Adrian arrived at the rooftop café where Sophia had asked to meet. The city glittered below them, but his gaze stayed fixed on her.
She was already seated, elegant as ever, stirring her coffee like she was preparing a business pitch—not meeting with her ex-husband.
"What's this about, Sophia?" he asked, sliding into the seat opposite her.
Sophia didn't waste time.
"I need a husband," she said flatly.
Adrian blinked. "Excuse me?"
"On paper only," she continued. "A contract marriage. One year."
He let out a low laugh. "Is this a joke?"
"I'm serious." Her voice was calm, sharp, CEO-mode. "Ethan needs a father figure. The company board is pressuring me. This solves both problems."
"And you thought of me?" he said, incredulous. "The ex you divorced without a word? The father you kept in the dark?"
"You're the only man I trust to not fall in love with me again," she said quietly. "And the only one Ethan already feels safe around."
That silenced him.
Sophia slid a folder across the table—terms, timelines, even a non-disclosure clause. Everything neat. Everything legal.
Adrian didn't touch it.
Instead, he leaned in, eyes locked on hers. "And what if I say no?"
She met his gaze without flinching. "Then I'll marry someone else."
His jaw clenched.
For a moment, silence stretched between them like a drawn wire.
Then he said, "And what does your heart say, Sophia? Or is this just another transaction?"
She stood up slowly. "My heart has no say in business, Adrian."
And with that, she walked away, leaving him alone with the contract… and a storm brewing in his chest.