Chapter 6
Kathleen still felt a flush of embarrassment. Her breath was unsteady, her body rising and falling with each breath.
Her stomach was flat and toned, the black underwear standing out sharply against her fair skin. Her slender legs stretched across the gray sheets, creating a striking contrast that caught the eye.
She had a great figure, which Shawn had noticed before.
However, it was now displayed more clearly. The softness he had felt while holding her earlier still warmed his fingertips.
Shawn swallowed quietly and bent down to tug off the other pant leg. He slipped her loose-fitting pants on and pulled them up to her waist.
His fingertips brushed her skin. The area he touched tensed up slightly and trembled.
His eyes swept across her face. Her complexion was fair with a hint of blush, and she seemed a little uneasy.
He pulled the blanket back over her. As he turned to leave, someone knocked at the door.
“Come in.” His private doctor walked in, glancing at Shawn first.
“She had a fall. See if it’s serious.” Shawn instructed with a glance.
The doctor gave Kathleen a quick check, pressing on a few spots. He confirmed it was just a strained muscle and advised some stretching.
Noticing her uneven breathing, the doctor said, “You have a bit of a cold.”
“Yes,” Kathleen replied.
“Are you trying to conceive?” the doctor asked.
Judy, who had followed the doctor in, raised an eyebrow at that. She clearly cared about the answer.
Before Shawn could say anything, Kathleen nodded and replied, “Yes.”
The doctor glanced again at Shawn, clearly surprised.
Shawn’s gaze fixed on Kathleen, heavy with a silent warning.
Kathleen lowered her eyes. She clearly said that for Judy’s sake.
After writing up a prescription, the doctor and Judy headed downstairs, leaving only Shawn and Kathleen in the room.
Because of what she’d said, Kathleen felt a bit awkward around him.
For once, Shawn didn’t press her about it. He just stepped into the study next door.
…
A while later, Colin knocked on the door.
“Mr. Vance, I’ve brought what you asked for.” He handed Shawn a file. “It’s the agreement, drafted as you instructed.”
Shawn took a quick look. Then, he walked into the bedroom and handed it to Kathleen. “This is the terms of our agreement. Sign it if you really want this marriage.”
Kathleen hadn’t expected him to be so quick.
She flipped through the pages. When she saw the last clause, she asked, “If—and I’m just saying if—you end up falling for me, does the agreement still count?”
“There’s no such possibility,” Shawn replied immediately.
She hadn’t expected a different answer anyway. This agreement was just to make him feel better. It didn’t change anything for her.
“Nothing in life is absolute,” she replied quietly.
Shawn gave her a sharp look that spoke volumes—none of it friendly.
Kathleen understood perfectly. She picked up the pen and signed her name. Then, she snapped a photo of the document on her phone before handing it back.
Her decisiveness caught Shawn’s attention. Sometimes, she did know her place.
“From now on, find your own excuses to turn down trips to the Vance residence.”
…
“What does the agreement say?” Chelsey asked curiously.
Kathleen sat cross-legged on the couch. She wrapped herself in a blanket while blowing her nose. “A lot, but a few key points stood out. First, no physical contact is allowed.”
Chelsey laughed. “He thinks you’re some kind of pervert.”
Kathleen sniffled. “Well, with that face and body, he does make me want to be one.”
“…What else?”
“Second, if we run into each other in public, we pretend we don’t know each other.”
“He really doesn’t want to be married to you.”
“Third, I’m not allowed to talk about our relationship with anyone. And the most important clause is I can’t fall in love with him.”
Chelsey sighed. “Is it you he can’t stand, or just marriage in general?”
Kathleen shrugged. “Both, probably. But mostly it’s me.”
“He’s guarding against you in every way. What do you even get out of this? It doesn’t benefit you at all.”
Kathleen’s phone buzzed with a new message. She clicked on it and raised an eyebrow.
“No benefit? I don’t have to deal with in-laws or take care of a husband, and I get a six-figure monthly allowance. What’s not to like?”
“Are you serious? What if he dies and people gossip about you?”
“Everyone dies eventually. It’s just a matter of when. Besides, it’s not like I plan to get married again,” Kathleen said coolly.
Chelsey frowned. “I think you just don’t believe in love anymore. That’s why you’re so casual about this.”
“Don’t make this about love again,” Kathleen corrected her. “And I’m not casual. You haven’t seen how hot he is. He doesn’t look sick at all. Who knows, he might not even die. If that happens, I win.”
Chelsey couldn’t smile. She felt Kathleen wasn’t marrying for money or by choice. It felt more like self-destruction.
Kathleen’s phone rang again. She frowned at the caller ID but still picked up with a cheerful tone and a warm attitude.
…
After the call, she snorted lightly. “Time for this ‘married’ status to come in handy.”
“How?” Chelsey looked puzzled.
“To keep away admirers.”
Kathleen had applied to be transferred to Neviton City because of Ryan. What she hadn’t expected was that Troy Pollard had also done the same. He was a higher-up’s son and had a crush on her.
Tonight, he’d even organized a team dinner for everyone in the department.
Kathleen hadn’t officially reported to work yet. But since they often met at exhibitions, everyone knew her. It wouldn’t look good to skip the dinner.
On the way there, Chelsey suddenly thought of something. “What happens if you break the agreement?”
…
Shawn had indeed included a punishment for the most important clause. If she broke it, she would have to squat in the middle of the city and bark like a dog.
It was hard to imagine someone like him coming up with such an undignified punishment. That alone showed how much he disliked her.
It was childish, for sure. But it worked on both of them, mostly for keeping her in line.
Kathleen got out of the car, pulled her coat tighter, and walked into the restaurant.
The private room was open, filled with laughter.
Someone at the door spotted her and called out, “Kathleen, there you are! We’ve been waiting for you!”
Kathleen greeted them with a warm smile. “Sorry, I’m late. I was napping off a cold and overslept.”
“Are you alright?” Troy asked, looking concerned.
She nodded. “It’s just a mild cold, nothing serious.”
They were all familiar faces—people she’d worked with or met through events. Everyone was friendly and welcoming.
Word had spread from the main office that Troy liked her, making tonight’s undertone obvious.
Someone thoughtfully left the seat next to him empty. Kathleen sat down and joined the conversation.
They were all seasoned workers, with endless things to talk about. The room stayed lively, and there was never a dull moment.
…
After dinner, Troy stepped out for a moment while everyone was still talking. When he returned, he was holding a bouquet of champagne-colored roses.
Everyone bit back smiles and shot knowing glances at Kathleen.
She wasn’t stupid. She knew what this was.
With so many people watching, it would be awkward to reject Troy outright—especially when they’d be working together.
The door was left open, and passersby stopped to peek. Who could resist some drama?
“Kathleen, I heard you’re single again. Will you give me a chance to love you?” Troy stood in front of her, boldly declaring his feelings.
The room erupted in cheers, but no one pressured her to accept.
Kathleen rose, facing his pursuit with complete honesty. “Sorry, but I’m not single. I’m already married.”
