Chapter 2: Contract Marriage


Aria's room was illuminated with a gentle golden tone as the early light found its way through the curtains that were only partially drawn. 

The walls were a faded blue color. As she sat on the side of her bed, her thoughts kept going back over the events that had occurred the previous night in a never-ending and excruciating cycle. 

Despite the fact that the disappointment of Damien's rejection continued to sting, she was beginning to come to terms with the fact that she had consented to a contract marriage with Lucas Ashford.


Since the rejection, her wolf had been quiet, a faraway presence in the back of her mind. She was hurt by the mate connection that never had the opportunity to develop, and she had been unable to establish it. 

A significant portion of the night had been spent by Aria tossing and turning, pondering whether or not she had committed a grave error. On the other hand, the clarity of her resolve manifested itself when the sun rose. 

Continuing to be a part of the Moonstone pack was no longer an option, and Lucas, for better or for worse, presented her with an opportunity to escape.
She was in the middle of her thoughts when she heard a loud knock on the door. 

After rising to her feet and brushing her hands over her simple grey dress, she opened the door to find Lucas waiting there, looking as flawless as he had been during the whole process. He had his black hair pulled back into a ponytail, and he was dressed in a fitted suit that appeared to accentuate the bitterness that was there in his steel-gray eyes.


"Are you ready?" he inquired with a calm tone, as if they were going to go for a walk in the park rather than signing a contract that would tie them together for the rest of their lives.
Aria gave a little nod, her throat being too tight to speak. 

As she followed him out of the little hut that had been her home for many years, she grabbed the small bag that she had quickly packed and followed close behind. She did not turn around to look back. 

Nothing remained for her to do here, and there was no need for her to cling to the memories that had been polluted by the experience of being rejected.


During the time that they were walking toward the black luxury automobile that was sitting at the edge of the clearing, Lucas did not speak. In any case, Aria was thankful for it since she was at a loss for words when she spoke to him. 

She had spent years visualizing her future with Damien, and now, in the span of a single night, her ideal had been smashed and replaced with something that was far more uncertain.
As they made their way through the thick forest that divided the Moonstone realm from the rest of the world, the journey to Lucas's mansion was lengthy and uneventful. 

The motor of the automobile purred pleasantly as they traveled toward their destination. As Aria watched the trees pass by in a blur, her thoughts wandered as she glanced out the window. 

She was curious as to whether or not anybody in the pack had realized that she had left yet. It was inevitable that rumors would begin to circulate, if they hadn't already done so.
The familiar knot of uneasiness that she had been experiencing in her stomach tightened as she clinched her fists in her lap. 

When others found out that Damien had rejected her, what would they say to explain their reaction? Would you say that she had not been adequate? The idea caused her chest to throb all over again without any relief.


The voice of Lucas, which was strong and demanding, ripped through her thoughts and said, "Stop." Put an end to thinking about them. It is no longer true that you are a part of that world
The frown on Aria's brow deepened as she turned to gaze at him. "How is it that you are able to know what I am thinking?"


As he looked at her, a little grin formed in the corner of his lips. He gave her a quick glance. The message is clearly seen on your face. You have to let go of whatever fantasies you may have had about that pack while your time there. All of it is now in the past.


Aria bit her lip, unable to face the fact that his statements contained a remarkable amount of truth. Throughout the years, she had spent a lot of time trying to conform to the ideal of a perfect partner for Damien, striving to be the Luna that everyone said she would be. But at this point, none of it is relevant. 

The world that she was about to enter was completely foreign to her, and she had no clue what to anticipate.
As they reached a curve in the road, they were able to get a glimpse of Lucas's mansion. 

Suddenly, Aria found herself unable to breathe. Against the backdrop of the sky, the enormous stone house stood out, with its towering, black windows shining brightly in the sunshine. There was no comparison to the warm and inviting cottages and straightforward homes that the Moonstone pack had. 

Money, power, and authority were all embodied in one individual.
Lucas was the first person to exit the vehicle once it came to a halt at the front of the estate, and he signaled for Aria to follow him to exit the vehicle. 

As she stepped out into the cobblestone driveway, she felt the weight of her choice descend over her like a shroud. She paused for just a second before making her decision.
Lucas responded, "Come," and his tone made it clear that there was no space for debate.


Following him up the broad stone steps and through the great wooden doors, she entered a foyer that was both stunning and scary. She had followed him up the stone stairs. 

