The Signature
1101 Words
*Chapter One: The Signature*
The pen felt heavier than it should have.
Elena Parker stared at the stack of papers on the polished mahogany desk, the gold embossed letterhead catching the cold light of Adrian Blackwell’s 40th-floor office. Secret Marriage Agreement. was she ready? no but she definitely was going for it no matter the consequences.
Across from her, Adrian sat motionless. Black suit. black tie. Eyes that gave away no emotion. He was thirty-five, Rich , and currently the most scrutinized man in the city after a tabloid photo had him leaving a nightclub with his ex-fiancée two weeks ago. The Blackwell's empire’s stock had dropped 4% since.
“I need this cleaned up before the board meeting next month,” he said, voice even. “You need the money.”
It wasn’t a question.
Elena swallowed. Three months overdue on her mother’s medical bills. The café she’d co-founded with her brother was two weeks from foreclosure. And the only person offering help was a man who looked at emotions like they were a liability.
“Twelve months,” she said, making her voice steady. “After that, it’s over. No claims. No interviews. No drama.”
“Separate residences. Separate accounts. Public appearances only when necessary.” Adrian slid the pen toward her. “You’ll be compensated $500,000, paid in instalments. And your family’s debt will be transferred to Blackwell Holdings.”
Half a million. Enough to save her brother’s dream and keep her mother in treatment.
She picked up the pen. The air in the room felt too cold, like the moment before a storm.
“One condition,” she added before the ink touched paper.
Adrian’s jaw tightened, the first crack in his composure. “I don’t do conditions, Ms. Parker.”
“You call me Elena outside of public events. I’m not playing a role for you 24/7. I’m still me.”
A pause. Then a faint nod. “Agreed.”
The signature came out shaky. Elena Parker.
Adrian signed below hers with one fluid stroke, then closed the leather folder with a soft thud that echoed like a door shutting.
“Welcome to the arrangement, Mrs. Blackwell,” he said.
The title tasted foreign on her tongue. Cold. Temporary.
She was already planning how she’d keep her distance.
She just didn’t count on him noticing the way her hands trembled when he said her name.
The penthouse door closed behind her an hour later, and Elena stepped into a space that cost more than her apartment building. Floor to ceiling windows showed the city lights stretching into the night, and the silence was thick enough to press against her chest.
Her phone buzzed. A text from her brother: Mom’s treatment is approved. Thank you, lena. I don’t know how you did it.
She didn’t reply.
Instead, she looked at the reflection in the glass her own face, pale and determined, now carrying a name that wasn’t hers.
A marriage in name only. That was the plan.
But as she walked further into the penthouse, a shadow moved in the hallway. Adrian stood there, loosening his tie, watching her like he was trying to solve a problem he hadn’t anticipated.
“Your room is down the hall,” he said. “Dinner is at eight. The press release goes out tomorrow.”
Elena nodded. “nice.”
He didn’t move.
“Elena,” he said suddenly. “Don’t make this harder than it has to be.”
She met his gaze. “I wasn’t planning to. Were you?”
For half a second, something flickered behind his eyes surprise, mmmmh
Then it was gone, replaced by the same cold glaze.
“Goodnight, Mrs. Blackwell.”
“Goodnight, Mr. Blackwell.”
The distance between them felt both deliberate and fragile.
And neither of them knew it wouldn’t last twelve months.
Elena's Pov
A 24 year old that wants to change her life , make her mom and sibling happy but would they approve this shame of a relationship. would I be judged for trying to make a better living. Adrian is good on the eyes so I'm not complaining would I be able to around him everyday and still hold my composure...what if I fall in love with him , how will I look My self in the mirror. his a very handsome fellow I must say and I'm not a a Virgin any ways so I'm hoping I can keep my legs closed.
"Adrian"
"mmmm"
"I wanted to ask if any of us falls in love with the other what happens because surely a year is alot", I asked, " You think you'll fall for me?".
okay this isn't what I wanted him to think ohh my God...just turn this bed into a potholes and swallow the f**k out of me ...the hell?
"that's definitely not what I meant...you not the s**t anyways" I said trying to hide my shame. "mm is that so , so you telling me that this handsome face doesn't attract you in anyway possible"
I mean it does but I'm definitely not admitting that...it will just boost his ego for no Goddamn reason
"nope like I said let alone the s**t you not even the toilet"
maintenaning heavy eye contact
"I guess we have the whole year to find out... and to answer question as your husband I'm the one allowed to fall in love with you in order for the relationship to mean something...if you fail to make me love you in these 12 months I'm afraid you have failed and might as well continue with your miserable life" he said.
😳 ouch there was definitely no need to point out that I I'm living a miserable life that's just insensitive of him dumbass...no wonder his lonely ass got divorced...well that reminds me!!
"just a quick question before I sleep "I said.
Annoyed "you ask a bunch of questions don't you...this better be the last one I want to sleep and we have a long day tomorrow "
yeah that THE PRESS.
"why did you and your wife divorce?"I asked. "my wife is sleeping right next to me and I can assure you we not divorce because we got married few minutes ago " he answered.
Damn it's getting HOT in here. I'm a blushing hot messsss
"I meant..."
"Goodnight Lena"
I guess I ain't getting that answer huh well that's no nice bet I'll get it when time goes by for now I've got to get my rest and prepare for tomorrow and this grumpy guys ass moving forward.
- Writer
