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

I'm trapped. Victor locked me in the bathroom, and I'm alone with my thoughts. My mind is racing, and I can't shake the image of Victor's bleeding shoulder from my mind. I can still see the blood flowing from his wound, and it makes my stomach turn. 


I try to stand up, but my legs feel like jelly. I'm shaking all over, and I can't catch my breath. I'm hyperventilating, and I know I need to calm down. But how can I calm down when I'm trapped in this tiny room with no way out? 


I look around the bathroom, searching for an escape. But there's none. The door is locked, and the window is too high to reach. I'm trapped. 


I think about what just happened. I shot Victor. I actually pulled the trigger and shot him. I can't believe it. I've never been violent before, but something snapped inside me. I couldn't take his abuse anymore. 


But now what? Victor is bleeding, and I'm trapped. What if he dies? What if I get in trouble for shooting him? What if... 


Chapter 31