The marble flooring were illuminated by a gentle light that was created by crystal chandeliers that were suspended from the lofty ceiling. 

There was a big staircase that curled up to the second level in an attractive manner, and the walls were covered with expensive paintings.
Suddenly, Aria had the sensation that she was incredibly little and out of place.


Just as they arrived, a guy dressed in a smart suit emerged from one of the side doors and bowed slightly to the entrance. It is Mr. Ashford, everything is ready to go in accordance with your instructions.


"Thank you, Roland," Lucas remarked as he waved his hand away from the guy and then then dismissed him. Aria was addressed by him. "Contract is ready to be signed. We are going to go over the terms, and then you are going to sign.
Aria choked back her saliva. 

Simply in that manner?"
Lucas arched his brow in surprise. Have you anticipated anything that was different?"
She remained silent, uncertain of what she had anticipated hearing from her. 

Perhaps a little pause to take a deep breath and collect her thoughts before she committed her future to paper. On the other hand, Lucas was not the kind of guy who coped with uncertainty or emotion. 

It was impossible to miss the sense of command and accuracy that he exuded.
They walked inside a spacious office that was dressed in dark wood furnishings and had bookcases that reached from floor to ceiling. 

A large desk made of mahogany was put in the middle of the room, and a contract that had been meticulously organized was placed on top of it. After walking around to the other side of the desk, Lucas instructed Aria to take a seat by making a motion.


As she sat down, her fingers shook as she grabbed for the contract. She continued to sit down gently. The weight of what she was going to do made it difficult for her to concentrate on the words that were neatly printed, yet her eyes skimmed the sentences. 

With his piercing eyes fixed on her, Lucas sat opposite of her and observed her intently.
In a tone that was slick and businesslike, he said, "The terms are pretty straightforward." "Soon, you will be my wife, but just in name. 

In the event that it is required, you will reside here, at my side, and take on the role of Luna. I will give you with safety, financial stability, and everything else that you could need in return for giving me your business. 

Our marriage will continue to be conducted in a professional manner. The absence of feelings and difficulties."
While Aria was reading over the contract, she felt a tightening in her throat. There was no ambiguity in the presentation of any of the clauses or details. 

Rather than feeling like a marriage, it was more like a commercial transaction. In addition, there was a section that outlined the procedures that would be followed in the case of a divorce.
"And what if I want to decline?

She questioned him while staring up at him.
None of the expressions on Lucas' face changed. "You are not going to."
A response was repressed by her. Indeed, he was correct. In what way did she have a choice? 

Without him, she had no place to call home, no pack, and no future. In the event that she declined, she would be solely responsible for her own survival, and the concept of confronting the world on her alone, without the safety of a pack, was more horrifying than anything else.


She took a few deep breaths before picking up the pen and signing her name on the line that was marked with dots.
As he took the contract and stowed it away in a drawer, Lucas gave a satisfied nod, and his eyes indicated that he was pleased with the outcome. 

"That's good. You will be taken to your room now that we have reached a consensus on this matter. You are free to take a break for the day and start your responsibilities the following day.


Aria nodded, her heart heaving under the pressure of the accomplishments she had just accomplished. She had given up her life and her independence, but for what purpose had she done so? 

A marriage that was icy and devoid of affection with a guy she had hardly met. On the other hand, as she accompanied Roland, Lucas's helper, up the great staircase to her new room, she reassured herself that it was preferable than being ignored and forgotten. 

At least she had a place to call home, even if it was only for a short period of time.
The room that she was led to was of huge proportions, with a king-sized bed, windows that reached from floor to ceiling, and a balcony that looked out over the expansive grounds of the estate. 

It was overwhelming to experience all of the grandeur, yet it did not provide her with any sense of comfort. Another reminder of how far she had fallen from the life she had once dreamed for herself, it was simply another thing that brought it home to her.


Immediately after Roland's departure, Aria made her way to the balcony, where she leaned against the railing and gazed out at the well cultivated gardens below. Despite the fact that the sun was sinking and bathing the area in a golden glow, she could not feel any of its warmth. 

The only thing that she felt was the icy, empty anguish of the future that she had given up in exchange for a life of precariousness.
It was still weak, still suffering from the rejection that had driven them both apart, but her wolf softly stirred. 

It was still reeling from the rejection. Whether or not she would ever be able to heal from it, or whether or not she could ever be fully whole again, Aria did not know.
She was at a loss for what to do now. 

She lived her life in this manner.
And this was only the beginning of things.