LOGINShare
The Contract
Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56CHAPTER TWO
The two combatants - Lady Elizabeth and Chris Duvier scrutinized each other warily. One was standing behind an oak table with the air of autocracy. The latter exudes the confidence of a well-season negotiator. Each one sizes up the other. The grand lady holds his cold, steely eyes with perceptiveness from age and experience. Graciously she asked him to sit down on the wing chair. He took his time in doing so. Deliberately, choosing the opposite chair. It was a maneuver that the lady took notice of knowingly. She was arching her brow, looking at him with disdain.
"I can see that money cannot buy breeding." The lady said coldly.
"I can see that age cannot curve arrogance," he replied frostily.
Lady Elizabeth flashed a smile which Chris reacted in surprise. The Baroness looks at him with a meaningful smile. This situation is getting dangerous, Chris silently warned himself. He was wondering why she seemed confident.
"What's your pleasure Duvier that you honor us with your august presence?" Lady Elizabeth comfortably arranged herself in her enormous chair. She looked more in control than he expected. "Was it seven... No, eight years ago, that we last saw you. I vividly remember that last day. Did you?" she asked meaningfully.
"How can I forget, my lady?" Chris smiled sarcastically. "You were very persuasive at that time..."
"I'm not one to ask forgiveness for my past action Duvier."
"My Lady, I'm not asking." Chris matched her tone, detached, and controlled. "It's an impossible task coming from such a distinguished woman to ask for forgiveness."
He continued sarcastically, "This stable boy came here to buy Winshord Castle. Everything and anything on it. Name your price. I will purchase this place."
"My Price?" Lady Elizabeth laughed, amused at the young man's arrogance. "May I know how did you get the idea that I want to—sell?"
"Don't be coy with me, Lady Elizabeth. My men have already investigated your finances. You are selling as per advertise."
"True, I did advertise. The news travels fast." Women could be wily to catch the fish. She baits the information to attract the right customer, Chris Duvier. "Well, did they also tell you what my conditions are?"
Chris Duvier's warning sign suddenly blinked, but he could not help it, "Conditions?" He bites the bait.
***
Agnes agonized and tortured herself with her imagination. She was patiently waiting for the last two hours with no words from her aunt, sternly warning her that she never set foot in the library under any circumstances without being summoned. Making sure Agnes followed the warning; Smith guards her. Ready to pounce whenever she makes a move to the library.
"Smith, you're killing me!" Agnes complained. "I'm about to pee with excitement. Just let me go."
"You can go to the powder room if you like." Smith adoringly watched Agnes toss and turn on the enormous sofa.
Light bulb moment suddenly flashes in her mind. "Oh right, the powder room. Thank you, Smith! "She smiled sweetly at him while averting her eyes from the old butler. She bolted out of the room to the hallway leading to the powder room.
Opening the window just above the sink, she wiggled her body out. She almost fainted when she looked down—planning to scale the wall and climb the library window. Getting inside that opening, descend to the library mezzanine, hide and eavesdrop. Perfect! Her plan sounds fail-proof if she makes it alive.
Agnes sighed, "All in the name of love." She closed her eyes and prayed before reaching out the thorny bushed that grows beside the window. Excitedly, she implements her strategy even it's dangerous. Her prince charming is worth it. She was sighing with pleasure at the idea of basking in his warm smile when they met again.
***
"You what?! Are you crazy?!" The attractive guest blows up his fuse. He always treats older adults with courtesy but not this old cunning bitch. His ears rang when he heard the great Baroness's impossible condition.
"No. I will not do that!" Chris growled at the woman across him. She seems to grow horns right before his eyes.
The violent reaction by Chris Duvier illicit fear in the older woman's heart. Did her calculation about Duvier wanting the castle have been wrong? She hid her doubts quickly before the young man could sense her fear. She needs to act fast before she loses him.
Reassuringly, Lady Elizabeth said, "I know Chris..." Something is amiss here. She had never used his name before. Agnes is in her prime to marry. She seems indifferent in all her suitors." Suitors? Men find her unappealing, Chris thought angrily. From the information reported, Agnes Walden is a candidate for spinsterhood. The plain Jane of the two sisters. He can't even remember Agnes.
