Chapter Four: Terms and Conditions

Aisha sat in the back of the black luxury car, staring out at the city as it blurred past. The glittering skyline of New York seemed to mock her, all its lights and promises of success and freedom, while she sat in a cage of her own making.

The drive to the Knight Enterprises headquarters had been brief, but it felt like an eternity. Zavian had been cold, indifferent, and silent throughout the meeting—exactly as she had expected. He was a man of few words, and none of them were comforting.

Now, as she headed back to the estate, her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and doubts. The deal was done. In a few short days, she would be Mrs. Zavian Knight, the wife of the man who had no use for affection, no need for love, and no interest in her beyond the terms of a contract.

Her phone buzzed in her lap, interrupting her thoughts. A message from her father.

Aisha, the lawyer will be at the house in an hour to finalize everything. Please be ready.

Her stomach turned.

She had barely spoken to him since the decision was made. Her father’s guilt weighed heavily on her—she could see it in the way he avoided her eyes, in the way he kept apologizing for everything, even though he knew there was no other choice.

She could no longer pretend.

This wasn’t some fairy tale. This wasn’t the life she had imagined for herself. This was a forced arrangement, one she had no control over. But it was too late for regrets now.

The car finally stopped outside the mansion, the massive gates opening to let them in. Aisha stepped out, straightening her back, and walked into the house with a sense of finality.

She was about to become someone else’s property, and there was no turning back.

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Inside the spacious living room, her father was sitting with a distinguished man—tall, middle-aged, with graying hair and a serious expression. The lawyer.

Zavian wasn’t there. It wasn’t surprising. The business side of things was all he cared about, and that was what today was about—making everything official.

Aisha took a deep breath and walked toward the sitting area, her father’s eyes locking with hers immediately. “Aisha… are you okay?”

She nodded, though she wasn’t. “Let’s just get this over with.”

The lawyer, who had been reviewing some papers, finally looked up and gestured for her to sit down. “Miss Malik, I’m here to go over the terms of your marriage contract. Mr. Knight prefers to keep things professional, as you are already aware.”

Aisha took the seat across from him, her heart pounding as the lawyer opened a large folder and placed the first document in front of her.

“First and foremost,” he began, “this marriage will last two years, as per Mr. Knight’s wishes. The agreement outlines the roles and responsibilities of both parties during this period, including financial stipulations, business obligations, and your public image.”

Her throat tightened. “Public image?”

“Indeed,” the lawyer said, his eyes moving over the papers in front of him. “As Mr. Knight’s wife, you will accompany him to corporate events, media appearances, and social gatherings. You will present yourselves as a united couple, but there will be no public displays of affection. No personal details about your relationship will be shared with the media.”

Aisha swallowed hard. “And if I refuse?”

The lawyer didn’t flinch. “You’re not in a position to refuse, Miss Malik. Your family’s financial situation—”

“I know,” she said, cutting him off. She didn’t need him to remind her. “Go on.”

“Additionally, you’ll have a private allowance during the marriage, paid monthly. This will cover all personal expenses, including clothing, travel, and leisure activities. There is also a clause for medical and legal support in the event of an emergency.”

She nodded slowly, trying to process the coldness of it all. She wasn’t being married—she was being rented.

“The contract also includes the standard confidentiality agreement,” the lawyer continued. “Any private matters between you and Mr. Knight must remain private. If you breach this, there will be financial penalties.”

Aisha clenched her jaw. “I’m not a prisoner, you know.”

The lawyer’s expression remained unchanged. “You’re not. But you will follow the rules of this contract. Mr. Knight is a man who values his privacy and his reputation above all else. You will respect that.”

Her eyes flicked to her father, who sat silently. He was a good man, but the weight of his choices pressed on him. He had made this deal, and now, it was her turn to live with the consequences.

Aisha’s fingers trembled as she picked up the pen. She had no choice but to sign.

But as the pen hovered over the paper, she thought of the future that awaited her. A future she would live in a gilded cage, surrounded by wealth, but never truly free.

She signed.

---

As the lawyer gathered his papers and left the room, Aisha remained sitting, staring at the contract in front of her. Her hands shook slightly, and she forced herself to take deep breaths.

Her father stood up and approached her slowly. “Aisha, I know this is hard. I can’t tell you how sorry I am for putting you in this position.”

“I don’t want your apologies,” she said quietly. “I just want this to be over.”

He nodded solemnly and turned to leave. “I’ll let you rest before everything happens.”

Aisha sat alone, the weight of her decision crashing down on her. There was no escaping it now. Her life was no longer hers to control.

And the man she was about to marry had already claimed it.

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