Chapter 3
776 Words
Elena did not take the folder. She stared at Adrian as if he had just handed her a bomb that could go off at any moment.
“Eighteen years?” she repeated.
Adrian nodded.
“What do you mean?”
“It’s not something we can discuss in this room.”
“Then we can discuss it right here. I have no intention of leaving until I get an answer.”
The corner of Adrian’s mouth lifted slightly, almost as if he had expected her to say exactly that.
“Fine.”
He walked over to the sofa and sat down calmly. Elena remained standing for a few seconds before finally taking the seat across from him. The black folder was still between them. She pulled it closer.
“If this is a marriage contract, I want to know what it has to do with eighteen years ago.”
“Just open it.”
Elena opened the folder. The first page contained the terms of their marriage agreement. A legal marriage lasting six months. They would live separately once the contract ended. Neither party would have any claim over the other’s personal assets or be obligated to continue the relationship after the contract expired. Everything looked almost too simple.
Elena turned to the next page. There was a list of assets that would be used as collateral to save Virelli House. The numbers made her frown. The amount was far greater than the debt her father had just told her about.
“You’re offering all of this?”
“Yes.”
“For a six month marriage?”
“Yes.”
“You’ll pay off all of my family’s debts?”
“And protect all the shares currently at risk.”
Elena looked up. “In exchange, I marry you.”
“Yes.”
“And after six months?”
“If you still want to leave, you’re free to go.”
Elena gave a small laugh. “How generous.”
“What?”
“A man with a reputation like yours doesn’t give something away without expecting something in return.”
Adrian leaned back against the sofa. “You’re right.”
“I thought so.”
“I do expect something.”
Adrian looked at Elena, who waited for him to continue. “I want you to be my wife.”
Elena rolled her eyes, unable to believe what she was hearing. “Don’t play games with me, Mr. Voss.”
“I’m not playing games.”
“Then tell me the real reason.”
Adrian fell silent. For the first time since Elena had entered the room, his expression shifted slightly.
“Not yet, Elena.”
Elena stared at him in disbelief. “Not yet what?”
“I’ll tell you when the time is right.”
“And you expect me to marry you without knowing why?”
“I expect you to make your decision based on what I can offer you.”
“So you want me to sell myself to save my family’s company?”
Adrian’s gaze sharpened. “Don’t put it that way.”
“Why? Isn’t that exactly what this is?”
“If I wanted to buy you, Elena, I wouldn’t need to marry you.”
The words left Elena speechless. Adrian continued in the same calm voice. “I could buy your family’s company. I could buy this house. I could buy every asset your family owns and leave you with nothing.”
“Then why don’t you?”
“Because I don’t want your family’s assets.”
“Then what do you want?”
Adrian’s gaze settled on her face. “You.”
Elena’s heart gave a hard, sudden beat. She hated the fact that one simple word from this man could throw her thoughts off balance for a few seconds. She quickly forced herself to regain control.
“Why?”
Adrian did not answer.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Adrian. I’m not marrying someone who refuses to tell me why he wants me.”
“I’ve given you six months to get to know me.”
“I don’t need six months to know you’re hiding something.”
“Good.”
Elena frowned. “Good? What do you mean?”
“I don’t want to marry a woman who trusts too easily.”
For a moment, they simply stared at each other. There was something in Adrian’s eyes that made Elena feel as though she were being tested. As if he wanted to know how far she would push before finally giving up. And Elena hated that feeling.
“Then my answer is no.”
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