"She is a suitable match for you. She is smart and witty. You will never have a dull moment with her. Her bloodline is impeccable."
"I don't want your bloodline in mine. I'm not interested. Thank you for the offer." Chris stood up swiftly and strode out to the door. It's a waste of his time. The lady cannot give up this castle; he will make sure she will. There are many ways to skin an animal. But her voice stops him on his track.
"Remember what Lea told you... on that fateful day?" He paused.
The hurt suddenly came flooding back. Oh yes, that day. "Lea told you, on your wedding day--- that the only way she will marry you is when you give her Winshord Castle. I will not stand against you if you follow my conditions. I'm giving you another chance, Duvier--- marry Agnes." Its gravity descended on him like a slap on his face. "The castle is yours for free. Marriage for just a year, Duvier. If you walked out, you and Lea would have no chance, not in this lifetime." She pulled out a document from a black folder. "Signed this contract, Duvier, or lost Lea forever."
"I can buy her another castle. Even build her a city. I will still have her." He answered coldly.
Lady Elizabeth laughed, "True but not Winshord Castle. Walden family, for generations, have only one mandate. The firstborn will inherit the castle. As the lady of the castle, Agnes will surrender her rights after the wedding." She stood up, walked towards the window behind her, and reflected on the past.
"The sacrifices of the Walden women trying to keep ownership come with a great price. What most woman wants are love and family. Walden women choose a different path. We never marry. Female firstborn entitlement of the castle ends when she marries. She loses everything after marriage." The strange Walden law is foolish, but it helps his plan.
He remembered Lea wearing that simple white gown, beautiful and almost attainable. The Baroness haughtily stood at the side, watching him and Lea with a triumphant smile. That particular day should be a secret between two people in love without her family's censure. It was a secret wedding. Lady Elizabeth's ominous presence spoiled the wedding rite.
Lea kissed him softly on the lips and said sadly, "I came to say goodbye. This meeting is the last time will see each other."
He hugged her, but she shook him off. "Lea, please don't say it." He pleaded with a trembling voice, "Be my wife, please darling, stay."
"Chris, my mind is made up. I can't live the way you live." She looked back at her aunt, then looked at him, "She will cut off my inheritance. The life I want is not possible with you. It was fun, but it was time to let go. "Her hurtful words shattered his heart.
"I'll work day and night to give you everything. I love you so much. I'm lost without you."
Lea pushed him away, "Can you give me Windshord Castle? I'm a Walden, and you're a stable boy. Let's end this, Chris. You cannot afford me, even if you work hard. I don't want to be a penniless man's wife. Forget us." She turned away and walked back to her aunt's open arms. She left him behind, too shattered even to move.
That was the day when Chris Duvier became a man. He swore that no woman would ever make him love again. Darkness and silence are the only feelings that remain in his heart. His heart bolted and threw the key to the abyss of desolation.
***
Chris turned around and walked back to the table. He said unemotionally, "Where would I sign?"
The Lady of the Castle smiled. Now, she can see the light in the tunnel. She stood up and beamed at the young man. "You made the right decision, Chris. This call for a celebration."
Lady Elizabeth rang the golden bell, and Smith came hurrying, looking worried. "Lady Elizabeth..." he breathlessly said, "I think I lost Agnes in the powder room."
