Contract marriage

Chapter two

Chapter 2

The Blackwood family gathered around the grand dining table, the aroma of roasted lamb and fresh vegetables filling the air. Chef Francois presented the main course, beaming with pride.

"Voila! Rack of lamb, roasted to perfection, served with a reduction of red wine and fresh rosemary."

Reginald Blackwood, Alexander's father, smiled, his eyes twinkling. "Ah, Francois, you've outdone yourself. This looks exquisite. You truly are a master of your craft."

Alexander entered the room, his tall frame commanding attention. His mother, Catherine Blackwood, rose from her seat, a warm smile on her face.

"Alexander, darling! It's so wonderful to see you. You look tired, though. Have you been working too hard?"

She embraced him, her eyes shining with genuine love. Alexander's expression softened, his eyes warming with affection for his mother.

"Mother, you look lovely as always," Alexander said, kissing her cheek. "And I'm fine, just a bit busy with work."

Reginald cleared his throat, his expression turning serious. "Alexander, now that you're back, we need to discuss your future. Specifically, your marriage and the succession of the company."

Alexander's expression turned cold, his eyes narrowing. "Father, I'm not interested in discussing this now."

Catherine placed a gentle hand on her husband's arm. "Reginald, dear, let's not push Alexander. He'll make his own decisions when the time is right."

Reginald's face reddened, his voice rising. "Someone needs to take the reins of this company, and Alexander is the only suitable heir. He needs to settle down and produce an heir of his own."

Alexander's expression turned glacial, his voice dripping with disdain. "I'll do what's best for the company, Father. But I won't be forced into some loveless marriage for the sake of succession."

Catherine's eyes filled with worry, while Reginald's face turned red with anger. Francois, sensing the unease, discreetly withdrew from the room.

"I won't discuss this further, Father," Alexander said, his voice firm.

Reginald slammed his fist on the table. "You'll do as I say, Alexander! You're the future of this company!"

Catherine stood, her voice calm but firm. "Reginald, stop. This is not the time or place. We'll discuss this later, when emotions have cooled down."

The room fell silent, the tension palpable. Alexander's cold attitude towards marriage hung in the air like a challenge, while Reginald's anger simmered just below the surface. Catherine's eyes pleaded for understanding, but Alexander's heart remained unmoved.

*************

Alexander sat behind his mahogany desk, his gaze fixed on the city skyline as he sipped his black coffee. His secretary, Rachel, entered with a stack of files. "Good morning, Mr. Blackwood. Busy day ahead," she said, her tone cautious.

Alexander's expression remained impassive. "What's first?"

Rachel didn't hesitated before answering, "Marketing meeting at 10 am. And I've included the latest sales figures."

Alexander's eyes scanned the files, his face unreadable. "Anything else?"

Rachel pause. "Your father on line one."

Alexander's gaze narrowed as he took the phone. "Father."

"Alexander, I'm enjoying the garden. Roses are blooming beautifully," his father said, attempting small talk.

Alexander cut him off. "What do you want, Father?"

"I've been having some thoughts about you, don't you think we should discuss about your future. You're not getting younger. It's time to think about marriage and family," his father said, his tone firm.

Alexander's voice remained detached. "I'm busy, Father. I don't have time for that."

"Alexander, this is important. You need to settle down, have more children. Miranda needs a younger brother.It's your duty," his father pressed.

Alexander's response was icy. "I'll consider it. If it benefits the company."

His father sighed. "Alexander, this isn't just about business. It's about your personal life."

Alexander's tone turned glacial. "My personal life is none of your concern, Father. I'll handle it."

The conversation ended abruptly, with Alexander dismissing his father's concerns. He hung up the phone, his expression unchanging. Rachel watched him, sensing the tension. "Shall I schedule a lunch meeting with L&C clients?" she asked, attempting to break the silence.

Alexander nodded curtly. "Do it."

*************

Alexander walked through the front door, exhausted from a long day at work. He was greeted by the sound of tiny feet pattering against the floor. His little daughter, Miranda, ran to him, her face scrunched up in a pout.

"Daddy's late again!" she whined, her arms crossed and her lower lip jutting out.

Alexander scooped her up in a big hug. "I'm so sorry, sweetie! Daddy had a busy day, but I'm home now!"

Miranda's frown deepened. "You promised to be home on time, but you're late! I was worried!"

Alexander winced, feeling guilty. "I know, baby. I got stuck in a meeting. But I'm here now, and I have the whole evening for us!"

Miranda's expression softened slightly, but she still looked uncertain. "Okay... But you have to make it up to me!"

Alexander grinned. "Deal! What do you want to do? We can have a picnic on the couch, or play a game, or even have a dance party!"

Miranda's face brightened. "I want a picnic! And I want stories about your day!"

Alexander settled in on the couch with Miranda, pulling out a blanket and a basket of her favorite snacks. As they munched on goldfish crackers and grapes, Alexander told her tales of his adventures at work, leaving out the boring parts.

Miranda giggled and snuggled into his side, her earlier annoyance forgotten. "Daddy, you're the best! I'm glad you're home!"

Alexander hugged her tight. "I'm glad too, sweetie. I love spending time with you. You're my favorite person in the whole world!"

As they finished their picnic, Miranda yawned, her eyelids drooping. Alexander tucked her into bed, feeling grateful for this special time with his little girl.

"Goodnight, Daddy," Miranda whispered, already half asleep.

"Goodnight, sweetie. I love you," Alexander replied, kissing her forehead. He turned out the light and tiptoed out of the room, feeling blessed to be a dad.

*******

Alexander's mind replayed the encounter with the mysterious woman, but his thoughts were laced with detachment. "Just another conquest," he thought, his mental tone devoid of emotion.

He recalled the way she smiled, but his mind reduced it to a mere calculation. "A clever tactic to reel me in."

He remembered the way she laughed, but his thoughts dismissed it as "a predictable response to charm."

He replayed the way they danced, but his mind saw it as "a well-executed maneuver to get close."

Alexander's thoughts lingered on the memory of her kiss, but his mental voice remained unimpressed. "A skilled move, but nothing remarkable."

He thought about not knowing her name, but his mind shrugged it off. "Irrelevant. She served her purpose."

Alexander's mental gaze turned cold, his thoughts devoid of warmth or attachment. "Just another forgettable encounter," he concluded, his mind already moving on to the next challenge, the next conquest. The

memory of the mysterious woman was reduced to a mere footnote, a fleeting distraction in his calculated existence.