Contract with a Billionaire

The fading light of a winter afternoon streamed in through the large windows of the Solhart mansion, casting long shadows on the Persian rugs. Lyana stood straight in the main living room, her hands clenched on the armrests of the chair. Across from her, her mother, elegant but ruthless, observed her with a mixture of impatience and triumph. His father, stoic as always, absentmindedly adjusted his cufflinks. They had just dropped the news like a bomb, shattering the illusion of precarious peace in his already unstable daily life.

"You will marry Draven Blackthorn in two weeks. »

The silence that followed was almost deafening. Lyana felt her heart tighten, her mind desperately trying to grasp the meaning of those words.

" Pardon  ? » she finally whispered, her voice trembling slightly despite her efforts to sound calm.

Her mother placed a glass of champagne on a coffee table and stood up, her heels clicking on the marbled floor. "Don't act ignorant, Lyana . This marriage is the best thing that could happen to our family. You should thank us. »

"Thank me? Do you want me to thank those who use me as a bargaining chip? » Lyana 's gaze darkened, her tone becoming sharp. "Why Draven Blackthorn ?" Why me? »

His father, until then silent, intervened with his deep and authoritative voice. " Draven is a powerful man, far more powerful than you or even this family. Their support is crucial to get us out of this financial impasse. You should be honored that he chose you. »

A joyless laugh escaped Lyana . "Chosen? Do you really think a man like him *chose* me? He only saw me as a pawn, a practical solution. Just like you. »

Her mother's face hardened, but she maintained a posture of icy superiority. "It's not about your feelings or what you think. This marriage is recorded. You are a Solhart , and your loyalty to this family comes first. »

Lyana felt a burning anger rise within her, but she refrained from responding, knowing that any resistance would be useless at the moment. However, deep inside her, a promise was born: she would not let herself be crushed so easily.

---

The next day, Lyana was taken to a large hotel in the city to meet Draven Blackthorn in person. She had heard of him: an enigmatic billionaire, renowned for his business genius, but also for his complete lack of scruples. As she got into the elevator that led to the luxurious suite where he was waiting for her, she couldn't help but feel a slight apprehension mixed with anger.

When she entered the room, the first thing that struck Lyana was the coldness emanating from the man sitting by the window. Tall, impeccably dressed in a tailored black suit, Draven seemed to be the epitome of elegance and power. His dark eyes turned towards her, scrutinizing her with an intensity that made Lyana shiver despite herself.

"Miss Solhart . » His voice was low, controlled, but with a hint of sarcasm that did not escape him. "Sit down. »

She hesitated for a moment before sitting down in the armchair opposite him, trying to maintain an air of indifference despite the tumult that was rumbling within her.

Draven stared at her for a moment in silence, as if weighing each word before speaking. "You know why you're here, I suppose." »

Lyana raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. "Because my family sold their daughter to you to settle their debts? »

A slight smile appeared on Draven 's lips, but he failed to soften his icy expression. " Sold  ? No. I would rather say that it is a mutually beneficial exchange. You gain my protection and a life of comfort. And me... I earn what I need. »

She felt her anger rising. "And what exactly do you get?" A compliant wife? »

Draven leaned forward slightly, his eyes darkening further. "Don't confuse this marriage with romance, Miss Solhart . This is an agreement. You will play the role I assign to you, nothing more. »

Lyana 's heart sank, but she refused to show any weakness. "What if I refuse? »

A tense silence ensued. Draven finally stood up, a cold smile on his lips. "You will not refuse. Because you know, just like me, that your parents won't give you a choice. And because, unlike them, I don't have the habit of failing. »

These words sounded like a threat, although no direct aggression came through in his tone. Lyana understood that she was facing a man used to getting what he wanted, no matter the cost.

---

Later that evening, Lyana was going through the marriage contract in her room. The pages were filled with complex legal terms, but one detail caught his eye: a mysterious clause mentioning a particular condition.

She frowned, rereading the cryptic lines. The clause stipulated that in the event of premature breakdown of the marriage, a colossal sum would be paid to an organization whose name was unknown to him. Why such a clause? And why would an outside organization be involved in their union?

She felt a cold sweat running down her neck. Something was wrong with all this.

A quiet knock on her door pulled her from her thoughts. She sat up, surprised, and opened it to find a maid holding a tray with an envelope on it.

"This is from Mr. Blackthorn , miss. He insisted that you read it before the night was over. »

Lyana took the envelope, a strange feeling knotting her stomach. When she opened it, she found a handwritten note, in elegant and firm handwriting:

"Don't try to understand yet. Everything will be explained to you in due time. In the meantime, respect your role and do what is expected of you. We both have a lot to lose. - Draven Blackthorn . »

She clutched the paper between her fingers, her eyes glistening with frustration. Did this man really think she would meekly comply with his demands?

No. If Draven Blackthorn wanted to play this game, she was ready. But she would play by her own rules.

