CHAPTER THREE

Aria arrived at Damien's Penthouse, an opulently decorated residence. She was astounded by the contemporary architectural design, which she had never seen before.

He led her into the building and took her directly to a room, “This would be your room.” he announced as he closed the door before them.

Aria's gaze wandered across the room, which, unlike the one she shared with Lucas, was lovely and well decorated.

Before she could say a word, Lucas was already in front of her. His gaze lingered on her brown, melting eyes, which defied innocence before shifting to her heart-shaped lips. He licked his lips, wanting to have a taste of the plumpness in hers.

Aria, on the other hand, was stiffened. She was unable to move her body as he stood before her.

With one hand, Damien raised her chin towards his face, making her close her eyes. He gazed at her attractiveness as she closed her eyes, one which had piqued his interest in her.

He wondered why any man would reject her for another woman.

“Your ex-husband must be so foolish to give away a pearl like you.” he whispered into her ear.

Noticing her stiff body, he smirked, “According to the contract, you are expected to be submissive to me as your husband. But have no fear, my dear wife, by tomorrow it will be official and we will both have a nice time together.” he concluded and left the room.

Aria shuddered. She did not remember reading that in the contract since she didn't really read it. She was so taken away by the prospect of ultimately having to revenge herself that she had no idea what she was signing up for.

“Damn, I hate contracts,” was all she could say.

***

As Damien walked out of Aria's room, he felt his phone buzz. He took it out of his pocket and frowned.

Before he could take a step forward, his aide came rushing to him.

“Speak!” Damien commanded.

“I was ordered by Mr. Blackwood to send your pictures with Miss Camille Pierce to the press to confirm your relationship.”

He tightened his jaws. His aide knows him better not to do things without his approval, even though it has been given by his father himself.

“How dare he!” Damien thundered, “Don't you dare do anything! Tell Mr. Sebastian to get the car ready.”

“But sir, it is late already.”

Damien shot him a cold look, “It is none of your goddamn business!”

***

The tyres of Damien's vehicle screeched as it neared the Blackwood's villa. After getting past the security, they were headed towards the main building.

When they arrived, Damien got out and proceeded towards the house. He entered the living room to see his dad relaxed with a newspaper in hand.

“I knew you would come right away.” the aged man said calmly as he flicked through the paper.

“What kind of stunt are you trying to pull off?!” Damien demanded in a furious tone.

Mr. Blackwood folded the newspaper and placed it on the table near him.

He took a cigar from the same table and lit it, “You want one?” he asked, offering his son the pack.

Damien scoffed, “Don't try to change the topic, Father.”

The man gave a light laugh, “You seem to have forgotten our agreement.”

“I haven't, actually, it is you who have gone beyond.”

“Of course, that was an agreement but you have been so chill about it, and since I am getting old, I need to hasten things up between you and Miss Camille, since you haven't found a lady to marry.”

“Well, newsflash father, I have found a lady I want to marry and I hope you will soon stop all this childish ruckus.” Damien said sternly.

Mr. Blackwood was unmoved. His face held no expression.

“Is she one of your numerous night-standers?” he asked.

“No, she is not.”

Mr. Blackwood exhaled some smoke and sighed deeply. “I don't care who it is you want to marry but the preparations between you and Miss Camille have been finalized.”

Damien, who could no longer take it, became enraged.

“You don't have the final say, father. I am going to marry who I want and nothing is going to stop me.”

“Are you ready to make her pregnant within the next six months?” his father blurted out quickly.

“What?!”

“I will put whatever I have on hold and wait for the next six months. If your so-called wife-to-be does not get pregnant and gives birth to a child, you will have to get married to who I recommend to you and nothing and no one would go against me. Is that clear?” Mr Blackwood said.

Six months! Damien repeated in his mind. How was he going to pull this off? The question taunted him.

His thoughts returned to Aria; to him, it seemed practically impossible, plus he was used to having just one-night encounters with the females he met; now he is under pressure to get her pregnant!

Damien wondered how Aria would take the news if he had to tell her. She would obviously ditch him, but a contract is a contract plus he did not want to get married to someone his father has chosen for him. Not even the daughter of a governor.

“Still considering the offer, huh?” Mr. Blackwood puffed out some smoke from his mouth, “I knew it would be a tough one for you. I suppose that is totally beyond your abilities.”

“I'll do it,” Damien said at last.

One thing he loved was to prove his father wrong.

His father's eyes widened. “What did you say? Are you certain you want to walk down this path?”

“I will get her pregnant in six months after which you call off whatever preparation you have in store. Is that a deal?”

Mr. Blackwood smiled.

This was one of the reasons he loved his son. He makes the most difficult task look easy.

“It is a deal then, Mr Damien.”