yes means you accept?” Evan needed to confirm her answer.

Chloe nodded in affirmation.

Evan would not let her know he was happy inside. He thought he won that battle, as he was used to win all things he wanted in life.

But, would it be that easy?

“I have some conditions though.” Chloe said. The excitement in his eyes became confusion.

“What kind of conditions?”

“I don’t want you to have relationships outside. I will respect you and you will respect me.” She said firmly.

Evan wouldn’t expect something different from her, so he gave a little smile and said:

“Fine by me. But you need to make it worth.” he didn’t lose the chance to tease her.

“And here we have the second condition: I don’t want you to touch me without my consent.” Chloe didn’t know if she would resist him though.

“I would never do this. That’s not my thing.” Evan got irritated.

He turned around and sat on his chair again.

Chloe let out a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding.

“Just one last question. It’s a doubt actually.” She was feeling a little more relaxed now. “How our wedding is going to end?”

“Incompatibility. Don’t worry about it.” He stated coldly.

Chloe understood he already had everything planned. That was clearly one of his businesses.

“I’ll give you a copy of the contract. You can read it and then we sign. The money will be transferred to your account but it will only be released after 12 months.” Evan explained her briefly. “Any doubts?”

Yes, of course she did have many doubts on her mind, but none of them were about the contract itself, Chloe thought. She wondered if she was doing the right thing; if she would endure his intensity and the most important thing: how she wouldn't fall in love with him for 12 months?

“Chloe?” Evan was in front of her again, holding her shoulders.

“Sorry… No, I don’t have doubts.” she was embarrassed because she was caught distracted.

“Good. So let’s go to the next step.” He took his hands off of her and glanced into her eyes.

“Next step?” she was staring at him, confused.

“Yes. When are you moving to my apartment?” Evan simply asked and Chloe widened her eyes.

She didn’t think it would happen so soon. Why now?

Would she be able to avoid him living under the same roof?