The steady beep of medical equipment and the faint bustle of nurses in the hallway were like a consolation to Rina’s troubled thoughts. She couldn’t shake the memory of Zayn Graham’s intense gaze, the way his presence seemed to fill the entire room.
Just as she was beginning to convince herself that the whole interaction had been a fever dream, the door to her room creaked open. Rina jerked, her heart racing as she recognized the tall figure of Zayn Graham stepping back into the room.
“Mr. Graham,” she said, her voice betraying surprise and wariness. “I thought you’d left.”
Zayn’s lips curved into a slight smile. “I did, but I realised I forgot something important.”
Rina’s eyebrows frowned. “What did you forget?”
Instead of answering immediately, Zayn moved further into the room, his steps measured and deliberate. His eyes never left Rina’s face, and she found herself unable to look away. There was something in his gaze that she couldn’t quite decipher a hunger, perhaps, or a challenge.
As he approached her bedside, Rina felt a tremor run through her body. It wasn’t fear, exactly, but something more aggressive but exciting. Something that made her pulse quicken and her skin tingle with awareness.
“Mr. Graham,” she started, her voice shaky. “What did you…”
But her words died in her throat as Zayn leaned in close, so close that she could feel the warmth of his breath on her cheek. For a heart-stopping moment, Rina thought he might kiss her. Her eyes fluttered closed, her body tensing in anticipation.
Then, just as suddenly as he had approached, Zayn pulled back. Rina’s eyes snapped open to see him holding up a sleek, black leather wallet.
“This,” he said, his voice low and tinged with amusement. “This is what I forgot.”
Rina blinked, trying to process what had just happened. She felt a flush creep up her neck, embarrassment and something like disappointment building castles within her.
“Oh,” she managed to say, her voice sounding small even to her own ears. “I see.”
Zayn stepped back, but his eyes remained locked on Rina’s.
“You know, Mr Graham,” Rina interrupted the moment, her tone casual but laced with an undercurrent of intensity. “I’ve been thinking about our earlier conversation.”
Zayn swallowed hard, suddenly forcing himself to look at her. His palms got sweaty, but he was steady. To him, he needed to hide his tension. “Have you?” He pocketed his wallet and crossed his arms
“Indeed.” Rina replied, “And I’ve come to a conclusion.”
“Which is?” Zayn asked, a knot of apprehension forming in his stomach.
Rina made her lips into a smirk. ” I will marry you”
Zayn’s eyes widened slightly, the only visible sign of his surprise. He quickly composed himself, his face settling into a neutral expression. “You will?” he asked, his voice carefully controlled.
Rina nodded, her gaze steady. “Yes, but I have conditions.”
Zayn raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “I’m listening.”
Rina took a deep breath, steeling herself. “First, this arrangement needs to be kept secret from everyone. I want to make my comeback on my own terms, with my own effort. No one can know about our… agreement.”
Zayn nodded slowly, considering her words. “That’s understandable. What else?”
“How long do you propose this marriage lasts?” Rina asked, her voice businesslike.
Zayn thought for a moment before responding. “Five years. After that, we can get divorce. You’ll walk away with a generous settlement and, hopefully, a restored reputation. However,” he paused, his eyes meeting hers, “If by some chance we come to… care for each other, the marriage could continue.”
Rina’s heart skipped a beat at his words, Five years of her life, traded for financial security and a chance at redemption. It seemed too good to be true and in her experience, things that seemed too good to be true usually were… but she quickly pushed the feeling aside. “Agreed. But let’s be clear this is a business arrangement. We should keep our emotions out of it. Neither of us should fall in love with each other… your talks on caring, it’s not going to happen”
Zayn’s lips twitched in what might have been amusement. “Of course. Strictly business.”
“Good,” Rina said, nodding. “Now, about the timing…”
“I have a business trip to China coming up,” Zayn interjected. “We could set the date for a month after I return.”
Rina hesitated, uncertainty flickering across her face. “I… I think I need some time to prepare. To fix some things in my life before I jump into another marriage, even if it is just for a backup.”
Zayn studied her face, noting her hesitation. “We could do it sooner if you prefer. Get it over with quickly.”
But Rina shook her head firmly. “No, I need this time. I want to be clear-headed about this decision. I’ll set the date when you return from your trip.”
Zayn nodded, respecting her decision. “Alright. But miss Powers, I want you to know that I promise you security. Whatever happens, I’ll make sure you’re protected.”
Rina’s expression softened slightly at his words. “Thank you…”
A moment of silence stretched between them, heavy with unspoken thoughts and emotions. Finally, Rina spoke again, her voice quiet but firm.
“I need you to understand something, Mr Graham. I’m doing this because I need to rebuild my career, my life. And you… well, you have your reasons too. But this isn’t about love or romance. It’s about survival and ambition. Do you understand?”
Zayn’s gaze was intense as he looked at her. “I can. But then, life has a way of surprising us, miss Powers. Are you sure you can keep your heart out of this completely?”
Rina’s chin lifted stubbornly. “I’ve learned my lesson about letting my heart lead me, Mr Graham. Trust me, it won’t be a problem. Also, I’m an actress, I could just pretend I’m a cast in a movie”
Zayn nodded, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “If you say so. Then we have a deal, Ms. Powers.”
He held out his hand, and after a moment’s hesitation, Rina took it. His grip was firm and warm, sending an unexpected tingle up her arm.
“A deal, Mr. Graham,” she agreed, her voice steady despite the flutter in her stomach.
As they shook hands, sealing their unusual agreement, neither could shake the feeling that they were embarking on something far more complex and unpredictable than either had anticipated.
Zayn released her hand and stepped back, his posture relaxing slightly. “I’ll have my lawyers draw up the necessary paperwork. We can go over the details when I return from my trip.”
Rina nodded. “That sounds fine. How long will you be gone?”
“Three weeks,” Zayn replied. “I’ll contact you as soon as I’m back. In the meantime, focus on your recovery. And,” his voice softened slightly, “Try not to overthink this. It’s a mutually beneficial arrangement, nothing more.”
Rina managed a small smile. “Right. Nothing more.”