Related chapters
Almost a Fairytale Broken
CHAPTER THREE She took solace with the books she loved. Big fat tears are dropping on the pages of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Doggedly, pushing herself to read. She needs to forget what she heard an hour ago—Chris and Lea's tragic love story, cut short by her aunt's intrusion. No wonder Lea has been cold to her. Everybody in town believes she was a snitch. Once, her young sister adored her. The big sister protects her from harm and spoils her sister with love and attention. That day, Lea suddenly became sick. She asked Agnes to accompany her to the bedroom. Inside her room, Lea told her she had an important date. Agnes needs to cover for her. She agreed, even if she felt something was not right. Agnes covers her face and body, ensuring that her black hair will not peek out from the thick blanket. It would have been a good plan. Only Ann entered, bringing medicine for Lea. She screamed in
Almost a Fairytale First Bite
CHAPTER FOUR That was their first meeting after so many years. Agnes groaned with embarrassment when she remembered her misadventure yesterday with Chris. She needs time to think and get away from the castle. She was wearing her old white nightdress and too fragile from being overused. Her hair flowed down on her back, black and silky straight. Yesterday she wore it in a braided bun, courtesy by her aunt and their distinguished guest. Today, her carefree self was once again out. Agnes opens the glass door, letting in the morning breeze caress her skin. She can see the sun slowly creeping out. This moment is the time of day Agnes loves to step out of her bedroom and walk out to the lawn. Agnes closed her eyes and bathed from the rays of the sun. Unaware of the world around her, except her dreamland. Chris did not sleep well last night. He was re-plotting his strategy. Marriage is now part of the equation. He rearranged his chess piece to deliver
Almost a Fairytale Preparation for War
CHAPTER 5 Chris needs to get out. Agnes floored him, and no coherent thoughts came to his mind. Has he gone mad? Only one day, that woman had created havoc and made him feel like he was on a roller coaster. That woman has crafted disorder to his system--- the system that he erects for so many years. He cannot fail again. Lea was a sweet and exquisite woman. He felt madly and deeply in love with her because she was the ideal woman any man could dream of marrying. But now, why is he so attracted to this woman? Just the thought of that image at the garden sends him spinning. She was getting into his nerves. He drove his mustang out of the castle grounds. He doesn't want to tell anyone that he left very early. Escape. If he stayed another second. He doesn't know what he's going to do with that temptress. He pushed all his frustration to the car. Pumping it so hard t
Almost a Fairytale Self-preservation
Chapter SixSelf- preservation The counsel of Lady Elizabeth cleared his throat, "If everybody now is ready..." he looked at the Baroness. She nods. He cleared his throat and read in a monotonous voice. He rumbled on and on about Walden’s Edict that has not changed for decades then he paused, looked at her, and continue his reading" The stipulation of the contract is the following, that the ownership of the castle will be transferred to the firstborn, Agnes Daniel Walden only when she marries Chris Bennett Duvier." "That the Lady of Winshord Castle, Lady Elizabeth Charles Walden, will automatically give up her rights as the owner, of the castle and the land it was built and her title as the Lady will be pass on to the firstborn Agnes Daniel Walden if the marriage ceremony is performed by the priest. The priest is handpicked by the current owner of the castle. All parties should sign the marriage document to
Almost a Fairytale Just Between Us
CHAPTER SEVENJUST BETWEEN US David watched his friend silently. Something has changed in him. He has seen this before. A light glittered from the depth of his eyes. He shivered at the sheer determination of it. It is the look when he is about to take over a business. The anticipation of a conquest shone in his eyes. Chris Duvier became a billionaire for nothing. He was ruthless at times. His ways are unorthodox that sometimes it takes those companies by surprise. He was a merciless shark when he sheaths those fangs. "So that’s Agnes Walden." He queried curiously. Wanting to know more about the woman who stood defiantly at his friend. Right then, he admired her. David thought she was an avenger then. She was also beautiful. Whoever made a report about her being plain was a lazy inspector. He made a note to himself to fire that unfortunate man. Chris looked at him silently, smiling. " Ahh, I see
Almost a Fairytale Prick the Wound
