The Billionaire Contract

Get married

“Belinda” Alexander called with a smile.

Belinda exchanged a gaze with Vivian, who looked at her in confusion. Did they see their boss smile? For the second time that day? Their beautiful Monday morning was officially doomed.

Oh! Where is their savior, Maya Leonard? Where did she go? She should be here to help them out, but they’re alone with him. He’s going to fire them!

Their thoughts ran wild as they put themselves together. They couldn’t afford to make a mess of themselves that morning.

“Have a look”, Alexander took a pile of papers from his table and stretched them towards Belinda to study.

Vivian felt her boss’ gaze on her and looked up to look into his eyes. She looked away immediately and began to fidget with her nails.

“Vivian Donovan” Alexander smirked as he watched her. She looked like a cat beaten in the rain. Maybe there was no need for him to talk anyway. She knew what she was doing. She knew she had messed up. She knew she f****d the hell up. He never expected high from anybody, but at the same time, why do they have to f**k things up so badly? Why?

“Yes… Sir” She trembled before him.

“I made it clear that whenever I talk to any of you, you look me in the eye, not at the floor. "Or perhaps, you’re now in love with the beautiful tiles?” he uttered with mockery.

“No sir”, Vivian looked up and managed to keep her composure.

“Very good. "Your phone is with you, yes?” he asked in a cold voice.

“Yes,” Vivian replied and searched her pocket for her phone. “I have it right…here”

“Excellent”, Alexander commented and went on, “You should go ahead and take a look at the beautiful caption you used for the outfit." When you’re done with that, you should explore the comments.”

Vivian remained speechless but proceeded to do as she was told. She looked up for two minutes and turned her gaze back to her phone. She was roasted. She began to sweat under the air conditioner.

But she continued exploring like her boss had instructed her to. She continued scrolling, and she continued reading.

“I understand that you're in charge of the official i********: handle, Belinda”. Alexander directed his gaze to the flabbergasted young lady who was engrossed in the files given to her.

“Y-yes sir” Belinda stuttered as she put her chestnut hair behind her ears.

“So, how did Vivian end up writing that caption and going ahead to post it for the world to see?” A gentle smile appeared on his lips again.

“S-sir,” Belinda began to stammer as she exchanged a gaze with Vivian. The latter shook her head quickly and looked away. “I had difficulty coming up with the perfect caption—”

“I employed you because you said you were a professional at handling social media accounts. "How can one be professional when they can't come up with a ‘perfect’ caption for a post?” Alexander cut in with a sigh of disgust.

“I’m sorry sir”, Belinda bowed her head.

“You’re sorry?” Alexander scoffed. He began to laugh out loud, making the women more scared. They knew all hell had broken loose when they heard the resounding laughter echoing in the room.

“I believe you've had a little bit of exploration, Vivian” Alexander snapped irritably.

“Sir, I—”

“It’s given that both of you are ridiculously useless and can't solve what you've caused. Not only has my reputation been ruined, but you have also caused a scandalous rumor about me. Well, it’s been nice working with you two. Good luck! You may collect your salary from the finance department. "You have twenty minutes to leave the premises”, Alexander ranted to the horror of the women.

The two didn't move. They just stood there like cats beaten in the rain.

Alexander watched them and added, “In other words, you're fired!”

“What?” It then dawned on the women that they were done for.

“I’m—I’m sorry sir. I’m very sorry sir. It’s just that—”

Two sharp knocks were heard before the door was opened. A young man walked into the office and smiled. He looked at the two women with a funny expression on his face. No one needed to tell him what had just happened.

“You may go”. Alexander’s cold voice sent the women rubbing out of the office like frightened lambs.

“Brother”, the younger man smiled and sat on a sofa.

Alexander ignored him and continued working on his system. His brother can remain there till night for all he cares. All he knew was that he wasn't going to talk to him anytime soon. He was in his office on behalf of his family members.

“Ugh!” Alexander sighed and loosened his tie completely. He was going crazy.

**

“Marshai!” A short shriek was heard from a corner.

“Ugh! Bianca! "How did you know it was me?” A frown appeared on Marshai’s face as she turned around with her backpack.

“Of course. Besides, that's not how to hide or surprise someone. "I saw your backpack when I barely made it into the store”, Bianca laughed.

“Whatever. "You caught me” Marshai threw her hand in the air and hissed.

“I did”, Bianca laughed and tiptoed to get what she originally came into the store for.

“So, what are we eating today?” Marshai asked Bianca as they made their way out of the store.

“You mean what are you buying to eat today?” Bianca corrected her immediately. She knew that Marshai was up to something. She thinks she will get free food because she has been away for months.

“Bianca!” Marshai cried.

“Fine. "You get the fries” Bianca rolled her eyes.

“Just the fries? What about chicken?” Marshai hopped on her from behind.

Bianca quickly held the object in her hand because she was caught off guard. She didn’t know Marshai would jump on her like that. She was not mad, but she was just being careful.

“Fine, fine, fine” She gave up.

