Aurora watched Theo, waiting for the rejection she was sure would come. But instead, he studied her, his dark eyes searching her face.

"You're serious?" he asked, voice low, almost testing her.

Aurora smirked, tilting her head slightly, letting her amusement show. "Dead serious."

Theo exhaled, shaking his head, a quiet laugh escaping under his breath. "And if I say no?"

"Then I'll find someone else." She shrugged, feigning indifference as she reached for a pack of gum from the store counter. She unwrapped a piece, slipping it between her lips before adding, "But I doubt you'll refuse."

Theo crossed his arms and she could practically feel him sifting through her words, trying to untangle the hidden motive behind them.

"You're that confident?"

Aurora took a step forward, closing the space between them. She was so close that she could see the hesitation in his eyes. Close enough that her breath, carrying the faint scent of mint, mixed with the faint scent of rain lingering on his sweater.

"I think you need this as much as I do," she whispered.

Theo's jaw clenched and unclench still looking at her but didn't deny what she had just said. Then, without a word, he turned and walked out of the store.

Aurora blinked.

Did he just...

"Unbelievable," she muttered under her breath, her fingers curling into a fist at her side.

She was upset because she had practically handed him an opportunity wrapped in gold, and he had just walked away.

The audacity.

-

Aurora leaned back in her office chair, tapping her pen against the glossy surface of her desk. The rhythmic clicks echoed through the quiet room, but she barely noticed.

The pile of paperwork in front of her remained untouched as her mind was elsewhere, trapped between the chaos of her father's latest demands and the nagging thought of a certain man.

He had walked away, he shouldn't be on her mind, but yet, he was.

Vincent sat across from her, legs crossed, lazily scrolling through his phone as if he had all the time in the world. He looked far too comfortable in his expensive suit, his usual air of amusement firmly in place.

"Still thinking about your little convenience store proposal?" he drawled, not bothering to look up.

Aurora shot him a glare before sighing. "He just walked away."

Vincent smirked, finally setting his phone down. "Smart man."

She grabbed a pen and threw it at him. He dodged effortlessly, barely blinking.

"He'll come around," Vincent added, stretching his arms out. "Guys like Theo? They always do. He's just making you sweat first."

Aurora hated how much sense that made, but before she could respond, the intercom on her desk buzzed.

"Miss Everly," her front desk manager's voice crackled through the speaker. "There's a man here to see you. He says you're expecting him."

Aurora frowned, sitting up straighter. "Who?"

"Theo Winslow."

Vincent let out a low whistle. "Well, looks like someone changed their mind." He said taking his leave.

Aurora didn't respond. She pressed the intercom button, keeping her voice steady. "Send him in."

A moment later, the door swung open.

Theo stepped inside, no longer in sweater and sneakers. He wore a crisp white dress shirt, the sleeves rolled up just enough to reveal the veins along his forearms. His dark hair, usually messy, was neatly styled, and there was confidence in the way he carried himself and I loved it.

Aurora tilted her head, watching him carefully. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Theo didn't waste time as he closed the distance between them."I gave it a lot of thought and..."

She arched a brow, fingers trailing over the edge of her desk. "You agreed?"

Theo leaned forward, his palms resting on the desk, gaze steady. "On one condition."

Aurora met his eyes, curiosity flickering in them. "Name it."

"I want my first wish now."

She barely suppressed a smirk. "Already? That's bold."

Theo's lips curled at the corner, a smirk playing on his lips. "I want a job at Everly Elite Enterprise. A real one."

Aurora studied him for a long moment before picking up the contract agreement from her desk drawer. She flipped through the pages with deliberate slowness, then set it down with a small, satisfied nod.

"That's fine," she said, smoothing out the contract. "But before we finalize this, let's go over the terms to avoid any misunderstandings."

Theo watched as she lifted the contract, her tone shifting into that of a business woman.

"This contract is between Party 'A' which is me-and Party 'T' that's you- which aims to set the terms of a romantic relationship between both parties for the space of two years, including requested dates and meetings, both far and near, at my discretion." She paused, her gaze flickering up to meet his. "You will also be granted three wishes, to be fulfilled within the two-year contract period."

Theo nodded.

"In the case of a breach of contract," Aurora continued, "the penalty shall be a fee of-" she glanced up, eyes twinkling with amusement-"two billion dollars."