CHAPTER EIGHT Prick the Wound The contract signing between her, Lady Elizabeth, and Chris Duvier were gloomy. The rain outside poured heavily like the environment, inside the castle library. Agnes wore again her black frock and her pair of glasses. She felt relaxed now that she manages to have an agreement with Chris. They signed the contract without hesitation. She smiled. She felt vindicated of the mistake she made eight years ago. She can smile again for her sister and Chris. She just hopes that they will love the castle as well as the people inside it. A sigh of relief escaped from Lady Elizabeth. “This call for celebration.” Smith suddenly appears pushing a trolley with the champagne, wine glass, and a dainty cake. “Duvier, my niece especially made this cake for you. She said special people need a special cake.” The lady smiled at he
Almost a Fairytale Wedding Jitters
CHAPTER NINEWedding JittersLea stared at herself in the mirror. Her blue eyes are more violet now after the tears grace her wide expressive eyes. The news of the Walden-Duvier wedding trumpeted in all media outlets. Everybody who knows Chris Duvier talked and wants to be invited. The news dabbed the union as the wedding of the year. She, however, felt the hurt of the news. Even now, Chris was very much a part of her. Nothing could erase the pain she suffers for the man she truly loves. The most painful part of it was that the woman he will marry is her sister. Her sister causes the problem in the first place. If only Agnes had kept her mouth shut while she plans to marry Chris eight years ago. She knows that her eldest sister had always wanted Chris for herself. She turns traitor to her sibling. At first, she did not notice Chris Duvier. Lea cannot imagine her
Almost a Fairytale Dilemma
CHAPTER 10 Dilemma " Do you want me, Agnes? Even if I will have nothing, would you still want me?" She stared at his eyes. If only you know Chris Duvier, that my heart already belongs to you. Long before you set eyes on my sister. Much longer before that. The first day when I saw you standing in front of the horse while you talked to them. My heart was also communicating with you. Long before you glance at me dismissively you already took my heart away. I love you. Even now, my heart is aching, I will stilllove you because part of me is already yours a long time ago. Suddenly unbearable pain twisted her heart. She said, "What change you, Chris Duvier? I remember, a boy who was good and kind. What happen to you?" She asked him sadly. Her hand unconsciously touched his beautiful
Latest chapter
Almost a Fairytale Out of the Blue
CHAPTER 49 Agnes looked at David with eyes brimming with tears. Her beautiful green eyes looked like the misty forest of Winshord Castle moors. She was seating across from him inside a small cafe that operated twenty-four hours a day near the bus station. The cafe was deserted, except for the sleepy worker of the establishment and an aged man snoozing at a corner.Her hand was twisting the yellowed table cloth, as she nervously face David. “It’s okay if you will not forgive me,” Agnes said without preamble as the silence stretched between them.“You cause so much pain to your family and friends. I’m not sure whether I should wring your neck out of madness or just hugged you out of relief that you are still alive.”“David, I will not explain why I disappeared, only that I have a very valid reason that I cannot reveal.”David's jaw tightened in anger. “How could you say that Agnes? You of all people should know that what you
Almost a Fairytale Secret
CHAPTER 48 “Duvier! What are you doing here?” Barbara tumbled into his arms as he bumped unto her. Chris gasped as he stared at the grinning elderly woman batting her eyes at him coyly. He pulled her up while looking around for Agnes. “Where is she---” “Who?” Barbara stared at him confusedly. He stopped himself from blurting Agnes' name. Instead, he collected himself and tried to smile, covering his blunder. “Lady Elizabeth, I need to see her.” “Ah…” Barbara stared at him for a long time. She got the feeling it was not Lady Elizabeth he was looking for. She wondered if the nosy
Almost a Fairytale Breaking Past
CHAPTER 47Agnes pulled down the hooded jacket to cover her face. She was embarking n a surprised if not most unpleasant decision of her life --- to visit her sister in the hospital. She had been hiding from her past until now when she saw her sister rushed to the hospital. Even her aunt and Barbara did not know that she was going to make this trip back to her old world. Yet, the idea of Lea being sick drove her with worry. Her sister was always healthy and she was not known to get sick easily. She wondered what drove Lea to get sick. She just wants to take a look at her secretly and disappear afterward.The hospital was surrounded by reporters and onlookers. All waiting for the news of the famous star. She can see flowers on the entrance filing up and letters of well-wishers. Agnes stopped. She wondered how to get inside without being noticed. The chance of her being seen was high yet only when she can see her sister would make her feel at peace.
