CHAPTER TWO

Alexia’s POV

I read the paper in the file and my eyes widened in shock. I looked up at Ethan who had a face devoid expression as he stared right back at me.

“Wh….what is this?” I stuttered as I asked him.

“What does it look like?” Ethan cocked his head to the side and replied to me. His expression slowly turned into one of amusement but I didn’t find anything amusing in this situation.

I looked back at the file to make sure I wasn’t seeing things but the words were as clear as day and they weren’t an illusion.

MARRIAGE CONTRACT BETWEEN ETHAN BLACKWOOD AND ALEXIA THOMPSON

The bold heading swarmed before my eyes. This couldn’t be real, a contracted marriage? How was this going to solve anything? What was Ethan playing at? Did he want to use my moment of weakness to finally get what he wanted from me? So many questions swirled around my head and my composure vanished.

I continued reading and my eyes fell on the clauses on the contract.

The contract outlined a series of clauses that made me wonder when on earth Ethan even had the time to draft this thing.

The first clause stipulated a marriage of convenience that would last for three years. 

During this time I would be Ethan’s legal spouse, entitled to all benefits that came with the title – shared finances, access to exclusive health care plans, and even the right to reside in his luxurious manor. The Blackwood manor.

A separate clause dispelled any notion of a romantic union which left me very confused. 

I had thought that he was doing this just to get intimate with me but this clause scratched that assumption from my head.

I continued reading the clause and it clearly stated that the marriage would be strictly platonic but public display of affection would be allowed to give the impression of a happy marriage. 

I read the next clause and my eyes widened in shock. 

It was a financial clause, a hefty sum, enough to settle the embezzled funds and leave me with a comfortable nest egg, which would be deposited into a trust account upon signing the contract. 

However, access to the funds would be restricted until the three-year term agreement was complete, and a single step out of line would result in the forfeiture of the entire amount. 

I continued reading the document and a clause that outlined a communication plan where Ethan would have to know where I was at all times. 

There was another clause titled “Confidentiality Agreement” which stated that I would never tell anyone about this contract and its existence.

There was one particular clause that caught my eye and it made me a bit furious.

I slammed the file on Ethan’s desk and pointed him to a seething gaze. “This is outrageous! I can’t have any romantic interests outside the marriage but there’s nothing about you? Make it make sense” 

Yes, this clause forbids me from ever finding love outside the marriage as long as the duration of the contract hasn’t run out.

“It’s standard for the woman’s reputation to be upheld in a social marriage such as this, Alexia. Appearances are important.

“Appearances for whom?  You get to waltz around town with some socialite in your arms while I’m stuck playing the dutiful wife?” My voice trembled as I voiced my complaints out

“Socialite? Hardly. Anything I’d do would be discreet. Besides, you are the public face. Any more scandal like this then it’ll be over for you. I put that clause in there to protect you.” Ethan said in a convincing tone.

I fell into silence as I contemplated my choices. I was about to sign away my freedom but what choice did I have? It was either this or a trip to the nearest jail cell.

 I sighed as I decided to just accept it and get it over with. But before I would voice my agreement, I have one more question to ask.

“Ethan.” I began staring right into his forest-green eyes. “When did you get this document set up? I can’t believe you would do this just to help me. You must have your gain in this.”

Ethan stared back at me and let out a ghost of a smile on his face.

“I have always known you are a smart woman. Well since you figured it out then there’s no harm in telling you.” Ethan leaned forward as he began to explain.

 “As you know I am the Heir to my father. The CEO of Blackwood Enterprises. My father is about to step down and I would naturally be the next heir but...”

He paused, his gaze holding mine. “I can’t inherit this company until I meet certain conditions, one of which is to get married.

 I don’t have the time to fall in love and I’m not about to marry any of the gold diggers that flock around me like bees to honey. You, Alexia, was the perfect woman for this.”

“Think about it, Alexia. This marriage is a chance for both of us. A chance for you to clear your name and secure your financial future. A chance for me to fulfill a lifelong dream – to take control of Blackwood enterprises."

It finally made sense. The reason behind this contract marriage. It was a marriage of convenience, not just to save me but to secure his ambitions. 

The situation was far more complex than I had ever imagined but the only thing on my mind was how to clear my name.

“I have a request, Ethan. You know I didn’t do this, someone must have done this. Someone in this company had access to my info. I need your help in tracking them down, if you can promise me this then I’ll agree to this marriage.” I gritted my teeth and said to Ethan. 

I was feeling very wronged and I wanted to find this culprit and put him or her behind bars.

Ethan gazed at me for a moment before he nodded his head.

I sighed with relief and took the pen on his desk, taking up the file. 

I stared at the free box meant for my signature and after a slight hesitation. I signed on the empty box signalling my agreement to this marriage.