I saw the email from Ethan's secretary when I checked my mails at the teacher's staff office.
Good day Miss Sanders,
I hope this email finds you well. This contains a file attachment that entails all the conditions regarding Mr Sterling's offer. If you agree to his condition, please sign the agreement and hand it personally to him. This offer is valid for seven days, and failure to respond within the stipulated time signifies that you are not interested in the offer.
Yourresponse is anticipated.
I clicked on the file attachment Lawrence had added and a full on contract agreement popped up. went through the list of his terms and conditions.
PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL
Marriage Agreement – Terms and Conditions
Between:
Ethan Alexander Sterling ("Party A")
and
Leia Robin Sanders ("Party B")
Date: 3rd May.
In light of the mutual agreement to enter into legally binding marriage for a period not less than twelve (12) months, the following terms and conditions are proposed by Party A and subject to review and acceptance by Party B:
1. Purpose
This agreement outlines the expectations, responsibilities, and mutual understandings between both parties, acknowledging the unusual circumstances under which this marriage is to occur.
2. Duration
The marriage shall remain valid and publicly recognized for a minimum duration of one (1) year, beginning on the date of the legal union.
3. Living Arrangements
Party B shall reside at the living residence of Party A or any property designated by Party A.
Separate sleeping quarters will be provided unless both parties mutually agree otherwise.
4. Public Appearances
Both parties agree to make a reasonable number of joint public appearances, including family events and media-related engagements, as deemed necessary to preserve the integrity of the arrangement.
5. Financial Provisions
Party B will be provided with a monthly stipend of [$500000] for personal expenses.
All reasonable living expenses, including wardrobe, transportation, and security, will be covered by Party A.
No claim to Party A's assets, inheritance, or company shares shall arise from this agreement or the marriage, unless separately stipulated in a legal will or postnuptial agreement.
6. Privacy and Confidentiality
Party B agrees to maintain confidentialityregarding the terms of this agreement and the private affairs of Party A, even after the dissolution of the marriage.
A non-disclosure agreement (NDA) shall be signed as an addendum.
7. Termination Clause
In the event of irreconcilable differences or breach of this agreement, either party may initiate dissolution proceedings after the minimum one-year term.
Should Party B choose to terminate the marriage prematurely, all financial benefits shall cease unless otherwise negotiated.
8. Pregnancy Clause
Party B agrees that no attempts shall be made to conceive or bear a child during the initial twelve (12) month duration of the marriage.
Should a pregnancy occur during this period, the matter shall be addressed in accordance with a mutually agreed legal andpersonal resolution, which may include but is not limited to the renegotiation of this agreement or early termination of the marriage.
9. Optional Clauses
Party B may continue her employment as a schoolteacher, with reasonable accommodations made for appearances and travel.
10. Exclusivity Clause
Party B agrees to remain exclusively committed to Party A for the duration of the one-year marriage term.
Party B shall not engage in any romantic, intimate, or emotionally suggestive relationships—public or private—with any individual other than Party A.
A breach of this clause may result in the immediate termination of the agreement and forfeiture of all financial benefits outlined herein.
Acknowledgment
Both parties acknowledge that this arrangement is entered into with full awareness, mutual consent, and without coercion.
Signed,
---
Ethan A. Sterling
---
Leia R. Sanders
---
His middle name is Alexander?! Wasn't that too pristine for his own good?
So far the whole contract looked okay. We would be married for just a year and he had stated here that he would provide accommodation, transportation and wardrobe expenses for me.
I would live in the same space as him. I have lived closely with males before, being roomies with my college friend and study buddy, Nathan. There was nothing to be afraid of or worried about. Plus, we would be living in separate rooms so that was safe.
I wasn't about to tell anyone that I was only married to CEO Ethan Sterling because I wanted to save my school from being closed down. They would call me an opportunist. And I had already to keep the clause in his grandfather's will a secret.
My eyes scanned to the pregnancy clause. I scoffed. Fat chance I would want to get pregnant for him. At the end of this one year period, I would want nothing else to do with Ethan Sterling. I've learned that being entangled with the rich and powerful didn't end well. And nothing complicates matters more than having a child.
So he shouldn't even worry about the pregnancy clause.
I read on till the tenth item on the list, the exclusivity clause. My brows furrowed. So we were required to be faithful to each other even in a contract marriage. I had no problem staying faithful to him. But what are the chances he would stay faithful to me?
Wealthy men like him usually had a woman by the side. Why add a clause that he himself wouldn't keep? I would have a word with him about it.
Or better yet, I'll just let it slide. After all, it was not a marriage of love but rather, one of convenience. After a year's time, Ethan and I would be nothing more than polite strangers. Some things weren't worth the stress.
Well, there was nothing much to the clause then. He would let me do my work and the monthly allowances he would give me would be used for the school. It was a win win on all sides.
He was right. I wouldn't get an offer better than this. What was I waiting for then? I hit print and soon, a warm, crisp white copy of the contract came out from the printer. I took up my pen and signed unto the paper, then I mentally made a date in my head to go and see Mr. Sterling.