The CEO’s Contract Bride

Chapter5

Unraveling Secrets

Opening the notebook, Cindy started organizing notes, pictures, and paperwork. My heart dropped as I perused them. Business transactions, taped chats, and damning pictures all pointed to one other. It created an image of a man consumed in illicit activity.

" Why are you doing this?" My voice hardly above a whisper, I asked.

"Because you deserved to know the truth," Cindy said. "Without warning you, I could not live with myself. I want you to avoid making the same mistake I did."

My head whirling, I closed the notebook. "What should I be doing right now?"

Once more, Cindy cautioned, "Be careful." "Don't go straight up to Alexander. Ask more questions and guard yourself. Should his family believe you to be a threat, they will not hesitate to control or threaten you.

My ideas were a disorganized mix of fear and will as I left the café. I had to gently negotiate this perilous road and expose the truth without endangering myself. One thing was abundantly obvious, though: I could not overlook what Cindy had shown me.

I felt uneasy that evening when Alexander and I were seated for dinner. His friendly grin and laid-back attitude felt like a mask covering the secrets Cindy had shared.

"Is everything nice, Emma?" Alexander asked, looking at me.

I forced a smile, covering the inner conflict. "Yeah, everything is good. Simply a lot on my mind.

Reaching across the table, he grabbed my hand; his touch shivered my spine. " Remember, we are in this together. We will meet whatever comes our way.

His comments seemed to be a nasty irony. Little did he know, my mind set on discovering the truth behind the man I was bound to by contract, I was already challenging everything. I had to be ready to welcome the storm as it was building.

I silently promised myself as the evening grew on. Any cost would be justified in learning the truth about Alexander. Originally meant to be a performance, the contract marriage had evolved into a dangerous game of lies and trust.

And I set myself on not losing.

The revelations made by Cindy tore at my thoughts all night. Though part of me fought to think Alexander could be involved in such evil deeds, the pictures and documents she had shown me were incriminating. I got ready for the day when morning arrived with a dull aching behind my eyelids. If I had to go down this perilous road, I had to be wary and tactical.

Alexander looked unconcerned with my inner struggle during breakfast. He spoke with the same endearing charm about work and forthcoming events. I made myself talk, trying to act as though nothing unusual was happening. But each grin he offered me seemed like a knife piercing my stomach, a warning of the possible treachery hiding beyond his attractive exterior.

Later that morning, I was meandering about the large estate, taking comfort in the garden where Grandma had spent her days. The flowers were in full bloom, their brilliant hues a sharp contrast to the gloomy clouds in my head. Sitting on a stone bench, deep in contemplation, a voice I knew pierced the quiet.

Emily, you seem upset. Alexander's sister Sophia was there, worry etched in her eyes.

I forced a shaky grin. Very much on my mind, Sophia. And you?

Sophia settled down next to me, her face relaxing. "I'm OK, but I see you're having trouble. You know, you may chat with me.

Not knowing how much I could trust her, I paused. Sophia had always been good to me, but I couldn't be confident of anyone's allegiance after what Cindy had said. Simply said, getting used to everything. The dynamics of the family, the contract wedding. Periodically, it may be overpowering."

Nodding compassionately, she said. I get that. Intense might be the word in our family. Emma, you are resilient though. It will come to you."

Her comments, which were supposed to console me, just made me more determined. To uncover the reality about Alexander and his family's activities, I had to go further. And I had to pull it off without drawing attention.

The moment arrived later that day when Alexander headed out for a meeting. I sneaked into his study, heart thumping in my breast, when the place was silent. Every book and paperwork had its home in the spotlessly tidy room. I started looking for anything that would support Cindy's charges, meticulously going through documents and files.

After hours, nothing significant turned up. As I was ready to quit, a secret drawer drew my attention. Frustration increased. Although it was locked, a cursory look around the desk turned up the key. Opening it with shaky hands revealed a mountain of paperwork. As I perused the contents, bank statements, transaction logs, and communications that suggested illicit activities and offshore accounts; my eyes widened.

Sank my heart. The truth had been told by Cindy. These papers proved Alexander was engaged in illicit activity. I took fast pictures of everything, my head buzzing with the possibilities. Steps were coming as I put the papers back where they belonged. I was seized with panic, and I only had time to shut the drawer and duck out of the study before the door opened.

Alexander, his face inscrutable. Emma, what are you doing in here?"

My heart thumping in my chest, I faked a grin. Only trying to find a book to read. Such a vast collection is in your study."

He looked at me briefly and then nodded. " Obviously. Ask if you need anything at all."

My head a jumble of terror and resolve, I exited the study. I had to work out a safe approach to face Alexander. While the papers were a start, I wanted more details and power.

I had trouble staying calm that evening when we sat down to supper. I was much more nervous because Alexander appeared to be preoccupied. I took considered risk.

Breathing deeply, I considered what I said. " Our arrangement, the contract marriage, has been on my mind. It seems so pointless now that Grandma is gone. Maybe we ought to think again."

As his face stiffened, I noticed a black flash in his eyes. Emma, this is something we've spoken about. Still in force is the contract. That is for the best.

Q and my

Still, "why?" Heart thumping, I pressed. "What exactly are we getting out of this? Wasn't letting it go easier?"

Alexander sank back in his chair, his eyes afire. You don't grasp certain things, Emma. More than only a commitment to Grandma is involved in this agreement. It has to do with the company and family stability. Breaking it is not something we can afford."

His comments chilled my back. Something deeper than I had imagined he was concealing. I had to go slowly.

"All right," I responded quietly. "I just wanted to know where we stand."

I went to my room after supper, my head buzzing with ideas. Not yet, though, could I face Alexander directly. More details, though, and evidence of his actions were what I required. And I needed someone I could rely on.

I made the decision to see Cindy once more the next day. We agreed to get together in a remote area out of sight of curious onlookers. Cindy looked up as I walked up, her face a mixture of worry and interest.

"Hello," she said. Was anything found, by the way?

Heart thumping, I nodded. "I carried it out. Cindy was right as well. He does illicit things. I looked through his studies and found papers."

The look on Cindy's face stiffened. "I was aware of that. That is only the surface of things, though. More, much more, exists. Alexander's family is involved in everything from business to politics to law enforcement. They are unreachable.

I had chills down my spine at what she said. "Do we?"

Cindy dropped her voice and glanced around. "We have to exercise caution. Don't let them suspect anything, but do compile additional proof. They'll not think twice to silence us if they find out."

Dread descended on me. The stakes had increased and I was deeper than I had thought. Now though, I am unable to back down.