Chapter 43: Agreement

I was sitting in my office, the soft hum of the city barely audible through the thick glass windows. The weight of the day hung heavy on my shoulders, but I tried to focus on the documents spread out before me.

Numbers and charts blurred together as my mind wandered back to Elena. The press conference hadn't gone as planned, and I couldn't shake the worry that I'd complicated her life even more.

My phone buzzed, breaking through my thoughts. I picked it up and saw a message from Elena. My heart skipped a beat as I read her words: "Hey Carmen, can we talk about the contract marriage? I've been thinking a lot about it. – Elena"

A surge of relief and anticipation coursed through me. She hadn't shut me out. I quickly typed a response: "Of course, Elena. I'm glad you reached out. Can we meet this afternoon to discuss everything? – Carmen"

I waited, my eyes fixed on the phone. It buzzed again with her reply: "Sure. Where should we meet?"