Dark Hearts

Chapter Seven

Melia's pov

The air in the study was somber and tension-filled. I briefly wondered if this is the way the rest of my life was going to be - filled with heavy silence and unrelenting tension. I sat stiffly in a high backed leather chair, flanked by Bastian's mother - Mrs. Monroe, and their family lawyer Mrs. Monroe's cousin, Mr. Collins.

Candice's kind but calculated gaze bore into me, I couldn't quite figure her out. She spoke like she disliked me but her gaze softens more often than not.

Must be pity she feels, surely.

Bastian stood behind her, a silent sentinel, his expression unreadable. Mr. Collins, the short, stern man in his late fifties, adjusted his glasses and cleared his throat loudly.

“We're here to finalize the terms of this marriage contract.” He said, his tone efficient and brisk. “Miss….” He trailed off.

“Miss Rixe, I'm sure you've had a chance to review the document.” He said, sifting through the papers.

I had skimmed the pages yesterday after Bastian had left, not really seeing much. It was all a bunch of legal jargon that felt like a foreign language, only adding to my sense of helplessness because of its implication.

“Yes, I did.”

“Wonderful.” Mr Collins continued in a tone that suggested otherwise.

“First, this marriage is legally binding for a minimum of two years. During this period, both parties must present themselves as a married couple to the public and the family.”

The idea of family was foreign to me. I didn't really have a family now. Dad was already gone and Beatrix…

The thought and remembrance of her actions brought an enormous heaviness to my chest.

I glanced at Bastian. What would it be like to be his wife?

The wife of Bastian Monroe, billionaire and certified party boy.

At least I have that night to thank. If I hadn't met Bastian at the Sweet and Sultry bar, none of this would even be happening.

His face was a mask of indifference, his normally expressive eyes, a blank slate.

“Secondly”, Mr Collins said, bringing me back to the present.

“You are required to cohabitate. This includes sharing a bedroom. Separate living arrangements will void the contract and result in legal repercussions.”

I felt the blood drain from my face. At the same time, Bastian's shocked gaze met mine then moved to Mrs. Monroe.

Under different circumstances, I would've been offended by the abject horror on his face at the thought of sharing a room with me.

“Mother?” He questioned.

“There are eyes everywhere, you never know who is watching. We don't want any loopholes that will raise your uncle's hackles and have him sniffing around.” She offered in a way of explanation.

An uncle?

It was becoming very obvious to me that I didn't even know the reason for this marriage.

Bastian relaxed a bit but still didn't look pleased.

“You will also attend family functions and public events together.” Mr. Collins said. “Failure to do so will be seen as a breach of contract. Additionally, any misconduct that reflects poorly on the family will result in immediate consequences.” He uttered this with a pointed look in my direction.

“We expect you to uphold the family's reputation, Miss Rixe.”

Mrs. Collins flipped to another page. “In return, Mr. Bastian will provide you with financial support, protection, and monthly allowance. Upon successful completion of the two year term, a sum of 1 million dollars will be transferred to your account as settlement.”

My eyes widened and from the corner of my eye, I saw Mrs. Monroe bite back a smile.

One million dollars?

That was more money than I'd ever dreamed of. It would give me the freedom I'm looking for. A chance to start over somewhere far away.

“Do you have any questions, Miss Rixe?” The lawyer questioned, his gaze piercing.

I swallowed, and licked my dry lips. “W… what if I want to leave before the term of two years is up?”

The question was directed at Mr. Collins but it was Bastian that stepped forward, glaring at me. “You won't. This isn't just about you, Melia. There's a lot at stake here, for both of us.

I met his eyes, trying to differentiate between this man and the one who protected me and held me while he slept. But all I saw was determination, strong as steel. This must be very important to him.

Mrs. Monroe's voice cut through the silence like a blade. “You will sign an NDA. You are not to speak of this to anyone.”

Mr. Collins slid the contract to me along with a pen. “If you agree to the terms, please sign at the bottom.”

I scoffed internally.

If I agree?

I literally almost had no choice.

With a deep breath, I signed my name. Every stroke of the pen felt like a stamp on my future and a step deeper into a confinement of my own making.

I had my fingers crossed hoping this all worked out and I can start over and give happiness a try.

Mr. Collins nodded and collected the papers when I finished the signing.

“Congratulations.” He said, with no warmth at all. “You are now legally bound as husband and wife.”

Mrs. Monroe stood, her expression bright. This was the happiest I have ever seen her since we met.

“In the eyes of the public, you are not yet married of course. We have to introduce them to you slowly. A few dinners and some public appearances will do the trick. Then we can announce the engagement and wedding.” She said, more to Bastian than to me.

“We'll start with tonight's dinner. Your uncle will be in attendance. Be at your best. He is very watchful.”

Bastian nodded gruffly and she finally turned to me.

“Welcome to the family, Melia. I trust that you'll meet our expectations.” She said, her expression stuck between pleased and cautious.

Bastian walked towards me. “We'll-”

The study door pushed open loudly, startling Mrs. Monroe who looked up at the perpetrator with a scowl. No one in the mansion would dare make such an entrance. The maids and the housekeeper always quivered with fear and trepidation whenever one of the Monroes’ walked past them. I could hardly imagine one of them bold enough to do this.

A small, young but striking woman with a sleek figure entered the room with an expression so solemn that it put Bastian's to shame.

“Hello, family. Did y'all miss me?”