Chapter 2 – Signed Away
841 Words
Aria Lancaster has always felt that her life was not someone else's to control. That she alone was responsible for her decisions, her goals, and her future.
However, she became aware of her ignorance as she sat rigidly across from her father and his legal team in a chilly, empty conference room.
She didn't choose this.
It was a phrase.
Between her and the pile of papers that would tie her to Kieran Blackwood—a man she had never seen but whose reputation chilled her to the bone—was a thick mahogany table.
Beside her, her father sat with a stressed-out countenance. Kieran's lawyer and closest confidant, Nathaniel Calloway, was standing across from them. As if this were simply another commercial transaction, he had been despatched to complete the sale in Kieran's place.
Because that's all it was to Kieran Blackwood.
Nathaniel's countenance was inscrutable as he adjusted his spectacles. "Are you prepared to move forward, Miss Lancaster?"
In her lap, Aria's hands clenched into fists. Are you ready?
Should she have been prepared to give away her freedom?
She spoke in a cold tone. "Remind me, Mr. Calloway. What precisely is covered by this contract?
At her disobedience, Nathaniel hardly blinked. His voice was smooth but emotionless as he handed the papers in her direction. According to the arrangement, you and Mr. Blackwood's marriage will be enforceable for precisely one year. You will meet all of the expectations that the public has of a woman at that period. Appearances at functions, co-interviews when necessary, and maintaining the appearance of a blissfully happy marriage.
Bile rose in her throat, and she could feel it. "And a year later?"
Nathaniel's mouth moved a little. "Your father's debts will be paid off, and you will be freed from the marriage. Both Lancaster Enterprises and your family name will continue to exist.
She felt a chill go through her body. "What does he receive?"
Nathaniel looked her in the eye. "That's between Kieran and you."
The unsaid words made her stomach knot.
Kieran wasn't telling her that there was more to their arrangement.
The way Nathaniel sidestepped the actual subject gave her a sense of it.
Turning to her father, Aria waited for him to speak, to get up and inform her that he had discovered a different route.
Jonathan Lancaster, however, just averted his gaze.
Coward.
Aria took a deep breath. I will never again allow a guy to determine my destiny.
She took up the pen without saying another word.
And signed her life away.
The conference room's walls seemed to enclose her as soon as the last ink stroke dried.
Nathaniel nodded contentedly and quickly gathered the papers. "It is finished. The remainder will be decided by the legal teams. The public will learn about your involvement tomorrow.
Aria's head jerked forward. "Tomorrow?"
Nathaniel's forehead raised. Did you anticipate that this would be kept a secret? Among the most powerful persons in the nation is Mr. Blackwood. This marriage is a show rather than just a private arrangement. The world will be aware.
Her chest began to ache sharply with realization.
Her name would be linked to his tomorrow.
The world would think she had voluntarily accepted the role of Mrs. Kieran Blackwood tomorrow.
Jonathan moved apprehensively. "I know this is—" Aria said.
She gave him a stare so intense that he stopped talking.
This was more than simply embarrassing. A life sentence in a cage of gold.
In a courteous but forceful tone, Nathaniel picked up his briefcase. Early in the morning, Kieran will be waiting for you at the Blackwood estate. You'll move in right away.
The icing on the cake.
Even though Aria's eyesight was hazy around the edges, she resisted showing signs of terror.
Don't cry. Not a bit weak.
Aria Lancaster was her name.
And Kieran Blackwood was in for a big shock if he had assumed she would be some submissive, quiet wife.
There was silence on the drive back to the Lancaster estate.
As the city lights flickered by, Aria sat in the backseat of her father's automobile and stared blankly out the window.
Since he had left the meeting room, Jonathan had remained silent.
She wanted to yell at him and ask how he could harm her in this way. However, the reality remained that nothing would change.
Aria just opened the door and got out as the vehicle eventually came to a halt in front of the Lancaster home.
Jonathan trailed behind. "Aria—"
Her face was expressionless as she turned. "Avoid it."
His face twisted. "This is not what I ever wanted for you."
"Then you ought to have put an end to it."
Quiet.
Despite the pain in her chest, Aria remained strong.
She entered without saying anything further and made her way directly to her room.
She would not be sleeping in her bed again after tonight.
She would awaken the next day as Aria Blackwood.
And she would go to battle with Kieran.
- Writer
