Save the Date (Modern Arrangements, #1)

My eyes were starting to dry out as I read through the thick stack that felt like it was made of cement rather than paper. There were five different sections bound together for one contract.

In section one of the Marital Conditions Agreement, Aidan and I were to agree to four years of consummated and monogamous marriage. Infidelity voided the contract. I was required to take the Iverson last name. Living in the same home for the full four years was also a requirement, as well as sharing a room and bed.

Section two was the ‘Marriage Agreement’. Aidan would receive his one hundred billion dollar inheritance, his grandfather’s estates and possessions. In return for marriage, I would be allocated full purchase of Donald’s home in Winter Harbor, which was already done, college tuition for the length of the marriage and one million dollars.

"Aidan, I don’t need a million dollars," I croaked out. "What is this Indecent Proposal?"

"Lilli, look at how much money I’m inheriting. Please realize my inheritance is on top of money I already have." He looked at me with sternness. "Anyone could use a million dollars."

"But—"

"No buts," He argued. "Once four years of marriage is complete you will receive a million dollars. You can consider it guaranteed alimony if you wish." He shrugged. "What’s Indecent Proposal?" He asked with a curious glance.

"The movie? You’ve never seen the movie?"

"I haven’t gotten to watch many movies," he laid his head back on the headrest of the seat.

Furrowing my brow, I went back to the contract. Seeing the next sections that were to be addressed I felt my stomach knot and I had to swallow a large lump in my throat before I could continue.

Section three was the ‘Heir’ Conditions Agreement’. We were to conceive a child within the first year with a healthy birth before the end of our second year of marriage, unless medical complications are incurred. The child is to be a legitimate heir to the Iverson family and will be bestowed with the Iverson name.

Section four was the ‘Procreation Agreement’, in which, upon conceiving, AIS would be granted to Aidan Walsh Iverson III as sole proprietorship. In return to being the Iverson family incubator I would receive a home in New York, financial support for the child and the child would have a trust established in his or her name.

"Aidan…" I hesitated.

"What?" His voice waivered.

"I can’t have a child. I’m sorry, I just can’t. Not like this." I laid the papers back on the table and shook my head at him.

"Lilli…look, I get your apprehension and trust me, I’m not exactly thrilled or excited that this is what it has come to for me but we can make it work." He pleaded.

"I’m from a broken home, Aidan. I can’t voluntarily have a child knowing I’m going to provide them with a scheduled broken home. I don’t want to offer a solid family dynamic and then rip it away from them, regardless of how old they will be at the time." I argued. "I think this is a bad idea. I’m sorry." I took a deep panic filled breath. "You need to find someone that will do all of this for you, cause I just…I just can’t. I can’t."

"Lilli." He said firmly as he knelt in front of me. "It will be fine." He picked up the papers. "That’s what the home in New York is for." I twisted my face in confusion. "This way you will have a home close to my home. We will stay friends after all of this, at least I hope that we will, and we will keep our residences close enough so that the child will be able to see us every day if they want to. It won’t be perfect, but then again, what is perfect anymore? The child will grow up with two parents that care about them deeply." He sighed and ran his hand through his hair. "Look at me. I didn’t have either of my parents after I was ten. Viola, Liam and Maggie kept my family dynamic intact and it was completely different for me."

"I can’t do it," I spit out. "I’m sorry."

He sighed heavily.

"You can do it. You’re going to do it." He said firmly.

"Wh-what..?" I stuttered at his tone and at his words.

"Lilli, I don’t have anyone else. I am not going to just pick some girl up off the street and ‘hope’ that she isn’t a psycho, a gold digger or something even worse." He sat back into his seat and took a deep breath. "I need you…I need you to help me and allow me to help you." He kept his head down.

I internally cursed myself and picked up the contract again to go over the last section.

Section five was the ‘Prenuptial Agreement’. This section simply secured Aidan and the Iverson’s assets before the marriage as well as the company’s assets acquired during the marriage. The final clause was in regards to family jewelry, which I was unsure what that had to do with me. I didn’t want any jewelry.

After some more legal jargon and clauses I sat back in my seat with my eyes closed, the contract in my lap. My mind was spinning and I was having an internal battle. Part of me wanted to grab a parachute and head for the plane door. The other part of me felt bad for Aidan’s situation and the easy help I could provide. Releasing a heavy breath, I rubbed my hands over my face.

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