Chapter 4: The Marriage Contract

"Let's get married." A deep voice echoed through the quiet room.

Kyle sat on the sofa, crossing his legs with a calm smile.

His eyes focused intently on Lysia's, studying every expression on her delicate oval face. Today, she wore a simple white business dress, her wavy brown hair tied neatly into a ponytail. Even without the adornment of expensive jewelry, she radiated confidence and elegance.

Lysia was so taken aback that she didn’t respond immediately.

Slowly sitting down across from Kyle, she kept her back perfectly straight, her every movement exuding an innate elegance and nobility. With a hint of sarcasm in her voice, she said, "You’re quite amusing. I already transferred $50,000 through your assistant, and our transaction is complete. I, Lysia Kingsley, would never sell myself into marriage for such a low price, Mr. Reinhart."

"What if I offer you something far greater?" His lips curved into a smile, his sharp, confident gaze seeming to see right through her.

Without waiting for a reply, he pulled a phone from the pocket of his suit jacket and handed it to her. "Take a look."

Lysia frowned in confusion but reached out to take it. The bold, capitalized headline of a news article immediately caught her eye:

[CEO KYLE REINHART OF THE REINHART CORPORATION ANNOUNCES MARRIAGE: AN ALLIANCE BETWEEN THE REINHART AND KINGSLEY FAMILIES]

Scrolling down, she found an earlier video clip of him presenting a ring at the press conference and images from their supposed wedding. Yet, not a single photo revealed her face.

Lysia’s fingers trembled slightly as she searched for updates on the Kingsley Corporation's stock performance. As expected, the stock price had skyrocketed within minutes. By tomorrow, the financial and business world would surely be in an uproar, eagerly anticipating the official alliance of two of Reeds City’s most powerful families.

After the wedding, Ryan completely blocked all news about her wedding reception.

So the person deliberately trying to publish this article right now… could it really be—? Lysia shifted her gaze toward Kyle. Now, she finally understood Ryan’s warning about this man.

Placing Kyle’s phone back on the table, she sat in silence for a moment before looking up at him, “Let’s be clear—you’re the one benefiting from me, Mister.”

Crossing her arms, Lysia raised her chin slightly and continued, “I can guess that your return to Reeds City at this time has everything to do with the official inheritance of the Reinhart Corporation, am I right? Now that this news has broken, you stand to gain the most when people believe you’re married to me, the daughter of the Kingsley family. Henry and his parents will lose the trust of the board for letting go of such a valuable ally.”

Kyle’s chest moved slightly as he clapped his hands in amusement, “That’s right. As expected, I can’t fool a top journalist. Your reasoning is razor-sharp.”

“Then sign it,” Lysia said decisively, “If this marriage is inevitable, let’s make it official with a contract.”

“A marriage contract?” Kyle leaned forward, his expression showing clear surprise.

Lysia’s face remained unwavering, and she gave a firm nod.

Kyle narrowed his eyes slightly, his tone carrying a hint of displeasure, “You see marriage as just a contract?”

“We’re both doing this for our own interests. The one thing I hate most is being used and having my life dictated by others. If you’re going to use me for your inheritance, then you’ll be the perfect ace up my sleeve to take revenge on that bastard Henry. It’s a win-win. Are you scared?” she asked coldly.

Kyle absentmindedly twisted the ring on his fourth finger.

A quiet chuckle escaped his lips, and his gaze toward Lysia softened, “Alright. I agree.”

“Then let me make this clear. Your side will draft the contract, but I will be Party A and hold the right to terminate it at any time if you violate any clause. The contract will last one year. I have only three conditions.” Lysia raised three fingers and continued after noting Kyle’s agreement.

“First, neither of us is allowed to establish a romantic relationship with anyone else while the contract is in effect.”

“Second, we must not interfere too deeply in each other’s work.”

“Third, we will not live under the same roof.”

“I don’t agree.” At the third condition, Kyle suddenly objected. “Are you afraid that if we live together long enough, you’ll fall for me?”

Lysia’s face darkened. She smirked mockingly, “You’re way too full of yourself, Mr. Reinhart. I just don’t trust a CEO who happens to owe the bank $50,000.”

Kyle frowned, “Do I look like someone short on money?”

“No man is trustworthy.” Lysia shrugged decisively.

As she took in Kyle’s undeniably handsome features, she added silently to herself, 'Especially not the charming ones.'

Kyle clutched his chest, feigning pain under Lysia’s judgmental gaze. But when he noticed the faint smile that flickered across her lips, he quickly returned to a serious demeanor and spoke in a low voice, “I’d like you to reconsider moving in with me. My mother is being discharged from the hospital next month, and she’ll be moving into our house. She’s always wanted me to get married, and I’ve already informed her about our wedding. I don’t want to disappoint her.”

Seeing Lysia hesitate, he pressed on, “She’ll only be in Reeds City for two months.”

Surprise flashed in Lysia’s eyes. She pursed her lips, thinking it over for a moment before finally speaking, “Fine, but I expect respect from you.”

“Of course. Always.” Kyle stood up and extended his hand toward her, “Deal?”

Lysia shook his hand and showed a confident smile, “Deal.”

With that, she grabbed her bag, ready to leave the room, when Kyle suddenly grasped her wrist, his tone filled with suspicion, “What about the interview?”

“What interview?” Lysia looked just as surprised.

“The exclusive interview with RRC?” Kyle frowned slightly, disappointment flickering on his face.

