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My throat tightens as I muster a smile, but it feels more like a grimace. “Um…hi. I’m Amelia.”
West rolls his eyes while I stand there, trying to regain my composure. “Seriously,” he adds, his eyes on mine before they roam downward. “Get dressed before we discuss business.”
I clear my throat, meeting West’s now stern gaze. “I actually need to talk to you about that. I don’t have any clean clothes left, and I was hoping you could take me to ‘you-know-where’ to grab some more.”
West’s expression darkens, his jaw tightening. “You’re not seeing that ex of yours again.” He gestures to my outfit. “I’ll have my driver take you to a boutique where my sister shops at. You can buy new clothes today.”
“I can’t afford a boutique.”
“I’ll set up an account while I organize your credit card.”
I open my mouth to argue, but West cuts me off. “You’re not going back to his place. I won’t allow it.” His voice is low, almost a growl.
My stomach twists at his possessive tone. This is supposed to be a fake relationship, but he’s acting like a jealous boyfriend already. “But I need my stuff—”
“I said no.” West’s eyes narrow. “You’ll get new things. I’ll buy you anything you need.”
I shrink back, feeling cornered. I knew this arrangement would come with strings attached, but I never expected West to be this controlling.
My fingers curl into fists at my sides as I struggle to keep my voice even. “I’ve got pictures there that are important to me.”
West shakes his head. “Not happening.” He glances at Liam Franks. “We’ll go over the paperwork now.”
Liam gives me an apologetic look.
I stand there, stunned, disappointed, as they disappear down the hall. My heart pounds in my ears as I hold back the sob swirling in my chest.
I pace the living room, trying to calm my nerves as West’s words ring in my ears.
His possessiveness caught me off guard. I thought this would be a simple arrangement, but it’s already feeling complicated.
A few minutes later, West returns, his lawyer in tow. He notices I haven’t changed but says, “Amelia, come with us to the office. We’ve got paperwork for you to sign.”
When I reach the office, I hesitate, unsure about what I’m getting myself into. “What kind of paperwork?”
West sighs. “It’s a non-disclosure agreement. Liam will explain it to you.”
Liam steps forward, a tablet in his hand. “This is a standard NDA that covers the details of your arrangement. It’s ensuring that you do not disclose any confidential information about West, his family, or NeuroPort Dynamics.”
I nod slowly, chewing on my bottom lip.
As Liam explains the NDA in more detail, highlighting the key points, he hands me a copy to read. I skim through it, trying to absorb the information.
West sits in silence, his gaze fixed on the window.
“If you sign here after you’ve read the details,” Liam says.
I don’t bother reading the other three pages. I scribble my signature on the NDA, trying to ignore the uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach.
“Well, that’s all taken care of,” Liam says, offering me a small smile. “West, is there anything else you need from me today?”
West shakes his head. “No, that’s it for now.”
I make my way back to my bedroom as West shows Liam out. I’m feeling quite annoyed with West. He is acting like he owns me, and I do not appreciate his lack of trust in me.
This is supposed to be a simple fake arrangement, but it’s already feeling more complicated than I expected.
I take a deep breath, trying to push down my growing unease. I need to keep reminding myself that this is all temporary. One million dollars for one year of playing pretend.