“Thank you, Sir! You don't look bad yourself!” She replied. “Hummm…” “Go ahead!" I said when she hesitated from saying something. “Have you been able to call Murphy? His mobile number isn't connecting any more!” “Are you that worried about him?” I asked wondering if I should be happy about this or not. “He is my very good friend, of course I will be worried about his safety!” She said as a matter of fact. “While I believe he is fine, but I haven't heard from him either. His line isn't connecting just like you rightly observed!” I said, suddenly annoyed for no reason. “If you say so! But kindly let me know whenever you can reach him!” “No problem!” I said before opening the door to a place that I haven't been to in a very long while. “Is this your…?” She turned to stare at me, looking surprised. “Yeah, it is!” I said feeling proud of my decision of bringing her here. “This is beautiful!" You must have spend a great part of your childhood here!" She said, running her elegan
“And why is that?" She interrupted , frowning her face. "Because you are the wife, and hence I won't want eyes on your reputation as well as that of my family’s?" "Oh! I get it! Well, honestly, isn't fair!” She said, but I choose to ignore it. “The fifth one, I like I said, no flirting with the opposite gender as a married woman, and don't expect any form of intimacy from me!” I said, and she breathes out softly. “I have a condition too!" "Go on please!” “I won't be working with you at the company! And can we live separately?” She asked, and I frowned at the last part. “How do you intend to make it look real to the outside world if we were to be living separately? As the wife of a famous billionaire, all eyes especially the media eyes will be on you, finding faults from all angles!” I explained, and she breathes out softly, again. “I am smarter than she is! No man will flirt with my wife even if it a contract marriage!” I said inwardly. “Do you agree to my first request th
“Welcome home, sir!” The housekeeper hurried out to welcome me.“Thank you Mrs Williams!” I said while one of the bodyguard’s opens the car door for me. “Are you going in, sir?” She asked slowly, and I turned sharply to look at her, puzzled by her question.“Is there any reason for me not to enter my own house, Mrs Williams?”“No sir! Well, sir….” She started stuttering, and I watched her moving her arms behind her back nervously.“Is there something you are not telling me, Mrs Williams?” I narrowed my eyes at her.“I……well, I……i…..” She kept on stuttering, and I became confused.“Welcome back from the party, darling!” A female voice I have come to dislike sounded. Turning slowly to the direction the voice was coming from, I saw Sofia cat-walking towards me.“Now listen to me, Mrs Williams! The next time you allow strangers into my house without my consent, consider yourself sacked immediately!” I said coldly, while she nods her head vigorously to my words.“Yes..yes, sir!”“Who is a
“I knew it! I knew it was going this direction, but not the way I envision it to be!. So, what was your reply?” She giggled happily, and I wished I never wasted my time discussing it with her. She was going to make me agreed to it in the first place! Well, not that I had a choice, though!. “Nothing yet! He give me two days to think about it!” “Listen girl! There is absolutely nothing much to think, or worry about. Consider it as a job employment were you are being paid handsomely at the end of the month!. A marriage with convenience? And just for six months?. Girl, you are in for some luck! Chances of you getting a better medical treatment for your dad is slim! Plus an avenue for you setting up your future is guaranteed! So what are you scared of?” She asked the question that have made me restless since I came back from the party. “Yes! What am I really scared of? Afraid that I might end up loving him? Or afraid that I might miss a chance with Murphy?” I questioned myself inwardly.
“Oh! That is kind of you sir!” I said, feeling relieved a little bit when he informed me of his intentions of taking over my father's medical treatment immediately. At least, my decision is not in vain. “You mean this evening? Alright! I will get prepared before then. Okay, see you later, bye sir!” Ending the call, I breathe out again. He is indeed not wasting time. Since he wants to officially introduce me to his parents before the commencement of the wedding plans, I need to start preparing myself for a gorgeous dress to wear. Taking a brief look at the quiet front view of the compound, I closed up the window and walked away. ************ CHESTER BLACKWOOD POV Waiting restlessly the second day, I gave up hope of her ever accepting my offer until I received her call. “Yes!” I did a happy fist up in the sir before pacing around the room, wondering what to do next now that she has finally accepted me. Suddenly I stopped on my track, picked up my car keys and head out of the hous
“I know it is possible for million of people to have the same eyes color, but how can they feel the same? The hidden warmth, and kindness behind the cold aura emitting from him, just like Murphy's” I thought inwardly while his eyes keeps trying draw me in, to trap me, and make me one with him. “Are you done?” He suddenly asked, and I jolt out of my thoughts. Swallowing my saliva back, I shifted uncomfortably in the seat before releasing the seat belt. “Yeah! Can we go in now?” I said, looking away from his face, feeling embarrassed. “Right after you, Milady!” He said with a soft chuckle, and I paused on my track. “Is there something you are not telling me?” I turned to look at him. “Humm…Something like what?” He asked, I saw those hints of fear in his eyes again. “I don't know! Maybe you should tell me about it!” I watched him nervously rubbing his palm against each other vigorously. “Tell you what, Alexis?” Listen dear, I am not hiding anything from you, okay! I wouldn't h
