Chapter 6: The Contract Clause
529 Words
I couldn't breathe.
Victoria's slap still burned on my cheek. The entire university hallway was staring. Whispers. Phones recording.
Alexander's hand on my wrist was the only thing keeping me upright. "Enough," he said to Victoria. His voice was quiet. Deadly. "You will not touch my wife again."
Wife. He said it. In public.
Victoria's perfect smile cracked. "Your wife? Alexander, don't be dramatic. This girl is a charity case. You married her to save your reputation after I left you."
Left him? She left HIM?
"Get out," Alexander said. "Now."
"Or what?" Victoria stepped closer, her perfume choking me. "You'll fire me from the board? You can't. Not without explaining why you really needed a fake marriage. Should I tell everyone, Alex? About the clause?"
Clause? What clause?
Alexander went still. "You wouldn't dare."
Victoria laughed. "Watch me." She turned to the crowd. "Professor Westwood didn't marry his student for love. He married her because his contract with the university requires—"
"Victoria." Alexander's voice cut like glass.
She smirked and walked away. "Enjoy your scandal, Mrs. Westwood."
The crowd dispersed, but the damage was done. Phones had recorded everything.
Back in the penthouse, I was shaking. "What clause? What was she talking about?"
Alexander poured himself whiskey. He didn't offer me any. "It's nothing. University politics."
"Don't lie to me!" I grabbed the marriage contract from his desk. The one I signed. "Where is it? What clause?"
He tried to take it from me. I stepped back, scanning pages. Page 1: Basic terms. Page 2: One year duration. Page 3: Confidentiality.
Page 4.
My blood ran cold.
*Clause 7.2: In order to maintain his position as Head of Department, Professor Westwood must demonstrate 'stable family life'. Should the marriage fail to produce an heir within 24 months, the university board reserves the right to terminate his employment immediately.*
An heir.
A baby.
I looked up at him. "You... you need me to have your child?"
"No." He finally looked human. Guilty. "I never intended to... Evangeline, I would never force you. The clause is just for show. Victoria added it to trap me after she left. I thought I could ignore it."
"So you married me to keep your job?" My voice broke. "And now I have to give you a baby to save it?"
"No! I married you to save your father. The clause... I was going to find a way out before—"
"Before what? Before you knocked me up and threw me away like Vronsky?"
He flinched like I slapped him.
I threw the contract at him. "I signed away my life for my father. But I won't sign away my body. Not for you. Not for anyone."
I ran to my room and locked the door.
Hours later, there was a slide of paper under my door. His handwriting:
You were right. I am like Vronsky. Selfish. I used you.
Burn the contract. You're free. I'll find another way to save your father.
I resign tomorrow.
He was giving up his career. For me.
He's sacrificing everything. But is it too late? Comment "NEXT" for Chapter 7 🔥 The Charity Gala!
- Writer
