The Contract Agreement. 

Chapter 3:

Alina's pov 

I entered the imposing glass structure that exuded wealth and power. It was icy, spotless and costly in every way. Blake was someone who commanded attention in every way, he was a no nonsense person and his family was said to be the richest, so I wasn't surprised at how beautiful the place looked like.

But like a second skin I carried all three inside of me and it was the betrayal that hurt more than anything.

“Mr. Blake is expecting you.” The receptionist said without raising her head.

She pointed to a modern private elevator. I stepped in and nodded silently. I hardly recognized the woman who reflected back at me through the elevator doors.

 I looked taller and sharper with my bold red lips, black fitted dress and heels. But the truth was revealed by my eyes which were still burning with pain and were worn out and haunted. This is what I came back to after being away for two years. 

Lies, betrayal, heartache. My sister and my husband sharing a bed. I knew that this might be going on for a long time.

And the video, I had traced who had stupidly sent it to me.

It was Camille.

She sent it to me to spite me and make me cry but she didn't expect what she saw that evening.

She was expecting me to cry, to beg her to leave my husband.

I clicked my tongue and shook my head.

The elevator revealed an enormous office that resembled the interior of a high-end penthouse. 

The city skyline was visible through floor-to-ceiling windows and the interior was entirely made of steel, leather or glass. Despite my fear I didn't bat an eye or try to look amazed at the standard of the office.

Dante Blake turned slightly when I entered, poured himself a drink as if he had it all the time in the world , he was standing by the bar. His eyes followed me like I was a puzzle he was trying to solve and a cute smile came on his lips.

“You came,” he said. His voice was deep, serene and slightly menacing. 

“You asked that I do so.”

He smiled.

“No. You wanted to . Something is wrong.”

 I crossed my arms as I stepped closer.

“I’m not here to play games.”

“ Naturally you did. You simply do not want to acknowledge it.”

He approached me and gave me a glass of an expensive amber drink. I didn't drink it. He sank into a leather armchair across from me.

“ You want your inheritance back.” He said.

“And I want to destroy your ex-husband. We can support one another.”

After a moment of hesitation I sat down. “Why do you want to destroy him?”

 Dante twirled his drink. 

“My business with Barry is not yet resolved. Years ago his father tried to undermine mine. After losing everything, we gradually rebuilt everything, it was hard. I want a little justice now.”

 You are the perfect key..”

 I gulped. I felt like I was giving my soul to the devil but I had no other option after being humiliated in the most terrible way by Barry and Camille. 

My name and a provision in my grandfather's will were all that remained of me. 

“You mentioned having a strategy.”

“Yes,” he said, removing a black folder and setting it on the table made of glass. “We are married. Six months, general public, loud, strategic. The board will release your inheritance, your image will glow up and everyone will think we're in love.”

I looked at the folder then back at him.

“ And what do you get?”

His gaze was fixed on mine as he leaned forward. 

“Mastery, media coverage. Barry would be humiliated. My brand is enhanced by my lovely wife.”

“And if I fall in love with you?” I asked. His eyebrows went up and he grinned. “Then that would be really bad since I am not a lover.”

I opened the folder.

 It was a straightforward and harsh contract. The length of the marriage: six months.

 It is necessary to appear in public. 

Don't expect romance unless you both agree.

 After that, the divorce would be quietly filed.

 I silently turned the pages. It sounded like a show. A lie 

 And though, an opportunity to regain my authority.

“ I want to add a clause,” I announced as I raised my head. 

“I still keep my inheritance if I receive it before the six-month period is up. No restrictions.”

He gave a small nod 

“Alright. Done.”

 He gave me a pen. 

 My hand lingered over the pen. I still had the option to leave. I could start over on my own. But then I imagined Camille smiling, the ruthless eyes of Barry and the video, the betrayal. 

I put my signature on it. Dante looked at me the whole time before leaning back as if he was content. 

“Welcome on board Mrs Blake.”

His eyes met mine.

“You shouldn't call me that yet.”

He got up and retrieved a black velvet box from a drawer. The gorgeous diamond ring inside was broken by the light. 

“This was my mother's,” he declared. “She wore this ring like it was her crown despite the fact that she hated my father.”

 It was in my hand. I didn't realize it was heavier, cold and sharp.

 He went on .

“Let's carry on the tradition.”

It was placed on my finger. It fit flawlessly. “Tomorrow we will declare the engagement. Take pictures first thing in the morning.

 I will arrange for someone to come get you.”

 I stood up . My heels made a warning click sound as they touched the ground. “Okay. Remember that this is business.”

Dante smiled again. 

“Obviously. But keep in mind that business can get messy particularly when emotions are involved.”

I didn't say anything, with each step becoming more difficult I turned and left his office. I had moved on from being Barry's broken ex-wife. I was going to be Dante Blake's wife even if it was just in writing. Let the war begin .