Contract Marriage with My Secret Partner in Crime-Chapter 25: Decision

Cassius strolled back into the room, his expression as composed as ever, though the slight upward tilt of his lips betrayed his amusement. He moved with a calm confidence, as if he already knew what their answers would be.

Kendrick shifted uncomfortably in his chair, his fingers brushing against the edge of the contract. The words on the paper were still swirling in his mind — especially that one particular clause.

"Upon the fulfillment of this contract, answers from twelve years ago will be provided."

That message had been meant for him. No doubt about it.

Cassius wanted him to believe it was just a marriage contract, a ridiculous game for his own amusement. But Kendrick knew better. The man was dangling the truth like a carrot on a stick, and Kendrick had no choice but to play along if he wanted any hope of uncovering what he’d spent years searching for.

But what about her?

He stole a quick glance at Zephany. She sat stiffly, her hands tightly clasped together, her gaze fixed downward. The girl barely looked like she belonged in a place like this. Fragile, shy, and visibly anxious — she was clearly just collateral damage.

She has no idea what she’s been dragged into.

Kendrick’s jaw clenched. He hated that she was being used like this.

On the other side of the table, Zephany’s thoughts mirrored his, though with her own twist of frustration.

The hidden clause burned in her mind. The message had been clear — Cassius had the information she needed. After years of chasing nothing but dead ends, the truth was finally within reach.

But why did Kendrick have to be involved?

She stole a glance at him, noticing his quiet, composed demeanor. He seemed like one of those earnest types — a struggling painter with an unfortunate dose of bad luck. Probably accepted this absurd offer out of desperation.

Poor guy.

He probably just wanted to pay off his debts or chase some silly dream. And now he was getting tangled up in Cassius’s twisted game.

He has no idea what he’s been dragged into.

Cassius settled back into his chair, the slight creak of the leather breaking the silence. "Well," he began, his voice light, almost teasing. "Have you come to a decision?"

Kendrick sat up straighter, schooling his expression into one of polite neutrality. "We’ve considered it."

Zephany nodded, her voice a little softer. "Yes, we have."

Cassius clasped his hands together, his smile deepening. "And?"

A beat of silence passed. Neither Kendrick nor Zephany wanted to be the first to speak, both assuming the other would reject the ridiculous proposal.

But then, as if the tension cracked under the weight of expectation, they both blurted out —

"Yes, I agree."

The words hung in the air like an awkward slap.

Zephany’s eyes widened as she whipped her head toward Kendrick. Did he just—?

Kendrick stared at her, equally stunned. She actually—?

Cassius blinked once before breaking into a low chuckle. "Well, that’s unexpected. I must say, I’m pleasantly surprised."

"I—uh—" Zephany scrambled to find her words. "I mean... I thought..."

"You were going to say no," Kendrick finished flatly.

"Exactly!"

They both sighed at the same time, the absurdity of the situation settling over them.

"Now, now," Cassius said, his amusement only growing. "No take-backs. You both agreed. How delightful."

"I wouldn’t exactly call it delightful," Kendrick muttered under his breath.

Zephany bit her lip, trying to ignore the sinking feeling in her stomach. Great. Now he thinks I’m one of those people who jump at the chance for free perks. He must think I’m desperate.

Unbeknownst to her, Kendrick was thinking something quite similar. She probably thinks I’m some broke artist looking for a rich man’s charity. Perfect.

Cassius, still enjoying their inner turmoil, slid the contracts closer to them. "Before we proceed, allow me to summarize the terms once more. I’m sure you’ll find them quite... fair."

Marriage Contract: Key Terms and Conditions

1. Duration: The marriage will last for one year. Afterward, you may part ways through a mutually agreed divorce.

2. Living Arrangements: You will reside in a luxurious apartment provided by Varen Enterprises. Separate rooms, of course.

3. Financial Support: Kendrick, you’ll receive the funds to establish your art gallery and support your sister’s education. Zephany, you’ll gain exclusive journalistic access to Varen Enterprises.

4. Public Image: You are expected to maintain the appearance of a loving, committed couple. Public appearances and displays of affection may be required from time to time.

5. Privacy and Confidentiality: The true nature of this arrangement remains strictly confidential. A breach will result in immediate termination of benefits.

6. Exit Clause: Should either party choose to terminate the agreement before the one-year mark, all financial benefits will be forfeited.

7. Special Clause: Cassius’s eyes gleamed as he tapped the paper. "And, of course, the most interesting part. Upon successful completion of the contract," he didn’t continue but instead stared at them, as if silently implying, you know what it is.

Zephany’s stomach twisted.

Kendrick’s expression darkened.

Neither dared to speak.

This game seemed more twisted than they had thought.

Cassius offered them both pens, his tone laced with satisfaction. "Now, if you’re still committed, please sign."

Kendrick hesitated, looking at the woman beside him. She appeared just as conflicted as he felt. He wanted to tell her to walk away. To not let herself get involved. But what could he say?

Zephany’s fingers trembled slightly as she reached for the pen. She wanted to ask Kendrick the same thing — to tell him to save himself from this. But no words came.

With a shared sense of resignation, they both lowered their pens and signed.

Cassius beamed. "Wonderful. Congratulations to the both of you. I look forward to this little arrangement."

Kendrick could barely suppress the urge to roll his eyes. "Joy."

Zephany sighed softly. "Fantastic."

Sophia Sparkle, Cassius’s ever-efficient assistant, stepped forward. "You’ll need to exchange contact information. For coordination purposes, of course."

They quickly exchanged numbers without so much as a glance at each other. The thought of actually needing to communicate now felt both ridiculous and inevitable.

Finally, Kendrick turned back to Cassius, his voice calm but firm. "Why are you doing this, really? What’s your endgame?"

Cassius’s smile never wavered. "Ah, Mr. Montclair. The thrill of the unknown, the intrigue of the unexpected, and the sheer joy of witnessing the extraordinary. Why wouldn’t I?"

Kendrick scowled. "That’s not an answer."

Cassius chuckled. "And yet, it’s all you’ll get."

With that, the contracts were sealed. And whatever twisted game Cassius had set in motion had officially begun.