From Her Perspective (BWWM)

XI

Auriella Devereaux

7 months ago

Sitting at the table, I noticed Billy's demeanor was different today. He greeted me with a stern expression, which was unusual. He didn't say good morning or kiss me like he usually did. Instead, he pulled out his copy of our contract, which made me uneasy. It was clear that he was in work mode and meant business.

He gave it to me over a month ago, and it remains unsigned. This is a big decision. I'm legally giving myself to him. I would have to move in with him and share a life with him for nearly two years.

The contract consists of us having a six-month public relationship leading up to a six-month marriage followed by a six-month separation period that will end with him filing for divorce. We will go our separate ways, and as far as the public knows, it was an amicable split due to wanting different things, and we'll remain good friends. After I sign, Billy will pay what I owe the bank, the remaining balance of my mortgage, and my first nine million-dollar payment. After we "break up", I'll receive a settlement of nine million for our divorce. I asked Billy why he was giving me so much money, and he simply said I'd get a million for every month, and my name is attached to his. He thinks it'll look good to the public that he filed and still offered me financial support.

"Alright, so are you ready to sign?" he asked.

"What happens if someone finds out about the contract?"

"The only people who know are me, you, my father, and my lawyer. As long as we keep this quiet, we'll be fine," he said in a clipped tone.

"How do you know this will work? What if we do this, and your Grandfather still withholds the company from you?"

"He won't have any reason to. Besides, that's for me to worry about."

"I'm just worried about you going through all this for nothing. I mean, we'll eventually be living together, Billy."

"We have before. We'll be fine. Do you have any other questions about signing? Were the terms to your liking?" he asked in a monotone.

"I'm confused about the part about following your three rules. They weren't stated anywhere in the contract," I said. He nodded and leaned back in his seat.

"Yes, I have three rules. Rule number one: No one will ever know about this contract, even when we part ways.", he said firmly. I nodded in agreement.

"Rule number two: No touching in private," he said as he met my eye with a slight smirk.

"Why is this a rule?" I asked. Not that I was planning on touching him...

"I don't mix business with pleasure, Ella," he said. I simply nodded, not knowing what to say.

"And lastly, rule number three: You must always present yourself as Mrs. Devereaux."

"Meaning?"

"The moment you sign these documents, you are mine and no one else. You must not engage in any physical or sexual activity with anyone else until our legal divorce."

"That's reasonable," I said as I looked down at the contract. He's been more than fair and accommodating. It's 18 million to be with a man I've already been in a weird situationship with for years.

"Are you ready to sign?"

"Yes."

Present

I smiled as I watched my brother pace before me while I lay on the lounge chair with Miles, who was babbling away.

"Leo, you're going to fall in the pool. Sit down," I said. He huffed and sat down beside me.