Chapter 3 Contract bride

Alexander's POV

I leaned back in my chair, my fingers steepled as a slow smirk curved my lips.

So... she agreed.

Despite all the rumors. Despite everything she must have heard about me.

Gold diggers were always the same. They pretended to be brave, pretended to be different, but in the end, they all wanted one thing,my name, my money, my power.

"Ava Hale," I muttered, glancing at the file on my desk.

The woman was either desperate or greedy. No sane woman willingly walked into my world without expecting something in return. And if she thought marrying me would be a fairytale, then she was in for a rude awakening.

I stood and walked toward the glass window overlooking the city. From this height, people looked insignificant. Easily controlled. Easily replaced.

I reached for my phone and dialed a familiar number.

"Ethan," I said the moment the call connected. "Send a message to the Hales. Let them know I accept their offer."

"Yes, sir," he replied promptly.

"And draft the contract," I continued coolly. "Make it clear that this marriage will be strictly contractual. One year. No emotions. No expectations beyond what's written."

"Understood."

"Send it to them tomorrow," I added. "They'll sign it."

I ended the call and slipped the phone back into my pocket.

I hope you're ready, I thought, a cold smile tugging at my lips. Because I won't make this easy for you.

Marriage was nothing more than a business deal to me. And if Ava Hale believed she could buy her way into my world, she was about to learn just how unforgiving it could be.

"Let's see how long you last," I murmured.

Hale's Mansion

Richard paced the living room, his phone clutched tightly in his hand, worry etched deep into his face.

"Our shares are dropping fast," he said, his voice tense. "If this continues, the company won't survive another quarter."

Vivian sat upright, her fingers folded calmly, though her eyes revealed concern. "That's why I sent the proposal to Alexander Blackwood. If he agrees to marry Ava, the Hale Group will be saved."

Richard sighed deeply. "I just hope Mr. Alex agrees to marry Ava. He's our only chance now."

They were still discussing figures and losses when the front door opened.

Skyle stepped inside quietly, exhaustion weighing heavily on her body. Before she could say a word, Vivian's sharp gaze snapped toward her.

"So you've finally decided to come back," Vivian said coldly. "Where have you been all day?"

"I was...." Skyle began softly.

Before she could finish, Vivian raised her hand and slapped her hard across the face. "Useless girl! Neglecting your duties like this house means nothing to you!"

Skyle staggered but said nothing, lowering her head.

"Go and finish your work," Vivian ordered. "Clean the house, wash the clothes, and don't expect food until you're done."

She moved to block Skyle when Richard suddenly spoke.

"That's enough," he said. "Let her go."

Vivian turned to him in surprise.

"She's of marriageable age now," Richard continued. "There's no need to treat her like a child."

Vivian studied him briefly, then smiled faintly. "Fine," she said. "She can continue her job,but on one condition."

Skyle looked up cautiously.

"She obeys without question," Vivian added coldly. "And remembers her place in this house."

Skyle nodded silently and turned to leave.

Just as she took a step away, Vivian spoke again, her tone casual.

"Ava will be getting married very soon."

Skyle froze.

"Married?" she whispered.

"Yes," Vivian replied. "I only hope Mr. Alex agrees to marry Ava."

Skyle's heart tightened painfully.

*****

Ava lounged on the couch, flipping through channels absentmindedly when a familiar face appeared on the screen.

"...Alexander Blackwood, officially ranked as the richest man in New York," the news anchor announced. "His empire spans real estate, technology, and global investments."

Ava's eyes lit up instantly.

"So rich..., so powerful," she murmured, a smile tugging at her lips. "Imagine being Mrs. Alexander Blackwood."

Her smile froze.

"...however," the reporter continued, "sources have allegedly confirmed rumors that Mr. Blackwood is gay, a speculation that has followed the billionaire CEO for years."

Ava's face twisted in disgust. She grabbed the remote and switched off the TV immediately.

"Gay?" she scoffed. "Never."

Just then, a knock sounded at the door.

Annoyed, she stood up and opened it,only to freeze.

A tall man in a neat suit stood outside, his expression professional and unreadable.

"Good afternoon," he said. "I'm Ethan, Mr. Alexander Blackwood's manager. Please call Mr. Hale."

Ava's heart skipped.

She quickly called out to her father. Richard appeared moments later, followed closely by Vivian.

Ethan wasted no time. He handed over a brown envelope. "This is the marriage contract. Mr. Blackwood has agreed to the alliance."

Vivian's eyes gleamed. Richard's hands trembled slightly as he opened the document.

Ethan spoke calmly, firmly. "The marriage will be contractual. One year only. No emotional involvement. Both parties must comply strictly with the terms."

Richard barely finished reading before signing. He didn't hesitate for even a second. Vivian added her signature immediately after, her lips curved in satisfaction.

They handed the document back to Ethan, who signed his own copy, nodded once, and turned to leave.

The moment the door closed behind him-

"I'm not marrying him!" Ava burst out.

The room went silent.

"What?" Vivian snapped.

"I refuse," Ava said firmly. "Didn't you hear the rumors? He's gay! Do you think I'll waste my life in a fake marriage?"

Richard frowned. "Ava, this marriage will save the company"

"I don't care!" she interrupted. "I won't do it."

Vivian opened her mouth to argue, but Ava's eyes suddenly lit up with a wicked idea.

"Besides," she added slowly, "no one knows the Hale family has two daughters."

Vivian stiffened.

"Ava..." Richard warned.

"If we send her instead," Ava continued smoothly, "he won't even know. Skyle looks presentable enough. She'll do."

The room fell into a heavy silence.

Vivian's gaze shifted thoughtfully.

Slowly... a smile spread across her face.

"You're right," she said softly. "No one knows about Skyle. And Mr. Blackwood won't question it."

Richard hesitated. "But...."

"The deal matters more," Vivian cut him off. "Skyle owes this family everything."

Ava smiled in triumph.