VIVIAN
If someone had told me just days ago that I'd be disowned by my father, the man who was supposed to love and support me unconditionally, I would have brutally disagreed.
And if they had also told me that the two people I trusted most in this world, my best friend and my confidant, would betray me in the worst possible way, I would have thought they were crazy.
But life has a way of proving us wrong, and now here I am, standing in front of a stranger who has just asked me to marry him.
"Wait..what?"
I blinked continuously trying to process his words.
"I want you to marry me Vivian"
He repeated,his eyes locked onto mine with an intensity that made me quiver
"Now you're definitely crazy"
I burst into another round of laughter
""I want you to marry me for a year and in return, I'll find your art career. I'll give you everything you need to succeed -studio space,materials, connection, everything
He said,his voice calm and collected.
Someone remind me to not get drunk again. How much did I let on last night? I must have been so drunk and bursted everything out to him.
"I..I can't do this. As enticing as your offer is with Mr Kian. I don't think I can do this. Get married to someone I barely know"
I shook my head vigorously. Nothing could make me agree to it. And how can a club owner help me with all that,even connection.
"This is a business deal Vivian"
His gaze remained impassive but his eyes seemed to bore into my soul.
"You don't have to love me or even like me. Just be my partner for a year and we can go on our separate ways"
This stranger is either completely delusional or manipulative. Either way,I wanted no part in his twisted games.
"It's Kian Blackwood,if the name rings a bell"
I shrieked and I felt my lips go wide open.
"Alright, I'll leave you to think about it. You should get dressed"
He said, narrowing his eyes over a wardrobe in the room.
"Someone will be here to help you"
He didn't spare me any more glances but simply made his way out of the room.
Kian Blackwood?!!
I couldn't believe I had been talking to Kian Blackwood all this time,that I had been so blind to his identity. Everyone who was anyone knew the Blackwood family. Our social circle rarely cross because the Blackwoods were old money, my family was new money.
Kian Blackwood, the youngest billionaire in New York,the most eligible bachelor and the most influential man in the city was standing in front of me, proposing a contract marriage.
I didn't know whether to feel blessed or cursed. Blessed because a billionaire just expressed his intentions to marry me. Just associating with the Blackwood is like hitting a jackpot. Cursed, because I don't understand why he would want me to agree to that kind of arrangement. What if it's something illegal or harmful? You can't always trust these billionaires.
Just then,I heard a knock on the door.
"Come in"
I mumbled enough for the person outside to hear and the door flung open to reveal a young lady in her mid twenties.
"Good morning ma'am"
She cooed as she slightly bowed.
"Sir Kian requested my assistance with your bath"
"Okay"
I simply nodded,still trying to process everything that's happened.
The proposal…
A larger part of me wanted to scream NO and leave this place but then,I needed it. I needed the assistance,I needed someone to help me with the funding now that my supposed father has disowned me.
But then, marriage is something I'm not ready for and to think I'd be married to the Blackwood family is shocking.
The lady began to prepare the bath, adding rose essence to the steaming water. The fragrance filled the air and I felt a pang of longing for the life I once knew
"You can take your bath now ma'am"
The maid said with a smile plastered across her face.
I rose from the bed and made my way to the bathroom but noticed the maid trailing behind me.
"Oh,I can handle it myself"
I said, trying to sound firm.
"But Sir Kian ordered..."
"I'll be fine"
I interrupted,my tone sharper than intended.
I just wanted to be alone,to wash away the memories of the day.
"Of course ma'am, as you wish"
She turned and walked out of the room.
I reached the bathroom door,grasped the handle,and flung it open.
I let out a sigh before stepping into the bathroom,the door closing behind me with a soft click
I pulled the curtain shut before stepping into the bathtub. The warm water welcomed me and sent calming chills down my spine
The heat seeped into my muscles, releasing the tension and for a brief instant,I forgot about Kian's proposal,the contract and the complicated web I was now entangled in.
After some minutes, I walked out of the bathroom feeling refreshed
I took a simple yet elegant dress from the closet and put it on, feeling a sense of normalcy wash over me and I made my way out of the room.