“What?” I said, deeply embarrassed with his stare. “You love it so much?” “You can say that again!” I said before chewing on the noddles with chopsticks, no longer embarrassed of his silent stares, and smug smile. He can go on watching me without eating, while I finish off everything. Murphy did informed him well about my favorite dishes. Eating more of the noddles, and pork meat, I suddenly saw something shinny inside the broth of the noddles. Curiously, i picked it up with the chopsticks. On seeing what it is, a loud gasps unconsciously escaped from my mouth. “I know it's not a proper marriage, but what is worth doing, is worth doing! Will you do me the honor of being my contract wife?” He said, already on his knees, staring intensely at my eyes, and I went mute unsure of what to say or how to respond to his crazy question. “Despite my traumatic past, yet I have always secretly hoped and dreamed about the day of being proposed to by a man that loves me. But what should I called
I fell in love with the simple, yet elegant decorations. It made me feel a little bit at home.Ten minutes later, I was done. You look beautiful, ma'am!” Selena said after putting the final touch to my clipped bun-hairstyle.“Thank you!” I said while staring at the sea blue eyes gazing back at me from the dressing mirror. The emerald necklace compliment the black color off-shoulder styled lengthy gown. Suddenly someone knocked gently on the closed door.“Yes!” Quickly Selena went to check out the reason for the knock. Opening, and closing back the door swiftly, I couldn't tell who the person was.“Ma'am, It's time!” She rushed towards me while I stood up slowly. Holding my black color clutch sized purse, we both went downstairs, where he was already waiting for me.“I thought I said twenty minutes?” He said while checking his wristwatch, the moment he saw me. “Sorry I'm… .. late!” I paused on my words on seeing him dressed up in a simple white color totem-neck styled long sleeve swe
“You will not show up unannounced,” I began. “You will not try to intimidate me into decisions. Any visits will be scheduled and supervised.” His lips twitched. “Supervised?” “Yes,” Jenna interjected. “At least in the beginning.” He hummed, considering. “And if I don’t agree?” I met his gaze head-on. “Then I’ll fight you in court. And if you think for a second that money is enough to win, you clearly don’t know me.” Something flickered in his expression—respect, maybe even admiration. Then, just as quickly, it was gone. “I don’t plan on fighting you, Alex.” His voice was softer now. “I just want my child. And…” His fingers tapped against the table. “Maybe a chance to fix what I broke.” My breath hitched, but I masked it. Jenna cut in before I could respond. “Alex’s terms are non-negotiable. You’ll earn access to your child at her pace, not yours.” He exhaled sharply, shaking his head
My fingers clenched into fists. He was already threatening me with legal action? I slammed my laptop shut and paced across the room, my mind racing. He wouldn’t actually drag me to court, would he? No, of course he would. But he didn’t bluff. And the worst part? He had the resources to win. If this turned into a legal battle, I’d be outmatched in every possible way. I needed to get ahead of this. Now. I grabbed my phone and dialed the one person who could help. “Alex?” My lawyer, Jenna, answered after the second ring. “We have a problem,” I said, gripping the edge of the counter. “Leon knows about the baby.”Silence. Then a sharp inhale. “And?” “And he’s already making moves to claim his place in my child’s life.” Jenna cursed under her breath. “I’ll set up a meeting with my team first thing in the morning. In the meantime, don’t respond to him.” I exhaled shakily. “Okay.” But as I hung up, I knew one thing for certain— This wasn’t just about me anymore.Chester wasn’t just t
“Sell your shares.” “No.” I exhaled sharply, my pulse spiking. “Then I’ll buy you out.” He smirked. “You don’t have the money for that.” His arrogance made me want to slap him. “I’ll find the money.” He tilted his head, amusement flickering in his gaze. “I’ll match any offer you make. And then I’ll raise it.” I clenched my fists. “You’re a bastard.” He stood slowly, walking around the desk until he was right in front of me. “I’m a businessman.” I refused to step back, even as my body betrayed me with the memory of how close we used to be.He studied me for a long moment. Then, his voice dropped to a low, almost dangerous murmur. “You can fight me all you want, Alex. But I’m not going anywhere.” I swallowed, willing myself not to show weakness. His gaze flickered to my stomach. “Especially now.” I stiffened. That was the moment I realized—This wasn’t just a game to him. For a second, the entire world seemed to freeze. I forced my expression to remain blank, but he saw righ
