Married by Scandal, Bound by Contract

WILL NEVER FALL FOR A MAN LIKE YOU

ELARA’S POV

I stand in front of the city's tallest building, The Knight Corporation, gawking up at the glass walls that reflect the bright afternoon sun. It's a breathtaking sight.

So this is where Alexander Knight heads. I curl my fingers around my bag and exhale lightly. “This is just a meeting. Let's get this over with.

I know it is more than that. This meeting will decide my future. I walk through the glass door inside the building. The lobby is huge, serene, and beautiful. The floor shines like a mirror, and the workers at the front desk are dressed in neat suits. The place screams expensive and perfect.

I walk up to one of the receptionists with a smile, “Hello, I have a meeting with Mr. Alexander Knight.”

She checks her computer and smiles back at me, “Yes, Miss Whitmore. The assistant is expecting you.”

Some minutes later, a familiar man walks toward me, Ethan Cole. He stops in front of me and nods. “Miss Whitmore.”

“Mr. Cole,” I bow.

“This way, please,” he says, and turns toward the elevator.

We enter the elevator, and he presses the top floor button. The elevator moves up quietly and fast. There is an awkward silence between us. I opt to fill it up.

“Did he send you to convince me to marry him?” I ask.

Ethan glances at me and gives a polite smile. “No, Miss Whitmore, Mr. Knight does not convince people; rather, he makes deals with them.”

I don’t know why, but that sentence makes me nervous. The elevator stops, and the doors slide open into a large private office space. The place is more luxurious than an office. The windows are made of glass from top to bottom. One can see a nice view of the whole city from this angle. There is a big desk, a big black sofa, and shelves filled with books and awards.

Alexander Knight stands near the window, hands in pockets, with his back facing us. He is tall, wearing a black fitted suit that is unable to hide his masculine figure. He gives off a calm and powerful figure just by standing there.

“Sir, Miss Whitmore is here.” Ethan draws his attention.

Alexander turns around slowly and I briefly forget how to breathe. The first time I saw him, I was totally confused and scared at the same time. But seeing him clearly now, in broad daylight, I finally understand why people are afraid of him. His face is sharp and serious. He has a cold expression that gives a warning before one can even come close. His emerald eyes are dangerously calm such that I can get lost in them and hurt myself if I'm not careful. They show he is always thinking ten steps ahead of everyone.

Dayum! He is young… and handsome, unlike what the rumors say

He treads towards us, carefully taking his time.

“Miss Whitmore,” he calls.

“Mr. Knight,” I reply.

Ethan leaves the room and closes the door gently behind him. Now it is just the two of us.

Alexander walks past me and sits down on the sofa. He gestures for me to sit opposite him.

I sit down while trying not to show nervousness.

He picks up a file from the side table and places it on the glass table before me. “This is the marriage contract.”

I flip open the file and begin reading.

“A contract marriage for two years,” he says as I read. “During those two years, we will live together as husband and wife in public.”

“In public?”

“Yes. In private, we live separate lives. No love relationship, emotional attachment, nor interference in each other’s personal matters.”

I cross my arms. “So basically, we are strangers living in the same house,”

“Yes and in return,” he continues, "I will help your company financially. I will invest money and business resources into Whitmore Company. The board members will not remove you as CEO if Knight Corporation supports you.”

I think about it, that makes sense. It's just a business deal. Marriage in exchange for business support, no feelings attached. I'll be on my own and use the opportunity to achieve all I've ever wanted. First thing first, is getting back my revenge and securing my place in my late dad's company.

“After two years,” he continues, “we will divorce peacefully, no drama and no demands.”

I close the file and face him. “And what do you gain from this?” I ask.

He studies me. “My reputation remains clean,” he says. “The media will see this as a romantic story instead of a scandal. My grandfather will stop bothering me about marriage and our companies can cooperate. So it's a win win.”

He has calculated and planned this thoughtfully.

“This marriage is beneficial for both of us,” he says.

I pause for sometime, thinking. “I have conditions,” I blurt out.

He leans back without breaking eye contact. “Go on.” He makes a gesture with his hands.

“I want full control of my father’s company,” I firmly request. “My stepmother currently controls the shares and inheritance until I get married. Once we marry, I want legal protection so she can never take the company from me.”

“That can be arranged,” he says.

“That’s not all. I also want protection from my stepmother and stepsister,” I carry on. “They set me up. I don’t trust them, hence, I don’t want them interfering in my life or company anymore.”

He gazes at me. Is that amusement I see there?

“Agreed,” he sits upright.

I never thought he'd agree so easily.

“Anything else?”

“That’s all,”

He picks up a pen and places it on the contract. “Sign.”

I hold the pen in my hand, then hesitate. Even if this is fake and just a contract, this is going to change the course of my life. Well, it is what it is. There's no going back now. It only gets tough from here. I sigh and sign my name, Elara Whitmore.

He takes the contract, signs his own name, and closes the file. Then he speaks in an emotionless voice. “From today onward, you are my wife. I'll play my part but don’t ever expect me to love you.”

“Don’t worry Mr Alexander. I would never fall in love with a man like you.”

For the first time, I see a very small smile appear on his face but it vanishes in a blink.

Ethan suddenly comes in just in time. “Sir, the media is outside. They are waiting to announce your marriage.”

Alexander stands up and adjusts his suit in a controlled manner. He stretches his palm towards me. “Let’s go, Mrs. Knight.”

Mrs. Knight…My mouth falls open. For a moment there, I forget this is an act. I quickly compose myself. I place my palm on his and rise up.

This is it for me. Let the game begin.