The Contract Wife

Blank Endpoint

Bella

I had no control of myself because the room fell with me.

From the moment of forcing a smile in front of everyone to pretending to be happy.

After hearing the magistrate's voice brush the silence that choked on me after signing the contract papers, I was weak.

The reading of the last contract was something I had barely heard. All I could think about at that point was the sound of my own heartbeat.

My heartbeat was too loud and fast like it wanted to bail on me.

“Bella?” Alex’s voice reverted from the distance he stood and that was the last thing I heard. My vision became blurry and everything I thought I could see started melting into one unreasonable sight.

I tried so hard to make sure that I put myself together, but my brother failed me. I was scared because I struggled to get here even when it felt like trouble.

I wasn't ready to leak the cat out of the bag—that I would have to tell my husband that I was pregnant with his child even before we got married.

He was the impatient type, he was probably going to call the asylum on my behalf. On his own account, we never got a hug.

He wouldn't believe me, so I only had one way; to employ myself to get up at all costs.

“Look, you practically just bagged yourself trouble. Why would she faint? She doesn't love you?” Valerie mocked.

“Mind your business and move away. I don't want to talk to you right now.”

Alexander probably took me back home because I woke up on the couch.

The bright light of the chandelier made it difficult for me to open my eyes easily, and the music which embezzled its melody in the mansion made it difficult for anyone to hear my groans.

It was when I stretched out of my hands and pushed the glass of wine on the table and it broke. It was then I was noticed.

“Can you all excuse me?” Alex ordered and all the workers moved away.

“You're awake. What's going on? Did you faint because of Valerie?” He asked, and I stared at him quietly.

I struggled to stand up without him lending a hand to help me up. Then I realized it was a contract marriage, a prison and a country with laws.

“I didn't faint because of her,” I managed to reply, as my voice was a bit coarse from not talking for a while.

“Why did you faint? If I didn't have everything then it would have been a totally different case. Don't you think so?” he asked, adding pressure to his tone.

To him, he probably thought I was lying to cover up the outstanding truth, but he had no idea there was more.

“Why are you pestering me about the answer to the question? I have already answered. I told you the truth, and you are nibbling around it,” I replied coldly.

“What do you mean?” he asked, getting up to follow me.

“Nothing. I don't mean anything. I need to rest, I have had a long day,” I replied.

“I'll call the doctor to come check up on you,” he added.

I slammed my fingers on my head and let out a deep sigh, “Can you stop?” I walked towards him till I was right in front of him.

“Stop all the things you're doing. I told you I'm fine,” I composed myself at the highest stake so it wouldn't look like I was hiding something.

“Is it a crime to call the Doctor?” His voice was deep and soft, like he was trying to show concern.

“Alex, we both know you don't care about me. I don't know why you're trying to act all of these like there's a big audience. I'm good,” I quickly replied, looking away.

“Oh, really?” He scoffed, trying to pull me close.

“You're my wife and I don't want people saying something is wrong with you,” he uttered daringly.

I freed myself from his grasp and I stood still because the change of mood was extremely swift.

I could tell strongly at the beginning that he was concerned about me, and now, it looks like he was a people-pleaser.

“Did you care about that before dragging me to court for the marriage? No. Did you think about defending me in front of your crazy ex? No,” I raised my voice with tears in my eyes.

“So right now, I don't expect any of that. I'll send the Doctor ASAP if you bring one. Learn closely,” I repeated and walked away.

Whenever I sparked in that way, I could see the fear in his eyes. Those eyes, the ones I got lost in when I was intoxicated and now, it feels like I was intoxicated with the marriage.

I ran upstairs and I slammed the room door. I didn't think twice about it. He was so unfair in a lot of ways to me.

I made my way to the table where the contract was.

I let out a heavy sigh.

“Alexander Blackwood,” I read out loud, and that was the babe of my husband. He was the CEO of Woods Inc, and the only surviving heir to the CEO of B-Diamonds.

I have a light, straight smirk, “He's swimming in wealth, but he lacks the human forte and emotions.”

I pulled it out properly to read, and I gave it a quick scan before taking time to read it.

Section 11:

11(a) Both parties agree that the purpose of this union is civil and contractual in nature. It is entered voluntarily to maintain the public and legal reputation of Mr. Alexander Blackwood, referred to as the Principal.

11(b) Neither party shall engage in, nor attempt to initiate, any form of romantic or emotional relationship during the duration of the agreement. The marriage shall remain strictly legal and performative in nature.

11(c) In the event that Mrs. Bella Blackwood (hereinafter referred to as the Consort) bears or becomes expectant with a child during the validity of this agreement, said child shall remain under the sole guardianship of the Principal and the Sterling Trust. The Consort shall hold no custodial or legal rights unless expressly granted in writing by the Principal.

19(d) The existence or conception of such a child must be disclosed within seven (7) days to the Principal and his legal representatives. Concealment or deliberate nondisclosure will be considered a material breach of contract and grounds for immediate dissolution of the marriage and forfeiture of all compensations and privileges.

19(e) Any attempt to contest the above conditions will result in full legal and financial liability on the part of the Consort, including but not limited to the return of all monetary settlements, properties, or benefits obtained through this agreement.

“Alex, no. Alex, no,” The more I read it, the more I found things in it that broke me. I shook violently as the pearls of sweat began rolling down my face. Tears hovered in my sight as I stared at my signatures.

“I-I have already signed this contract. I have signed it,” I screamed and cried silently in pain. The contract papers were stamped.

My unborn baby was officially in danger. Why would I think I was saving myself, not knowing I'm preparing myself for ruins?