Chapter2
1003 Words
Amera POV
I took a moment to breathe and adjust my gown as the car pulled through the gate. When I stepped out, I kept my shoulders back and my head high. The Blackwood residence was as magnificent as I’d imagined—all gleaming glass, marble floors, and sprawling balconies. I steadied myself.
Marcus Blackwood was already waiting in the living room.
“Amera, my beautiful daughter! You’re finally here.” He pulled me into a warm hug.
“Yes, sir.”
I sat down. The contract paperwork was already prepared on the table—a reminder that this was strictly business. Nothing more.
Mr. Marcus was kind, easygoing, almost jovial. Then the door opened, and his grandson walked in.
My gaze locked on him, and I froze. For a few seconds, I forgot how to breathe.
He was tall—easily over six feet—with broad shoulders and perfect posture. His face was striking: sharp jawline, pale skin, dark eyes that seemed to see right through you. He wore a tailored black suit that fit him like it had been designed specifically for his frame.
God, how do I even describe someone this attractive?
Focus, Amera. You’re here for business. His looks don’t change anything.
“Adrian,” Mr. Marcus said warmly, “I’d like you to meet Amera.”
Adrian had to be at least six-foot-four. Even in that perfectly cut suit, I could see the definition of his shoulders and arms. No wonder every woman probably threw themselves at him.
Why was he staring at me like that? Those sharp, penetrating eyes. I met his gaze and refused to look away.
He’s gorgeous, yes. Perfect, even. But I’m not here for that. I came to save my mother’s life. Nothing else matters.
“Adrian,” Mr. Marcus said, his voice full of pride, “Amera is going to be your wife.”
Adrian didn’t say a word. He simply nodded, then sat beside his grandfather. His eyes never left me—as if he were studying me, trying to figure me out.
“My grandson has just returned from the UK. He’s back to take charge of Blackwood Global,” Mr. Marcus explained, turning to Adrian. “You and Amera will be married for one year.”
Adrian didn’t even flinch. He just kept staring. And I stared right back.
Knock, knock.
A man in a crisp suit walked in. “Mr. Matthews, welcome,” Marcus said, shaking his hand. They sat down together. “Yes, I’ve prepared the documents, sir. They just need to sign.”
Mr. Matthews placed a leather folder on the desk. Marcus handed it to Adrian, who signed without hesitation and slid it back across the table with the pen.
I picked up the folder and read it carefully. Marriage contract. Duration: one year. I signed my name and placed it back on the desk.
“Done.”
Mr. Marcus and Mr. Matthews spoke quietly for a few minutes before the lawyer left.
“Amera will be moving in with you, Adrian. Make sure you behave yourself,” Marcus said, giving his grandson a pointed look.
“Yes, Grandpa,” Adrian replied, his voice low and controlled.
“My dear, Adrian will take you to his place now.” Mr. Marcus stood and patted my shoulder before heading to his room.
Adrian rose from his seat and walked directly toward me. Damn, this man was tall. The cologne he wore—woodsy, expensive—filled the space between us. And those muscles…
I almost got distracted, but I snapped myself back. I am not falling for this.
“How much did he pay you?” His voice was cold, blunt.
I smirked, irritation flaring. “Listen, Mr. Man, or whatever your name is—your grandfather didn’t pay me anything. And secondly, you’re not my type at all, so don’t think I have any interest in you.”
He stepped back slightly, his expression shifting—like he couldn’t believe I’d just spoken to him that way.
“You’re talking to me?”
“Yes. Or do you see someone else standing here?”
His jaw tightened. “You’re rude. I hope that mouth of yours doesn’t get you into trouble.”
I was about to give him a response that would send him straight to hell, but a man in a driver’s uniform walked in.
“Boss, the car is ready.”
Adrian took the keys from the driver, then turned and handed them to me.
“This is my wife, Amera Blackwood,” he said, his tone firm and authoritative. “Inform the rest of the staff. She’s to be treated with respect.”
“Yes, boss,” the driver replied.
I didn’t wait around. I turned and walked out.
Outside sat a pristine black Range Rover. I felt like a boss already. I slid into the driver’s seat, started the engine, and drove straight to Mira’s place.
“Tell me everything!” Mira said the second I walked through her apartment door. She didn’t even let me sit down.
“His name is Adrian Blackwood. He just came back to the city.” I dropped onto her couch.
She immediately pulled out her phone and googled him. “Wow. He’s gorgeous.”
“Yeah. He is,” I said flatly, trying to sound indifferent.
“And apparently, he has a female best friend. But rumor has it she acts like way more than that.”
“Well, I don’t care about his business with anyone.”
Mira’s expression turned serious. “Amera, make sure you don’t fall in love with him. Remember why you’re doing this.”
I nodded. She was right.
Falling for him would be a mistake. Nothing good could come from it.
She walked me back to the car. “Be careful, okay? Call me if anything happens. You know I’m here for you.” She kissed my cheek.
“Of course. I’ll call you,” I promised.
- Writer