As I exited the room, I couldn't help but admire the opulent decorations and attractive designs that adorned the walls and furniture. The grandeur of the mansion was truly breathtaking. A quick mental review and I depicted this place to be Kian's penthouse. The Blackwood mansion is always on display everywhere. Kian must be a private person given I haven't seen this place anywhere on TV.
As I walked down the stairs,I met Kian sitting in the dining area, his piercing green eyes fixed on me.
His chiseled features and strong jawline seemed even more pronounced in the morning light, and I felt a flutter in my chest as our gazes met. His dark hair was perfectly styled, and I couldn't help but feel drawn to him.
"Came to give me a response?"
His cold voice jolted me out of my fantasy, and I felt a flush rise to my cheeks as I realized I had been staring. He must have caught me admiring him, and I felt a sense of embarrassment wash over me.
I strode towards him,my heart pounding in my chest. I took a seat in front of him,his cologne seemed into my nostrils,enveloping me in a warm scent that made my pulse quicken.
"I.."
I cleared my throat, trying to sound confident despite the nervousness that threatened to betray me.
"I agree to your proposal"
His eyes flickered across my face as if searching for any sign of hesitation or doubt.
"But I have my terms"
KIAN AND VIVIAN KIANI watched Vivian keenly as she spoke, her beauty captivating me more than the previous night or morning. Her dress clung to her curves perfectly, accentuating her figure.Ohh Kian,you seriously aren't thinking about this"But I have my terms" She said, her hands twitching nervously."What are those?" I asked, my eyebrows furrowed in curiosity."On the condition that we depict the perfect couple's life only in public" She began, her words spilling out rapidly."But while indoors, you stay clear of me. No attachment, none of those loyalty shits. I can do whatever I want or be with whoever I want to be with."I scoffed, surprised by her audacity. Did she really think I wanted to be with her?"Deal, it is then" I concluded, and she quickly stood up from her seat."Uhm...Vivian" I called, reaching for her hand, but she yanked it away.Funny"I might not have included this, but you don't get to touch me either." She cooed,her gaze unwaveringI
AIDENAiden came just in time during Kian and Vivian’s love confession.“Hi beautiful, how are you doing, “he said as stretching his hands for a handshake towards Vivian.Vivian seemed surprised because Kian never informed her about anybody named Aiden in the family. She looked at Aiden and greeted him.Aiden faced Kian “ Did you not tell your girlfriend you had a uncle ?” he asked facing Kian.Grandfather Edward dropped his newspaper and folded it back on the table taking his cup of coffee into his mouth.“ Aiden! Why are you here?” He asked.Aiden chuckled “ My being here is a disturbance to the latest couples ?” he asked.Vivian smiled looking at Kian in confusion then she whispered into his ears “ Why didn’t you tell me you had an uncle?”.Kian looked at Vivian and could not say a word, Kian and Aiden has been a competitor for years.“ Hi uncle, well this is Vivian, my girlfriend” he said as he touched Vivian’s hands so she wouldn’t be scared.Aiden sits properly and smiled “ Fina
MARTHA AND KIANTrouble fumes like a wide air in the house as Kian fumed in anger when he went over to his mom’s room after escorting Vivian back into her room.Kian opened the door room without knocking and faced his mom.Martha sighed and dropped her cloths back on bed “ Have some manners Kian, I thought you well didnt I?” she asked.“Well you did, no doubt" he replied so terribly.Martha looked up to her son from the bed she was sitting on “ Okay so what’s the problem?” she asked looking at Kian in anger.“ Well I birthed you, I know what is right for you and what is not right for you, can you just listen and accept whatever I say for once ?”. She said begging Kian.Kian smiled in an angry manner looking very stressed with his mom’s actions about his decision ever he was a kid.“ I guess you dont, all you ever think about is yourself grandfather already accepted Vivian so what is it to you?” he asked pointing at the door .Martha moved towards her mirror and grabbed her phone “ so
