The CEO’s Contract Bride

Chapter 2

An Unexpected Decision

Stella and I were walking through the crowded streets of Paris when I started to feel relief. If only momentarily, the splendor of the city seemed to lessen the weight off my shoulders; the chilly fall air revitalized me.

Stella said after some time, "You know," breaking the silence between us," there's more to Alexander St. Claire than meets the eye. "

Startled by her comment, I stared at her. "What would you mean?"

Stella shrugged, a cautious look on her face evident. Emma, I have heard some things. Usually, tales. Still, he is covering a shadow in his past. Though I'm not exact, I have seen his sporadic appearance as if he is bearing world weight on his shoulders.

I moaned, my head swirling with choices. " Do you think that captures his extreme caution? For something related to his past? "

Stella nodded to respond. " It is most likely. Still, I think it's chewing at him. Maybe this is the reason he proposed a contract marriage to protect his family's history and himself. "

I sighed softly, unsure. " I wish I knew what to do. I suppose I live between a rock and a hard place.

Stella offered me inspirational arm squeezes. Emma, you will sort things out. Just let yourself have some time. Let your gut feeling guide you.

I nodded, appreciatively for Stella's help. " I appreciate Stella. I don't know what I would do without you.

Stella turned to smile broadly. " You won't have to find out. Let's have lunch immediately. Although I know none of you, I am hungry.

Over lunch at a modest bistro, Stella and I covered everything except Alexander St. Claire and his proposal. It was a great diversion; for a few golden hours I could almost ignore the struggle screaming inside me.

But after we got back to the office, my decision's weight once more fell mostly on my shoulders. I could not wait anymore. I had to visit Alexander and decide one way or another.

Clearly anxious, Stella glanced at me as we approached the structure. "Are you going to be OK, Emma?"

I drew a long breath, bracing myself for what lay ahead. "I don't know," I answered, hardly above a whisper. But I have to look into it.

Stella nodded and, with a last hold of my palm, her countenance exuded unwavering support. "I'll be right here when you get back," she insisted strongly. Nonetheless, what happens?

Before visiting Alexander's, I took some time organizing myself back at my office. My heart pounded in my chest and my palms were trenched in anxiety. This was that one instant of truth.

Once more I knocked, then pulled open the big oak door. Alexander stood by the window back-to- me. Long shadows produced by the late afternoon sun highlighted the tension in his broad shoulders across the room.

"Emma," he said, turning to only slightly smile at me. " That you returned makes me glad. You have decided?

I drew a long breath and squarely met his eye. "Yes, Alexander," I said with great clarity. "I now have to make decisions."

His manner changed, and for a minute I felt something exposed in his gaze. His voice almost above a whisper, he asked, "And?"

I squared my shoulders with tremendous will. "I agree with your proposal," I said at last. "I will be your bride under contract."

The days after I decided to be Alexander St. Claire's contract wife were busy. Legal records were compiled, Alexander's lawyers called meetings, and public statements of our involvement planned. Though still a part of me, I couldn't believe it was true, all occurring so quickly.

Sitting in my office reviewing the terms of the contract, my head was a jumble of contradicting emotions. On one hand, I was relieved I wouldn't be losing my job and my financial future was secure. Still, I couldn't get rid of the feeling as though I was personally dealing with the devil.

Stella came to my office looking concerned. She put her head right in. With a soft "Hey, Emma," she closed the door behind her. "How are you doing??"

I moaned, pushed the contract away, and massaged my temples. "I'm not sure Stella," I answered. "This whole thing still seems so surreal."

Stella came up and settled on the edge of my desk, her eyes compassionate. "I know what I was getting myself into."

Stella reached to take my hand in hers. Emma, you are really strong. You will arrange it. And I will be right here to support you at every level.

Grateful for her continuous support, I tried a weak smile. " Thanks, Stella. I don't know what I would do without you.

Stella offered me a reassuring hand squeeze. " You will never have to find out. “

A few days later, Alexander and I were seated in his office going over the last details of the agreement. His desk was covered in trash, and tension heated the air between us. I tried to ignore the way his presence seemed to occupy the space and concentrate on the work at hand.

"Emma," he shouted at last, breaking the uncomfortable silence between us. "Are you most definitely sure about this?"

I turned from the contract and squarely matched his fierce glance. "As sure as I'll ever be," I said coolly.

He nodded with a grim gaze. Once we signed this, "there's no turning back," he said gently. "Are you fit for that?"

I drew in deeply, bracing myself for what lay ahead. I said at last, "I have to be." "For your benefit as well as mine."

He stared at me for a long time, as though he were searching for something in my gaze. Finally, grabbing the pen, he said, "Very well." Let us formally begin this.

As I scrawled my name on the dotted line, I was filled with mixed emotions. Relief, fear, uncertainty, all mixed in a mess. Alexander took the contract from me across the desk; he signed it with great flourish and then slid it into a folder.

"It's done," he said softly, lounging in his chair and staring at me with those keen blue eyes.

I nodded, the certainty coating over me. Speaking gently, "it's done," I said.

He got up and carefully went around the desk. With his hand out, he said, "Thank you, Emma," rather softly. Since I depend on him.

I paused, then rested my hand on his. His soft touch was consoling; for a little while I hoped maybe everything would be well.

One of the most elegant venues in Paris held the public announcement of our involvement. Alexander and I struck for images, cameras flinging as our smiles strained but courteous. It was all for show, I reminded myself, a well-organized performance aimed to please the audience and ensure our personal destinies.

As we negotiated the throng, Alexander's gentle and protective grasp on my arm made me feel cut off from the events. From a distance, an outsider gazing in on a life not mine, I was seeing myself.

"Emma," Alexander said gently, bending in close so only I could hear him above the commotion of the audience. You are doing really nicely. Just slightly more; then we will be able to move all of this behind us. "

I nodded, attempting a smile. "Of course," I remarked similarly. Just a while longer.

As the weeks passed, I settled into my new role as contract bride for Alexander St. Claire. Attending social events and philanthropic galas, we gave the public a performance of harmony and enjoyment. Under closed doors, though, our relationship was nothing at all.