The Devil's Clause

Chapter Four: Will You Marry Me?

Elara's POV

"I can not marry that monster!"

Bennett sighed. "Elara, please listen to me, the fight isn't something you get to decide what you can or can't do to save yourself." He explained calmly.

My eyes began to water. "How could grandfather set e up like this? More so with a man like Cain Ashford? What did I ever do to deserve this?"

"El, your grandfather did this for your best interest. I'm sure you'd understand better when you think more about it. Okay? Take your time, you have 60 days to make a decision." After speaking, he got up and left me there. I sat for a while before I wiped my face and left the restaurant.

I had called Nadia on my way back from the restaurant. "Nad, I need you. Please stop by on your way from work."

"Oh my, El..." She gasped. "Is everything okay? You sound as if you've been crying."

I shrugged as if she could see me. "I have been crying, but it's not something we can talk about over the phone. Just come around please," I begged.

Three hours later, my door swung open and shut, and Nadia's warm voice filled the apartment. "El!" She sighed in relief when she saw me seated at the table, with documents scattered everywhere. "Don't tell me you got into some kind of trouble while defending these small brands again. Listen, how many times do I have to scream before you take precaution?"

I sighed. "Nad, this isn't about any small brand. It's about my life. I'm about to lose my life to Cain Ashford."

She ploopped down on a chair, her face in a deep scowl. "What has that asshole done this time again?"

Calmly, I explained my meeting with Bennett to her. Her expression kept shifting throughout my story, and by the end, she had a neutral expression.

“Let me see,” she said, her voice steady as she scanned the document. “It’s straightforward. If you marry him, you get everything.”

I shook my head, frustration bubbling over. “You don’t understand, Nadia. This isn’t just about money. It’s about my pride, my family’s legacy. I can’t just marry the man whose family is responsible for my parents’ deaths!”

Nadia sighed, leaning back in her chair. “I get it, El. I do, but think about it. It’s only for one year. After that, you can divorce him and pave your own path. You’ll have the resources to do whatever you want.”

“Or I’ll be stuck in a marriage with him forever,” I shot back, my voice rising. “I can’t do that. I won’t.”

“Why not?” she pressed. “You’re a fighter. You’ve fought for others your whole life. Why not fight for yourself this time?”

I paused, her words hitting me harder than I expected. “But... why do I have to compromise my values for my grandfather’s legacy.”

“Sometimes, sacrifices are necessary,” she said softly. “And this could be a small one for a much bigger gain. Just think about it.”

It has been a week since then.

And for every day after, I read the contents of the will more times than I could count. Each time, I hoped to find a loophole, a way out of this nightmare. But there was none. The reality was stark: I could either forfeit everything my family had built to a man like Cain Ashford, or I could swallow my pride and marry him. The thought twisted my stomach into knots.

"Why did it have to be him?!" I cried every time I finished reading the will.

I picked up my phone, dialing Nadia’s number again. “Nad, I’m starting to think… maybe you’re right. But can I really pull this off without Cain suspecting anything? Everyone knows I hate him and everything he stands for.”

“El, nobody has to know you’re married,” Nadia reassured me. “You can keep it a secret. Just think of it as a business arrangement. You get what you want, and he gets what he wants. It’s only for a year.”

I took a deep breath, weighing her words. “You really think I can do this without him figuring it out?”

“Absolutely. You’re smart, Elara. You’ve faced tougher challenges. This is just another obstacle.”

“Okay,” I said. But as I agreed, a heart-wrenching pain hit me. "Thanks, Nad," I whispered.

After hanging up, I called Bennett to inform him of my decision. “I’ve made my decision. I’ll go through with the marriage.”

“Excellent choice, Elara. It’s a small sacrifice for your family’s heritage,” he said, his voice encouraging. “I’ll prepare the necessary documents for you.”

“Thank you,” I replied.

---

Bennett sent me an email containing a drafted marriage contract as well as Cain's phone number. I hesitated a little, then I dialled it.

“Cain Ashford,” he answered.

“Hi, it’s Elara Voss,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. “I’d like to meet with you privately.”

“Okay,” he replied, his tone unreadable. “I'll send you my company address.” Then he hung up just like that.

"Rude," I mumbled as I stared at the darlened screen. Still I found myself getting ready as if I was going to meet a man I was in love with. The thought of being in love with Cain made me gag. Good! At least I know I still hate him.

---

I arrived at his office building, my heart pounding in my chest. The lobby was sleek and modern, filled with employees who seemed to glide through their day with purpose. I was both skeptical and awed as I took in the polished marble floors and the impressive artwork lining the walls.

I made my way to the elevator, noticing how well-dressed and confident everyone looked. It made me hate him a bit less and respect him a bit more. But I quickly pushed that thought aside. I was here for business, not admiration.

When I finally reached his office, I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what I was about to do. The door opened, and Cain stood there, his expression a mix of surprise and curiosity.

“Huh!" He exclaimed, smirking in a way that made me want to peel the smirk off his face. "You really did show up."

I stepped into the office, shutting the door gently. He gestured to the seats opposite him and I sat gracefully. He was being nice but in a very subtle way.

"Thank you for agreeing to see me on such short notice," I started.

He nodded pridefully. “I wanted to know why the mighty Miss Voss would ask to see me. Lets say curiosity got the better part of me, Miss Voss. So now that you're here, you can satisfy my curiosity by telling me what brings you here.”

I cleared my throat, avoiding his hawk-like gaze that seemed to read through me. This man was too dangerous to play games with. “I came for one purpose, Mr. Ashford,” I said, my voice steady despite the flutter of nerves in my stomach.

"Please, do tell," he said, keeping his gaze fixed on me.

Taking a deep breath, I began. “Look, I really do hate you and your guts, but right now, I require your collaboration on something very delicate.”

He raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. “Go on.”

I finally met his gaze as I mentally prepared myself for the question I was about to throw. “Cain Ashford, will you marry me?”

The words hung in the air, and I matched the intensity of his stare, bracing for his humiliation, for the laughter that I was sure would follow.

Instead, there was a moment of silence before I heard a low, clear “Yes.”