AIDEN AND VIVIAN It was a sad morning when everyone was at the dining table without grandfather Edward, all the important shareholders of the company were invited. Kian’s expression was much better than that of yesterday’s. Aiden looked at Kian and smiled, he looked like he wanted to cause a scene “You two arent married yet ?” Aiden asked Vivian looked up wondering who he was talking to“ I am referring to you and Kian" Aiden said as he puts on a fake smileVivian looked at everyone’s face at the dining she then chuckled, turns out this family is a war place , no one loves eachother. I heard footsteps behind me, a very nice scent I couldnt get over came across my nose, I looked behind me as the steps sounded high,” it’s her again” I said to myself as I sighed. I picked up a cup and poured myself some water to drink so I can calm my nerves, why did I have to marry into a war home, luck has never been on my side aanyways.I looked up at Mira's face as she smiled at me “ Hi" Mira
MIRA AND KIAN I never thought Kian would be mine, I love this moment and I do not want it to end. “Oh my Goodness, why does his phone keeps ringing” Mira said as she turned Kian’s phone off“I want him to myself just for today” she added Mira changed her outfit and wore something sexy, but Kian was weak and couldnt move an edge, he opened his eyes and saw Mira then he slept back “What.. Wake up Kian, do not sleep, Dont make all my efforts waste, oh jeez" Mira said as she throw the pillow at Kian in anger Kian was wide asleep while Mira couldn’t sleep because her plans didnt work out but she undressed Kian. It was early in the morning around 7am when Kian woke up and found himself all naked beside Mira, Kian was shocked and tried to remember every details of what happened last night“ Wake up Mira" Kian said as he taps Mira slowly Mira opened her eyes and smiled at Kian “ You are awake”“What is the meaning of this ?” Kian asked“What ?”Kian stood up from the bed and changed b
VIVIAN Grandfathers condition hasn’t been improving yet he is been kept in the coma for days .So this is what being rich is, even the rich have their own problems, I guess it’s not always that sweet anyway, what am I saying it’s not like my father is poor. Phone rings“Hello, I wonder why you called"“Can you at least greet me first?” my father replied as he already missed me, he wished for my return quickly.I wanted to stay away from home so I could chase my dreams, but to be a woman isn’t actually easy.I heard knocks on the door, who could that be Kian isnt home yet, I heard a loud voice of Mira, i walked to the door so i could open the door for her, I guess I will have to put up with her today again“Good morning” a cheerful greeting from Mira, as she jumped on the bed“Morning Mira" I replied silently while trying to lock the door“Why is she here again" i whispered to myself silently“How are you doing Vivian? Mira asked“I am good thank you” I replied and I smirked immediat
KIANEverywhere was quiet, Martha and Kian was having a conversation.“What do you want to talk about ?” Martha asked Kian folding her arms“I have decided to make things real between Vivian, like our marriage. I want a real marriage with her so I am telling you now so you wont pull any wrong stunt with Mira” Kian finally breaks it down to his mother“So your marriage with her was fake?” Martha asked not looking surprised, she sips her drink slowly“Yeah and how did you know about that?” Kian asked looking surprised“I was at the door of your room when I heard every conversation between you two , I knew it was fake" Martha repliedKian smirked “And you didn’t do anything or say anything?” He asked“Well, what can I do? You are grown enough. So you know what you want” she repliedPhone vibrates...Two weeks laterKian and Martha glanced at the phone, it was Martha’s phone“Hello"“Hello mother can we see and talk?”“Okay, come downstairs” she repliedMira walked downstairs with an enve
GRANDFATHER EDWARD AND KIANThe morning was bright when the whole house was full, grandfather Edward was happy that he came home, even though he doesnt have much time to live on earth, he wants to make sure he sets things rightThe maids made alot of dishes for the arrival of grandfather and the whole house was complete, Aiden and Julian arrived just in time for the house party“Grandfather, thank you for being good” Julian said as he touches grandfather EdwardA big smile on grandfather Edward’s face, he was happy that everyone was getting along so well“You all should sit because I have a lot of things to discuss" he said “Come sit here Vivian and Kian" he added as he smiled at Vivian brightlyMira's expression changed immediately“I am glad to see everyone doing good, and also what I am about to say is about the company, I would love Kian to take over the company for me and I trust that he will do well, moreover he is married now” he said looking at Kian“that was our deal in the f
