Chapter 5 — The Contract
413 Words
Emma stared at the contract on Alexander's desk.
One year.
That was all he was asking for.
One year of marriage in exchange for saving her family.
It sounded simple.
But nothing about Alexander Blackwood felt simple.
“What happens after the year?” Emma asked.
“The marriage ends.”
“And that's it?”
Alexander nodded.
“You walk away with your family's debts completely paid.”
Emma looked down at the contract again.
“And you?”
“I return to my life.”
She studied his face, searching for some sign that he was lying.
There was nothing.
“You really don't care who I marry after that?”
Alexander's jaw tightened.
“That won't concern me.”
Something about his answer bothered her.
Before Emma could respond, the office door opened.
A woman in an expensive black dress walked inside without knocking.
“Alexander.”
He immediately looked annoyed.
“Victoria, what are you doing here?”
The woman glanced at Emma.
“So this is her.”
Emma frowned.
“Who are you?”
Victoria smiled, but there was no warmth in it.
“Someone who knows Alexander very well.”
Alexander stepped between them.
“Leave.”
Victoria ignored him.
“You're really going through with this?”
“It's none of your business.”
“It will become my business when you marry her.”
Emma looked from one to the other.
There was clearly a history between them.
Alexander's voice became colder.
“Victoria, I won't warn you again.”
Victoria finally turned toward the door.
But before leaving, she looked at Emma.
“Be careful, sweetheart. Alexander Blackwood doesn't marry women he loves.”
Emma's stomach tightened.
The door closed.
Silence filled the office.
Emma slowly turned toward Alexander.
“Was she telling the truth?”
Alexander didn't answer.
“Do you love her?”
“No.”
The answer came immediately.
Emma wasn't sure why that made her feel relieved.
She picked up the pen.
“I'll do it.”
Alexander's eyes narrowed.
“You're certain?”
“No.”
She signed her name.
“But my family needs me.”
Alexander watched her place the pen down.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
Then he signed his own name.
The agreement was official.
Emma Carter was now engaged to Alexander Blackwood.
But neither of them knew that their carefully planned business marriage was about to become something neither had expected.
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