Page 13 of The Alpha's Crimson Vow

Then I spot the family elders. They’re seated at their table, looking like a collective group of men who just lost a high-stakes bet. Their disappointment is palpable, and it fuels me.

I squeeze Alex’s arm lightly before leaning into the microphone and delivering my speech. My words come easily, and I keep my tone steady and confident, declaring the gala officially open and welcoming everyone to enjoy the evening.

The rest of the night is a blur of handshakes, smiles, and polite conversation. Guests and associates approach me one after another, and each time, I introduce Alex as my boyfriend. He plays along effortlessly, charming everyone with his easy demeanor. It’s almost too perfect.

Out of the corner of my eye, I catch Frank watching us from across the room, his face tight with restrained fury. He doesn’t approach me. Neither do the elders. They wouldn’t dare.

And that’s when it hits me—like a flash of lightning in the middle of a clear sky.

What if I keep this up?

If they believe Alex is my boyfriend, they can’t use my single status to undermine me anymore. It’s genius.

I turn to Alex, who’s currently nodding politely at something one of the guests is saying. He’s so oblivious, so utterly wholesome inhis willingness to help, that I almost feel bad for what I’m about to ask. Almost.

The guest walks off and I turn to Alex.

“Alex,” I say softly, waiting until his attention is fully on me.

“Yes, Ms. Lockhart?” His brow furrows slightly, curiosity flickering in his eyes.

“There’s something I’d like to ask you. Actually, I need your help with something.”

“Of course Ms Lockhart.” He replies, his frame lightly hunching in attentiveness.

I take a steadying breath, my voice calm and measured. “I’d like to offer you a contract.”

His head tilts, confusion washing over his face. “A… contract?”

“Yes.” I nod, holding his gaze. “I want you to be my contract boyfriend.”

Chapter Five

Katherine

The air in the office feels heavier today—charged with something unspoken but palpable. It’s not a bad kind of tension, just… different. Even the setup feels foreign. Normally, when Alex is in here, I’d be perched on the couch, relaxed, while he’d take the chair across from me. But today? Today, he’s sitting across from me at my desk, my usual workspace, and I can’t shake the feeling that the room is holding its breath.

I glance up briefly, catching the way his eyes linger on me. He’s quiet, patient, but his presence feels magnified. It’s distracting, almost as if the energy between us has changed slightly, settled into something new. I force myself to focus, scanning the contract in front of me one last time. My fingers trace the edges of the document, my eyes darting over the key points:

- No intimacy required.

- A commitment to play the part of my boyfriend at any public event where a partner might be expected.

- A strict non-disclosure agreement.

- And, of course, a very generous monthly payment to make it worth his time.

It’s all there. Clean, professional, airtight. It’s perfect.

Satisfied, I slide the contract across the desk, watching as it stops neatly in front of him. “Take a look,” I say, my voice steady but soft. “Let me know if there’s anything that doesn’t sit well with you.”

For a moment, he just looks at me, and there’s something almost playful in his expression. Not mocking, not even close, just this quiet amusement that lets me know he’s comfortable. Relaxed.It’s the kind of look that could make someone feel warm without knowing why.

He picks up the contract, his long fingers holding it delicately as his eyes skim the pages. It doesn’t take long for his eyebrows to arch, the faintest look of surprise crossing his face. “That’s… quite a lot of money, Ms. Lockhart.”

I clear my throat, turning slightly in my chair. “It’s fair,” I reply, trying to keep my tone neutral. “I was worried it might not be enough.”

“It’s more than fair. Honestly, I’d have done this just to help you.” His eyes remain on the contract as he speaks. “It actually looks like the deal’s more in my favor than yours.”

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