Chapter 4: The Contract
1078 Words
Ava couldn't take her eyes off the contract lying on the polished mahogany desk.
The numbers printed on the first page seemed unreal.
Her hands trembled as she slowly turned another page.
The agreement was detailed—far more detailed than she had expected.
There were rules for public appearances, media interviews, living arrangements, finances, and even how they were expected to behave around Ethan's family and business associates.
Everything was written with the precision of a legal document.
She looked up.
"You've really thought this through."
Ethan folded his hands on the desk.
"I don't make important decisions without preparation."
"And you've done this before?"
His expression hardened.
"No."
"So why me?"
"You were honest."
Ava frowned.
"Honest?"
"When my car almost hit you, you didn't ask for money."
She blinked.
"At the charity gala, you embarrassed yourself, yet you apologized before anyone blamed you."
"I was at fault."
"You've lost your home, your job, and almost everything you own."
She looked away.
"You investigated me?"
"I investigate everyone who enters my life."
His answer was so calm that it almost frightened her.
Ava sighed.
"I suppose billionaires don't trust easily."
"I don't trust at all."
Silence settled between them.
She looked down at the contract again.
"So... if I agree, what happens?"
"You move into my house tomorrow."
"Tomorrow?"
"I don't like delays."
She laughed nervously.
"You're unbelievable."
"I've been called worse."
She couldn't help smiling.
It was the first hint that beneath his icy exterior was a man with a dry sense of humour.
---
Twenty minutes later...
Ava closed the contract.
"I can't answer tonight."
"I expected that."
"You did?"
"This isn't a decision anyone should make in five minutes."
She stood up.
"I need time."
"How much?"
She hesitated.
"Until tomorrow."
He nodded.
"I'll send someone to pick you up."
"You sound very confident."
"I believe you'll accept."
"And if I don't?"
"I'll respect your decision."
For the first time since meeting him, Ethan smiled.
It wasn't a warm smile.
It was small.
Brief.
But surprisingly genuine.
"I don't force people."
---
Outside Blackwood Group Headquarters...
The night air felt colder than before.
Ava hugged herself as she walked toward the nearest bus stop.
Her mind refused to slow down.
A billionaire had just proposed a fake marriage.
Not because he loved her.
Not because he even liked her.
But because it was good for business.
She almost laughed.
If someone had told her yesterday that this would happen, she would've thought they were crazy.
Her phone rang.
"Lily."
"Ava! Where are you?"
"I'm... on my way home."
"You sound strange."
"I've had a weird night."
"What happened?"
Ava opened her mouth.
Then she remembered one of the contract clauses.
Confidentiality.
She hadn't signed it.
But somehow...
She already felt like she should keep Ethan's secret.
"I'll tell you another time."
"You never keep secrets from me."
"I know."
Lily sighed.
"Fine. But promise you'll call me tomorrow."
"I promise."
---
The next morning...
Sunlight streamed through the apartment window.
It would be the last morning Ava ever spent there.
Most of her belongings were packed into boxes.
She sat quietly on the floor, holding an old framed photograph.
It showed her and her mother smiling on a beach years earlier.
"You always told me life could change in a single day," Ava whispered.
"I didn't believe you."
A tear rolled down her cheek.
"I wish you were here."
A gentle knock interrupted her thoughts.
It wasn't the landlord.
Ava opened the door.
An elderly woman stood outside.
Mrs. Henderson.
Her next-door neighbour.
"I baked too many muffins again."
Ava smiled.
"You always bake too many."
"It's my excuse for checking on you."
Mrs. Henderson noticed the packed boxes.
"So..."
"It's time."
The older woman nodded sadly.
"I'll miss you."
"I'll miss you too."
She handed Ava the warm paper bag.
"For the road."
Ava hugged her tightly.
"Thank you... for everything."
"You'll be alright."
"I hope so."
Mrs. Henderson smiled kindly.
"Sometimes life closes one door because something much bigger is waiting."
Ava wished she could believe that.
---
Exactly ten o'clock.
A black luxury car stopped outside the apartment building.
Liam stepped out.
He wore a navy-blue suit and carried a tablet.
"Good morning, Miss Carter."
Ava stared.
"You actually came."
"Mr. Blackwood dislikes being kept waiting."
She laughed softly.
"I've noticed."
Liam helped place her suitcase into the boot.
Before getting into the car, Ava turned around one last time.
The apartment building looked exactly the same.
Old.
Faded.
Ordinary.
It had witnessed some of the happiest and saddest moments of her life.
Now she was leaving it behind.
She whispered a quiet goodbye.
Then she got into the car.
---
Thirty minutes later...
Massive iron gates slowly opened.
Beyond them stood the largest mansion Ava had ever seen.
Beautiful gardens stretched in every direction.
Fountains sparkled beneath the morning sun.
Luxury cars filled the driveway.
The mansion itself looked more like a palace than a home.
Ava's mouth fell open.
"People actually live here?"
Liam smiled.
"Only one."
"One?"
"Mr. Blackwood values privacy."
The car stopped at the front entrance.
Before Ava could open the door, several staff members were already waiting.
A butler stepped forward.
"Welcome, Miss Carter."
She blinked.
"They know my name?"
"Mr. Blackwood informed the staff."
The enormous front doors opened.
Inside...
Crystal chandeliers hung from impossibly high ceilings.
Elegant marble floors reflected the morning light.
Paintings worth millions decorated the walls.
Everything felt unreal.
Ava slowly walked inside.
Her footsteps echoed through the mansion.
Then she heard a familiar voice.
"You're here."
She turned.
Ethan descended the grand staircase wearing a crisp white shirt with the sleeves rolled to his forearms.
For the first time, he wasn't dressed in a formal suit.
He looked... almost human.
Almost.
He stopped in front of her.
"So..."
His grey eyes searched hers.
"Have you made your decision?"
Ava took a deep breath.
She thought about her mother's hospital bills.
The eviction notice.
The sleepless nights.
The impossible debts.
Then she looked directly into Ethan's eyes.
"I'll sign the contract."
For the first time in years...
Ethan Blackwood looked genuinely surprised.
Then, slowly, he extended his hand.
"Welcome to the beginning of our partnership."
Ava looked at his hand for a moment before shaking it.
Neither of them realised that this simple handshake would mark the beginning of a relationship that would change both of their lives forever.
- Writer
