Chapter 3: The Trap Marriage

Alexander Steele stood by his desk, gazing intensely at the folder before him as if his gaze could cut through steel. His appearance was highlighted by the tension as the morning sun filled his penthouse office through the large windows. Contained within the folder was his crucial agreement or more accurately, flash marriage contract that would tie him to Isabella.     

His hand held the pen, suspended over the line where he needed to sign. Throughout the entire night, he didn't rest, his thoughts consumed by uncertainties regarding the decision he had taken. Entering into a marriage with someone unfamiliar was not only dangerous but also reckless but had no option then. The upcoming board meeting was rapidly forthcoming, and his uncle, Richard, was hovering like a scavenging bird, prepared to dismantle him of his inheritance, position and Steele Enterprises.

His thoughts were interrupted by a sudden loud knock on the door.

"Come in," he shouted. Unexpectedly, there stood Clara.

Clara Peterson entered boldly, her red heels making a clicking sound on the marble floor. She walked with the assurance of someone accustomed to always getting her way. But Alexander had learned long ago that Clara’s help came with a price.

“Good morning, darling,” Clara purred, taking a seat opposite him without waiting for an invitation.\

“What do you want, Clara?” Alexander asked.

“Is that the way to greet the woman who just saved your empire?” she replied, her lips curling into a sly smile with a flirty move.

Alexander resisted the urge to roll his eyes. "If you're here to brag, do it quickly. I have assignments that must be completed.”

Clara’s smile faltered. "Do you have any doubts now?"

"Not," Alexander exclaimed. “The deal is done. Isabella agreed.”

“Good,” Clara said, leaning back in her chair. “Alex, as you’re here, Richard is already spreading rumours. He’s calling your marriage a facade, a desperate strategy to secure your inheritance.”

Alexander’s jaw tightened shockingly  “Allow him to talk. He won’t find anything to prove his claims.”

“Won’t he?” Clara countered, arching an eyebrow. “Do you realize that Richard won’t stop until he destroys you, If he proves your marriage isn’t legitimate, you’ll lose everything.”

Alexander’s grip on the pen tightened. He knew Clara was right. Richard was a skilled manipulator who could employ all tactics at his disposal to defeat Alexander.

"I've got everything in hand," Alexander stated, though unsure what he was saying.

“Do you?” Clara asked, her tone dripping with uncertainty. “Because if you don’t, Richard will squeeze the life out of you, and trust me, darling, he’s already sharpening his claws.”

Alexander glared at her. “You have a point”

Clara’s smile returned. “Alex the point is, you need to ensure Isabella plays her role perfectly. One slip-up and Richard will pounce, you know how manipulative and intimidating he is.”

“She’ll do what’s expected of her,” Alexander said firmly.

Anyways, “For your sake. Let’s hope so,” Clara said, rising to her feet.

Upon Clara's departure, Alexander let out a deep breath, feeling his frustration grow stronger. Feeling trapped was something he detested, but that was exactly his current situation.

A little while after, his phone vibrated. The person in question calling was Isabella. Before responding, he paused, unsure of the outcome.

"Steele,"  She uttered, her tone icy and businesslike.

“We need to talk,” Isabella said, her tone equally icy.

“About what?” Alexander asked.

“This arrangement,” she said. “I have a few conditions of my own.”

Alexander’s brows furrowed. “Conditions? This isn’t a negotiation, Miss Moore.”

"It is currently," Isabella stated. “I refuse to be manipulated as part of your power game. I need assurances if I'm going to assist you."

Alexander's mouth twisted into a sly smile surprised to hear this from someone he thinks he is helping. Though he respected her boldness, despite finding it annoying. "Continue."

Isabella started by stating her desire for a clause in the agreement that ensures her mother's medical expenses are taken care of, regardless of their relationship's outcome.

“Done,” Alexander said without hesitation.

“Secondly,” she continued, “I want the freedom to pursue my interests. I won’t be confined to your penthouse like some trophy wife.”

Alexander leaned back in his chair, intrigued. “And what interests are those?”

“None of your concern,” Isabella snapped. “Do we have a deal or not?”

Alexander chuckled "You are fearless, I must admit." Okay. "Take it as added."

Isabella said, "That's good”. "Then I'll meet you at the courthouse tomorrow."

The line disconnected before Alexander could reply.

He placed the phone on the table, a sly grin appearing on his face. Isabella Moore was turning out to be more challenging than he had expected.

The following day, Alexander reached the courthouse and saw Isabella standing on the stairs, wearing a black dress that was both simple and elegant. Despite appearing calm, her clenched fists revealed her nervousness. She looked so sexy and beautiful, at first, Alex intended to plant a kiss on her foreface but remembering the clauses in their contract, he let go.

“Ready?” Alexander asked, offering his arm. “well darling your beauty is top-notch if I must confess

Isabella hesitated before taking it. "Thanks. Well, let's finish this quickly first what we are here for."

The ceremony was brief and formal, observed solely by Clara and Alexander's attorney. During the exchange of vows, Isabella's voice remained firm and her eyes were steady. Alexander couldn't avoid feeling a twinge of admiration for her strength.

After the judge declared them as a married couple, Alexander moved closer to peck her cheek. He whispered, "You have entered the lion's den, welcome."

Isabella remained steady without showing any reaction. "I have been in more terrible locations," she responded.

However, when they exited, they were greeted by a group of journalists, their cameras flickering similar to a thousand small suns.

“Mr. Steele! Is this a real marriage or a publicity stunt?”

“Mrs Steele, how do you feel about marrying a billionaire?”

“Is it true that  this is just to secure his inheritance?”

Alexander’s hand tightened around Isabella’s as he glared at the crowd. "Let's finish this quickly."

However, it was Isabella who came forward, her voice breaking through the disorder.

She firmly stated that this is a confidential issue. "Nothing more to add."

The journalists continued pushing forward, their inquiries becoming increasingly pushy. All of a sudden, a single voice stood out among the rest.

"Mr. Steele, would you like to give your thoughts on Richard Steele's allegation that your marriage is not real?"

Alexander froze. The crowd went silent, waiting for his response.

How would Alexander handle the public challenge without exposing the fragile foundation of his marriage?