The Contract

“Don't you want to add a punishment for breaking the contract? We haven't set a timeline either,” Bianca pointed out. “The main thing is not to tell others about it.

If it gets out, it'll hurt you more than me. Lastly, we'll be married for a few years. Add that to the contract,” Theo said.

A thought popped into his mind — a few years might be enough to destroy everything the Jews have for a few years.

Bianca muttered in disbelief. “This is nothing more than a contract marriage. We'll stay together for a few years, and if it doesn't work out, we'll part ways.”

“Don't worry, I'll make sure you're well compensated. You'll have more than enough to live comfortably for the rest of your life,” Theo said with a grin.

“At some point, you'll need an heir,” Bianca said, doubt creeping in.

“No, I don't need one. And if at all I need one, we will prepare a separate contract for that. All the conditions will be different.”

Then Theo was stunned at how bold her demands were.

“Do you mind me having your child?” Bianca asked with a smirk.

“That's not what either of us signed up for. Let's stay focused on what this partnership actually is,” Theo said.

Bianca nodded. “Cool. We can carry on with the contract, Theo.”

She started to sign her name.

Bianca was finally relieved that she was in safe hands. Sure, he's cold and mean, but he's not heartless.

Bianca thought. A flicker of determination crossed her face.

“I can definitely make him fall for me.”

Her dreamland was interrupted by Theo’s cold voice.

“I'll hide the contract somewhere safe, and your father, mother, and sister won't gain entry to my home or my company after we're married,” Theo said bluntly.

“Done.”

“I look forward to being married to you, Theo Harrington,” Bianca replied. “I must leave now.”

“Okay. See you tomorrow at the wedding hall at 10:00 a.m. Don't forget to carry your birth certificate,” Theo said.

Standing, Bianca turned to face Theo one last time.

“Thank you,” she said softly, her voice barely steady.

Theo gave a curt nod, his expression unreadable.

As Bianca stepped out of the private room, she felt a mix of fear and determination flooding through her.

Tomorrow, I'm really doing this. I am marrying Theo Harrington. Yes, I am getting out of that hell — that gloomy North Mansion.

Bianca sped off in her car.

She still couldn't believe she would be the daughter-in-law of the Harrington family, a family with the strongest hold in California’s elite business circles.

No one from her family would be pleased when Theo Harrington married her, especially Rebecca, who wanted everything she owned.

And then there was the abominable Edward Smith.

He was probably already making plans to torment me, ripping me off all the power from the North Corporation and snatching the percentage of whatever shares I hold in that company, she thought.

They might retaliate once they learn about this new development.

With Theo, she could not help but feel anxious about the next day.

Life was in the hands of the powerful Theo, and she hoped he would free her from her home and help her get her revenge next.

This morning, Bianca was jolted awake from a deep sleep by the sound of violent banging on her door.

“Open the door, you bitch. Vile creature. Shameless slut.”

She froze, shocked by the words hurled from outside.

It was her mother and sister.

Why are they shouting at me?

Bianca wondered in alarm.

Did they find out about the contract?

Before she could move, the door burst open. They stormed inside.

“How dare you roam around in this mansion like a desperate bitch?” Rebecca shouted.

“Rebecca, what are you talking about?” Bianca asked, panicked.

Her mother swung her arm.

A loud slap cracked across Bianca’s left cheek, making her stumble back, lightheaded.

“Don't ever call me your mother.”

Her mother yanked her by the hair and dragged her out of bed, still in her nightdress.

Then she slapped and shouted at her as she stood there confused, trying to defend herself.

Maids gathered outside the door, drawn by the noise.

Noah arrived last.

“What is going on here?” he demanded.

“This daughter of yours is nothing but a walking scandal,” her mother hissed. “I warned you to get rid of her before she drags this family through more shame.”

“How could you speak of me like that, Mom?” Bianca shouted. “Stop spreading lies and rumors.”

“Rumors?” her mother screamed. “Don't play innocent. The maid saw you sneaking into Edward’s room at night.”

Bianca’s face froze.

“What? That's not true. I would never.”

Another motion to the side, and a nervous maid stepped forward.

Rebecca gently said, “Go on. Tell them what you saw.”

“I saw Miss Bianca going in and out of Mr. Edward’s room several nights.”

“Liar. She's lying. Dad,” Bianca cried.

Now on her knees, Bianca crawled closer to her father.

Noah turned toward the corner of the room. Bianca and the others followed his gaze.

There stood Edward.

With a sorrowful, whimpering voice, Edward said, “Forgive me, Mr. North, but she forced me to be her sex slave. Since she returned from Paris, I tried to refuse her, but she threatened to ruin my engagement with Rebecca if I didn't comply.

I had no choice but to submit to her demands.”

“Dad, they're lying. This is all fabricated.”

Her mother stepped forward and slapped Bianca hard across the face, sending her crashing to the floor, numb with shock.

“Enough!” her father finally shouted. “You can't stay here anymore. You've proven to be a shame. You are a threat to our family before your sister's marriage.”

“Dad, please don't,” Bianca pleaded to deaf ears.

At Noah’s command, everyone retreated from the room.

Her mother and sister were the last to leave, their eyes cold as they stared at Bianca struggling to stay on her feet.

“Where will I go?” Bianca pleaded, her voice shaking.

Rebecca smirked.

“Do you think this is the worst thing that could happen to you? Oh, darling… I have far worse planned.”

With that, she turned and walked out with her mother.

Bianca sank to her knees.

I knew no one would believe me, she thought.

And I don't have much time to argue with these idiots.

The wedding.

Theo must be on his way.

I will deal with my family later. Theo is the most important person to me today. He'll be waiting for me at the entrance of the wedding hall. I should not be late.

Bianca quickly hid her birth certificate in her purse and changed into a decent outfit.

Then she called for a cab and left for the wedding hall.

“How far is it?” she asked the cab driver breathlessly.

“Just a few miles more,” the cab driver responded. “He should already be waiting.”

Bianca had blind faith in Theo and a desperate hope.

Will Theo really be there at the wedding hall? Or was she clinging to false hope?