BOUND BY VOWS, TORN BY SECRETS

Chapter 4: The Ruthless Proposal

Under the polished mahogany table in the restaurant's dimly illuminated private dining area, Brenda sat rigidly with her fists gripped in her lap. Standing opposite her, Eric Walter examined her with the same cold precision he likely used in boardrooms.

The shadows cast by the lighting that flickered gently across his flawless features added to his mysterious quality.

The rich red contents of the unused glass before him glinted in the light, but he did not attempt to take a sip. Instead, with the effortless style of a man who made billion-dollar decisions without giving them any thought, he slid a big package over the table toward her.

"Read it," he urged in a calm, unheated voice.

Brenda reached for the envelope and hesitated, her pulse pounding. Pulling out the crisp, precisely arranged sheets made her fingers shiver. The paper's weight alone informed her that it had been painstakingly crafted, with each clause probably carefully considered and refined for the advantage of the man seated in front of her.

The bolded words at the top of the first page caught her attention.

Contract for Marriage.

She developed a lump in her throat. She glanced at Eric, looking for any indication that he was making a joke—something to suggest that this was some complex test, a sly smile, a flash of laughter.

However, nothing was present.

His face was still unreadable, his stance calm yet authoritative, as though he had already foreseen every possible response from her.

After taking a deep breath to regain her composure, Brenda began reading, skimming the meticulously organized paragraphs. Like the guy himself, the phrases were impersonal and frigid.

"This summarizes our agreement," Eric said in a steady, calm voice. “It's just a marriage in name." Although you will act as my wife in public, there won't be any expectations beyond what is necessary for looks, romantic illusions, or emotional entanglements.”

No false impressions of affection.

The words were a sharp reminder that this was no fairy tale, and they weighed heavy on her chest. A transaction took place.

"And in exchange?” Despite the weight on her ribs, she forced her voice to stay steady as she asked.

"My financial support will save your family's business," Eric said frankly, as though the issue had already been resolved. "You will continue to uphold the legacy you are so desperately trying to preserve, and your father will continue to hold his position."

Although Brenda took offense at what he said, she could not ignore its veracity. She had come to this point—to this table, to this contract, to this man who saw marriage as merely a business tactic—because of her father's desperation.

Her pulse quickened as she perused the sentences on the next page. Her brows knitted at one line in particular.

"An agreement to not compete?” She raised an eyebrow in question. "You anticipate that I will leave the company?"

"Yes," Eric said, "for the length of our agreement." "I refuse to take the chance of needless conflicts of interest."

Brenda tightened her hold on the contract. "You want to be in charge of everything."

"I like to refer to it as efficiency." His lips curled slightly, but his face was far from friendly. "I never invest without first making sure my interests are safeguarded."

Her mind racing, she took a sharp breath. He was handling this marriage as if it were a hostile takeover, ensuring she had no power or influence over the business she had worked so hard to defend for years.

Slowly and deliberately, she set the contract on the table and pressed her hands to the calm surface. “And if I say no, what will happen?"

Eric didn't blink. "Then everything is lost for your family."

He spoke something that weighed her down like a chilly shroud.

"And, Eric, what do you get from this?” Her voice was quieter this time as she inquired. "Power? Command?"

For a brief moment, his look wavered, but before she could interpret it, it vanished. “Brenda, I need a wife. For reasons you don't care about.”

Her back tensed. “That's it, then? I need a deal, you need a wife, and we act like this is commonplace?"

"Exactly."

Brenda's thoughts were racing. He was keeping something from her. Eric Walter was a man who needed more than a wife. This was more complicated than he was making it seem.

"Do I at least have time to consider it?” Even though she already knew the answer, she asked.

Eric leaned forward a little, his weight oppressive in the small room. With a tone of finality, he stated, "You have twenty-four hours."

"But be aware that I never make the same offer twice."

Brenda's breath was shallow as she gazed at him. There was nothing she could do.

She no longer had her own life.

She was about to reply when the private dining room doors opened.

A tall woman stormed in, wearing a gorgeous but severe black dress. Every step she took was a conscious display of authority as her heels clicked on the ground. She was beautiful, elegant, and angry.

She looked at Brenda and screamed, "Eric!” There was a hint of barely controlled anger in her voice. "What in the entire universe are you doing?"

Brenda's stomach dropped. This woman knew Eric, whoever she was. Okay.

Brenda was going to discover exactly what she had just walked into based on the raw anger on her face.

In the darkened private dining room of the restaurant, Brenda sat stiffly and gazed at the man on the other side.

Eric's jaw slightly tensed, but his face stayed composed. "This isn't the right time or place, Vivian."

Ignoring him, Vivian focused her piercing eyes on Brenda. "Are you even aware of what you're getting into?"

Brenda's fingers gripped the contract more tightly. "I believe I do."

Vivian laughed. "Oh, dear, you're clueless." “Has he explained why he is so in need of a wife?"

Brenda's heart was racing. She turned to face Eric, whose quiet was a powerful statement. "He said I'm not concerned about it."

Vivian laughed without humor. "He did, of course." She lowered her voice and leaned forward. "Eric always has a well-thought-out explanation before acting. And this? This union? Business is not an issue. It all comes down to survival.”

A shiver went down Brenda's back. "What are you insinuating?"

Eric got up suddenly. "That's sufficient, Vivian."

Brenda, however, wasn't going to let this pass. "Be honest with me, Eric. What is the true purpose of this?"

Eric's face briefly flashed something nearly vulnerable for the first time that evening. Then, it was gone as fast as it had come.

He whispered, "You'll find out soon enough."

Brenda felt sick to her stomach. She had just given her freedom to a man who was withholding information from her, and whatever he was concealing was significant.