“I love you”, Marshai ran to give her order to the attendant present. She has a lot to say to her best friend. In fact, she's going to sleep that day. She has a lot to say, and she also knows that her friend has a lot to tell her in return.

**

“If an outfit like this can seduce the almighty Alexander Blackwood, what’s stopping you from seducing your partner with this?” Alexander’s brother read from his phone with laughter.

“What’s so funny?” Alexander was pissed.

“Alex, you're trending, and your mother sees it as a good thing. Grandmother too, but father took it seriously.” His brother became serious.

“What did he say? I'm going to appear at dinner today”, Alex replied.

“You are?” His brother was surprised.

“I am”, Alex retorted.

“Why is my mother happy that I am being dragged on social media?” Alex asked.

“The post is insinuating that you have a partner. In other words, "your partner seduces you with the outfit, so the world thinks you have a secret partner or even wife”, his brother explained.

“I know the impression the post was given. I didn't ask you for details. "I asked for the reason for my mother’s happiness by the post”, Alex hissed.

“Mother wants you to bring your partner to the

Dinner tonight”, his brother announced.

“I heard you wrong, Jerry” Alex got up from his seat.

“Well, that message was directly from Father. You'll talk more when we meet at home. I also have somewhere to be” Jeffrey also got up from his seat.

“f**k” Alex ran his hand through his hair as he watched his brother leave. He was f****d. Really f****d.

Who would he bring to dinner as his partner or the ridiculous wife they're expecting to see? Oh s**t!! There was a time when people thought he was gay. That rumor messed up his reputation, but everything faded away when he got into a relationship with a model, Georgina Perry.

She got thirsty for more fame and power, so she left. Then, he was just building his empire, so he wasn't really solid like now. But he's the biggest and the best. He's always number one in everything. His face is everywhere.

He rose to the top overnight. He had nothing for the model. They just used themselves. He used her to stop the rumor, save his reputation, and his company. She used him to become more famous, get more deals, and gain power. It was supposed to be a win-win until he found out that she had other plans.

His mother was rooting for them then. She got Georgina to come over anytime she wanted. Their relationship was public, so everyone knew it was also healthy. It was more serious when she became his fiancée. It’s all thanks to his mother—the master planner.

Now a bigger problem has been caused. It seems like nature is repeating itself. But this time, it feels like everything can be ruined at the slightest mistake.

He's f****d up.

**

“Mr Bruno” Alexander walked towards the renowned artist. He was an old man but he seemed strong for his age. He had also retired from his work.

“Mr Blackwood” Mr Bruno was about to get up from his seat to greet but Alex stopped him from doing so.

“Forget the formalities”, Alex waved it off and took his seat opposite the man.

“My apologies. This is—”

“Ah, I know. We met. "Maya Leonard, did I get that right?” Mr Bruno offered a warm smile.

“Yes sir”, Maya blushed. She was just excited that the old man remembered her after all. They'd met once or twice and he didn’t forget her name.

“I see”, Alex muttered and stretched out his hand again.

Maya rolled her eyes when she saw his outstretched hand. She knew what he was asking for this time so she would give it to him. She took out a small piece of paper from her pocket and gave it to him.

Alex began to read through the paper. He looked up and met the man’s gaze.

“Take your time. I’m aware of the situation so you don’t have to be in haste”, Mr Bruno smiled.

“It’s not that”, Alex sighed.

“Alright,” the old man concluded. He was curious but he didn’t ask. Curiosity kills the cat. He should remain curious because he might be incapable of fixing what he’s about to hear.

“Well, this meeting will be over in twenty minutes’ time. "My time started counting right from the moment I stepped into the hotel”, Alex said with authority.

“More reason for us to start talking”, Mr Bruno suggested, because Alex hadn’t told him what he wanted. He was tense but he just carried his composure.

Alex saw the waiter about to approach the table, so he waved his hand at Maya. She would take care of it. Maya went away with the waiter while Alex and Mr Bruno got ready to discuss business.

***

It was a quiet dinner in the evening. The family had gathered this time around to talk about something important. This time around, it was just the nuclear family present.

“Alexander”, the head of the family, spoke for the first time that evening.

He had been silent throughout, which was scary. But it was good that everyone was eating. Small talks were not made at all as everyone focused on the food in front of them.

Alexander didn’t reply. He just raised his head to let the man know he should keep talking. After all, his ears work well.

“Is it true?” his father asked in a clear and loud voice.

“What is?” Alexander asked.

“Do you have any woman you’re seeing at the moment?” His father asked and dropped his spoon on the table. He was done eating.

“No, I don’t”, Alexander replied.

“Perfect” The old man wiped his lip. He looked at his wife, who could barely conceal her excitement.

Judging from how his mother was behaving, Alexander knew his parents were up to something…ridiculous.

“You are to see Daniella Banks from HJ group and prepare for your wedding next week. "You can discuss the rest with your mother.” The old man got up from his seat and walked away with his hands behind his back.