Chapter 4:  An Unexpected Alliance 

Gina's POV 

My eyes widened, disbelieving.

"What?" I whispered, my voice barely audible.

Mr. Jenkins nodded. "Yes, Gina. You are now the sole beneficiary of your grandfather's vast wealth and business empire."

All of it? To me?

I thought of the countless charities, the employees, the business partners... How could Grandfather leave it all to me?

Lana's gasp echoed my shock.

"But...why?" I stammered.

Mr. Jenkins consulted the will. "'To my beloved granddaughter, Gina, I leave my legacy, trusting she will continue my vision and make me proud.'"

Tears welled up in my eyes. Grandfather's faith in me was overwhelming.

The weight of responsibility settled upon me like a mantle.

Saxton Enterprises. The mansions. The philanthropic endeavors.

It was all mine now. I felt both honored and terrified.

Mr. Jenkins handed me a folder. "The details are all here, Gina. Your grandfather's team will assist you in the transition."

As I took the folder, a sense of purpose began to stir within me.

Grandfather had trusted me with his legacy.

I wouldn't let him down.

Mr. Jenkins continued, his words dropping like a bombshell. "However, there's a condition to the inheritance, Gina."

I frowned, sensing a catch.

"Your grandfather stipulated that you must marry Alexander Blackwood within six months of his passing," Mr. Jenkins announced, his expression neutral.

My jaw dropped.

"Alex Blackwood?" I repeated, stunned.

The same Alex Blackwood I'd met at the gala flashed into my mind. 

"Why?" I demanded, trying to process.

Mr. Jenkins consulted the will. "'To ensure the continued success and stability of Saxton Enterprises, I deem it necessary for Gina to marry Alexander Blackwood, a trusted businessman and financier, who will assist her in managing the company's funds.'"

I felt like I'd been punched in the gut.

Arrange a marriage? To someone I barely knew?

Lana's gasp echoed my shock.

"But...that's absurd!" I protested.

Mr. Jenkins' expression remained impassive. "I'm afraid it's quite clear, Gina. If you don't comply, the entire estate will revert to a trust, controlled by the board of directors."

My mind reeled.

Grandpa, why?

I thought of Alex Blackwood – a multimillionaire, allegedly. What kind of person was he? Why did Grandfather choose him?

A shiver ran down my spine.

Was I being forced into a loveless marriage?

"Is there...anything else?" I stammered.

Mr. Jenkins nodded. "One more condition: you must reside with Mr. Blackwood at his estate during the duration of your marriage. The marriage will last for just two years."

My world spun out of control. But I managed to get a hold on myself. It's just two years. With my Grandpa's wealth in my name and getting married to a multimillionaire, this would be my perfect tool for revenge.

I will make sure that Julian, my stepsister and Monica will pay for all their atrocities.

Making up my mind, I signed the papers, giving my consent to an arranged marriage for the sake of revenue.

*******

Alex Blackwood's POV

I nursed my whiskey, staring into the amber liquid as the bar's dim lighting wrapped around me. 

My mind wandered back to the deal I'd made with the late Wilson Saxton.

Flashback:

I sat in Saxton's study, desperation clawing at my chest. My company, Blackwood Industries, was on the brink of financial collapse.

I needed an lots of capital, and Saxton was the only one who could provide it.

Saxton leaned back in his chair, eyes piercing. "I'll give you the funds, Alex and everything other thing that you might ask for. But I want something in return."

I hesitated, sensing a trap.

"Marriage," Saxton said, his voice firm. "You must get married to my granddaughter, Gina."

My eyes widened. "Marriage?"

Saxton nodded. "She'll inherit my estate, including Saxton Enterprises. You'll help her manage the company, ensure its success and protect her from any form of harm. In return, I'll provide the funds to save Blackwood Industries."

I weighed the risks. Marriage to a stranger, tying myself to Saxton's legacy...but the reward was too great to ignore.

"I agree," I said, extending my hand.

Saxton smiled, a hint of satisfaction. "I knew you'd see it my way, Alex."

The lawyer presented the contract, and I signed, sealing my fate.

Back in the present, I sipped my whiskey, reflecting on the deal. Had I made a mistake?

Gina Saxton.

I'd seen her once, at a charity gala. Beautiful, elegant, poised...and soon to be my wife.

Our marriage would be a merger, nothing more. I'd secure my company's future, and she'd gain a partner to navigate the complexities of Saxton Enterprises.

But what about love? Passion?

I pushed the thoughts aside. This was business. The marriage would last for just two years anyway.

As I finished my drink, my phone buzzed. A text from Saxton's lawyer:

"Mr. Blackwood, Wilson Saxton's passing has triggered the terms of the agreement. You are expected to meet with Gina Saxton to discuss the arrangements."

My gaze locked onto the message.

It was time to seal our fate.

I handed the bartender my credit card, settling the tab. As I turned to leave, I noticed the restroom door slightly ajar. Assuming someone had forgotten to close it, I pushed it open to investigate.

A figure slumped against the sink, head bowed.

Concerned, I stepped inside.

The figure slowly lifted its head, revealing a familiar face – Gina Saxton.

Her eyes, usually bright and alert, were glassy and unfocused. Her makeup was smudged, and her hair disheveled.

"Gina?" I said softly, approaching her. I caught a whiff of alcohol on her, she was drunk.

She looked up, her gaze locking onto mine. For a moment, we just stared at each other.

Then, without warning, she leaned forward and pressed her lips to mine.

I froze, taken aback by the sudden kiss.

Her lips were soft, warm, and inviting. The whiskey on her breath mingled with the sweetness of her mouth.

As I hesitated, Gina deepened the kiss, her hands grasping my shirt.

I couldn't resist.

My arms wrapped around her, pulling her close. Our lips moved in sync, the world around us melting away.

For a fleeting moment, I forgot about the arrangement, the business deal, and the obligations.

All I knew was the taste of Gina's lips, the warmth of her body, and the spark of desire igniting within me.