A Proposal of Convenience

Sofia's career continued to flourish as she settled into her new life in Veridian. Her articles, each one a piece of her heart, were well-received by readers, and she felt a sense of accomplishment she had never known before. Yet, amidst her success, there was an unexpected twist waiting to be revealed.

One evening, while Sofia was typing away at her desk, her phone rang, interrupting her thoughts. It was Victor.

**Victor:** (concerned) Sofia, I need to see you. Can we meet?

**Sofia:** (curious) Of course, Victor. Is something wrong?

**Victor:** (hesitant) It's complicated. Let's discuss it in person. There's a cafe near your place. Can you meet me there in an hour?

**Sofia:** (worried) Of course, I'll be there.

Sofia arrived at the cafe, her mind filled with questions. She spotted Victor waiting at a corner table, looking unusually somber. As she approached, she could see the tension in his eyes.

**Sofia:** (concerned) Victor, what's going on?

**Victor:** (deep breath) Sofia, my family's been pressing me to get married for a while now. They believe it's essential for the family's reputation and business interests.

**Sofia:** (sympathetic) I understand family pressure, but why are you telling me this?

Victor hesitated, choosing his words carefully.

**Victor:** (serious) I've been thinking, Sofia. What if we... entered into a contract marriage?

Sofia's eyes widened in surprise.

**Sofia:** (stuttering) A contract...marriage?

**Victor:** (explaining) Yes, hear me out. It would be a marriage of convenience, purely on paper. You'll have the chance to report on the inner workings of a prominent family, and I'll satisfy my family's wishes without having to involve someone I don't know or care for.

Sofia mulled over his proposition. A contract marriage? It was an unusual idea, to say the least, but she couldn't deny its potential benefits for both of them.

**Sofia:** (thoughtful) Victor, this is a lot to take in. I need time to think about it.

**Victor:** (understanding) Of course, take all the time you need. I just thought it might be a solution that benefits us both.

They parted ways that evening, with Sofia's mind abuzz with thoughts about Victor's proposition. It wasn't a decision to be taken lightly, and she knew she needed to weigh the pros and cons carefully.

Over the next few days, Sofia found herself contemplating the idea of a contract marriage. It was undeniably unconventional, but it could provide her with unprecedented access to a world she could only dream of reporting on. Yet, there were also significant risks involved, especially concerning her own emotions and the potential complications that could arise.

Finally, after much deliberation, Sofia reached a decision. She called Victor to meet in the same cafe where they had discussed the idea.

**Sofia:** (resolved) Victor, I've thought about it, and I'm willing to consider your proposal for a contract marriage.

Victor's eyes showed a mixture of relief and gratitude.

**Victor:** (appreciative) Thank you, Sofia. This means a lot to me. We'll need to work out the details, but I believe this arrangement can benefit us both.

Sofia and Victor began the process of drafting the terms of their contract marriage. They discussed everything from living arrangements to financial arrangements and agreed on clear boundaries and expectations. Their agreement would be purely for convenience, with no room for emotional involvement.

As the weeks went by, they prepared for their contract marriage, notifying their families and making the necessary arrangements. The reactions from their loved ones were mixed, with some questioning the authenticity of their union and others wishing them well.

Sofia couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and apprehension as the day of their contract marriage approached. It was a path she had never imagined for herself, and she couldn't predict where this journey would lead her and Victor.

And so, with their decision made and their contract in place, Sofia and Victor embarked on a unique and unconventional chapter in their lives. They would be bound by a contract, but only time would tell if their hearts would remain free from the complications of love.

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Chapter 2 delves into Victor's proposition for a contract marriage and Sofia's contemplation and eventual acceptance of the idea. It sets the stage for the unique dynamics of their relationship and the challenges they will face in the chapters to come.