An Inconvenient Flame

Chapter 17

I pull out the contract from the drawer, placing it in front of my wife.

I never imagined of legalizing my marriage and bounding it under a contract. But women are a viscious being who can easily fall into the arms of your enemy. And I can't afford that. Contract in this marriage is a necessity.

Grabbing a pen, I place it in front of her.

"This contract states the boundaries and expectations in this marriage." I tell her.

"Physical intimacy depends on your choice and my needs. Emotional closeness is forbidden." I point out the first condition.

She gives me a cynical look.

She opens her mouth for protest, but a warning look from me makes her silent. " It was you who wasn't ready for an open relation. And infidelity according to this contract can lead to some serious outcomes." I smirk.

" You are not allowed to disclose your relationship with me in your workplace. They should be informed you are married but your husbands identity should be hidden." I further flip the pages.

" There will be no divorce, until both of us agree for it. And only when the 5 years of our marriage completes."

" Divorce will happen only in the extreme conditions, like infidelity or domestic violence. "

Ishika's silent, looking at the paper in contempt,"However," She involuntarily tense at my words. "If by any chance a baby gets involved in this situation, this time period will get null and void. Binding us until the baby turns 18 no matter the conditions." I state, unsure about this whole complicatedness. It's a terrible idea to put this sensitive relation on stake, but I'm beyond the point of no return.

"You'll be under my vigilance 24×7. Since here after signing this contract."

Her eyes flicker from mine to the papers, processing the situation. She nods, her body stiff, fists balling up at her side before she takes a deep breath. Defiance, that's what her body is projecting.

"I don't agree with the first and the last clause." She replies with a contemplative look.

My eyes narrow, into slits,"It looks like you are misunderstanding this whole thing. The contract it non negotiable. You accept what I offer, your opinions on this table are not appreciated."

She opens her mouth to protest but I tap the pen on the table signalling her to sign. "It's no secret that I am not attracted to you. So how does that matter what clause one states. It's only there on the contract to prevent us from committing forbidden acts."

It's the truth. This clause is only there for extremely uncontrollable conditions.

Ishika bite down her lips as she register my words. She nips on her fingers, her eyes clashing mine, anticipation clamping up her irises. Her eyes seems as if questioning my existence.

She averts her gaze from mine, "I  have said that before and I'll repeat that again. I'll always be loyal and faithful to you. And I expect the same in return like you state it in the papers."

"And about clause 4, my privacy is my utmost priority, I want that under my charge and out of your focus. And that's non negotiable from my side. "

"Are you trying to challenge my words?" I say, my voice low, dangerous.

She lowers her eyes," I suppose so. "

I raise my brows, "Fine."

"Only because you were polite Tinkerbell."

A relief washes her face, and exhales slowly.

"Sign."

She picks the pen with trembling hands, flipping the pages once again.