Lucas's eyes blazed with fury, his gaze fixed on Victor. "No Smith will ever bow to a Blackwood."
"Should I consider this the beginning of a war?" Victor asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
Ethan Smith's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched in frustration. "What are you talking about, Blackwood?"
Julian Smith stepped forward, his voice calm and measured. "Wait, our fathers had decided that to maintain peace between our families, our only sister, Ivy, should be married to Victor. We must think about our business and reputation, so this agreement will continue."
Lucas Smith's face twisted in disgust. "Brother, you can't be serious. You want Ivy to marry this...this..."
Victor's smile grew wider. "Watch your mouth, Smith. I'm not exactly thrilled about marrying your precious Ivy Elizabeth either. It was my father's decision, not mine."
Lucas sneered. "Since when do you follow your father's decisions, Blackwood?"
Victor's smirk returned, his eyes glinting with triumph. "I look forward to our union, Ivy Elizabeth."
Victor Blackwood's eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he turned to Ethan Smith. "Now that we've settled the agreement, let's finalize the engagement date. Time is of the essence, and I have little patience for prolonged celebrations. Next week would be ideal. My bride, Ivy Elizabeth, will be arriving shortly. See that she's prepared, Ethan."
With that, Victor strode away, leaving Ethan seething with resentment. Ethan's fists clenched, his anger simmering just below the surface. "That scoundrel has been watching Ivy for years, and we were oblivious to it."
Victor's voice drifted back, his tone dripping with possessiveness. "I have every right to keep an eye on what's mine."

Ivy Smith is forced to marry Victor Blackwood, a ruthless and cunning man, due to a business agreement between their families. Despite her initial resistance, Ivy tries to make the best of the situation, but Victor's true nature soon reveals itself. He's cruel, manipulative, and has a hidden 

A Contract Not To Fall In Love

Victor sprinted towards Ivy, his heart racing with worry. As he approached, Ivy turned towards him, the piece of broken bottle still clutched in her hand. Seeing Victor, she burst into tears, her body shaking with sobs. 


Victor's face contorted with concern. "Baby, are you hurt? What happened to you?" he asked, trying to gently pry the broken bottle from her hand. 


Ivy pointed towards the shopkeeper, her eyes accusing. Victor's gaze followed, and his expression darkened as he took in the scene. He glared at the shopkeeper, his death stare sending a shiver down the man's spine. 


"Did he do anything to you?" Victor growled, his hand instinctively reaching for his gun. 


Ivy nodded, still crying, and Victor's eyes flashed with anger. But before he could act, the sound of police sirens filled the air, and a police car screeched to a halt in front of them. 


An officer stepped out, eyeing the scene warily. "What's going on here?" he asked, his hand resting on his hip. 


Chapter 21