Reviello's Rep

Eleonor was in a dress super tight at the waist and loose at the skirt, with a square neckline and puffed sleeves, in a salmon color. An outfit that really highlights her slim body curves. All this preparation is because Reviello's Rep was coming to discuss the wedding stuff. Eleonor thinks it's an absurd to dress up for a man who won't even be her husband, but Erica insisted to her bastard daughter get into the dress and behave like a lady, as Emily is known.

To prevent her family's plan from being discovered, Emily decided to take an afternoon at the mall. James didn't worry about his daughter spending a small fortune in the shops because everything was about to be resolved. All it takes is the supposed rep to arrive, take a good look at Eleonor, and present the terms of the marriage contract. That simple.

She's alone in her room when she hears a knock on the door. Her father opens the door without waiting for an answer. He's got a guilty look on his face, like everything he's put her through for twenty years isn't enough. Now he's about to handle his own daughter over to a mobster because of his mistakes. At least James has the decency to look embarrassed.

“The rep is here.” James says in a weak voice. “Please Eleonor. Our family needs you.”

A moment of silence. She always thought that, even if her father was someway distant, they have an average relationship. Some unique connection between them. But she realizes, at his attitude, that all that was in her mind. He doesn't care at all. He may not be cruel like Erica, but he doesn't love her too. 

Curiously, that didn't hurt her. It's someway expected. 

James Evans only care about himself. Or, at least, with himself and his family. Eleonor isn't included in this label, even if his blood runs in her veins.

“Okay, let's go.” This is all she says as she leaves the room.

Eleonor comes down the stairs. Her heel hits the floorboards. She turns down the aisle, and then she meets the intense look of the rep. His hair is as dark as his eyes, and his posture reveals that he is a cold but elegant man. His clothes are very nice, and he doesn't have any scars on his face or hands, which breaks the image she had of mobsters until then.

She might have exaggerated her concerns. Perhaps the fear of her father is actually exaggerated and worsened by the shame of having lost everything. Thousands of thoughts run through her mind as she walks towards the man. If she met him on the street or saw him in a coffee shop, restaurant, or at the top of a well-known company, she wouldn't think he was a mobster or someone dangerous.

He finally approaches Eleonor and holds out his hand. His movements are firm and there's no sign of hesitation. His expression also doesn't falter for a second. She receives a gentle kiss on the back of her hand after greeting him. Another behavior that makes her very confused. Was it really a mistake? Or could she simply be dreaming?

“Ms. Emily, it's such a pleasure to meet you. My name is Asher. I am Mr. Reviello's representative, and I'm here to tell you about the terms of the marriage. Are you in agreement with this marriage?” Asher's eyes linger on her.

Eleonor glances briefly at her father, who has his head down. What a stupid question. She agrees because she has no other option.

“Yes I am.” She responds with a sweet smile.

“Excellent!” He points to the couch. Eleonor obeys him and sits down. Asher sits down beside her and opens a black folder. He hands her a white envelope from inside the box. “Please have a look.”

Eleonor takes the envelope and removes the papers. She reads MARRIAGE AGREEMENT and several clauses in a contract of some pages. She reads carefully as she lands her eyes on the first one:

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§ LEGITIMACY: Both parties are fully entitled to freedom of choice in this union and agree to the terms of this contract.

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Right. The first clause is to make sure there are no complaints later, in case that she wakes up one morning and realizes how wrong and extremely stupid this is. Mr. Reviello really doesn't want to open gaps for annulments.

She looks at the next clause:

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§ CONFIDENTIALITY: The circumstances of the marriage, as well as the terms and existence of this contract, must remain secret between the parties involved. Under penalty of severe fine in case of breach of secrecy.

§ CONCEALMENT: Ms. Evans will not use any information, evidence, or engage in any activity that might reveal confidential information about Mr. Reviello, his family, and his businesses, under no circumstances. Under penalty of severe fine in case of breach of this clause.

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“Excuse me, Mr. Asher...” Eleonor lifts her eyes from the paper and lands on irises that look like obsidian. “What would that fine be?”

“There's a clause about it, Ms. Emily... Please continue reading.”

Eleonor turns her eyes to the contract:

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§ ENDURANCE: This contract and marriage is perpetual, terminated only if: (1) a new contract is specified; (2) in case of annulment of the marriage or divorce by Mr. Reviello; (3) in the circumstance of the death of one of the parties. It initiates with signatures in the contract.

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Eleonor almost chokes. “Perpetual?” The word escapes from the mind to the lips. “What the heck is that supposed to mean?” She mutters to herself.

