Chapter 0086 Chapter 0086 Ella POV My hand trembled slightly as I took the pen from Alexander The weight of the moment pressed down on me as I stared at the long contract in front of me , its fine print blurring as my pulse pounded in my ears .
I sat down slowly , trying to focus on the words , but my mind was spinning .
This contract was more than I had expected .
It was a binding promise one that went far beyond the simple terms I had anticipated .
What is this ? I whispered , my voice barely steady as I lifted my gaze to meet Alexanders eyes .
A promise , he replied , his voice calm but with an edge of seriousness that made my heart skip a beat .
In light of the scandal , August has convinced me we need to protect your interests in this deal.
I cant allow my reputation to harm you .
That would be a violation of our agreement .
So , by signing this , you agree to the terms Im proposing .
His intense gaze held mine as he continued , his words sending a chill down my spine .
I will have no lovers , no one night stands , no other romantic partners for the duration of our relationship .
The scandal it would cause if I was caught ….
cheating on you would be difficult to control .
I glanced back down at the contract , my fingers gripping the pen tightly .
His words were laid out in stark legal terms cold and clear .
But there was more .
My breath hitched as I read the clause that caught my attention : if Alexander violated the contract , he would owe me damages a million dollars , to be exact .
But … this is too much , I protested , my voice wavering , I looked back up at him , my emotions a swirling mess of confusion and disbelief .
This wasnt just a business arrangement anymore .
This was personal .
Alexanders expression softened slightly , but his tone remained resolute .
Ella , this is necessary .
The moment our names were tied together , my actions stopped being just about me .
They affect you too .
I cant risk dragging you through the mud because of my past … or because of any missteps I might make in the future .
His words hung between us , heavy and meaningful .
I felt an odd mixture of gratitude and fear gratitude that he was willing to protect me like this , but fear because the line between fake and real seemed to be blurring .
Why was he doing this ? Why was he offering such a strict promise ? And why did my heart twist every time I looked into his eyes ? But what about you ? I asked softly , my voice barely above a whisper .

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Why go to such lengths for a relationship thats not real ? For a brief moment , something flickered in his eyes something raw and unguarded .
Because I made a promise , Ella .
His voice dropped , his gaze locking with mine in a way that made it hard to breathe .
And I take my promises seriously .
I felt lost .
I didnt know if this was the right thing to do , but Alexander seemed so earnest .
I signed the contract and slide it across the table to him .
Thank you , he said .
He signed himself , then held the contract out to August .
August took the contract and left the room .
Silence settled over us uncomfortably .
Alexander was staring at me and I was finding it hard to meet his gaze .
His brow furrowed , and he leaned forward .
How did you know this was going to happen ? With all of these women Had you already started getting these messages before you told me ? No , I replied , meeting his gaze .
But I knew .
After all , Alexander … you do have a reputation as a playboy .
A sour look crossed his face at my words .
Im well aware of my reputation , he said curtly .
And Ive begun +25 BONUS Chapter 0096 taking steps to address the situation , just as you asked .
But Ella , you need to understand that not all of the things theyre saying about me are true .
I looked at him in surprise .
What do you mean ? I asked .
I was a selfish man , yes , but I never cheated , and I was never abusive .
I know that whats between us isnt real , but I need you to understand that Im not that kind of person .
I searched his eyes for any sign of deception , but I found none .
I felt in my heart that Alexander was telling the truth , and it ignited a spark of anger within me .
How could people spread such awful lies about him ? Chapter 0007