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“Probably not. That would make the papers for sure,” I answer.
“So, a year of preliminary engagement where we play house. I live in my own room and pretend to plan the wedding while I rebuild my shop. You take control of all the appropriate assets needed to secure your role as CEO, and we have a huge but civil break-up and part ways, as friends.” She seems to stumble on the last words like she might be worried we will end badly. But I won’t let that happen. I’ll make sure no matter what my feelings are, she’ll be happy.
“Sounds like a plan.”
So that’s it, I have one year of celibacy next to a goddess with blue hair. This might have been a terrible idea.
“Done,” she says and hands me the pen. I take it tentatively and slowly sign my future away, all in the name of being the next CEO of Alexander Industries, knowing I just lost her before I ever really had her.
“Now that it’s all settled, do you want to watch Shameless?”
Her question and deliberate change of subject make me smile, and I toss the contract over my shoulder. Out of sight, out of mind. She laughs at my antics as she relaxes back into my bed and pushes play. The show begins, but I watch her for a while, just enjoying the view. She takes slow bites of food, and after a moment too long, she looks over at me with a quizzical look on her face.
“What?” She asks.
“Thank you.”
She nods slowly, and the corner of her mouth turns up. Before she labels me a creep, I turn to the TV. But I’ve lost my appetite. If the board hadn’t pressured me to marry, she wouldn’t be here beside me. I would never have sought her out, yet I can’t really make her mine because this is a business decision.
