Chapter 1. Married

Let's get revenge on those that hurt you”

Was the message I received the next morning. I stared at the message in my phone, my mind was racing with curiosity.

I decided to take a chance and agreed to meet the mysterious sender. The response came quickly, suggesting a high-end bar as the meeting spot.

As I walked into the bar, I scanned the room with my eyes adjusting to the dim lighting. That's when I saw him _ Ethan Blackwood, sitting at the bar, sipping a glass of scotch. His piercing gaze met mine and I felt a shiver run down my spine.

Ethan Blackwood was known for being ruthless in the business world and charming in the social scene. Who wouldn't know Ethan Blackwood?

He stood up with a fluid and confident movement and walked towards where I was standing

“You look stunning,” he said with a deep voice sending a flutter through my chest.

I gave a shy, sly smile. I couldn't help but notice his handsome features. His piercing blue eyes, his sharp jawline and prominent cheekbones which gave him a strong angular face that was both captivating and intimidating.

As we sipped our drinks, the conversation flowed effortlessly. He had a great sense of humor and I found myself laughing for the first time in a few days. But beneath the surface of our witty conversation, I could feel a sharp, calculating gaze from him.

“Let's have a contract marriage” Ethan suddenly blurted out as he leaned forward and looked straight into my eyes.

I stared at him in confusion feeling shivers run down my spine.

“A contract marriage? What do you mean?” I said.

“ I have been given an ultimatum by my mum to get married, in a bid to clear the rumor about my sexuality or risk losing everything to my brother Lucas"He said and leaned backward, still having that calculating gaze in his eyes.

I listened to him with wrapped attention

“Now, I love my brother and can do anything for him, but this company is my years of hard work and I just can't give it up without a fight” he continued…

“It would be a marriage on paper only and nothing is expected of you against your wish. We will sign a contract outlining the terms of the agreement. You will receive a generous reward but in return, you will play the role of my wife in public”

I stared at Ethan as I considered his proposal. I thought about my step sister and mother who had always belittled me. Marrying Ethan Blackwood, a billionaire with power and influence would be the ultimate revenge. My step-sister and mother would be green with envy and I would finally get the satisfaction of seeing them eat their words.

“I will marry you Ethan, but I want something in return” I finally responded in a cold tone.

“You will make my family jealous. I want them to know that am marrying a man who is more powerful and successful than Harrison would ever be, I want them to regret underestimating me”

“I like your spirit. I think we can come to a beneficial agreement. Let's make it official tomorrow.” Ethan said as he stood up for a handshake to seal our agreement.

As I shook hands with Ethan, I felt a sense of satisfaction wash over me. I was going to get my revenge and I would do it in style.

*

The next day, I stood outside the courtroom, my heart racing with a mix of emotion. I was going to marry a man I barely know. A man that had proposed a contract marriage to me. The thought of it was both thrilling and terrifying.

“Ready?” Ethan whispered behind me

I nodded while taking a deep breath. I was doing it for myself and for my own reasons.

The ceremony was brief with a judge officiating the proceedings. My hands trembled as I placed the ring on Ethan's finger and he did the same. The judge pronounced us husband and wife and Ethan had a hint of a smile playing on his list.

“Why was he smiling? What's on his mind?” I thought to myself

I felt a sense of detachment as if I was observing the scene from outside my body.

“This wasn't a traditional marriage after all. It was a business arrangement, a means to my end” I thought to myself.

When the judge finished speaking, Ethan leaned in and pressed his lips on mine. The kiss was brief and chaste but I felt a spark of electricity run through my body. I pulled back immediately and for a moment, we just stared at each other. The courthouse wedding was a far cry from the grand wedding I had envisioned with Harrison and it made me feel a certain way.

I pushed those thoughts aside, focusing on the task at hand. I was married now and I had a role to play. I would play the part of Ethan's wife to perfection and get my revenge while at it.