The Contract

Scarlet POV

stood, my gaze fixed on him as he drove off in his car. My mind fell into silence.

This was surely my chance, but he was a complete stranger.

One part of me dared to confront him for stalking me and thinking he had a chance with me, all because of a one-night stand that I hated myself for having.

The other part saw this as an opportunity to accomplish my dreams and attain what I couldn't.

I wanted revenge for Aiden's betrayal. Our engagement was just weeks away, and now he was hooking up with my stepsister.

I hated him.

This was my chance, but why had he come here all of a sudden after proving not to care last night?

And now he was offering me a marriage contract? I wanted more answers, but getting them wouldn't be easy.

First, I needed to know his name and everything about him.

"The Knightbridge Global Enterprises?" I whispered to myself.

I hurriedly left the café and returned home, my legs swiftly carrying me to my room.

With a quick lock of the door, I landed on my bed, grabbed my laptop, and began searching for more information about this stranger.

I typed

"The Knightbridge Global Enterprises"

into the search bar, and the results appeared before my eyes.

The screen displayed a link to the company's website:

"The Knightbridge Global Enterprises - Founded by James Hawthorne."

Clicking on it, I discovered that the company was a multi-billion dollar corporation with a strong presence in various industries.

As I continued reading, I learned about the company's history and accomplishments, including its partnerships with other successful businesses such as The Kensington Global Innovation, my dream company, and many others.

The website boasted of the company's exponential growth and success under the leadership of its founder, James Hawthorne.

However, a heavy feeling settled in my heart as I read on and found out that James Hawthorne had passed away, leaving his properties and companies to his son, Sebastian Hawthorne—the same stranger with whom I had a one-night stand. I discovered that he was a wealthy bachelor who had managed to take his father's company to even greater heights.

This information only intrigued me further, raising more questions.

Why wasn't he married, even after attaining such great success and wealth? He chose a single life, and now he suddenly wanted a change and picked me?

But he wasn't after love, just as he had said; this would be a mutual agreement between us—a fake marriage based on a contract, but to the world, it would be real.

I slammed my head on my bed, overwhelmed by my thoughts.

Gosh, why think about it so much? My dream job and the chance to exact my revenge should be all I care about.

Lost in my thoughts, I found myself falling asleep, succumbing to my weak and tired state.

The next morning came, and I scrambled for my purse and phone.

After bathing, I gazed gently into the mirror, my mind still reeling from the previous day's events.

A sigh escaped my lips.

"I should accept, right?"

I whispered, questioning my reflection as I tucked a curl of my brown hair behind my ear.

Applying a touch of lipstick, I deemed it good enough to walk down the stairs and head for the door.

I arrived at the Knightbridge Global Enterprises by cab, my eyes widening in awe at the impressive building that certainly befitted a multi-billion-dollar company.

Marveling at the magnificent interior, I made my way to the receptionist, presenting her with the contact card Sebastian had given me.

"You're here to see Mr Hawthorne?" she asked after glancing at the card.

I nodded slowly, my mind feeling heavy with uncertainty. I could sense her eyes flickering over me, observing my nervousness.

"The boss isn't around at the moment. Do you mind waiting for him?" she replied, snapping me out of my thoughts.

I murmured an "oh" in response, unsure of what to do.

One part of me wanted to leave, but I was already here, and returning would be a waste. I decided to sit and wait, taking a seat as the minutes ticked by.

I checked my wristwatch every second, growing increasingly impatient. It seemed like he was just playing me.

I stood up, determined to leave, but my legs froze as my eyes caught sight of Sebastian Hawthorne stepping out of his car, coat flying back, and glasses glinting.

With a nod, his bodyguard opened the door to The Knightbridge Global Enterprises, and he entered, greeted by nods from the crowd.

He made his way through the halls, giving me a slight glance as he proceeded to his office.

His perceived rudeness made me feel inconsequential, and I contemplated my actions once more.

However, my thoughts were interrupted by the receptionist.

"Mr. Hawthorne will see you now, ma'am." She informed.

"Oh, alright. Thanks," I replied, making my way to his office, taking a deep breath before entering. His gaze rose to meet mine as I stepped inside.

"Seems you chose wisely," he said.

I hated how he thought everything was within his power and control, all in the name of his wealth, but I had no other option.

If I wanted revenge on Aiden and Evelyn and a chance to fulfill my dreams, I saw no choice but to give in to his desires.

"Before I sign or accept the deal, I wish to know what you stand to gain from it," I asked, craving more answers behind his sudden proposition.

"Let's just say certain benefits," he responded, offering little information.

I narrowed my eyes, expecting more than just those few words.

"You're not revealing much, are you?"

"I don't have time to waste on negotiations. Are you here to accept or ask questions?" he shrugged, his impatience evident.

I wanted more, but going deeper could lead to losing this chance to achieve my goals and get back at Aiden and Evelyn.

"Alright, I accept," I uttered.

A sly grin spread across his face.

"Good!" he said, his hands reaching for some papers that I assumed were the contract.

"Here is the contract...you don't have to go through it, but if you wish, you can."

Really? Was he kidding? Did he think I trusted him that much? I was just doing this for my own gain.

Just then, his phone rang, and he answered with a sense of urgency.

"I have a meeting to attend. Take your time to review the contract and sign it if you're willing. I'll inform you of the next step once it's signed."

With that, he left, leaving me alone to ponder the contract and my future.

I read the contract, my eyes scanning the legal jargon.

After a few minutes, I looked around the office, realizing I was alone. The silence was deafening.

I placed the contract on his desk and stood up, my curiosity getting the better of me.

With no one in sight, I approached his desk and began to sift through his files, searching for any clues that might explain the sudden proposition.

As I rummaged through the papers, my fingers stumbled upon a letter.

Slowly opening it, my eyes scanned the contents.

"What are you doing?" a voice cut through the silence, making me jump.

I turned to see Sebastian Hawthorne, his eyes narrowed and piercing through me.

My heart raced as I tried to come up with an excuse, my eyes still fixed on the letter.

"I...I was just looking for a pen," I stammered, my voice barely above a whisper.

"I see," he said, his voice dripping with skepticism.

"Well, I think you've found something far more interesting than a pen."