Chapter 3: The Contract
598 Words
Raine paced her tiny apartment, the velvet box sitting ominously on the coffee table. The diamond inside seemed to mock her every time she glanced at it, sparkling as if it knew a secret she didn’t.
“This is ridiculous,” she muttered, rubbing her temples. “Marry a billionaire? What is this, a rom-com gone wrong?”
Lila, lounging on the couch with a tub of ice cream, raised an eyebrow. “I still can’t believe you didn’t say yes on the spot. If Damien Blackwood offered me a ring, I’d be on a honeymoon by now.”
Raine shot her a glare. “This isn’t a joke, Lila. He said his world is dangerous. I don’t even know what that means!”
“It means he’s rich, hot, and has enemies. What’s new?” Lila replied with a shrug.
Before Raine could respond, her phone buzzed. She picked it up hesitantly, her heart skipping a beat when she saw the name.
Damien: Have you decided yet?
Raine: This isn’t exactly an easy decision.
Damien: Meet me tomorrow morning. My lawyer will explain everything. Address is attached.
Raine stared at the message. It felt like a trap she couldn’t escape, but her curiosity got the better of her.
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The next morning, Raine found herself in a sleek office building downtown. Damien’s assistant, a no-nonsense woman named Grace, escorted her into a conference room.
“Miss Solace,” Damien greeted her as he stood. He was as composed and intimidating as ever, but his eyes softened slightly when they met hers.
Next to him was a middle-aged man in a tailored suit, who introduced himself as Mr. Grayson, Damien’s attorney.
“We’re here to go over the terms of the agreement,” Mr. Grayson said, sliding a thick contract across the table.
“Agreement?” Raine repeated, her stomach twisting.
Damien leaned forward, his gaze unwavering. “This is a marriage of convenience, Raine. It’s not about love—it’s about survival, as I said before. The contract ensures your safety and outlines your role as my wife.”
Raine hesitated, flipping through the pages. “This feels so… cold.”
“It’s necessary,” Damien said. “You’ll have access to all my resources, financial security, and protection. In return, you’ll attend events with me, maintain the appearance of a loving marriage, and…”
“And what?”
“And follow a few non-negotiable rules,” Damien finished, his tone firm.
Raine narrowed her eyes. “Like?”
“No questions about my business dealings,” Damien said. “No digging into my past. And never—never—lie to me.”
The weight of his words made her chest tighten. “What happens if I break one of these rules?”
Damien’s expression turned icy. “Pray you never find out.”
A chill ran down her spine, but she forced herself to speak. “And what if I refuse?”
“You’re free to walk away,” Damien said, though his tone suggested he didn’t believe she would. “But if you do, you’ll never hear from me again.”
Raine stared at the contract, her mind racing. This was madness, but walking away from this man felt impossible.
“What’s it going to be, Raine?” Damien asked, his voice low and dangerous.
After a long pause, she picked up the pen. “This better not ruin my life.”
As her signature dried on the page, Damien’s lips curved into a triumphant smile. “Welcome to my world, Mrs. Blackwood.”
- Writer
