Chapter 2
746 Words
Weeks later Isabella agreed to the marriage.
She sat in silence as the lawyer read clause after clause of the marriage contract.
She didn’t blink. Didn’t flinch. But inside, her stomach turned.
She have signed business deals, broken hearts, and negotiated million-dollar projects. But nothing had ever felt as personal as this.
Clause 12: No public scandal that could damage either party’s image.
Clause 14: A two-year minimum term before separation or divorce is permitted.
Clause 17: Mutual appearances at social, family, and corporate events—minimum twice monthly.
Clause 21: Shared residence required. No separate homes allowed.
She let out a breath. “Do I get a cage to match the contract?”
From the other end of the table, Alexander didn’t even lift an eyebrow, he shrugged and said “You’re free to decorate the prison however you like.”
“Really I will love to decorate your grave first how do you like it husband” she said with mockery
Alex casted her a straight look and laughed seriously “This will be fun
“You really thought of everything, didn’t you?” she muttered.
“I’m thorough,” he replied.
She hated how calm he was—how unreadable. How annoyingly attractive, even when she was imagining stabbing him with a fountain pen.
“This isn’t a marriage,” she said. “It’s a business contract.”
“That’s all it needs to be,” “No one’s asking for romantic dinners or love poems.” or are you expecting all of it? “he said smiling.
She laughed bitterly and said “Thank God for that, I wouldn't want to wake up one day and be as arrogant, ruthless, cold as you”
The lawyer stared at both of them and
cleared his throat. “Would you both like to sign now?”
Neither looked at each other as they signed.
Her name: Isabella Cruz.
His: Alexander shawn
Just like that, it was done.
A lifetime decision made in ink and silence.
Later that evening, Isabella stepped into the penthouse that was now hers—for better or worse. The air smelled like cedar and cold money. Just as the owner cold as ice
Alexander was already home, seated on a leather couch, sipping scotch like a man who’d just sealed a deal with the devil—and enjoyed it.
“You’re early,” he said.
“You’re always so observant,” she replied, dropping her bag with a thud. “Where am I sleeping?”
He gestured down the hall. “Your suite is to the right. We’ll keep separate rooms. I’m not here to make you uncomfortable.”
She raised a brow. “How Kind of you.”
I never knew you can prepare something for someone I thought you would tell me to sleep anywhere, knowing how arrogant and cold you are
“I’m a gentleman,” he said smoothly.
She laughed and said
“You’re a shark in a tailored suit.”
He lifted his glass and smiled . “And now you’re going to be married to one.”
She stared at him, arms crossed. “What happens next?”
He said, “Next we do what couple do before marriage”its common
he started walking toward her
She was scared he would take advantage of me, shebpulled out my heels pointing it at him
“don't you come near me oh I will truly decorate your graveyard right now
He laughed and looked at her
“i don't know you could be scared for your life
I didn't know you cared about your life
He put his drink down and stared at her. “We smile for the cameras. Attend a few charity galas. Hold hands if we must. The world will believe we’re in love. Behind closed doors, we keep our distance.”
“And if either of us breaks the terms?”
“Then the other gets everything,” he said without hesitation. “Including Cruz & Co.”
Her jaw clenched. “So I behave, or you win.”
“No,” he said, walking past her with quiet power. “You behave... or we both lose.”
That night, she lay in a silk-sheeted bed, staring at the ceiling of my new golden cage.
She had just married a man she couldn’t stand.
But what unsettled her most wasn’t the contract...
It was the flicker of curiosity in her chest.
- Writer