Erica forcefully clears her throat and strike out herself with a fan, trying to hide the curse that escaped her supposedly angelic daughter.

“It means that, except in the case of a new contract, Mr. Reviello desire for a divorce, or the death of one of you, this contract and marriage will remain binding.” Asher explains, taking a sip from the cup of coffee the maid has kindly brought him.

“Can I not file for divorce?” Her question would not be answered. She returns her eyes to the contract.

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§ GOODS POLITY: Under this contract, the total separation of goods will prevail. Everything that was and will be acquired will remain with their respective owners, with no sharing between the couple. It will also not enter the inheritance.

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“That clause about properties... that means it's every man for himself, right?” She asks.

“Exactly.” Asher examines her closely. “It means that everything in Mr. Reviello name will remain in his name, and everything in your name, Ms. Evans, will remain as it is.”

“What?!” Erica shouts hysterically, but quickly controls her voice. “My dear daughter won’t be entitled to anything?!”

“It also ensures that the house’s deed and the company’s shares will remain in the possession of the Evans family.” Asher turns to the woman. “Mr. Reviello will not interfere with your daughter's estate or inheritance.”

The woman grumbles but shuts up.

“It's okay with me.” Eleonor smiles sweetly.

She lived through her twenties without a single asset to her name anyway. She wasn't used to perks, despite growing up in a nice house, eating good food and wearing designer clothes. Everything was for appearance. Furthermore, she has always felt grateful for all of this, as she knows that there are people who are barely making ends meet. Emily, however, has a fat bank account and some property. The second daughter always had everything she wanted.

It's evident to Eleonor, at that moment, that she has made the right decision. Her sister would never accept those terms. She grew up with a golden spoon. She would certainly break down under those terms.

Then, Eleonor turns her attention to the contract:

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§ ADJUSTMENTS: Both parties have the right to propose changes to the clauses of this contract, but they can only be done with the consent of Mr. Reviello.

§ PUBLIC POLICY: Ms. Evans is expected to be discreet in her public appearances, acting with decorum and caution. She will use the etiquette required by the Reviello family. When not accompanied by Mr. Reviello or his designated rep, she must be accompanied by at least two security guards, from her personal guard.

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“Personal guard? Don't you think that's a bit too much?” Eleonor stares at Asher, but she knows that won't get an answer. So, she returns to reading:

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§ FIDELITY: Both parties agree to maintain fidelity as long as the contract and marriage lasts. Under penalty of moderate fine in case of infidelity.

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Are there distinct levels of fines? Eleonor thinks, as she turns the page.

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§ ENDEARMENT: It is agreed that Ms. Evans will do everything in her power to please Mr. Reviello, including but not limited to obey his commands.

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“Excuse me, I don't think I can accept that clause.” Eleonor snorts, putting the papers down a bit rudely. Obey his commands? Is she a wife or a damn doll?

Asher raises an eyebrow as the Evans couple gasp.

“Endearment? I need to do everything in my power to please Mr. Reviello? This is absurd.” Eleonor crosses her arms.

“Ms. Evans, don't misunderstand. This clause says that you must do everything in your power to please him. It's just a way of ensuring that you will put effort in this marriage. That doesn't mean you're obligated to do something you don't want to...”

“It's not what it looks like.” She snorts.

“Please read the clause below.” Asher inquires.

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§ CONSENT: It is agreed that Ms. Evans will not be obligated to any acts. All her rights are guaranteed and will be protected. Failure to comply with this clause ensures Ms. Evans the right to seek the moderate fine under Mr. Reviello.

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Eleonor raises an eyebrow. Finally, a clause that seems profitable to her, although she doesn't know exactly what these damn fines mean. She skims under the other clauses, turning the pages, until she reaches the bottom of the document.

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§ APPLICABILITY OF FINE: All clauses present in this contract are subject to the applicability of a bland fine, except those that specify the severity in their respective paragraphs.

§ DIVISION OF FINES:

(Bland fine) The party responsible for the breach of the clause must pay the other party the amount of one hundred thousand dollars.

(Moderate fine) The party responsible for breaching the clause must comply with a punishment chosen by the other party.

(Severe fine) The party responsible for breaching the clause will have to decide a loved one to be executed.

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Eleonor lowers the contract, stunned. She looks down at the lines awaiting her signature. On the side of the empty space, a scrawled handwriting signs the surname, agreeing with absurdities she never thought she would have to agree with.

She shouldn't have thought, even for a moment, that she might be mistaken… that she might have overstated her concerns. 

That man is a demon — and she's about to become his wife.