Contract Marriage With Alpha Snow novel Chapter 117

Chapter 117: Partnership Signed

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Chapter 117

~Tempest’s POV~

As I watched Ryland pack his belongings, I could hear the soft hum of the city outside my apartment.

We had spent days together, engrossed in laughter and conversations, but there was tension between us now.

As much as I wanted to deny it, I’d come to care for him, maybe more than I wanted to admit.

He was methodical as he gathered his things, his presence filling every corner of my apartment. I folded my arms, leaning against the doorframe, watching him.

The thought of him leaving sent a strange pang through me, making my heart clench even as my mind insisted it was the right thing to let him go.

Finally, he looked up, his gaze meeting mine with that steady, unreadable look that somehow felt warmer over these days together.

"Thanks for letting me stay," he said softly but I could sense the hint of reluctance in his tone. "But I should head back before... before things get complicated."

I managed a nod, a small smile tugging at my lips. "I’m glad you stayed, Ryland," I replied, my voice betraying the small ache I felt at the idea of saying goodbye. "But... yeah, I understand."

Seeing the expression on my face, Ryland approached, his eyes holding an intensity as he stopped just a few inches away. I could feel his warmth, the familiar pull between us that had grown into something I wasn’t sure I could ignore.

His fingers brushed against mine, a simple touch that seemed to hold everything we hadn’t said. And before I could second-guess myself, I leaned up, pressing my lips to his, a gentle kiss that quickly grew, becoming a goodbye neither of us wanted to say.

His hand cupped my cheek, drawing me in closer. For a moment, everything else disappeared, and it was just us, suspended in that kiss, refusing to let reality intrude.

But reality always did. With a sigh, he pulled back slightly, resting his forehead against mine. "Take care of yourself, Tempest," he muttered.

I swallowed as the ache in my chest grew. "You too, Ryland."

Reluctantly, I followed him to the door, forcing myself to keep it casual, to hide how much I wished he’d just stay. But this was how things had to be and we both knew that.

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~Zara’s POV~

Just as planned, the following week arrived with excitement. Today, we were finalizing the long-awaited partnership with Andrew Blake’s company.

Finally.

I adjusted my blazer as I stood outside the boardroom, feeling the weight of both anticipation and pride. This deal represented not only progress for our company but also my personal growth and a chance to prove myself.

Snow stood beside me, looking sharp in a tailored suit; his presence grounded me, even though his expression was as unreadable as ever. He gave a slight nod, meeting my eyes. "Ready?"

I took a breath, nodding back. "Let’s do this."