After Vivian woke up, she kept silent when everyone was talking to her and asking her about how she is feeling, all she was thinking about was Louis.“Vivian…” Kian whispered to her, but Louis just went silent she didn't say anything.Ryan on the other hand was happy at the same time sad“Louis is dead… she is gone” Vivian murmured silently, while Kian's face fell, he didnt know how to comfort her at that moment.“I told you to let her stay here” Vivian added crying, and suddenly stood up “I want to go home” Kian held her “Hold on Vivian you arent strong enough to go home yet, just wait for some days at the hospital so you can get enough treatment” He said to her as he held and pulled her back to the bed, but Vivian pushed him back.“Where is Louis's body?” She asked her voice barely above a whisper“Her.. b.. her body has been buried by the Mancini family” Ryan said her voice shaking Vivian gazed at him “Why should it be like that?” She asked as tears began to roll down her cheek“
Martha and Mrs George heard about the death of Annie, they became furious and angry, this their time to act Miss Kate walked to the mansion she gave her daughter, she saw a note inside her daughters wardrobe, she read everything and shed tears, she began to regret that she made her marry Julian, and with that she picked her phone and made a call.“Find Julian, and also make it look like it was a suicide one“ she ordered and with that she wiped her tears and walked away from mansion, leaving the paper alone on the table.Kian called for a board meeting, Mr Robert and the rest of the board meeting heard about Julian’s death and was devastated.“I am losing my patience, I can’t let the company just be without a head” Kian said his voice firm and lowThe rest of them kept quiet because this was the first time Kian would call a meeting, everything they said behind his back, they weren’t bold enough to say it to his face as they were talking about choosing Kian as the CEO and having a pres
Everything began to happen so fast, while Mira was in labour, julian didn’t show up because he never loved Mira he only used her for his own benefit.Mira's eyes welled up with tears as she lay in the labor room, her mother standing anxiously at the entrance. The doctors and nurses surrounded her, urging her to push."Push, pushhh!" they yelled, but Mira couldn't muster the strength. She was mentally drained, her body weak from the ordeal."You can do this, you have to keep pushing Mira, the baby is almost our. Mira! Push!" the doctors encouraged, but Mira felt like she was running on empty. She was exhausted, her spirit crushed by everything she had passed throughBut then, something inside her stirred. She thought of her baby, her precious little one who depended on her for survival. With a newfound determination, Mira summoned every last bit of strength and pushed.The room fell silent, except for the sound of Mira's ragged breathing and the beeping of the machines. And then, sudde
It was about 45 mins to go, Kian already ordered the driver to go pick my dad up, the maids cooked something nice and all of them were expecting him, after a while I walked to the bathroom and has a nice bath, dressed in a free gown expecting my dad.The driver called that he had seen my dad, so they are on their way back to the mansion. I walked outside because I was Anxious so Louis walked out with me including Ryan because they were also excited to meet my dad.As we stepped outside, I saw the car coming towards us, my heart filled with excitement and joy. The driver stopped and parked opposite the mansion, and I could see my dad smiling at me from the front seat. I stepped forward to meet him, but before I could even take another step, I heard a blast.Everything happened so fast. I fell back, my ears ringing from the explosion. Ryan and the bodyguard tried to protect me, shielding me from the chaos. Louis pulled out her gun, searching for anything suspicious.But I didn't care ab
