Chapter 6
1372 Words
~Aria's POV~
His grip on my hand tightened, as if to emphasize the gravity of the situation. I pulled back, staring at him in shock, my mind reeling with the proposal.
"What?" I breathed, my voice barely audible.
"Kaden Sterling? The reclusive Tycoon? Father, you can't be serious." I shook my head, incredulous. "I don't even know him. How can you expect me to —"
Richard cut me off, his face set in determination.
"Aria, this is not a request. This is the solution. Kaden Sterling is willing to marry you and cover our debts, restore the company's reputation, if you agree. It's a business arrangement, he'll provide the rescue, and you'll provide... you. It's the only way to salvage what's left of our family."
I felt like I'd been slapped, my thoughts spinning. An arranged marriage to a stranger, to a reclusive tycoon, of all people — seemed like a nightmare.
"But why me?" I asked, my voice rising in desperation. "Why does he want to marry me?"
Richard's expression turned pragmatic. "Kaden Sterling needs a wife, and he has indicated he's interested in you. Maybe he sees potential in the connection, maybe he wants to help. The details don't matter. What matters is that this is our lifeline. You need to do this, Aria."
I stumbled to my feet, backing away, my head shaking mechanically. "I... I can't just marry a stranger. What about my life? What about —" Richard stood up, his voice firm.
"Aria, listen carefully! If you don't do this, we'll lose everything. The house, the business, everything we've built. You'll be left with nothing. This is the only way to save our family. You have to think of us, of me, of your mother. Do this, and we'll be back on our feet. Refuse... and don't even think about the consequences. Because I'd disown you!"
I felt trapped, my breath catching in my throat. "What does Kaden Sterling expect in return?" I asked weakly, trying to grasp at details. Richard's face was grim. "Just like I've said, he'll want a proper wife, Aria. You'll live with him, support him socially as needed, and in return, he'll fix our problems. The arrangement would be... civilized. You'll be his partner in name."
I swallowed hard, my mind racing with the implications. I don't even know how he looked like or his age. The only information I had on him is how cold and rude he was.
"And... what if I say no?" My father's face turned cold and distant. "Then prepare for the ruin of everything, Aria. Choose." I stood there, frozen in horror, the word 'no' on my lips but unable to push it out.
I wanted to say no, so badly. I hesitated for a moment, the weight of the decision crushing me, but knowing I had no real choice.
"Alright," I said finally, my voice barely above a whisper. "I'll do it."
Richard's expression didn't soften, but a nod of approval flickered across his face. He picked up a written paper from his desk and dropped it on the table in front of me.
"Tomorrow, you meet with Kaden Sterling and his solicitor at the agreed place — it's written there. You'll discuss and finalize the arrangement. Be presentable and cooperative, Aria."
I took the paper, scanning the details mechanically. A meeting at a law office in the city, 10 AM tomorrow. I nodded numbly, tucking the paper into my bag, and then turned to leave the study.
My father stopped me with one more comment as I reached the door. "Aria, don't mess this up." I didn't reply, just walked out, the weight of my agreement settling like a shroud.
The next day, I stood outside the court — or rather, the law office indicated in the note — dressed in a simple but respectable outfit, my nerves on edge.
I had barely slept, my mind oscillating between disbelief and panic about the arranged marriage. As I waited, a man in a sharp suit approached me. He was middle-aged, with a professional smile and a briefcase in hand.
"Miss Aria?" he asked, and I nodded. "I am Gregory Miles, solicitor for Mr. Kaden Sterling. Pleased to meet you." He offered his hand, and I shook it, trying to appear composed.
"Pleased to meet you too, Mr. Miles," I replied, my voice polite but strained.
Gregory Miles nodded courteously. "I apologize that Mr. Sterling won't be joining us today — or at any point prior to the ceremony. He has requested me to handle the arrangements on his behalf." I felt a jolt of surprise, and my face must have shown it.
"He won't be coming?" I repeated, confused and a hint disconcerted. "So... it's just me and you?" I asked, looking at the solicitor, my tone implying a mix of incredulity and unease.
"Yes," Gregory Miles nodded politely and gestured towards the entrance of the law office. "Shall we proceed to my office, Miss Aria? We have the documents to discuss and sign."
I followed him in, my legs feeling like lead, and took a seat in his elegantly furnished office. Miles settled behind his desk, adjusting his glasses, and began speaking in a businesslike tone.
"Miss Aria, as I mentioned, I represent Mr. Kaden Sterling's interests. I must emphasize, as is commonly known that Mr. Sterling is a reclusive individual. He is... advanced in age, and by all accounts, prefers a private life. Rumors also suggest he is impotent, if that influences your personal considerations."
He watched me with calculating eyes, as if gauging my reaction. I barely reacted, remembering my father's words, I had no choice. I simply nodded, my expression blank, trying to convey neither interest nor distress. "I understand," I said softly, my voice subdued.
Miles' expression turned slightly sterner, treating me with a hint of condescension. "Very well, Miss Aria. As you are doubtless aware, you are in a position requiring Mr. Sterling's... benevolence. I will outline the terms of the arrangement."
He opened a folder on his desk and slid a document across to me. "This is the contract. In exchange for Mr. Sterling agreeing to clear your family's debts in full — including restitution for the damage caused by Ethan's actions, you will marry him and remain his wife for a period of five years. During this time, you will:"
He began listing points in a dry, unemotional voice. "Reside with Mr. Sterling at his estate, acting as his wife in all social and necessary capacities."
"Provide companionship as required by Mr. Sterling, purely in a titular and public capacity."
"Abstain from any romantic or s****l relations outside the marriage, and understand that Mr. Sterling will not be requesting such within the marriage, given his... personal situation."
"Manage certain social obligations on behalf of Mr. Sterling, attending events and representing his interests as needed."
"Not seek annulment or divorce for the duration of the five years, on penalty of full repayment of the debts plus additional damages."
"Comply with all of Mr. Sterling's reasonable requests pertaining to the marriage and his personal or business needs, within the bounds of law and decency. Even s*x!"
I swallowed as Miles spoke with the air of a man reciting terms to a subordinate, emphasizing the binding nature of the contract.
"You will note, Miss Aria, that Mr. Sterling is offering considerable generosity. Your family's financial rescue is contingent on your strict compliance with these terms. You are, of course, a desperate party in need of his aid."
His tone implied I should be grateful. I felt a sting at his words, like a desperate, nobody. But I kept my head down, scanning the contract. The language was cold, clinical, and humiliating. It bound me tightly to Kaden Sterling, offering him control over me for five years in explicit detail, with no mention of any rights or dignity for me.
I thought of my family, of my father expecting me to save them, and swallowed my pride. "I understand," I said again, my voice low.
Miles pushed a pen across the desk. "Sign at the marked places, Miss Aria. Initial each page to indicate your assent to the terms."
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