The Contract Said No Strings Attached (Charlotte) novel Chapter 54

Dylan took a deep breath and continued, “This three-year contract means our marriage will be automatically dissolved after three years. If, during that time, we both decide we want to continue, we can renew the agreement.”

Rebecca was surprised; she hadn’t expected Dylan to propose such terms. But it showed he was a rational man.

He’d make a decent partner for this arrangement.

Her gaze drifted to the final clause: any children she had would have no claim to his family’s inheritance. That made her chuckle.

He really was cautious. Then again, with wealth like Dylan’s, it made sense—the Austin family fortune wasn’t about to end up in a stranger’s hands.

“Mr. Austin, does this mean you don’t have much faith in our marriage?” Rebecca looked him straight in the eye, curiosity flickering in her gaze.

Dylan was quiet for a moment, then replied slowly, “It’s not that I lack faith in marriage itself. I just believe marriage should be built on understanding and feelings. Right now, we barely know each other.”

“To put it plainly, this is just a business arrangement. Nothing more.”

Rebecca appreciated his honesty—he was just stating the facts. They would need time to truly get to know one another.

“No problem. I agree to the terms.” Rebecca made her decision without hesitation.

Dylan arched an eyebrow, watching as her slender fingers signed her name at the bottom of the contract with swift confidence.

Once she’d finished, Rebecca looked up, a faint smile playing at her lips—a silent gesture of camaraderie, as if to say, “Let’s work well together.”

Dylan, however, remained expressionless, offering nothing in return.

Her smile faltered and she pressed her lips together, suddenly self-conscious.

What a waste of a perfectly good smile.

This man was cold—colder than she’d imagined.

Rebecca paused, then looked up at him with a note of seriousness. “Mr. Austin, since we’re keeping this marriage under wraps, let’s skip the wedding. Why don’t we just get the paperwork done today?”

Dylan frowned, clearly not thrilled by the idea.

The man quickly added, “Don’t worry—the photo is private. I won’t post it anywhere online.” He held up his instant camera for emphasis.

Before Dylan could object, Rebecca turned back to the photographer with a bright smile. “It’s fine. He doesn’t mind. Go ahead.”

Dylan’s face darkened a shade, but the photographer was too excited to notice. “Thank you! Thank you so much!”

He hurried to adjust his camera, positioning Rebecca and Dylan in front of a large window. The city street outside framed them perfectly.

“Alright, just a little closer, and smile,” the photographer instructed.

Dylan remained stiff and unmoved.

Rebecca, on the other hand, followed the direction—moving closer so her shoulder brushed against his, and giving the camera a warm, effortless smile.