Thinking back to a few hours earlier, when he was preparing to attend the press conference, Kyle had spent an unusually long time getting ready—just to make sure he looked perfect in photos with Lysia. Yes, he cared more about his image standing next to her than about the actual press conference, even though he knew he was already handsome.

Lysia gave a strained smile and used her other hand to pry his grip off her wrist, shaking her head, “Sorry, but I have no interest in this interview. If I want my article to make it into a special edition, I have my own ways.”

Kyle hesitated, reluctant to let go. He started rambling, “The first step to a successful partnership is leveraging the media influence of RRC. Do you know I postponed an important meeting with a UK client just for this exclusive interview? Not to mention, I even made time to have lunch with you—”

Grabbing his tie and pulling him down to her level, she pressed a finger against his lips and said, “Kyle Reinhart, you talk too much.”

Then, with a light push that sent him stumbling back, she turned away, waving casually, “Send me the contract once it’s drafted. See you.”

As Lysia disappeared behind the door, Kyle bit his lip, but he couldn’t stop the amused grin that spread across his face.

“Such a sassy girl,” he murmured, touching his lips, “I’m really looking forward to our married life, Lys.”

***

After successfully signing the marriage contract, Kyle and Lysia’s next meeting was at the Reinhart family mansion for a formal gathering. As they stepped into the grand mansion with its classic European architecture, they moved slowly toward the dinner party.

Lysia immediately sensed the tense atmosphere surrounding the dining table, where the entire family had gathered. No one seemed particularly pleased that the newlyweds had arrived later than the head of the Reinhart family, Charles Reinhart—the man she once called “Grandfather,” who was now her father-in-law.

As she considered how to break the silence, Kyle smoothly pulled out a chair for her and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

Then, he calmly gave an order, “Bring in the gifts.”

A wave of warmth surged through Lysia’s heart. At that moment, she knew—Kyle was providing her with solid protection.

A few months ago, she had met with Henry’s family to discuss marriage, but the way Henry handled things had made her uncomfortable. He obeyed his mother without question, forcing Lysia’s family to revise the wedding guest list and even removing small parties that Ryan had personally designed for her.

Looking back now, Henry had manipulated her well—gradually turning her into a docile woman who trusted him unconditionally.

Lysia stepped toward Charles, gently placing a hand on his shoulder before leaning in for a formal cheek-to-cheek greeting, “Father, I’m Lysia Kingsley. I apologize for not coming to meet you sooner.”

Charles patted her back lightly and smiled at her, “Welcome, Lys. I am pleased with any woman Kyle chooses.”

After that, Lysia handed out the gifts she had prepared for everyone. She could feel Henry’s curious gaze lingering on her, while his mother, Jessica, glared in disapproval.

When she reached Henry, she paused, a flicker of mischief flashing in her eyes.

“Henry, my nephew, this is for you.” She presented him with a small, square box wrapped in luxurious red velvet, “Go ahead, open it.”

Under the weight of everyone’s stares, Henry hesitated but eventually unwrapped the gift. However, in his nervousness, he applied too much force, causing the contents to slip out. A delicate white gold baby anklet rolled across the table, shimmering under the chandelier’s glow.

Lysia swiftly picked it up before Jessica could snatch it away. Holding it up in front of Henry, she smiled sweetly.

“Wishing you a healthy, adorable baby soon. It’s truly wonderful news that you received this blessing before us…”

Lysia turned to Charles with a warm smile and asked, “You’d be delighted if our family welcomed a new member, wouldn’t you, Father?”

“Baby? Who’s pregnant?” Charles’s authoritative voice rang out, silencing the entire dining room for a few seconds.

Jessica Olivier hastily snatched the baby anklet and scrambled to cover for her son, feigning an awkward chuckle, “Father, Lysia is just joking. She’s merely offering her blessings while waiting to have a child of her own.”

Lysia took a leisurely sip of her wine, unfazed by the cold, hostile glare Jessica shot her way.

After dinner, Lysia wandered alone through the garden while Kyle discussed business matters with his father. The cool night air felt refreshing—until a rough hand suddenly yanked her backward.

A furious voice snapped, “Lysia Kingsley, how long are you planning to keep up this insanity?”

She scowled and forcefully shoved Henry back a few steps, “This is just the warm-up to my revenge game, and you’re already scared?”

“You’re only doing all of this to get my attention, aren’t you?” Henry’s voice carried a strange mix of frustration and regret as he looked at her icy demeanor, “Lys, I know you love me—and I love you too. Let’s stop this childish game before my grandfather finds out and we can finally set things right. We can have our wedding—”

“Oh? And what about Camilla?” Lysia toyed with a loose strand of hair, her voice laced with mockery.

Henry hesitated for a second before swallowing hard and responding with conviction, “I will tell Camilla to abort the baby. I will compensate her generously for the emotional distress. She only wants money—as long as we pay her enough, she’ll take it and leave.”

“You bastard,” Lysia seethed.

Her fingers curled into a fist, and just as she was about to slap the smug look off Henry’s face, Jessica appeared out of nowhere and shoved her backward with surprising force.

Caught off guard, Lysia lost her balance and crashed onto the ground. A sharp pain shot through her ankle. She must have twisted it in the fall.

Jessica loomed over her with a haughty expression and crossed her arms. Her voice was dripping with disdain, “Lysia, you stole Kyle from another woman—he was already engaged. Do you really think you have the right to insult my son?”

W-What? Kyle was engaged?!