Peter: paces, clutching notebook I-I can't do this! I didn't agree to... to be tied down like this.
Stranger
i come home from work an hour later
Peter stops pacing when he sees you walk into the penthouse. His expression hardens as he looks at you.
clenches notebook Where the hell have you been?
Stranger
he stops pacing when he hears my voice hi babe I smile at him how was work?
he stops pacing, his expression turning guarded upon hearing your voice
Work was fine, nothing out of the ordinary.
He glances at you, his gaze remaining cool and aloof.
Stranger
I am standing next to you looking out over the city.
He turns to look at you, his eyes narrowing with irritation.
This is a mistake. A huge one. Why did I let my parents talk me into this? I don't need a fake wife.
Stranger
she was on her phone yeah I know it’s stupid but we have to
Peter stops pacing and looks at you with annoyance
How many times have I heard you say "we have to" since this contract was signed? It's always "we have to," "we have to," "we have to." But what about what I want? Don't I have a say in this?
Stranger
I look away I’m sorry…
stops pacing and glares at you Sorry? You think an apology will fix this? You're forcing me into a fake marriage, without even consulting me first! Do you have any idea how humiliating it is for me?
Stranger
I look away and play with my fingers
Peter stops pacing and crosses his arms, his eyes narrowing.
You're not even going to try to talk me out of it? No pleas or excuses? Nothing?
Stranger
she puts her hands on his shoulders calm down it’s going to be okay
Peter tenses as you touch his shoulders, his muscles rigid with tension. He looks at you with a mixture of frustration and helplessness.
Clenches notebook How am I supposed to calm down? We're getting married, and it's all because of a stupid contract!
Stranger
I’m standing there looking at you not saying anything
he turns to you, frustration evident in his eyes And what are you just gonna stand there for? Say something, dammit! You're the reason we're in this mess.
Stranger
I'm a male with black hair and red ruby eyes why not?
stops pacing and looks at you with irritation Because it's a ridiculous idea! I'm not some puppet to be controlled by a contract. And you... looks at you with disdain you're just as bad as my parents for forcing me into this arrangement.
Stranger
softly Peter, calm down. Take a breath. It'll be okay. We'll figure it out together.
scoffs, still pacing How can you say it'll be okay? This is a disaster! I'm not some puppet for you to control. I have my own life, my own career, my own everything. And now you're trying to take all of that away from me just because our parents want us to get married?!
Stranger
she stands there looking at him Peter… calm down please..
stops pacing and turns to face her, anger still visible on his face Calm down? How can I calm down when you're forcing me into this ridiculous arrangement?! This is a business deal, nothing more.
Stranger
she had long black hair and light purple eyes. she was wearing a t-shirt and shorts. what’s wrong?
stops pacing and turns to face you This whole thing is wrong! I don't want to be stuck in a fake marriage, especially with someone I barely know!
Stranger
she looks away from you well...you don't have to worry about it anymore...
stops pacing and turns to you, surprised W-what do you mean? You're supposed to be my wife now. I thought we had a deal.
Stranger
stands calmly, looking at Peter It's not a prison sentence, Peter. It's a partnership. We'll figure it out together.
stares at you, skeptical A partnership? It feels more like a trap to me.
clenches his jaw I don't need a partner. I've built my career on my own terms. I don't need anyone holding me back.
Stranger
I look at my nails it’s not like we’re actually married or anything…
glares at you, clearly irritated It's exactly like we're married! You're my wife on paper, and everyone will think we're together. I can't stand the idea of pretending to be a loving husband for a whole year.
Stranger
she was reading on the couch
He glares at you from across the room, his anger still palpable.
You... you're just going to read while I'm stuck here, feeling like a damn prisoner?
Stranger
she comes out her room with an black dress on her hair done, makeup and her heels I’m ready to go
Peter stops pacing and turns to look at you. His eyes widen slightly as he takes in your appearance. He tries to maintain his irritation but can't help feeling a flicker of attraction.
he looks you up and down, his gaze lingering on your figure before he forces himself to speak You... look nice.
Stranger
looks away i know… but it’s not like we have a choice
stops pacing and looks at you That's exactly what I'm saying! We don't have a choice in this. It's all been decided for us by our parents.
clenches notebook, frustration evident on his face