I should have walked away. I should have ignored the way his words sent a shiver down my spine. But he never let me take the easy way out. I met his gaze, steady and unrelenting. “I don’t have time for your games.”He smirked. “Who said I’m playing?” I scoffed. “That’s all you ever do, isn’t it? You push, you manipulate, you trap people into your world, and you think I’ll just—” He cut me off, his voice lowering. “I think you’re scared.” And I froze. He took a step closer, his scent—expensive cologne and whiskey—invading my senses. “You’re afraid because you know the moment you let me in, you’ll never be able to push me out again.” Anger flared inside me, drowning out the weakness he was trying to pry open. “You’re just so delusional.” He chuckled. “Maybe. But I’m also a man who always gets what he wants.” I clenched my jaw. “Not this time.” His smirk didn’t waver. If anything, it deepened. “Then tell me, Alex—why are you still standing here?” I opened my mouth to ar
The Next Morning, I woke up to my phone blowing up. Calls. Texts. News alerts. My stomach dropped. I clicked the first headline I saw: “Breaking: The Blackwood's Cooperation Acquires Montgomery Tech in Multi-Billion Dollar Deal” No. No, no, no— I scrolled further. “Ethan Montgomery Steps Down Amidst Sudden Buyout—President Chester Blackwood Takes Full Control” I couldn’t breathe. And then—A text from the bastard. Chester: You still think you can push me away? Chester: Checkmate, sweetheart. I threw my phone across the room. He wasn’t just playing to win anymore. He was playing to own me. I stared at my shattered phone on the floor. Chester had done it. Again. He had outmaneuvered me, blindsided me, and backed me into a corner. I couldn’t breathe. I threw open my closet, yanked on a coat, and grabbed my keys. I needed to confront him. Now. ****Blackwood's Cooperation – Manhattan Office I stormed past the receptionist, ignoring her startled protests. "Ma’am, you can’t
The night of my business launch, I stood at the center of the event, surrounded by flashing cameras, luxury-clad investors, and Manhattan’s elite. This was my night. My future. And nothing—nothing—was going to ruin it. Until I saw him. Chester Blackwood. Tall. Unbothered. Infuriatingly confident. Dressed in a midnight-black suit, he strode in like he belonged there—like he owned the damn room. My heart slammed against my ribs.Oh, hell no. I stormed toward him, ignoring the whispers and the press who were already snapping photos..I forced a smile—because I would not make a scene. Not here. Not tonight. "What the hell are you doing here?" I hissed under my breath. He smiled. Smug. Relaxed. Completely in control."I’m here to support my wife," he said smoothly. I stiffened. "I’m not your wife anymore." His gaze dropped deliberately to my stomach. "Are you sure about that?" My breath hitched. He wouldn’t—he couldn’t— "Chester," I warned. He leaned in, voice dropping. "Re
ALEXANDRIA POV The moment I stepped into the restaurant, I regretted everything. The cameras were already flashing outside. Dozens of reporters, onlookers, and paparazzi had gathered to watch my first public appearance with Chester Blackwood And he? He looked like he was born for this. Seated at a private table, dressed in a tailored black suit, exuding power, he gave me a slow, deliberate once-over as I approached. "You’re late," he murmured. I forced a smile, sliding into my seat. "Traffic." His eyes gleamed with amusement. "You mean you almost didn’t show up." I ignored that. A waiter appeared immediately, offering an expensive bottle of wine. Chester dismissed it with a flick of his wrist. "Water," he said. My heart stopped. He seems to be catching up with things about pregnant women. I kept my face neutral. "No wine for you?" His gaze flickered to my stomach. Barely noticeable, but I saw it. I gripped my napkin under the table. If he knew, he wasn’t saying it yet.
"You can tell yourself that all you want," he murmured. "But we both know the truth." I turned on my heel. "We’re done here." "Alex." His voice stopped me. For a second, I hesitated. For a second, I almost turned back. But I didn’t. Instead, I forced my feet to move, stepping into my car, and slamming the door shut. I had to shut him out. Because if I didn’t—he’d find a way in. ******* CHESTER BLACKWOOD POV She was running. Again!. I clenched my fists, watching her car disappear down the street. For weeks, I’d played by her rules. Let her shut me out. Let her build her defenses. But tonight? I changed the rules. And I wasn’t stopping. I pulled out my phone and dialed Andrus. "Boss?" "Prepare a press release," I said. "I want a statement out first thing in the morning." He hesitated. "What kind of statement?" I smirked. "The kind that makes it impossible for Alex to ignore me." ****** ALEXANDRIA POV By the time I got home, my phone was blowing up. Ava had sent ove
I pointed to the door, my body shaking. He hesitated. Just for a moment. Then he nodded once, stepping back. But before he walked out, he turned to face me one last time. "This isn’t over." His voice was calm, certain. "You can keep shutting me out. Keep pretending you don’t feel anything. But I’m not leaving." His gaze flickered to my stomach. "Not when I have two hearts to fight for." Then, without another word, he walked out. Leaving me standing in the middle of my apartment, breathless, trembling, and utterly, completely lost. I didn’t sleep that night. His’s words haunted me. "Not when I have two hearts to fight for." Damn him. I should have been relieved that he left. That I had thrown him out before he could sink his claws deeper into my life. But instead, I lay awake, staring at the ceiling, my hands resting over my stomach. Because no matter how much I hated him, no matter how much I wanted to erase him from my life… He was still the father of my child. And he wasn’