Chapter 206
“Dorothea, you were pretty happy with my body too, right p>
The truth was, they’d only slept together once, a night fueled by chaos and impulse. She could barely remember any details. But honestly, anyone could tell that years of working out had done Latham some real favors.
He grinned. “Not answering? I’ll take that as a yes p>
Latham didn’t even waste a second before flipping to the last page of the contract. “About how long this marriage thing lasts, I think we can keep it flexible. If you ever meet someone you actually fall for, just tell me. I won’t stand in your way. But for now, your grandma’s health comes first. Alzheimer’s doesn’t have a set timeline. If she gets worse in a year, are we supposed to just get a divorce then p>
He looked at her, head tilted, a gentle smile tugging at his lips. “Right now, you need a husband who can help keep things steady for your grandma. And I… I need you too p>
Dorothea didn’t know what to say to that.
He had a point. She couldn’t back out. She needed to make this marriage work with him.
She took a breath. “Add one more clause. If either of us cheats, the marriage is
over, no second chances. Neither side gets to drag things out, okay p>
She wasn’t going to let herself get trapped if Latham ever strayed.
“Deal,” he replied easily.
He opened his laptop, made the changes, and printed the new documents. In just a few minutes, two fresh copies of their marriage agreement sat in front of her.
“Go ahead. Sign,” Latham said.
Dorothea read over every line, double-checking for anything that might put her at a disadvantage. “This second clause—my consent matters. If I say no, you don’t get to pressure me p>
Latham’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Of course. Dorothea, I’m not that desperate p>
She didn’t know if that was true, but she was nothing if not careful.
She grabbed a pen. “I added it in parentheses, in black ink. When you sign make sure you put your initials, under this part too p>
With that, she finally felt like she’d covered all her bases.
Latham took the papers and scrawled his name without a second thought.
“Alright. Let’s get some sleep p>
He glanced at her suspicious expression and found it oddly adorable.
Reaching out, Latham ruffled her hair. “It’s late. I’m not going to try anything p>
Still, Dorothea stayed alert. The second she caught the teasing in his voice, her ears burned.
Then Latham’s voice dropped low and husky as he stepped closer, bis warm palm pressing gently to her lower back. “Don’t look at me like that, or I might actually change my mind p>
“Let go,” Dorothea muttered, turning away with a flustered glare.
Latham immediately lifted his hands in surrender, grinning as he watched her scurry off to her room, her steps stumbling in her hurry. He couldn’t help the smile that spread across his face.
Right then, Pauline shuffled out of her room wearing her coat. “Latham, you’re still up? Did Dorothea make it home p>
“She’s back, Grandma.” He bent to pick up the bag Dorothea had dropped. “You should rest now. We’re heading to bed too p>
“Good, good. You both need a good night’s sleep. Work in the morning, remember p>
As Pauline walked away, she noticed Latham standing there in the living room, grinning like an idiot. He looked genuinely happy.
All that just because he picked up Dorothea’s bag? Pauline shook her head, a quiet laugh escaping her. She saw right through him.
Anyone could tell Latham was really falling for Dorothea.