Bound by Contract

The Proposition

Sophia Bennett quickly made her way through the bustling streets of Manhattan. As she cast a glance at her watch, her heart beat quickly. She was late for work again, as usual. Her employer, a small marketing firm, didn’t have exact clock-in and out hours, but Sophia prided herself on being on time. At least it was one of the few things she still could control amidst her turbulent existence

Her heart pounding, Sophia slipped the phone from her bag as she stepped out of the office building and onto street. On the screen was a notification of insufficient funds from her bank. "Your account is overdrawn" it said.

I swear, thought Sophia as she put the phone away again, it is just another reminder of the huge bills she cannot deal with any longer. Especially Mother's medical fees. Only problem, she reflects, if things don't turn around soon, how am I going to manage?Sophia was lost in her thoughts and didn't notice the man standing by the receptionist's desk until she nearly walked right into him. “Excuse me,” she murmured, stepping sideways to get around him. “No problem,” came the deep, smooth voice. Sophia stopped short, recognizing the sound of his voice even before she looked up. It was the man himself...Alexander Blackwood!She gazed up into his piercing blue eyes and found herself looking at the man who, by all accounts, was one of the most powerful men in New York. Alexander Blackwood, CEO of Blackwood Enterprises and the man whom her small marketing agency had just signed on as a client. In person he was even more formidable: impeccably dressed, well-cut dark hair that never strayed out of place and an air of command with which he seemed to dominate the whole room.

"Ms. Bennett, isn't it?" Alex said, his eyes locked on her, and she felt her heart miss one beat. “Yes, Mr. Blackwood” Sophia replied, trying very hard to keep her voice steady as she did so. “I am sorry about nearly crashing into you. I didn’t think to see you here” she said. Alex gave her a half smile, or maybe more of a smirk. “I’m here for our meeting. It seems we’re both a little late” he said.

Embarrassment filled up Sophia’s face. “Of course, please.” she said, leading him into their meeting place. As she sat in front of him, her mind raced to keep ahead of her thoughts - she needed a good presentation for this account yet it was all supposed to be coming and going very quickly now. And in the stream of work she carried out each day, that important account with this new business took centre stage.

In the conference room, Sophia began to set up her presentation and Alex sat at the head of the table, As she started her pitch, she tried to put out of her mind the way he seemed to gaze through her, reviewing every word she said.

When she had finished, Alex was silent for a long minute, tapping his fingers on the table. “Impressive” he said at last. "How ever, Ms Bennett, I wonder if you will explain your choice of strategy in greater detail."

Sophia swallowed, weighing her words. “I think it is in line with your company’s goals, Mr. Blackwood. We wanted to come up with something new, something that would catch people’s attention.” she answered.

Alex nodded as though in agreement, a smile just teasing the corners of his lips. “Innovation is indeed something to be cherished. But then again, isn ’t loyalty and trust important too?” he asked.

Sophia blinked, shaken by the sudden change in tone. “Naturally” she answered guardedly. “Loyalty and trust are the cornerstone of every successful partnership,” she said.

Alex’s focus landed on Sophia. “Wonderful. I have a proposal for you, Ms. Bennett, one that involves loyalty and trust,” he said. Sophia felt her heart rate increase. “Proposal?” She echoed. “Yes,” said Alex, leaning in. “I know it’s a strange one, but it would work out for the both of us.” Sophia’s mind was attempting to process whether Alex’s sudden proposition meant what she thought. “I’m listening,” she said while she did her best to make her voice sound civil.

Alex’s gaze was imposing. “I need a wife, Ms. Bennett. A wife to fulfill a temporary contract marriage. In exchange for acceptance, I will pay all of your mother’s medical bills and ensure you’re financially secure for the duration of the arrangement,” he said, deadpan. Sophia’s heart sank. Did she just hear what she thought she did? A contract marriage? Nothing was making sense at the moment. “I… I don’t understand,” she said, feeling the embarrassment creep in. “Why me?” she asked. Alex was unfazed, surprised or unshakable on the idea that Sophia was wondering why she was receiving a proposal. “You’re intelligent, capable, and most importantly, you aren’t part of my social circles, which makes you an ideal candidate. I’m not looking for a love match, Ms. Bennett, only business interest. Us both agreeing on this arrangement matters greatly. I promise, you won’t lack for anything during the timeframe of the contract, but you are expected to adhere to the rules that will lay down expectations under said contract,” Alex explained.

Sophia continued to stare at him, while her mind whirled. This was all insane. Absolutely insane. But then she began thinking about her mother’s frail face, hospital bills, and possible losing her altogether. Could she actually go along with something like this? Marry a man she hardly even knew, just to save her mother? "I... I need some time to think about this. I just need some time to mentally process everything you've said to me. Everything seems so complicated and i just need some time to think through it" she was finally able to say.

Alex nodded. His expression softened just a little bit. "Of course. But I will need to know soon. My father's will states I must be married by the end of this year to retain my position at the company. We are limited by time and I would love to take advantage of it however we can," he replied.

Sophia nodded numbly. "I'll... I'll let you know," she spoke back.

The other side of the door of the conference room was chaos. What was she even thinking? How could she seriously consider any of this?! But as she started the familiar long walk home that night, and continued to stare down the weight of her financial woes, she found herself finally thinking about the growth of her life! Time to make a decision that would change the course of her life forever.