a contract-bound one, could solve their problems. "Why, Mr. Blackwood?" she managed to

g it. "My mother," he started, a note of annoyance creeping into his otherwise controlled voice,

0 days. That should satisfy my mother's need to see me settled. And you," he pointed

s blatant disregard for marriage, the sanctity of it, was disturbing. Yet, his proposal held the potential solution to her predicam

logetic about his lack of commitment or his hedonistic pursuits. Yet, she couldn't ignore the fact

a whirlwind of thoughts. Ethan simply nodded,

her family's legacy, was hanging by a thread. Ethan's proposal, as outrageous as it was, could salvage it. B

hrough her window, she made her decision. It was for her father, for

the city's most iconic skyscrapers. Taking a deep breath, she stepped ou

niture was minimalistic, mostly made of rich mahogany. A massive desk sat at the center, surrounded by high-tech screens showcasing various stocks and shares. On o

nticipated. Ethan Blackwood was there, engaged in a passionate kiss with

retary, a tall blonde with striking features, looked mortified and quickly excused herself. Ethan, on th

her sapphire eyes. "Mr. Blackwood," she star

d, the word 'wife' drawn ou

pulling out the documents that would seal their fate. "Here's the NDA," she said curtl

, my, someone's done their homework," he said, his tone patronizing. He

act marriage. She felt a lump in her throat, but she swallowed it down. This was her decision, her

to be challenging, she was certain. But she also knew that she was stronger than she gave herself cre

rin on his face. "I suppose you must've sold your car by now,"

her ground. "That won't be necessary, Mr. Blackwood.

He did not like to be defied. "I wasn't asking, Alexandra. I was tel

a vehicle that screamed luxury and power. Its exterior was pristine, an embodiment of superior craftsmanshi

sp white shirt and a black tie. He carried an air of authority and dominance that was almost tangible. H

cil skirt, her ensemble a perfect mix of professionalism and style. Her

l everyone, Alexandra," he said, his voice serious. "Starting wi

had anticipated. But she nodded, acknowledging his words. She knew the stakes. She had to convince t

s stern. "Remember, this is just the beginning of our game," he warned her, before ste

ed, Alex steeled herself for the act she was