Theo's brows shot up. "Two billion dollars?" He let out a low laugh. "Isn't that ridiculous?"

Aurora leaned forward slightly, resting her chin on her hand. "Are you planning on breaching the contract?"

His grey eyes held hers, unblinking for a moment before he shook his head. "No, I don't plan to." He exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "But still, that amount is insane."

"If you're not going to breach it," she said smoothly, "then just sign the contract. You'll get your job here, a monthly salary, and two more wishes to go."

Theo hesitated, his fingers grazing the edges of the paper adjusting it to his side. "I'll sign it... can you pass me a pen?"

Aurora smiled, handing him her pen.

Theo took a moment before pressing the pen to paper, signing with steady strokes.

Once he was done, Aurora took the pen from his hand and signed her name beside his.

She pressed the intercom. "Vincent."

Within seconds, the door opened, and Vincent strolled in, his expression entirely entertained.

Vincent placed a sleek laptop on the desk and gestured toward the projector as it flickered to life.

He turned to Theo, looking far too pleased with himself. "I've summarized some things you need to know to carry out the contract."

Theo leaned back in his chair as Vincent clicked on the first slide. He frowned as he reads aloud:

"Born in 2003. Loves chicken. Dislikes anything spicy."

Theo blinked, then glanced at Aurora, who only smirked.

Vincent shrugged. "These are just a few of the basics. I'll send a full file to your email."

Theo exhaled, rubbing a hand over his face. "What did I just get myself into?"

Aurora only smiled, leaning back in her chair.

"Oh, you'll find out soon enough."

Aurora leaned back in her chair, watching Theo as he studied the agreement like he had just made a deal with the devil.

Vincent, ever the observer, tapped the laptop shut with a smirk that never quite reached his eyes. "Well, that's settled. Welcome to Everly Elite Enterprise, Mr. Winslow."

Theo didn't respond immediately, his focus still remained on the contract as his thumb traced the embossed lettering as if searching for some hidden clause, something he'd missed before he signed the contract.

Aurora knew what he was thinking, the sick realization that he was now tied to her, to this world, with no easy way out...for at least two years.

Finally, he looked up. "So, when do I start?"

Aurora tilted her head slightly, pretending to consider it when, in truth, she already knew the answer. "Tomorrow morning. But for now..." She stood, smoothing the fabric of her tailored dress, a calculated movement designed to exude authority. "We need to make an appearance."

Theo frowned. "An appearance?"

Vincent chuckled, clearly enjoying the show. "Your first public outing as Aurora's... what's the word? Arm candy?"

Aurora shot him a glare before shifting her attention back to Theo. "There's a gala tonight. Press, investors, shareholders, CEO's. If we're doing this, we need to sell it."

Theo exhaled sharply, rubbing the back of his neck. "So, I go from being a part-timer to playing the role of a billionaire's boyfriend overnight?"

Aurora smirked. "Try to keep up, Winslow."

-

The gala was nothing short of theatrical-a spectacle of money, influence, and quiet wars fought over a glass of champagne and strategic handshakes.

The grand ballroom shimmered under the weight of extravagant chandeliers, casting golden light over figures adorned in designer gowns and tailored suits worth more than most people's homes.

Aurora stepped out of the sleek black car first, her entrance commanding, the elegant black gown she wore clung to her like a second skin, highlighting her curves.

The moment she stepped on the red carpet, camera flashes erupted in a storm of white blinding lights and she absorbed it all-the attention, the murmurs, and shouts of love from fans she didn't know.

Then Theo stepped out beside her.

Gone was the man who had his hands in his sweater pocket in the convenience store. Gone was Theo the part-timer. In his place stood someone...

Broad-shouldered, sharp-jaw, exuding an effortless confidence, the black suit tailored to perfection, accentuating his build in a way that made him look slightly commanding.

Aurora smiled as she linked her arm through his, feeling the tension in his muscles beneath the expensive suit.

"Relax," she murmured just low enough for him to hear. "You look like you're walking into an execution."

Theo exhaled, his jaw tightening. "I'd rather be."

"Too late for that," she said sweetly, leading him forward.

The minute they entered the grand ballroom, the shift was evident.

Eyes flicked toward them, some discreet, others not, and then, the whispers started.

"Who's he?"

"Have you seen him anywhere?"

"What's his networth?"

