“My situation is none of your concern. Just answer me. Yes or no?” Tyler asked.

Rachel naturally wasn’t going to say no, but she had one condition.

“Can we shorten the period? How about just one month? And I’ll only be your temporary girlfriend. Once the contract expires, we’re done. No strings attached.”

“No problem.”

Tyler agreed so quickly that it caught Rachel off guard.

But that was fine. Tyler only needed a stand-in girlfriend, anyway. It wasn’t like it was going to be long-term.

There were some things Rachel felt were better to make clear from the start. It would save them the trouble of arguing later on. Honestly, she wasn’t even sure she’d be able to win an argument with Tyler.

Rachel thought for a second and said, “I don’t have any other clauses to add. If you fall for someone else during this time, just let me know. We can end the contract early. It’s not a big deal.”

As Tyler fastened the last button on his shirt, he dragged his words on purpose. “So generous, huh?”

Rachel smiled and patted her chest confidently. “Don’t worry, I know where the boundaries are.”

Tyler’s phone buzzed. He glanced at it.

“If everything’s good, go ahead and sign.”

“Alright.”

Rachel didn’t hesitate. She knew Tyler was her best option right now.

Besides, this kind of arrangement was the easiest kind of relationship, casual and pressure-free. They could start anytime and end just as easily, without getting too involved in each other’s personal lives.

The years she spent with William had taught her how desire for control and possessiveness could turn someone into the version of themselves their partner hated most.

It was only after spending a few years abroad that Rachel realized the most beautiful phase of a relationship was just dating. There was space and no crossing of boundaries.

Tyler picked up the jacket slung over the back of the chair.

“Come with me.”

“Where are we going?” Rachel asked.

Tyler gave her a sidelong glance. “You’re already my girlfriend. Are you afraid I’ll sell you off?”

Rachel pouted. “Why sell me at all? I’m not even worth much.”

Tyler smiled. “That depends on who’s buying.”

Rachel hadn’t quite processed what he meant when the door slammed shut. She quickly got dressed and rushed to catch up.

Chapter 446

After just a few steps, Rachel realized her body was killing her.

It burned.

Was Tyler some kind of wild beast?

Men who’d held it in too long were truly terrifying!

She guessed the alcohol from the night before had numbed the pain, but now it hurt more than her worst period cramps.

Rachel got in the car, and the bumpy ride only made her drowsier. It was mostly because she was just too exhausted. The night before had drained her. She hadn’t even felt this tired after late-night business dinners.

It was all Tyler’s fault!

She leaned against the car window and closed her eyes. Tyler could hear her shallow breathing.

He tapped on Yale’s seat.

Yale glanced at Rachel through the rearview mirror and instinctively slowed down.

Soon, the car stopped in front of a hospital.

Tyler reached over and gently patted Rachel, but she didn’t stir. His warm fingertips brushed across her fair cheek.

It seemed he really had been too rough last night.

Rachel, half-asleep, felt herself swaying. The bumps made her eyes flutter open. The first thing she saw was a man’s defined features and that chiseled jawline.

She looked around and realized Tyler was carrying her. People nearby were staring at her oddly.

Rachel immediately started squirming and whispered, “Put me down, now!”