Chapter 4 The marriage contract

his family's expectations bore down on him, but the love he felt for Jane burned fiercely in his chest.

In that moment, Brandon knew he had a choice to make-a choice that would redefine his future and test the strength of his convictions. With a torn heart, he turned to face Jane, his voice wavering as he spoke.

"Jane, I'm deeply sorry but I have to go. I wish you happiness. Goodbye!"

Two yes later...

"Dad, our oil company is in deep trouble. We urgently need new investors to raise the capital and save the firm from bankruptcy," said Brandon, his voice filled with worry as he paced back and forth in his father's office.

Mr. Harrington sat behind his desk, his expression grave as he listened to his son's plea.

"We've exhausted all our options, Brandon. The stakes are high, and the future of the company hangs in the balance," he replied, his voice tinged with resignation.

Just then, Mrs. Harrington, Brandon's mother burst into the room, her eyes wide with surprise at the sight of sadness on Brandon's face and that of his father.

"Brandon, what's going on?" she asked, concern etched across her face as she took in the tense atmosphere.

Brandon turned to face his mother, a mix of emotions swirling in his gaze as he spoke.

"Mom, our family's company is on the brink of collapse, and I need your help," he explained, his voice tinged with desperation.

Mrs. Harrington stepped forward, placing a comforting hand on her son's arm.

Then she surprisingly told him while smirking:

"Don't worry, son! I have the situation under control. The solution is a contract of marriage between you and the daughter of the businessman and billionaire Paul Normand,"

"What? But mom, it's our sworn enemy. In fact, the source of all our problems. How can you expect me to marry into that family after all they've done to us?" Brandon exclaimed, his eyes wide with disbelief.

Mrs. Harrington's expression hardened as she looked at her son, her voice firm and unwavering.

"Brandon, this is not up for discussion. It is the only way to save our company and secure our future. You will marry Isabella Normand, and that is final," she declared, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Brandon felt a surge of anger and helplessness rise within him at his mother's words. He knew the animosity between their families ran deep, with years of feuds and betrayals staining their history. But faced with the imminent collapse of their company, Brandon knew he had no choice but to comply with his mother's demands.

Taking a deep breath to steady himself, he met his mother's gaze with a steely resolve.

"Fine, I will do it. But know this, Mother - I will never love Isabella. This is just business," he declared to her.

Two weeks later, on a snowy and cold evening, both families, the Harringtons and the Normands along with their respective attorneys, met in the VIP loge of a fancy restaurant in the heart of the city in order to write down the terms of the union between Brandon and Isabella.

Mrs. Harrington was the first to take the floor, her voice confident as she laid out the conditions of the marriage contract. The atmosphere in the room was tense, with both families eyeing each other warily, each seeking to secure their own interests in the arrangement.

"As per the terms of this contract," Mrs. Harrington began, her eyes flickering to Isabella and then to Brandon, "the union between Brandon Harrington and Isabella Normand is one of strategic partnership. Both parties agree to maintain a facade of marital harmony for a period of no less than five years."

Mr. Normand, Isabella's father, nodded in agreement, his expression unreadable as he listened to the terms being set forth. Beside him, Isabella sat stiffly, her lips pressed into a thin line as she glanced at Brandon with a mixture of resignation and defiance.

"During this time," Mrs. Harrington continued, her tone unwavering, "Brandon and Isabella will present themselves as a united front in all public appearances and events. They will attend social functions together, host gatherings at their respective homes, and be seen in each other's company to maintain the illusion of a happy marriage. Any public displays of discord or disagreement will not be tolerated and may result in financial penalties as outlined in the agreement."

As the terms of the contract were outlined, Brandon's mind raced with the weight of his decision. He knew that this arrangement was a means to an end, a necessary sacrifice to save his family's company from ruin. But the thought of pretending to be in love with Isabella for five long years filled him with a sense of dread and unease.

Beside him, Isabella sat rigidly in her chair, her gaze fixed on a point across the room as she listened to the terms being set forth. Her hands clenched tightly in her lap, betraying the turmoil that simmered beneath her composed exterior.

Once Mrs. Harrington had finished outlining the terms, Mr. Normand cleared his throat before speaking.

"Ladies and gentlemen, let's take a brief recess to allow both parties to review the terms and consult with their attorneys. When we reconvene, we will finalize the contract and proceed with the official engagement celebration."

As the families separated to confer with their legal representatives, Brandon found himself unable to focus on the documents before him. His thoughts were consumed by the woman he had left behind - Jane. The pain of their separation still lingered, a constant ache that he couldn't ignore.

Meanwhile, Isabella excused herself from the room, her mind racing with a whirlwind of emotions. She had always known that her father's expectations would one day lead her down a path she wasn't ready for, but marrying into the family of their sworn enemy was more than she could bear.

Lost in their own turmoil, neither Brandon nor Isabella noticed each other slip away from the group. All they desired at that very moment, was the ongoing circus to end as soon as possible.