CHAPTER FIVE: THE CONTRACT OF RUIN AND SALV CSS

(ELENA’S POV)

“Easy,” he whispered above my ears. “It’s over now.”

Not yet but that moment I pretended it was.

Alaric didn’t let go of me immediately he allowed me to sob out my heart. His arms stayed around me like he was anchoring me in place, steadying the parts of me that were too hard to hide. I drew in a shaky breath against his chest, and I detested how safe I felt with him—how he filled the warmth in my cold world.

“Let’s leave here,” he said low and certain like I have never heard him say before.

In a split second before I could get myself ready to leave he guided me out of the lobby, one hand sat the small of my back the other hand shielding me from the curious stares that followed us.

When we reached his car—sleek, black, far too expensive for someone that isn’t known in the company—he opened the passenger seat for me.

“Is being dramatic just your default setting?” I asked trying to sound composed.

“Only when I’m rescuing damsels who pretend they don’t need rescuing,” he breathed as he smirked.

“Who...I don’t—“

“I’m fully aware.” He murmured as he cut me off softly. His eyes glitting.

“Get in Elena.” He rasped. I obeyed like an obedient child. I hate the effect he has on me.

The ride was smooth and quiet, fast and far too thoughtful of him. He didn’t go on to ask me questions or sympathize with me—he simply watched me with his side eyes from time to time as if memorizing every twitch of my hand.

“Rough day?” He finally asked as I wasn’t fired today and publicly humiliated.

I shook him a look. “ And I almost wet your shirt with my tears.” I fired back.

He smiled —open, amused, infuriating.

“I love it when you say it yourself.” He breathed.

“You’re so impossible.” I spurted out feeling light for the first time since the day started.

“I know that,” he muttered as he leaned back, his eyes on the road.” But it's helpful. I didn’t enjoy watching them treat you like that.”

“Didn’t look like you hated it either.” I said as I scoffed.

“Because I liked what came after, your yes” he murmured.

My stomach flipped.

“You deserve more,” he continued.” And you will starting from today.”

I looked out the tinted glass trying not to shed more tears. “I didn't think my life could get any worse today and then... I said yes to a marriage and a baby contract you offered like a discount price.”

He laughed. “And yet you said yes.”

“Desperation is loud,” I said.

“”Not deseration—survival and clarity.” He muttered.

“Are you always this —”

“Flirty?” He interrupted me softly.

“Overly confident.” I fired back.

He shrugged.”Well, you said yes so my confidence is overly well placed.” I groaned, covering my face while he laughed again slowly and warmly.

We pulled into an underground garage and took a private elevator up—it was private there was just one button. When the elevator doors slid open my eyes beheld the beauty in front of me and my lips parted in shock.

A penthouse office. Not a shared space. A literal penthouse.

Sleek lighting, breathtaking floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city, a mahogany desk, leather sofas—and a legal team waiting.

The three of them all stood up as if they had practiced it.

My breath hitched as my steps faltered. I turned to Alaric. “What is going on?” I asked. “You future.” He replied without hesitation.

My stomach twisted into tight knots. “Alaric—“

“Relax.” He said as he smiled softly, moved closer to me and touched my arm lightly guiding me to the couch. “Told you I was business oriented and we are just finalizing what you just said yes to.” I sat down stiffly, my heart racing to my stomach.

“Bring the documents.” He said to the men. A stack of pristine white folders landed on the table before me.

“The marriage contract.” Alaric said, answering my unaired question.

“The surrogate clause,the financial guarantee for your father's surgery and finally the protection agreements.” He added.

My breath hitched, I hadn't expected it to be real so quick.

“This is...” my hands trembled slightly as I skimmed the content. Terms.

Conditions.

Benefits.

Responsibilities.

A pregnancy clause.

Confidentiality clause that got my heart racing faster than Usain bolt. I closed it abruptly. “ You really planned for this.”

“ I don't make impulsive offers to Elena.” He said.

I looked at the signature line.. My future. My downfall. My salvation.

My whole body quivered when I took the pen. I placed the tip of the pen on the signature line. My hands trembled.

I signed.

And everything just went quiet.

“Welcome to your new life Mrs. Alaric.” He said.

My heart was hammered.

The three men in the suite took the contract and they nodded at him and headed out.

I stood up and walked to the window, I stared at the city. The air felt different—warm, open, light.

“What now?” I asked.

“ Our engagement will be announced in the next 72 hours and your father is already undergoing the surgery.

I exhaled relieved. “Is that not so soon?” I asked.

“Why me?” I asked.

“Because I want you.” He said simply.

“ I want you in my life, in my company, in my home, in my name, because you deserve the best.”

My breath hitched. I closed my eyes. Assuring myself everything is going to be well.

“There's one more thing.” He said. I opened my eyes almost immediately.

“Your sister.” He said.

My heart froze.

She didn't disappear without a trace. She didn't just walked out willingly and she wasn't alone the night she disappeared.” He breathed.

My fingers curled into a twist.

“The person she was with the night she disappeared was...” “Who was Alaric?” I interrupted, dissolving the tension in the air.

He held my gaze for a while, his eyes hiding more than he had said. “My older brother.”he said, his voice droppingl like a whisper.

My heart froze.