Accidental Love

(Elizabeth's POV) "Hi Elizabeth," I heard a voice, tapping my right shoulder from behind. I turned to see a beautiful woman in her late sixties with a long brunette hair smiling at me. "Hi," I answered in confusion. "I know you do not know me but can you spare few minutes of your time, i need to speak to you about something very important," She said, asking nicely. We moved to a more quiet place. i sat down across the table, directly facing her. "I'll cut to the chase to save both our time, because this is a matter of urgency," She said bluntly. "I have a preposition for you" I was surprised to see her face change from the smiling sweet woman i met few minutes ago to a stone cold woman. She sounded mean aswell. "A preposition?...i don't know who you are or where you are from, i still don't understand what's going on and how you know my name ma'am,"i uttered respectfully. She sighed and said. "You're currently on scholarship right?, plus do you know who funded your scholarship?" "Yes, Mr Kelvin Thompson funded my scholarship but i've never met him before. How do you know about the scholarship ma'am?" I answered, maintaining composure. "I'm Mrs Thompson, Kelvin is my son," She smiled, extending her hand out for an handshake. I was scared, so many thoughts was going through my mind. Am i in trouble? Did i lose my scholarship? How did she find me?. My worse nightmare is losing my scholarship right now, I will basically go back to square one without no financial aid. "What is the preposition about ma'am?" I asked nervously. "I want you to get married to my son, it's a contra-- "Excuse me?. Respectfully ma'am, i've never met Mr kelvin and he has not met me before too. Besides, i can't get married to someone i have zero feelings for," I said, interrupting her. "It's a contract marriage of 5 years, You have to stay married to him for 5 years straight till he accesses his shares and attain the CEO position too," "Why me? i wasn't the only lady Mr kelvin awarded the scholarship to, I don't think i'm the right person for this. Marriage should be based on love and mutual understanding, not convenience or obligation, It is more than a deal or a partnership formed out of necessity" I chuckled nervously. "Don't lecture me young lady, you either get married to my son or we withdraw our financial support. Call me when you decide and you have just 24 hours, The choice is yours," Mrs Thompson uttered sternly, slipping her business card on the table. I couldn't but watch her walk out of the diner with so much sassiness. I was torn between feeling grateful for their financial support or feeling manipulated. I reached out to pick up the card with my hands trembling and walked out devastated. *************************************** I managed to get home before the first tear dropped. i was confused and in a state of denial. I did some deep thinking for hours and realized i actually don't have a choice, I'd rather get married to him than lose my scholarship. I reached for my purse, picked out the business card and called Mrs Thompson. "Hi Mrs Thompson, i accept," I blurted out. **************************************** I made my way to the Thompson's Residence for the Contract Marriage Signing. As i stepped out of the cab, i was left speechless by the Mansion's architecture, It was a seamless blend of classic and contemporary styles with large bay windows, a slate-tiled roof, a grand porte cochére and a long winding driveway that led up to the main entrance. I took a deep breathe as i entered the mansion's boardroom, my heels clicked softly against the floor, I wore a simple yet elegant dress. My heart raced but my expression remained calm and composed. I sat on one side of the table, my hands neatly folded on my laps. Across from me sat Mr kelvin, His sharp features were expressionless, his eyes cold and unyielding. The company's lawyer cleared his throat, breaking the heavy silence. "Miss Anoai, Mr Thompson, the contract before you outlines the terms of this marriage arrangement. It includes the duration, agreements and the conditions. Please review the details one final time before signing." I glanced at the papers before me, feeling the weight of the decision pressing down on me. Mr Kelvin picked up his own copy of the contract, he flipped through the pages, his expeession never wavering. His eyes skimmed the text, no emotion. It was as if he were merely signing another business deal. Without a word, he picked up the pen and signed his name with swift, confident strokes. The sound of the pen scratching against the paper echoed in the silent room. He set the pen down and slid the contract across the table towards me, his gaze as cold as ever. With a trembling hand, i signed my name on the dotted line. I had just agreed to a marriage devoid of love, a partnership built on manipulation, necessity and convenience. The lawyer gathered the signed documents, nodding curtly and said. "Congratulations, Mr and Mrs Thompson, The contract is now legally binding." I glanced at him , searching for any sign of emotion. But he remained as cold and distant as ever. He stood up, buttoning his suit jacket and extended a hand towards me. I took his hand, feeling the coldness of his touch. As we exited the boardroom, I could feel Kelvin's presence beside me. He leaned in close, his breathe brushing against my ear in a ghost of a whisper. "Remember this, Elizabeth," he murmured, his voice as smooth and cold as ice. "You signed up for this, You're in my world now. This marriage is nothing more than a business deal and there's no turning back. Step out of line, cross me, betray our agreement and you'll wish you hadn't. You may be Mrs Thompson in name, but don't forget who holds the real power here." I froze, the weight of his warning heavy in my heart. I was left to process the gravity of his words and the reality of the contract i had just signed.