CHAPTER THREE

Alexia’s POV

A look of satisfaction crossed Ethan’s face as I signed the contract. I handed the contract papers back to him and he accepted the file and placed it on his desk carefully like it was some lottery ticket.

“Good decision, Alexia. You won’t regret this.” Ethan said as he leaned back on his chair and steepled his fingers. 

“Now about these embezzlement charges. I believe in your innocence Alexia, there’s no way you could have done this, I have worked with you for years now and I don’t know you to be the materialistic type. Which is why I will have a discreet investigator look into your case. Someone who won’t raise any alarms within the company.”

I sighed with relief. Ethan believed me and that was all that mattered. I believed with Ethan on my side, I could have a chance of clearing my name. 

“How will that clear my name?” I asked curious to know about Ethan’s plan.

“Let’s just say there might be ....irregularities in the accounting department. 

Discrepancies that could cast doubt on the initial accusations against you. Once my investigator uncovers these, we can approach the board and my father with a revised report, effectively exonerating you.”  Ethan said as he let out a thin smile.

“What kind of irregularities? And who could be behind them?” I asked intrigued that Ethan could come up with a seemingly quick solution.

“That’s for the investigation to reveal. But rest assured, once you’re my wife, clearing your name becomes my priority. As long as you follow the terms in the contract.” Ethan stated and I gulped nervously.

“What if I don’t follow a clause in the contract?” I asked curiously   

“Let’s not be pessimistic Alexia. I have no doubt you will follow the terms of the letter.” Ethan chuckled and I didn’t know where he got his confidence from. I decided not to press the issue and just replied with a weak nod.

“Now, with the legalities out of the way, we need to address the wedding. Next week is a bit tight but achievable. We’ll keep it small, a private ceremony with a few witnesses. You can invite your kid brothers but that’s all. I’ll handle the arrangements. You just focus on getting ready, Mrs Blackwood-to-be.” Ethan rose from his seat.

“How do you expect me to just tell my brothers that I’m getting married next week?” I asked helplessly.

“You’ll figure it out. I’ll see you later Alexia. You can take the week off from work, I’ll come up with a suitable excuse for you in case anyone asks.” Ethan stated as he walked towards his shelf to arrange some documents.

 I took this as a sign to leave so I said a quiet thank you to him and I walked out of his office.

I made my way through the massive company and ignored the accusing fingers and pointed looks from my co-workers.

I knew that the rumors of the embezzlement must have circulated through Blackwood Enterprises but I didn’t care. 

As I continued to walk towards the reception, a familiar voice called out my name and I turned around to face her with a smile on my face.

“Alexi. Wait up.”  Bridget, my best friend, called after me as she made her way towards me with quick steps. I couldn’t help but notice her expensively stylish outfit. 

Sometimes I wondered why a trust fund kid like Bridget took interest in me and made me her friend. I was way below her class but she still warmed up to me when I first came to work in this company.

I smiled and felt a sense of happiness gust in me when I saw her approach me. 

“Hey, Bridget,” I replied.

“I heard about what happened, is everything alright?” Bridget asked with a look of concern on her face. 

I had the urge to tell her what transpired between Ethan and me but Ethan clearly warned me that he wanted this to be a secret. I gulped up the words that I initially wanted to say and let out a wry smile.

“I’m fine. Ethan said he’ll investigate this further and so I’m on suspension for a while.” I came up with the perfect lie while shrugging my shoulders. 

“I’m so sorry Alexia,” Bridget said and she enveloped me in a tight bear hug. “You know I believe you right? You would never do something like this. I promise I’ll try my best to find out who did this.” 

 My heart warmed up when I heard the determination in Bridget’s voice.

“Thank you, Bridget.” I choked out, holding back the tears that threatened to spill out. 

“There’s no trouble Alexia. Is there anything you need? Anywhere you want to go?” Bridget broke off the hug and stared at me with those big beautiful grey eyes of hers.

 I was very sure that if I asked her for a trip to Paris to chill and unwind, she would get the plane tickets ready in a heartbeat.

“No, you’ve already done enough. I’ll just go home and I’ll sleep it off. I’ll be better by tomorrow.” I shook my head, declining her offer. 

I was about to get married next week, I needed some alone time to sort out my thoughts because right now, my thoughts were in chaos.

“Alright dear, I’m just a call away if you need anything.” Bridget nodded and after one final hug, she bade me farewell to go back to her department. 

I hurriedly made my way to my car and pinned the door shut. 

The emotional turmoil of the day finally sank in and I burst into tears. I let the tears roll down freely as I thought about my impending marriage and the accusatory stares of my co-workers. 

The image I had built with blood and sweat was threatening to unravel and I just hoped I made the right decision to agree to the contract marriage.

“Hey miss, miss are you alright?” I heard a knock on my door window and I looked up to see the worried face of Charles the security guard. I quickly wiped the tears from my eyes and rolled down the window to flash a fake smile at him.

“I’m alright Charles. I just had a rough day.” I said in the sweetest voice I could muster. 

Charles nodded and walked in the direction of his security booth.

I let out a heavy sigh and started the car ignition. I put the car in reverse and I left Blackwood Enterprises. 

As I drove home, my mind was preoccupied with thoughts of how I was going to break the news about my impending marriage to my brothers.