“That’s - quite a leap of logic,” I said, frowning at him. If I’d known Lisa was practically in Mr. Thorne’s pocket, I never would have had so many deeply personal conversations with her. She’d just gone on maternity leave, so I wouldn’t even have an opportunity to corner her and ask her what the hell she was thinking. Not that I’d dare. I tried to think of other things I’d said to her, my ears starting to burn as I searched my mind.
Mr. Thorne bit his lip. “I’ve offended you,” he said, standing up. “I apologize.”
“Wait,” I said. “Are you serious about this?”
“Yes,” he said. “Of course.”
“You’re not playing some kind of elaborate prank on me?”
His smile returned. “What sort of person do you think I am?”
The attorney made a small noise, shifting in his chair.
“I assume I’ll be compensated in some way?” I said, trying to sound cool and composed. I didn’t know the proper way to react in this situation - hell, I didn’t know if there was a proper way - but I was trying to pretend like he hadn’t completely floored me with this offer. A marriage of convenience? Who even did that in real life?
“Of course,” said Mr. Thorne, sitting back down and reaching for the sheaf of papers sitting on the table. “It’s quite simple, when you cut through all the legalese. You will need to live with me for the next year, at least, for appearance’s sake. During that time, I will support you and provide for all of your needs and wants. After that time passes, you will be compensated with two million dollars U.S., payable in cash or bearer bonds.”
My heart stopped for a moment.
Mr. Thorne didn’t skip a beat. “You will need to end your employment here, obviously - again, for appearance’s sake. But I will ensure that you receive an even better job placement at another firm, after the terms of the agreement are fulfilled. In the event of any legal trouble, you will still be compensated, so long as you make a reasonable effort to keep the façade intact.”
“What constitutes a reasonable effort?” I wanted to know.
He rustled some pages. “That’s spelled out here, as well. You’re agreeing to spend a minimum of ten hours going over the details of our fictional relationship in preparation for the INS interview. When in public, you will behave at all times as if we are a couple. This may include some physical interaction, which…” he drifted off, staring at the carpet. Was he embarrassed? Surely not. “…I hope you will find…agreeable…”#p#分页标题#e#
The attorney sighed loudly. “I feel compelled to point out that a contract for an illegal agreement will not hold up in court.”
I hadn’t even considered that, but of course he was right.
Mr. Thorne nodded. “The contract is a formality. Just to clarify the obligations we’d both have.”
“It sounds….” I wasn’t sure how it sounded. “Can I have some time to think about it?”
“Excellent,” said Mr. Thorne, briskly, his professional demeanor returning in a moment’s time. I noticed there was still some extra color in his face, though. “You can peruse the contract as thoroughly as you’d like, but I’m afraid I can’t allow it to leave this room. For obvious reasons.”
“Of course,” I said. I flipped through the pages, my eyes scanning the words as if I could possibly make sense of them. My head was swimming, and I felt like I was in some kind of dream. Some part of me was convinced that I would wake up at any moment.
“You can take a few days, if you like.” said Mr. Thorne. ” Come to my office anytime if you want to look over it. I’ll keep it in my desk.”
“Thank you,” I said. “I think I’ll come back tomorrow.”
He nodded, taking the papers from me and straightening them. “I’ll see you then.”
I spent the rest of my work day in a haze. Two million dollars? If I played my cards right, with the lifestyle I was accustomed to, I could live off of that money forever. Probably. Couldn’t I? I actually had no idea; I’d never considered the possibility of having a few million dollars dropped in my lap. I had fantasies, of course. Didn’t everyone? But I had never given them any serious thought.
I supposed I could hire someone to manage the money. Mr. Thorne probably knew some reputable financial planners - people who would make sure that I never had to work another day in my life. I could pursue my art on my own terms, instead of toiling away as a corporate drone for the rest of my working years.