"Does he own a company?"

Aurora ignored them, but she felt Theo tense beside her. His grip on her arm tightened slightly enough for her to notice his nervousness and without much thought, she squeezed his arm in return.

Don't react to their words she whispered.

To her relief, he didn't, he exhaled slowly, straightening his posture, and then masking his expression.

A familiar voice cut through the crowd. "Aurora."

She didn't have to turn to know who it was. Her grip tightened on Theo's arm before she turned to face her father.

He stood near the bar, a drink in hand as his gaze swept over Theo with the slow deliberation of a man assessing an investment gone wrong but Theo held his ground.

"Aurora," Mr. Everly called again, his tone deceptively smooth. "I didn't realize you were bringing a... guest."

Aurora smiled, the kind that didn't quite reach her eyes. "I thought a little change would be refreshing."

Mr. Everly's eyes flickered toward Theo. "And you are?"

Theo met his gaze without hesitation. "Theo Winslow. Aurora's..." a pause "...boyfriend."

Mr. Everly smirked. "Boyfriend, is it?"

Aurora felt Theo tense beside her again, but she didn't give her father the satisfaction of letting it linger, she looped her arm more firmly through Theo's turning away from her father. "We should mingle."

Mr. Everly didn't stop them, but as they walked away, she could still feel his eyes on her back.

-

Theo let out a slow breath, rolling his shoulders as if shaking off the invisible chains wrapped around him. "That went well."

Aurora licked her lips, wetting them. "He hasn't made a move yet."

Theo frowned, glancing back toward where Mr. Everly stood, now engaged in a conversation with one of his associates. "A move?"

She gave him a knowing look. "Oh, you'll find out soon enough."

Minutes later, one of her father's assistants approached. "Miss Everly, your father requests a private word."

Aurora's lips thinned. Of course, he does.

She turned to Theo. "Stay here."

His brows drew together. "You sure?"

She didn't miss the shift in his tone-concern, maybe?

"I can handle him."

Theo didn't look convinced, but he nodded.

She followed the assistant through the crowd, and then entered a private lounge where her father stood with a glass of whiskey in his hand.

"You've done a lot of reckless things, Aurora," Mr. Everly said, swirling the amber liquid. "But this? This might be your most desperate attempt yet."

Aurora crossed her arms, refusing to give him the reaction he wanted. "Spare me the dramatics."

"You think parading around with some nobody is going to make me rethink my plans?" He took a slow sip, the ice clinking softly against the glass. "I admire the effort. But you're playing a losing game."

Her jaw clenched. "Theo is more than capable..."

"He's a liability."

Mr. Everly set his drink down. "I did my research Aurora. A washed-up part-timer with a family in debt." He stepped closer, his voice disapproving. "Is that what you've been reduced to? A woman so desperate to hold on to control that she drags a nobody into her war?"

Aurora refused to let him see her falter. "I have a right to choose."

Mr. Everly chuckled knowing. "You're still a kid, but let me make something clear." He leaned in. "I will not let you keep that nobody Aurora."

Her fingers curled into fists, but she couldn't do anything. She watched as her father picked up his glass again, then with a slow tilt of his wrist, he gestured toward the ballroom.

"Enjoy your date." His smirk deepened. "While it lasts."

The moment Aurora hooked her hand to Theo's arm for the second time tonight, hush whispers rippled through the crowd again.

This speculation hadn't started tonight. It had been building for a week now-whispers that had begun after the first picture of the both of them together came to light.

First, it had been the time Theo held her in his arms after the ball accident. Aurora knew her father had sent someone to tail her to Vincent 's house, because how then would her father know about Theo's background in a short period of time.

Then there had been another picture, one with Aurora and Theo going up the stairs to Vincent's house, a well timed photo with the caption:

#Aurora Everly's new obsession.

Aurora then knew her father hadn't posted those pictures; someone else did. She had her team delete the pictures from a week ago.

Aurora had scoffed when the IP address of the post turned out to be from an internet cafe with multiple people using the computers a day.

Aurora and Theo walked through the gala with all eyes on them. Heads turned as they passed, whispers weaving between clinking glasses and soft music.

"It's showtime, darling." Aurora exhaled slowly, pushing down the tension in her chest. She had known this moment was coming, but her father knowing about Theo set him a step ahead of her, and it put her in a tight spot.

