Bounded By My Billionaire's Contract

Chapter 4

~LAWRENCE~

"Congratulations on your advancement, Lawrence," Mr. Aiden, our principal stakeholder, replied with a grin as he shook my hand.

While I was conversing with some of our business partners, a voice bellowed from across the hall "Lawrence Harrington?" I turned to see Mr. Kingston Black, the Prime Minister of Kent. I knew he had to be here to witness the event; it wouldn't have been possible without his help. But I couldn't ignore the fact that he had asked for a major sacrifice from me.

He exchanged pleasantries with the others and I stood there, giving a slight smile. Once they left, I was left alone with him.

"I can see your father couldn't make it, age must be catching up to him too," Mr. Kingston chuckled.

"Congratulations on your marriage," he croaked with a beaming smile. It's both annoying and amusing that a man in his late 50s still has a sense of humor.

"Marriage?" I scoffed in disbelief.

"I must say, your compliance has secured our investment deal, Lawrence," he continued with a smile. I didn't know how to feel about the smile plastered on his face, but it irked me.

"Compliance is one way to put it, but how could you demand a marriage from me just to secure a business deal?" I clenched my jaw, trying to contain my anger, and avoided making eye contact.

Then he placed his hands on my shoulders. "Lawrence, I don't just invest in a company, but also in the person who runs it. With all the money I have, do you think I would risk wasting it on a two-year investment deal after what I saw at your father's place? It would also damage my reputation, as I have principles I must stick to."

"I understand that, and I take full responsibility, but a marriage? And you had to make my father insist on it too, threatening me with my inheritance was too much to ask," I seethed.

"Look at that young girl over there," he retorted, gesturing towards Elara in the distance.

"Can you imagine what her life would have become if you had succeeded in taking advantage of her that night? As a leader, it is not acceptable to shirk your responsibilities in a moment of intoxication. No excuse could justify it. You could have ruined not only her life but also yours and your family's reputation."

"But—" I stammered.

"On the bright side, I have secured The Harrington Corp's sought-after investment deal. You should be pleased, as we are now partners," he chuckled, patting my shoulders.

"At what cost?" I gritted my teeth.

"Sacrifices are necessary for success. Now let us focus on today's event and put any personal grievances aside," Mr. Kingston continued, tapping my shoulders as he walked towards his seat, accompanied by his bodyguards.

I clenched my hands into fists, struggling to maintain a calm facade. Then, my eyes caught sight of Elara, with Jane and Amelia standing in front of her. I was hesitant at first, but I could sense her discomfort through her body language. I knew Jane and Amelia had something to do with it.

My curiosity was piqued, and I took a few steps in their direction. I wanted to know what they were talking about that made Elara so uneasy. I adjusted my suit and glanced at my watch, realizing that the ceremony was about to start.

"Then who?" Jane questioned, her gaze fixed on Elara. My fists tightened as I realized what they were asking her, and I quickened my pace to intervene.

"Um, well...my father passed away...and my mother works as a..." Elara stuttered before I cut her off.

"Let's go, love," I said with a smile, looking into her confused eyes. I didn't even know why I called her that, but I could feel my lips resenting me for it.

"Oh Lawrence, you must be in love again. Who would have thought?" Jane and Amelia giggled as they left.

"Sir, the event is about to commence." One of the bodyguards came to inform me, and I instinctively took Elara's hand as we made our way to the front-row seats.

We both settled into our seats, and I quickly released her hand, not even realizing I was still holding it. Leaning closer to her, I spoke in a hushed tone. "Do not even think about embarrassing me today. You will regret it." I then leaned back, adjusting my suit as the ceremony began.

I could feel her stealing glances at me, but I paid no mind. It was already enough that I had to be seen in public with her. I could not afford for her to humiliate me during today's event, especially by revealing my marriage to a woman of low class.

"....Let us welcome the CEO, Lawrence Harrington, to give a speech." Applause filled the air as I rose from my seat and walked confidently to the podium. The crowd was vast, and I observed their faces as I stood before them. My gaze eventually fell upon Elara, who sat with a fixed stare, not joining in the applause. I wondered what thoughts were running through her mind. Was that look one of disdain?

Quickly shifting my attention away from her, I delivered my speech, highlighting our company's progress in the agricultural sector. The crowd cheered with excitement, unaware of the sacrifices I had made to reach this point. I stood there, offering a small smile as I finished my speech. Once it was concluded, the floor was opened for press Q&A, as part of our company's publicity efforts.

I answered a few questions, my patience wearing thin. This was one of the tasks I loathed the most. Despite being the wealthiest man in the city, I despised being in the limelight. As I took a few steps away from the podium, about to return to my seat, a voice cut through the commotion.

"Sir, just one more question, please. We must know." The clamor of the reporters was drowned out by this one individual making his way towards me. My bodyguards were ready to silence him, but I signaled for them to hold back.

"You may proceed to ask me this important question," I said with a forced smile, addressing the gentleman in front of me.

As the crowd looked on, the man stepped forward with his camera, while I stood at the podium, ready for his question.

"Congratulations on your new advancement to the agricultural sector, sir," the man began.

"Thank you, I appreciate it," I replied, mustering a faint smile.

"Now to my question, sir," he rushed on. "It has been barely a year since you lost your wife in a tragic plane crash. Without any public announcement, you hastily got married. Is there a specific reason for that?"

At the mention of my late wife, my demeanor changed. My heart shattered as I struggled to maintain my composure. "What did you just say to me?" I growled, clenching my fist.

"Sir, I just wanted to know," the man repeated, seemingly unfazed by my anger. "And I'm sure the crowd here also wants to know why you quickly remarried after your wife's passing."

"How dare you?" I snarled, disregarding the cameras flashing and capturing the scene. My bodyguards rushed over and dragged the man outside, but I was only filled with more anger. This was undoubtedly the work of my enemies, trying to bring me down.

I stormed off the podium, escorted by my bodyguards, and made my way to the storage room where the reporter was being held captive.

He had already been beaten, blood pouring from his mouth, but it wasn't enough. I needed an outlet for all the pent-up anger and guilt inside me, even if it meant his death.

"Who sent you?" I growled, gripping his jaw tightly.

"Sir, please, I'm sorry," he pleaded, fear evident in his eyes. "Please spare my life. I didn't mean to embarrass you."

"Spare your life?" I scoffed. "I'll definitely kill you if you don't tell me who sent you." I forcefully released my grip on his jaw, causing him to fall to the ground.

"See to it that this scoundrel is taken care of until he confesses," I instructed my bodyguards before storming out of the room.

As I exited the hall, I noticed Elara already settled in the car, ready to depart. My emotions were a jumbled mess as I caught sight of her silhouette, but one thing was certain - I did not want to return home or see her at this moment.

"Take her home," I instructed the driver as I made my way to a separate vehicle. My bodyguards opened the door for me and we drove off.