Terms of Engagement
The grand reception was over. The last of the guests had departed, and the opulent penthouse, now officially their shared residence, felt vast and strangely silent. Seraphina and Alaric stood in the expansive living area, the echoes of forced pleasantries still lingering.
Alaric Volkov (ML)
(Unbuttoning his jacket, his gaze sweeping the room) The public display was... adequate.
Seraphina Thorne (FL)
(Removes a single diamond earring, placing it precisely on a nearby table) Adequate is a generous term for such a charade. The media will have their headlines. That's all that matters.
Alaric Volkov (ML)
Precisely. Now, to the more pertinent details. Our arrangement.
Seraphina Thorne (FL)
(Turns to face him, arms crossed, a picture of controlled composure) This is the part I anticipated more than the vows. I assume you've outlined your expectations for our cohabitation?
Alaric Volkov (ML)
(Walks to a sleek, minimalist bar, pouring himself a glass of water) Minimal intrusion. We maintain separate wings of the residence. Your staff, my staff – they are to be kept distinct and briefed on the facade.
Seraphina Thorne (FL)
(Nods slowly) Logical. And public appearances? Galas, charity events, family dinners?
Alaric Volkov (ML)
We appear as a united front. Affectionate, but not overtly so. Just enough to quell suspicion, not enough to be convincing. We are a power couple. That's the narrative.
Seraphina Thorne (FL)
(A faint, almost imperceptible smirk plays on her lips) A narrative I'm well-versed in crafting. Any specific 'rules of engagement' regarding... personal lives?
Alaric Volkov (ML)
(Takes a sip of water, his eyes fixed on hers) Discretion is paramount. Any external liaisons are to remain strictly private. No scandals that could jeopardize the merger. We are allies, not... partners in the conventional sense.
Seraphina Thorne (FL)
(Her eyes narrow slightly, a hint of something challenging in their depths) And if either of us were to find genuine interest elsewhere?
Alaric Volkov (ML)
(His expression remains impassive) It falls under the umbrella of discretion. As long as it doesn't interfere with the primary objective – the success of our combined empires – it remains irrelevant to our contract.
Seraphina Thorne (FL)
(Walks closer, circling the coffee table between them) He's as cold as I am. Good. And what about the family? My mother will expect weekly dinners. Your father, quarterly reports on our "marital bliss."
Alaric Volkov (ML)
We will endure it. A small price for the vast returns. We present a united, harmonious image. They'll see what they want to see.
Seraphina Thorne (FL)
(Picks up a crystal figurine, examining it with detached interest) So, we are actors. Performing for the world, and for our families.
Alaric Volkov (ML)
(Places his glass down) Precisely. A mutually beneficial performance. Are we clear on the terms, Mrs. Volkov?
Seraphina Thorne (FL)
(Looks up, meeting his gaze directly, a flicker of something almost like amusement in her eyes) Crystal clear, Mr. Volkov. (A beat of silence) This could almost be fun.
The vast penthouse, once a symbol of their forced union, now became a stage for their meticulously crafted deception. Their contract marriage had begun.
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