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

Ivy hadn't seen Victor for two days, and her mind was consumed by thoughts of the mysterious Sophie. Determined to uncover the truth, she sought out Maria, hoping the loyal housekeeper might shed some light on the situation. 


Ivy found Maria in the kitchen, busily preparing dinner. "Maria," she called out, her voice gentle yet insistent. 


Maria turned, a hint of wariness in her eyes. "Yes, Ms. Ivy?" 


Ivy's gaze locked onto Maria's, her voice firm but polite. "Can you tell me who this Sophie is?" 


Maria's expression faltered, her eyes clouding over with a mix of sorrow and fear. She hesitated, her voice barely above a whisper. "Sorry, Ms., but I can't answer your question." 


Ivy's eyes narrowed, her mind racing with possibilities. "I want to know, please, Maria. Tell me." 


Maria's gaze dropped, her hands trembling slightly as she continued her work. "I'm sorry, Ms. Ivy. I really can't." 


Ivy's determination intensified. "Why can't you tell me? What's going on?" 


Chapter 35