The cold wind swept through the gardens of the Solhart mansion, but inside, Lyana faced a storm of a different kind. Standing in the large living room, surrounded by the inquisitive looks of her parents, she felt the pressure building. Her mother, still impeccable in her cream suit, stared at her with a hard glint in her eyes, while her father crossed his arms, a look of disdain on his face.

" SO  ? » he said sharply. "Have you thought about our proposal, or should I remind you what's at stake?" »

Lyana took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. "This is not a proposal. It is a condemnation. You are asking me to sacrifice my life for your failures. »

His mother let out an exasperated sigh. "Stop being a martyr, Lyana . You have never been a priority in this family. If we give you this chance, it is an opportunity that you should take with gratitude. »

" Opportunity  ? You use me, as always. » Lyana clenched her fists. "Why not marry Leonie to dear Draven ? She is your pride, after all. »

Her mother's face hardens at the mention of her older sister, perfect in every way according to family standards. "Leonie is already promised to someone much more important. We don't have the luxury of choosing for you. Draven Blackthorn wants you. Accept this, or else..."

An icy silence settled over. Lyana crossed her arms, challenging her father with a look. "Or what? Will you throw me out? Disinherit me? Perfect, do it. I prefer that to selling my soul. »

His father gave a cruel smile. "You think it's that simple? If you refuse, Lyana , you condemn more than this family. You condemn those you claim to love. »

These words were a blow to the heart. She knew what he was talking about. Her aunt Isabelle, a gentle and loving woman, had been financially dependent on the Solhart family since she lost her husband. His cousins, still young, had no one else to watch over them.

"You wouldn't dare..." she whispered, but she read in their looks that they would.

His mother approached, placing an icy hand on his arm. "Believe me, Lyana , we have no other choice. Do what is expected of you, and everything will be fine. Draven is a powerful man. If you play your cards correctly, you might even come out on top. »

With a lump in her throat, Lyana looked down. She now understood that she was trapped. His fight was lost in advance.

---

A few days later, the engagement evening was organized in a large hotel in the city. The reception room shone brightly, adorned with sparkling chandeliers and elegant decorations. The hand-picked guests wandered around in luxurious outfits, exchanging hypocritical smiles and empty compliments.

Lyana , dressed in a black dress that highlighted her graceful figure, stood near a table, a glass of champagne in her hand. She felt foreign to this world, lost in the midst of these faces who saw her only as a pawn in a game she did not yet understand.

Léonie, her older sister, approached with a smirk. Her tight red dress was the center of attention, and she seemed delighted with her own glow.

"So, little sister, do you feel ready to become Madam Blackthorn ? » she asked, her voice tinged with sarcasm.

Lyana suppressed an urge to respond sharply. "I don't really have a choice, do I? »

Léonie laughs softly. " It's true. But at least try not to embarrass the family tonight. You know how important this is to us. »

Lyana didn't answer, but the contempt she felt towards her sister grew with each word. Léonie walked away, leaving behind an intoxicating scent and a trail of arrogance.

Things got worse when their parents decided to give a speech. Her father, standing in front of the guests, described her as a "brave and promising" young woman, while her mother insisted on how "lucky" she was to marry such an exceptional man as Draven Blackthorn .

Every word sounded like a slap. Lyana felt the looks weighing on her, some full of pity, others of curiosity or even contempt.

A particularly mocking voice rose from the crowd. "She's really lucky, this little Solhart . Who would have thought a man like Draven would be interested in her? »

Lyana turned around and saw an elegant woman, her lips painted a bright red, whispering in her companion's ear. The latter burst out laughing, attracting the attention of a few guests.

Before she could respond or run away from this humiliation, a towering figure appeared beside her. Draven .

His arrival imposed an almost immediate silence. He wore a dark suit that seemed tailored to highlight his natural presence. His dark eyes scanned the crowd before settling on Lyana .

"I see that some here have difficulty understanding the intricacies of strategic alliances. » His voice was cold, each word carefully articulated. "But I assure you that, for me, Lyana Solhart represents much more than a simple arrangement. »

He held out his hand towards her, and despite her surprise, Lyana took it. His gesture seemed calculated, almost theatrical, but it worked. The whispers stopped, and eyes quickly turned away.

"Thank you for your support," she whispered when they were a little away from the onlookers.

Draven stared at her for a moment, a slight smile playing on his lips. "Don't thank me too quickly. It was not an act of kindness, but a necessity. »

She raised an eyebrow. "Necessity? To keep up appearances? »

He leaned towards her slightly, his warm breath brushing against her ear. "To protect what is mine, Lyana . And to remind everyone that no one disrespects the future Madam Blackthorn , regardless of their opinions. »

The tone of his voice made her shiver, but she couldn't tell if it was from annoyance or something else. Draven had a way of making every interaction unsettling, like he was playing a game whose rules she didn't yet know.

