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

Xandros's eyes roamed over Ivy, making Ethan and his brothers glare at him with anger. But Ethan kept his calm, knowing that if anything happened, Victor wouldn't hesitate to take down Xandros. 


Ethan was aware of Victor's fierce protectiveness towards Ivy. No one knew the extent of Victor's feelings for her, but everyone knew he'd stop at nothing to keep her safe. 


Xandros, the sworn enemy of both the Smith and Blackwood families, smiled warmly. "What do you want, Xandros?" Ethan asked, his voice laced with caution. 


"I'm here to put the past behind us and start over," Xandros said, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I'm just here to wish you a you a happy birthday and maybe forge new friendships." 


Xandros's gaze shifted to Ivy, and he took a step closer. "Ivy Elizabeth Smith, that's your name, isn't it?" He asked, his voice dripping with familiarity. 


"Yes," Ivy replied, her brow furrowed in confusion. 


Chapter 51