Page 62 of Temporary Vows

God. I’m so stunned all I can do is look at him. He’s not just offering me a solution—this is an offer of a new life.

Dorian is a billionaire who comes from a family with a multi-billion-dollar business. And he just said I’d own everything he does in equal parts.Holy shit.

If I became his wife, all my financial problems would disappear.

I’d never have to worry again.

I could do whatever I wanted, buy whatever I wanted.

But…

It would be a business marriage. What would that really involve?

Oftentimes when something sounds too good to be true, it is.

“What about our lives?”

“We’d be married in name only. It would be an arrangement. Nothing more. We can live separate lives.”

There it is—the catch.

My stomach swoops then curls into a knot.

“We just need to look good for the public. And the company,” he continues in an even tone.

So, he’d be my husband, but he wouldn’t be offering love.

Is it stupid that I am hesitant?

Me, who could be dead in an alley somewhere instead of sitting in the safety of this kitchen.

“I would also need an heir,” he adds in the same nonchalant tone, as though he’s placing an order at the coffeehouse.

My stomach flips. “What? Like… a baby?”

“Yes. As soon as possible.”

How in the hell can he be so calm?

This feels unreal. Like I just… stepped into someone else’s life.

“A baby?” I can hardly get the words out.

“We can do IVF.” He looks at me as if the solution is really that simple.

“But a baby?” I’m stuck on that.

“That’s the offer.”

“But you’re talking about kids.”

“Yes, Elodie, Iamtalking about kids.” He gives me a sarcastic grin, the kind meant to make you feel like you’re slow to understand.

“Would you treat the kids like they were part of the contract, too?” How horrible. I don’t know if I could purposely bring children into this world knowing they’d only be a contract to their father.

I’m almost relieved when Dorian shakes his head. “I’ll always be there for my children. I’ll be a father to them and love them.”

I look at him carefully. What he’s saying is endearing and reassuring, but I can’t help but focus on the parts he’s not voicing aloud.