"W-what?"

“Yes, literally.” Gage nodded. “You will be required to warm my bed, literally. Using your body, you go lie in my bed and warm it up until it is nice and toasty…every night, too.”

Eva could only gape at him, utterly speechless now. Why did a person like this exist!?

[Consequence if Party A fails to carry out Condition #2: Party A must permit Party B to do one intimate thing with Party A in bed. Party A is not allowed to reject Party B’s request.]

A cough echoed out as Eva choked on her saliva once again.

[Condition #2.2: Party A must not touch Party B while Party A is doing Condition #2.]

[Consequence if Party A fails to respect Condition 2.2: Party A must grant one request from Party B.]

[Condition #3: Party A must live with Party B for the stipulated duration (one month).]

[Condition #4: Party A must be home before dinner every night.]

[Condition #5: Party A must not get involved with another man within the stipulated duration (one month).]

[Consequence if Party A fails to meet Conditions #3, #4, and #5: Party B is free to choose one punishment for Party A and Party A must accept said punishment.]

[Other important details: Party B must not do anything to Party A without Party A’s permission. Party B must never impose any form of abuse on Party A. If Party A is not able to adhere to the consequences three times, Party B is allowed to revoke the contract and Party A will be held liable. If Party B inflicts any kind of abuse(s), Party A is allowed to revoke the contract and will not be held liable.]

She flipped the paper, and she became even more agog when she saw that that was the last condition.

Eva was literally dumbstruck now. She did not even know what to say or how to react.

“That’s it? I mean, that is all, right?” Eva had to double-check and ask. It somehow did not feel legitimate.

A wicked smile curved along Gage’s lips. “You want more, pet?”

“No!! No…I mean, this –”

“Don’t worry, Eva. As long as you meet the conditions, you won’t even need to worry at all about the consequences.” He winked at her as he said it. “However, of course, it’s still up to you to decide. So? What is your decision? Are you going to sign this agreement? Tick-tock, pet…time’s a-running…”

Gage tapped on his wristwatch.

“You still have ten minutes. You can use the remaining time to think through it carefully and still have the chance to back off, Eva. It’s still not too late.” As Gage said that, Eva looked down and stared at the papers again.

Her inner demoness came out once again, like a devil on her shoulder. ‘Are you really going to do this?’ she asked, and Eva’s answer was a firm ‘Yes.’

‘But don’t you think his conditions are way too suspicious? Let’s be honest, it’s almost ridiculous, you know?! Like, who the hell would ask for a literal bed warmer?’

‘I know! But maybe he just needs a literal bed warmer because of some trauma or something like that? You know, some people really do have weird conditions, right? Perhaps he's paranoid of using a heater in his room because he's afraid it might accidentally catch fire. Or, maybe Mr. Acheron can only sleep in a bed that is warmed by someone else’s body heat and that’s why he's asking for a literal bed warmer.’

‘Well, you do have a point there. But what could have caused such a beautiful man to have this weird condition?’

‘How would I know?! Rich people are weird, anyway. And I, for one, don’t have the damn luxury of time to think about that right now! I know that this man is very suspicious, but this is my best and only choice right now. I told you, I will do anything to get my revenge.’

And with a bitter smile on her lips, Eva decided to take the plunge. There was no way that she was backing out! She knew that she would not find better options no matter where she went, especially because of the rumours that had already tarnished her name. If she did not go through with this, it would take her a really long time before she could stand up again, much less get the opportunity to exact her ultimate revenge. This deal…this was the easiest, fastest, and most sure-fire way for her to achieve her goal. As long as…as long as Gage kept his word, there would be nothing she would not pay to achieve this.

Slowly, Eva placed the paper on the table. Her lashes fluttered before she looked at Gage with an intent gaze.

Then, she grabbed the ballpoint pen.

“You know that once you sign, there will be no more turning back, right?” Gage said when Eva was about to sign. She looked up at him again, her hands pausing in the act.

“I am well aware of that, Mr. Acheron. I’ve signed countless contracts in my life, and it is impossible for me not to know that. Besides, this contract is pretty simple. I don’t need a lawyer to understand it.”

Gage leaned against his hands, which were intertwined before him.

“You really are one brave woman.” And his smile widened.

He leaned closer and whispered into her ear. “But keep this in mind, Eva. Once this contract between us is signed…you can’t run anymore.” He was reminding her for the last time.

“I’m not going to run. As long as you keep your word that you will not abuse me, I can live with your demands and do my job properly.”

“Good girl.” He smiled at her, and Eva finally signed the paper.