After a while, Vivian came in and also joined them while they were laughing, Ryan took pictures of us at the dining including Ava but suddenly Ryan saw something on Vivian’s chain “Wait what’s that?” he asked as he dropped his phone.“Where?” Louis asked, Ryan slowly walked towards Vivian and removed her chain“Damn we are being watched ”Ryan saidVivian flinched “how did it get there?” she asked“Where did you buy this from?” Ryan asked“She didn’t buy it, she has this chain at home and for a while it has been on her neck” Louis explained“Did you hug someone? Maybe someone who is smart or skilled it might be placed on your neck through a hugLouis and Vivian went silent for a while and they remembered they went to Mira's place.“Mira” Louis said her voice firm, Ryan destroyed the chain while Kian went silent.“What do we do?” Vivian asked, but Kian wasnt bothered“Dont worry about anything, Its fine and thank Goodness you caught a glimpse of it so fast” Kian saidAs the night wore o
It was past 9 in the morning, Mira slept on the couch, Julian walked downstairs dressed and ready to go out. He didn’t even care about Mira instead he walked out into his car and drove off, Mira who was pretending to sleep suddenly woke up and walked towards the kitchen but then she was stopped by the door bell, it was Vivian, Mira hurriedly walked towards the gate, she opened it and smiled at Vivian.“You now live here?” Louis said her voice loud, but Vivian gestured at her to take her questions slow and easyMira welcomed Vivian but Vivian had a reason for being there, Louis walked back to the car and brought out alot of baby essentials.“Is there any room here that you would want your baby to stay in?” Vivian asked Mira with a smileMira nodded and gestured for them to come upstair, Vivian and Louis arranged the room, with different baby designs.Mira's eyes sparkled with delight as she gazed around the beautifully decorated nursery. "Wow, I love this!" she exclaimed, her voice fi
The time for Mira’s wedding is here, the maids brought over her wedding dress.Mira hesitated and wouldn’t get dressed, she kept refusing everything Miss Kate gave to her.“I wont wear those, so take it back” she said to the maid but they didnt listen to her. Suddenly she heard the foot steps of her mother, she was already informed that Mira kept rejecting everything and wouldn’t get dressed, Miss Kate stormed in the room and without a word she gave Mira a hit on the face, Mira touched her cheek and gazed at her mother .“Mom” she said her voice low and firmMiss Kate glared at Mira, her eyes blazing with anger. "Yeah, I did, I slapped you, so don't make me do it again. Get into that dress, we are expecting you downstairs," she yelled, her voice echoing off the walls.Mira flinched, the sting of the slap still fresh on her cheek. Without a word, she turned and walked to the dress, her heart heavy with resignation. She slipped into the elegant white gown, the silk fabric rustling softl
MARTHA POVMrs George walked in quietly again. “Will you at least let me know if you ever want to visit me, showing up quietly like this is going to scare me to death” she saidMrs George smiled “That is an easy way to die” she said but Martha just rolled her eyes“Do you have eyes in the mansion?” Mrs George asked her voice barely above a whisperMartha tried to think of anybody, but she wasn’t able to“My only Ally in the mansion is Annie, and she has betrayed Vivian, I do not think they will trust her again” she saidMrs. George smiled, her eyes gleaming with cunning. "That's an easy thing, Annie is going to go back into the mansion and explain to them that you threatened her with Vivian's life, and that she had no choice but to sell out that evidence. Simple, even Kian is going to fall for it."Martha raised an eyebrow, her expression skeptical. "Do you think they are that dumb?" she asked, her voice laced with doubt.Mrs. George shrugged, her smile unwavering. "Try it first and w
Vivian sighed...“I feel for Mira, her mom is making her life a living hell” Louis saidRyan smirked “Come to think of it, she deserves it”As Kian stood up, his eyes fixed on some unknown point, "I'll be in my study room," he said, his voice firm. Ryan followed him side by side, his eyes filled with concern.Then vivian whispered to Louis, her voice urgent. "Let's pack the golds and take them to my dad's mansion. He'll be home soon, and he can keep them safe for us,now that Kian is going to busy this is the right time to act ."Louis nodded, her eyes wide with understanding. They both walked towards the room slowly, their hearts racing with anticipation.Vivian opened the door, revealing a narrow stairway that led down to a hidden room. They walked down, their footsteps echoing off the walls.The room was filled with treasures beyond their wildest dreams. Gold bars, diamonds, and precious jewels sparkled in the dim light. Vivian's eyes widened as she took in the sight.But she didn't