LOVE IN CONTRACT

Maya's POV Outside, the night felt cooler than I expected. The streetlights cast soft yellow circles on the road and I could hear the distant hum of cars and faint voices from nearby apartments. Along the street, I could see the warm glow from cafe that Sophia was about to start her shift, and steam curled from a manhole near the curb. Sophia stood beside me, scrolling through her phone while I checked mine for the fifth time. "Has the ride moved?" She asked without looking up. "Still says five minutes," I replied. "It's been five minutes for the past ten minutes." She laughed. "Welcome to ride apps." I shifted my weight from one foot to the other, the hem of my gown brushing against my ankles. Standing outside suddenly made everything feel more real. Inside the house, it was just a dress and nerves. Out here, it felt like a decision I couldn't undo. Sophia finally looked at me. "You're overthinking." "I know," i said quickly. "I just... don't know what to expect." "You're not meant to," she replied. "You're just going to observe, remember?" I nodded, although my fingers tightened around my clutch. "I keep thinking I should have worn something else." Sophia scoffed. "Maya, if you change that dress now, I'll personally disown you." That made me smile, briefly. "Okay, fine." She leaned against the low fence beside us. "You're doing this for work. Not to impress anyone. Not to be noticed." "That's the problem," i said quietly. "What if I am noticed?" Sophia studied me for a second. "Then you smile, take mental notes, and leave." I exhaled slowly. "You make it sound easy." "It's not easy," she admitted. "But you can handle it." I checked my phone again. The car icon had finally started moving. "It's on the way." I said. "Good," she replied. "Because if it keeps you waiting longer, you'll talk yourself out of this." I didn't deny it. A car passed us slowly, headlights sweeping over the street. For a second, my heart jumped, then settled again. Sophia straightened. "Listen," she said, lowering her voice. "Just remember why you're there. You're not sneaking around. You're just doing your job." I nodded. "I know." "And no matter what you see," she added, "don't jump to conclusions." That landed heavier than she probably meant it to. "I won't," i said. The car finally turned into our street. I recognized the plate number immediately and felt my chest tighten. "That's me," I said. Sophia smiled. "Text me when you arrive." "I will." "And Maya?" I looked at her. "You look good," she said simply. "Not the dress. You." My throat tightened slightly. "Thank you." The car pulled up in front of us and slowed to a stop. I opened the door, then hesitated. Sophia raised an eyebrow. "You good?" "Yeah," i said. "Just... wish me luck." She waved her hand. "You don't need luck. Just be yourself." I slid into the back seat and closed the door. The car smelled faintly of air freshener and leather. As it pulled away, I looked out the window and saw Sophia still standing there, watching until the car turned the corner, and I felt a mix of gratitude and nervousness. Only then did I allow myself to breathe properly. The city lights blurred past as we moved. The car moved smoothly, tyres humming against the road.  My reflection stared back at me from the window; calm on the outside, questions stacked quietly behind my eyes. I sat back properly this time, placing my clutch on my lap like it could somehow steady me. The driver didn't say anything, just focused on the road, and I was grateful for the silence. My phone buzzed. I picked it up too quickly, heart jumping, then relaxed Wjat I saw Sophia's name. Sophia: Text me when you get there. And stop frowning. I know you are I smiled faintly and typed back. Me: I'm not frowning. I'm just... thinking." Three dots appeared almost immediately. Sophia: That's the same thing. I let out a small breathe and looked out the window. Buildings passed by, some familiar, some not. At night, it was felt different; quieter, but sharper somehow.  I typed again. Me: I wish you were coming with me. There was a pause this time. Longer. Sophia: You know I can't. Strict invitation. Plus my shift. I knew that. She had already explained it earlier. Hart family events weren't the kind of places you just tagged along to. Names were checked. Faces were memorized. Extra people stood out. Still, knowing didn't make it easier. Me: I know. Just saying. Sophia: You'll be fine. You always are." I locked my phone and rested it on my thigh. The car slowed briefly at a traffic light, and I caught my reflection in the window again. The black gown looked darker in the night, almost blending into the shadows, but my face didn't. My eyes looked too alert. Too aware. I adjusted my posture, crossing my legs carefully. I suddenly became conscious of everything; how I was sitting, how I would walk when I get there, whether my smile would look forced or natural. This wasn't just dressing up and showing up. It felt... calculated. Like every move would matter, even the ones I didn't realize I was making. My phone buzzed again. This time, it was Nina. I hesitated before opening it. Nina: How's it going? On your way? I swallowed and typed back. Me: Yes. In the car now. Another pause. Nina: Good. Remember to observe. Don't rush. Don't assume. I stared at the screen for a few seconds before replying. Me: I will. I didn't add anything else. I didn't ask questions. Nina wasn't the type to reassure you. She gave instructions and expected results. The car picked up speed again, merging into a wider road. Streetlights lined the way now, evenly spaced, leading somewhere that already felt far from my normal routine. I wondered what Sophia was doing at the moment, probably already changing into her work clothes, tying her apron, slipping into her easy confidence. She fits into place effortlessly. I always needed a moment.  I rubbed my palm lightly against my gown, grounding myself. Why was I even nervous? It wasn't like I liked him. It wasn't like I wanted anything to happen tonight. This wasn't a date. This wasn't personal. I was just going somewhere unfamiliar. That was all. Maybe it was the crowd i was scared of. The kind of gatherings were everyone looked confident and put together. Where people spoke easily and laughed like they belonged there. People who didn't second- guess their steps or rehearse their smiles. I wasn't afraid of Ryan Hart. I didn't even know him well enough for that. I shifted slightly, adjusting my grip on the clutch. The fabric of the gown felt cool under my fingers, real enough to keep me present. This was just work. Observation. One night. I wasn't there to be seen. I was there to watch. I took a slow breath and held onto that thought, hoping it would be enough. I straightened my shoulders anyway. I had walked into rooms before, unsure and unnoticed, and I had survived them.  This would be no different. I hoped.