Almost a Fairytale Bad News
CHAPTER 46 Lina or Agnes in her real-life dropped the baking pan she was holding as she saw the news on the television. The anchor grimly announced the news about Lea Walden being rushed to the hospital by her fiancee, Chris Duvier. “The couple who been dating for a long time was last seen together in Duviers penthouse. It was rumored that Chris Duvier, the billionaire proposed to the beautiful actress tonight. Yet. Something had happened when the actress Lea Walden collapsed and was rushed to the hospital with her loving fiancee in tow. Stay tuned for more news.” “Are you alright, Lina?” Lina stumbled and tried to sit down on one of the stools near the counter. Worriedly, her assistant baker touched her forehead. “You seemed not well. Why don’t you go home and I will finish the baking here.” She sig
Almost a Fairytale Chris Duvier
CHAPTER 45 The man put down the dossier of Lina Summers in front of the billionaire, Chris Duvier. The private agent which was hired months ago was surprised with the request and thought, he hit the jackpot. And he did. He cannot believe what he found out about Lina Summers---he has no doubt who she was. “Everything about her was in that document. The real Lina Summers died when she was very young. Ms. Agnes Duvier just took her name.” “Changing one’s identity was expensive and few correct connections. Agnes cannot do that. Even if she was a Walden, her connection cannot reach that point. How did she do it?” “Barbara Barry pulled all the strings.” The detective said gravely. “Her connection was enough to cover up your wife’s supposed death. The boat was her personal property and the reporter who broke the first news was her people.”
Almost a Fairytale Biggest Lie
CHAPTER 44 Lady Elizabeth, listened to the panic-stricken voice of her friend as she told her about Chris Duvier's presence in Riverside. She was numb. The possibility, of being discovered did cross her mind. She was ready to face the consequence but when it happens for real, her knees buckled with apprehension. Chris Duvier is an exacting man. A dangerous enemy. What he hates most were liars like them. They managed to dupe one of the most powerful men in the country. It looks like the wheels had turned. Time to pay up for their misdeeds. She remembered too clearly when Agnes returns home from her visit to Chris Duvier. She was trembling when she entered the library where Lady Elizabeth was conducting her business. Agnes sat down at the big wing chair silently watching her. “What happened, child?” She looked in alarm at Agnes whose eyes were very red from c
Almost a Fairytale The Reveal
CHAPTER 43 Autumn had arrived in Riverside. The trees have turned into a fiery glow of orange, yellows, and reds. It’s Lina’s favorite season and her son, Adam. They would go out in the afternoon and play underneath the maple trees in their backyard. She would pretend to shovel Adam inside a pile of leaves. Her son would growl and try to catch her while she pretended to be afraid. Their peals of laughter would ring the backyard. Later, Rita would call them back for a snack of muffins and warm milk. She felt at ease now. The money from their investor had been pouring on their bakeshop and she paid her bank loan diligently. Joan Rogers visited her every week to check on the progress of the business. She also brought a lot of consultants and big players in the food industry business to help her set up the bakeshop. Lina has started building a commissary near her first bakeshop and she was hiring more
Almost a Fairytale Specs of Doubt
CHAPTER 42 Barbara Barry and Lady Elizabeth retired to the study, to enjoy the tea and the goodwill cake which was served at dinner. Both of them had a sweet tooth and both loved teas. They both drink it all day long like water. Comfortably seated together with a burning fireplace near them, they assumed their usual gossip, especially what happens at dinner. “Poor Lea…” Lady Elizabeth murmured sadly. Barbara sighed, “It looks like Duvier is still stuck in the past.” “Yes...”, She sighed worriedly, “What have we done Barb? So much misery. Every time I look at Duvier, I wondered if we did the right thing.” “Shhh…quite somebody might hear us.” She look
Almost a Fairytale Goodwill Cake
CHAPTER 41 Everybody is tiptoeing around the boss. Since, the death of his wife, Chris Duvier had changed drastically. He was constantly working like he was driving himself to destruction. The stress level had affected the company. They are growing exponentially but they have more employees resigning because of the stress and demands of Chris Duvier himself. He never smiled too. He never goes out to date and lost interest in women. He dropped a lot of weight and his eyes have dark circles around them. He was practically like the ghost of a man. David Bern was so worried about his friend that he moves back and work with Chris Duvier again. It was a gloomy time for the company. Joan Rogers, his secretary, had faithfully worked for the man but she too, was on the brink of giving up. She doesn’t know when he will return to normal. When he strode into th