"We should start thinking of answers to any sudden question," Aurora murmured, keeping her expression poised. "The sooner we get through this, the sooner we get to go home."

"Spoken like a true businesswoman," Theo teased, following her deeper into the ballroom.

Aurora kept her smile in place, checking her phone. This was exactly what she wanted-her relationship was now the night's biggest story.

#Has the Everly Princess decided to settle down?

#Is her new relationship going to affect her company?

#Who is Aurora Everly's new boyfriend?

#Is Aurora's new man the new face of Everly Elite Enterprise?

"Aurora!" A familiar voice called out, and Aurora turned to find Lily, one of her father's business partner's daughters, approaching with a champagne flute in hand.

"Well. I have to admit, when I heard the Everly Princess got a man, I thought they were all joking. I'm still surprised seeing it with my own eyes."

Aurora lifted her chin. "We wanted to wait for the right time to share the news."

Lily tilted her head. "You're saying it like it's going to last. It's been only a week."

Aurora smiled tightly. "Oh, but it will, Lily. I mean, just look at my man."

"Hmm." Lily hummed, her gaze lingering a little longer before she sipped her champagne. "Regardless, congratulations, Aurora."

Before Aurora could reply, another voice interrupted, smooth and calculated. "Aurora! It's been long since I saw you. I was hoping to run into you."

Aurora stiffened as Samantha Kimberly appeared. You know those kinds of girls that do everything you do just to be like you but get angry when they can't have what you have? Samantha was that girl to Aurora, right from their university days.

"It's been too long," Samantha spoke again before turning to Theo. "Nice to meet you, I'm Samantha."

Theo smiled. "I'm Theo, Aurora's boyfriend."

Samantha's gaze flicked toward Aurora's hand on Theo's arm, her lips curving. "So what made you date my friend, Theo?"

"She's pretty," Theo replied smoothly. He unlocked their hands and gripped Aurora's waist for Samantha to notice.

Samantha hummed, unimpressed. "Well, congratulations, I suppose, but there are a lot of pretty girls."

Theo met Samantha's gaze, a smirk pulling on his lips. "I haven't seen anyone as pretty as Aurora."

The tension lingered before Lily dragged Samantha away, and Aurora exhaled slowly.

Theo looked down at Aurora. "Samantha seemed jealous."

Aurora rolled her eyes. "She's always been like that."

"Well, she's interesting," Theo murmured, his thumb brushing absentmindedly against her lower back.

Aurora ignored the way her skin heated at the contact. "We're just getting started, boyfriend."

-

Aurora barely had a moment to breathe after the gala. The night had been an exhausting whirlwind of congratulations, scrutiny, and Theo's persistent closeness.

They had convinced the world about their relationship; now they had to convince Aurora's Aunt-Aunt Flora.

Aunt Flora could talk sense into her brother-Aurora's father-about Aurora's arranged marriage with Mr. Carlos, if and only if Aunt Flora believed Aurora was in love.

Dinner with Aunt Flora was set at an upscale restaurant downtown, a private dining room reserved just for them.

"Aurora, darling." Aunt Flora called upon seeing the two, gesturing toward the seat opposite her. "Come, sit. I was just on the phone with my husband, telling him how relieved I am that my baby is finally in love."

Aurora smiled as Theo took the seat beside her. "Oh, Aunt Flora, you can't be happier than I am."

"So," Aunt Flora continued, pouring herself a glass of water. "Tell me, how did this young man catch your interest? Honestly, I was starting to think you were into women."

Aurora let out a breath of laughter, keeping her voice light. "Theo is good with words. He said I am the prettiest girl he's ever seen."

"That you are," Theo agreed. And Aurora turned to her aunt with a smile that said see?

Aunt Flora ignored her, turning to Theo with a beaming smile. "You look wonderful, dear. I must say, I was surprised when I heard the news about Aurora's man."

She gave Aurora a knowing look. "Now I know why you fell for him, Aurora. Since this dinner started, he hasn't taken his eyes off you."

Aurora smiled softly and turned to Theo, only to see that Theo's eyes were indeed on her, with a look that she didn't understand but didn't want to question.

The next hour was a blur of introductions, mostly from Theo and Aunt Flora.

Dinner passed in smooth conversation-Aunt Flora doting on Theo and teasing Aurora, acting as she's known Theo for years.