Chapter 2 HEIR

Alexa's pov

I wanted to scream, to ask if unbottled-up emotions paid bills, but I knew lashing out at her wouldn't solve anything.

Taking a deep breath, I tried to calm myself.

"I'm not bottling anything," I mumbled, rolling over.

My eyes snapped open as I saw what she held - the marriage contract. "Amelia! What are you doing?"

"No, no, no!" she said, mock-defensive. "Just... what is this?"

"Put it down, Amy," I hissed,

"Millions, Alexa!" she exclaimed, her voice high with excitement.

"Who says it's for me?" I choked out, my heart hammering against my ribs.

"She scanned the document, then gave me a playful pout. "Miss Alexa Carter? Seems pretty clear to me."

"Just... put it down, please," I repeated, my voice softer this time.

Hesitation flickered across Amelia's face but she complied, setting the contract aside.

"Come on, you have to at least tell me something! You can't leave me hanging like this."

I hesitated, maybe talking it out wouldn't hurt.

The anger I felt towards Sebastian bubbled up again, hot and bitter even if I don't understand why I feel it.

"Out of nowhere," I spat, "he shows up, throws money at me, and expects me to become his wife? A wife in name only, mind you, but still... wife!" I paced the room, my voice rising with each step.

I sank back onto the bed, "Financial security. A year, no expectations, just appearances. He offered to pay for Dad's treatments, Liam's education... everything."

Amelia's eyes widened. "Everything? Like, everything, everything?"

I nodded,"It's crazy, right? I barely know him, how does he even know about our situation?"

"But Alex," Amelia's voice softened, "look at it this way. Look at the numbers on that contract. Look at the peace of mind it could bring. No more late nights working double shifts, no more worrying about the bills piling up. You could focus on your art, on your dreams, finally."

I closed my eyes, going on over the bills and responsibility on my shoulders.

"It is a contract, Alex," Amelia continued, her voice firm yet gentle. "Not a love story. You wouldn't be selling yourself. You would be entering an agreement, one that could change your life and those you love."

I opened my eyes, the contract lying on the bed like a forbidden fruit. My fingers twitched towards it.

"But what about the risk?" I whispered, my voice laced with fear. "What if it's all a lie? What if he has ulterior motives?"

This whole thing is crazy, straight out of a movie but here's the thing, you have nothing to lose, right?"

She was right. My life was already on the brink. Was a calculated risk, however outlandish, worse than the slow, suffocating decline I was facing?

Taking a deep breath, I reached for the contract, a single sentence escaping my lips: "Let's do this."

Amelia's smile was brighter than the California sun. "Now that's the spirit!"

"Wait", I suddenly yelled. "What if he is a serial killer?" I shrieked,

Amelia narrowed her eyes at me, " Kindly call the serial killer and pick a location"

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He entered the cafe, his face handsome bathed in sunlight, giving him a dazzling glow. Another man, equally attractive, trailed behind him like a loyal shadow.

"Which one?" Amelia whispered, excitement bubbling in her voice.

"They're both good-looking!" she added with a giggle.

"Can we focus?" I replied.

Sebastian's expression remained stoic, while the other man offered a warm smile.

"So, have you decided to sign the contract?" Sebastian started, gesturing for his companion to a nearby table.

"We can't just sign a contract without any questions," Amelia countered.

"And who might you be?" Sebastian asked, a hint of annoyance creeping into his voice.

"She is my friend and witness," I clarified.

"Amelia," she added firmly.

"Amelia, then," Sebastian continued. "Why the hesitation?"

"Who are you? What you do for a living? What happens if things go wrong? What guarantees do we have?"

Sebastian stared at Amelia, his gaze cold and calculating.

He sighed and turned to his companion, who rose and joined them with a friendly smile.

"I am Lucas, Mr. Sebastian Steele's assistant," he said, his voice smooth and confident. "He's the owner of Inceptum Novum and heir to the Steele Group. Feel free to verify that online."

My mind flew away, I looked at Amelia to confirm what I heard.

" Owner? Heir? " Amelia repeated

Sebastian remained impassive, his gaze flickering between me and Amelia.

Lucas, who looked like he was not expecting that look, offered a business card engraved with the opulent logo of Inceptum Novum. "Feel free to do your due diligence, ladies."

Amelia hesitantly reached for the card, I glanced at it briefly.

"And what about after? What happens when the contract expires?" I asked

"Ms Carter would retain a generous sum upon completion, enough to pursue any new endeavors she desires."

" And how much would that be?" Amelia asked

"$10 million?" Lucas replied with a confident smile. "Plus, any assets or investments accrued during the term of the contract would remain in Ms. Carter's name and we would also be taking care of her father's medical bill as well as her brother's educational expenses totaling an additional $10 million."

Amelia's eyes nearly popped out of her head, and I felt my breath catch in my throat.

The sum Lucas mentioned was indeed life-changing. It was more than I could have dreamed of, more than enough to escape the suffocating confines of my current life. Yet, doubt gnawed at me.

"Your honesty and Mr. Lucas' transparency are encouraging. Perhaps we can offer a counterproposal?" Amelia proposed.

Lucas exchanged a look with Sebastian, who in turn raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Do Tell ."

Amelia outlined my revised terms, emphasizing how I need the money in three quarters.

After a moment of deliberation, Sebastian nodded curtly. "Terms acceptable. Contract to be revised with your additions."

Lucas whipped out his tablet and set to work immediately. I exchanged relieved glances with Amelia.

While Lucas diligently typed, Amelia turned her attention to Lucas, a playful smile gracing her lips, batting her eyelashes playfully.

"And you, Mr. Lucas, must be quite busy keeping up with Mr. Steele's whirlwind life."

Lucas met her gaze, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes.

"Busy, yes, but rewarding. Especially when my work involves facilitating life-changing connections."

A blush crept up Amelia's cheeks " Oh you don't have to be humble."

Sebastian presented the contract again. This time, his gaze held a different intensity, one that sent shivers down my spine.

"So, Ms. Carter, are you ready to make a deal?

I glanced at Amelia, who offered an encouraging nod. With a deep breath, I signed.

The moment the ink dried, Lucas beamed, his smile genuine. "Excellent decision, Ms. Carter. You won't regret it."

"Dinner with my family this Saturday," he said, his voice devoid of emotion.

"There's a shopping spree involved, we need to get you to look the part, no offense meant."

"Alright," I whispered, a shaky smile playing on my lips. "See you then."

As they left, the cafe suddenly felt suffocating. Amelia's excited chatter faded into background noise. Shopping spree with an heir?