They didn't" spent the rest of the evening side by side, exchanging polite words with the guests. Lyana noticed that, despite his cold demeanor, Draven had a certain talent for manipulating conversations to his advantage. He gave answers that seemed mundane, but always left a lasting impression.

When they finally left the reception, Lyana felt a weight lift from her shoulders. But she knew it was only temporary. The real fight was only beginning, and Draven , with all his secrets and icy charisma, wasn't going to make things easy.

The dull roar of the car finally died down as it stopped in front of the imposing gate of the Blackthorn estate. Lyana , sitting in the back seat, felt a knot forming in her stomach at the sight of the immense property. The wrought iron gates slowly opened, revealing an avenue lined with majestic trees that seemed to stretch into infinity. As the vehicle moved forward, the mansion appeared, dark and grandiose, as if from another time.

She got out of the car, her suitcase in hand, and looked up at the building. Its tall windows seemed to stare at her like silent eyes, and a strange feeling of unease took possession of her. Draven , who had accompanied her throughout the journey in an almost intimidating silence, approached to show her the entrance.

"Welcome home," he said in a neutral, almost mechanical tone.

She didn't answer, too busy taking in the immensity and coldness of the place. Inside, the lobby was even more impressive: crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, gleaming marble floors, and furniture so luxurious it seemed untouchable. Yet despite this opulence, something was missing. A warmth, a soul. The mansion was beautiful, but freezing.

An older woman, probably the housekeeper, approached and greeted them with a polite smile. Draven gestured for him to take care of Lyana 's luggage before turning to the latter.

"You will find everything you need here. If you're missing something, let Mrs. Elswick know. She manages the estate. »

She nodded, feeling a strange tension in the air. " And you  ? Will you be here often? » she asked with a hint of defiance, seeking to pierce the impenetrable shell of her new husband.

He stared at her for a long time before answering. "I travel frequently for business. Don't expect to see me often. »

These words resonated like an echo in the emptiness of the immense hall. Before she could react, he walked away, his footsteps echoing on the marble, leaving her alone in this house that, although luxurious, felt more like a gilded prison than a home.

Lyana followed Madame Elswick to her room, a sumptuous but strangely impersonal space. The thick curtains, the massive bed and the antique furniture seemed to suffocate him. She placed her suitcase on the floor and sat on the edge of the bed, looking around.

Loneliness set in quickly. She timidly explored the place, but each room she discovered seemed reinforced by the same coldness. There was a music room, a huge library, a living room with a fireplace so big it could have stood upright, but not a single trace of a life lived here. No photos, no personal items. It was as if the mansion itself was a carefully orchestrated set, revealing nothing of its true master.

As she walked down a dark hallway, a half-open door caught her eye. Curious, she approached it and took a look inside. The room appeared to be an office. Stacks of documents piled up on a large mahogany desk, and a laptop sat in the center. Lyana hesitated, but something urged her to enter.

She moved forward slowly, placing her fingers on an open file. The words she read there gave her a chill: names, numbers, and what seemed like questionable transactions. Before she could read further, a deep voice behind her startled her.

"I see you found my office." »

She turned abruptly to see Draven leaning against the door frame with his arms crossed. His dark eyes stared at her with an intensity that unsettled her.

"I...I was just watching," she stammered, feeling trapped.

He stepped forward slowly, and she felt an electric tension fill the room. "If you want to know anything, Lyana, just ask. But going through my stuff? This is not really a way to start a relationship of trust. »

She raised her chin, refusing to be intimidated. "Maybe you could start by being honest with me. Why did you choose me? What do you want from me, Draven ? »

He stopped a few inches from her, and she felt his hot breath on her face. "There are things you're not ready to hear yet. But believe me, Lyana , everything has a purpose. You better concentrate on your role and let me handle the rest. »

Their exchange was interrupted by a noise in the hallway. Draven turned his head, visibly irritated, before turning away abruptly. "Stay away from this room. This is a warning, Lyana . »

He disappeared before she could respond, leaving her alone with a mixture of frustration and curiosity.

Later that evening, as she tried to get to sleep, a light scratching at her door pulled her from her thoughts. She straightened up, hesitating to answer. Finally, she opened the door to find an elderly man, dressed in a dark uniform. His face marked by time and his worried look gave him a mysterious air.

"Madam Blackthorn ," he whispered, bowing slightly.

" Yes  ? What do you want  ? » she asked, surprised by this nocturnal visit.

He glanced behind him before continuing. "I know you're new here, but listen to me carefully. Pay attention to your husband. Everything he does has a reason, but not all of those reasons are good. »

Lyana frowned. " What do you mean  ? Are you implying he's hiding something from me? »

The servant nodded, his eyes flashing with a warning light. "You are more than just a wife to him, Madam. You are a key element in a dangerous game. Stay vigilant. »

Before she could ask any more questions, he bowed again and quickly walked away, disappearing into the shadows of the hallway.

Lyana closed the door, her mind swirling with questions. Who really was Draven Blackthorn , and what game had she just been drawn into?