The Contract Said No Strings Attached (Charlotte) novel Chapter 133

Rebecca sat on the edge of her bed, replaying the kids’ words in her mind. The more she thought about it, the more restless she became.

Were they seriously expecting her to go find Dylan—break the contract, and start some kind of romance with him? That was something Rebecca could never bring herself to do, no matter what. Besides, barging into Dylan’s company out of the blue would just be way too awkward.

But if she didn’t go, the kids would definitely be disappointed. That wouldn’t do her any favors as a mother; she needed to keep their trust.

Letting out a long sigh, Rebecca grabbed her phone and dialed her best friend, Isabella, desperate for someone to vent to. She didn’t even hold back—she told Isabella everything, right down to the kids’ exact words.

Isabella burst out laughing the moment she heard it. “Wait, Evan actually said that? That his mom just sits around all day and might as well go find them a dad? Oh my God, those kids are too cute!”

Rebecca groaned, half-laughing, half-crying. “Bella, can you not make fun of me right now? I need you to help me figure something out!”

It took Isabella a moment to stop laughing, but when she did, she sounded more serious. “Okay, okay. I get it. This is tricky, but honestly, I can understand why the little ones want a dad in their lives.”

“I know, but Dylan and I only have a contract. We agreed from the start—no feelings involved, and we’d get divorced when it’s over. Now they want me to go confess my love or something? That’s just...” Rebecca rubbed her forehead, feeling a headache coming on.

“Hey, don’t stress yet,” Isabella said. “Maybe we’re looking at this the wrong way. Since it’s the kids who want a dad, why don’t you just find them a temporary one?”

Rebecca squinted. “A temporary dad? Is that even possible?”

She pressed on, “Look, maybe just spend more time around him—for the kids’ sake. Get to know what he’s really like. If he turns out to be good with them, it could be great for their upbringing.”

Rebecca stared at the ceiling. Who’s lost their mind here, me or you?

“Bella, I called you for help, and now you’re suggesting I go talk to Dylan too?”

Isabella’s voice softened. “Just hear me out. Find the right moment and have an honest conversation with him. It doesn’t have to be about romance—just about the kids. If he’s not interested, then you can come up with another plan.”

The image of Dylan deliberately dressing like a disaster just to keep her at arm’s length flashed through Rebecca’s mind, and she couldn’t help but laugh bitterly. “I’d rather not go banging my head against that brick wall. Maybe I’ll just get out of the house and clear my head for a bit.”