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They laughed at the awkwardness and Sophie insisted he go first.
“So obviously we both know why we’re here,” Noah said. “I think it’s best if we both start by explaining our reasonings and our expectations. I’ll go first, but just remember that you are under no obligation to say yes, and I won’t hold anything against you.”
Sophie nodded, encouraging him to continue.
“Okay. As I stated, I want to take over Birch Industries and the only way my father will allow me to do so is if I can create a family image for myself. So I am looking to get married and have children. But I want you to know, if you agree to this, that I am not going to be a perfectly doting father or husband — my work will still be my first priority. I am not looking for love.”
At least she had her answer.
“Okay,” she breathed. “So let’s talk about the marriage part. How will that work?”
“We will be married on paper only. I am not looking for a real relationship. And as much as I enjoyed myself, what happened last night and this morning cannot happen again. If we do this, I don’t want things to get messy.”
“Fair enough,” Sophie said. “And what about the wedding? Will we have a whole event?”
“Definitely an event. You may plan the entire thing if you wish or I can hire someone, whichever you prefer. I will need to use the event to create good press. Which is another thing I should mention — if you are to become my wife, the media will be a part of our everyday lives. That means photoshoots, magazine features, even the occasional paparazzi.”
Sophie hadn’t really considered that aspect before. It was true that Noah had been a hot topic in the media for the past few years. Especially for young women looking to bag the city’s hottest billionaire.
She could deal with a few photos here and there. “I suppose I should have figured that. From now on, I’ll make sure to wear panties when leaving the house,” she joked.
Noah smiled slightly. “Upon our engagement, I will have my lawyer draw up a contract. I will pay for everything, of course, along with everything else after. I promise, Sophie, that I will take care of you no matter what.”
“Okay,” she said, believing him. “And the baby? How will we—?”
“It will look better if we wait until after we are married. And then, when we’re ready to start trying, we should look into some kind of artificial insemination route. That way we keep things strictly professional.”
Sophie nodded, taking in all the information.
Noah must have taken her silence as hesitation. “If this isn’t what you want, I completely understand.”
“No, I’m just taking it all in,” she told him.
It was a huge decision. When she pictured herself as a mother, she always pictured a family-oriented husband beside her. She really had to ask herself if she was willing to do this all alone.
Yes.More than anything, Sophie wanted to be a mother. Who knows when, or if, she would get the chance again organically. She was running out of time and Noah was offering her the opportunity.
“I know I’m asking for a lot but like I said, I will support you and our child completely. You will want for nothing.”
Noah offered her both stability and security. How many other men could even offer her that? It wasn’t just convenient, it was practical.
Her heart raced as she came to a decision.
“I want to do this,” she announced.
“And you’re sure you are okay with not having a romantic relationship?”
Sophie hesitated. Their chemistry last night had been amazing but that didn’t mean they were good for each other romantically. It was better to cross that aspect out and keep their relationship platonic.
She had to be willing to sacrifice something for this arrangement. And if that thing was a man, then so be it. She would be too busy enjoying motherhood to even focus on a real marriage anyway.
“Yes. I want to be a mother. I don’t expect anything else from you, Noah.”
He would get the CEO position and Sophie would get the child she’d always wanted. It was a win-win.
Liar,her brain yelled. Her mind replayed images of Noah’s head between her legs. His fingers. The feeling of her climaxing on top of him.
Sophie crossed her legs beneath the table.
