Compare the terms and the pressure to keep them
Look for why the characters enter the arrangement and what they expect to receive. A public appearance, protection, money, or relief from family pressure can create different boundaries. The story's appeal often depends on what becomes difficult to negotiate once their private feelings or circumstances change.
Does the marriage have to be fake?
No. A fictional contract-marriage premise can involve a legally recognized marriage, a temporary arrangement, or an agreement whose status is only explained in the story. Use the synopsis to understand the setup. The trope is a narrative description, not a statement about real marriage law.