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 and Ivy sat silently in the car, the tension palpable. Ivy knew Victor was still fuming, and she needed to defuse his anger. 


As they drove, Ivy's gaze wandered to the roadside, and her eyes landed on an ice cream truck. Inspiration struck. 


"Victor, please stop the car," Ivy said, her voice soft. 


Victor turned to her, his expression incredulous. "What's wrong?" 


"I need ice cream," Ivy replied, her voice firm. 


Victor raised an eyebrow. "You want ice cream? Now?" 


Ivy nodded, her jaw set. "Yes. I want ice cream." 


Victor rolled his eyes. "Ivy, this isn't the time." 


But Ivy wouldn't budge. "I want ice cream, Victor." 


Victor sighed and called out to Liam, "Hey, Liam! Get her an ice cream." 


Liam approached the car, curious. "What flavor, miss?" 


Ivy's face lit up. "Vanilla chocolate chip with strawberry and chocolate syrup, and blueberry toppings." 


Liam and Victor exchanged stunned glances. 


"Seriously?" Liam asked, raising an eyebrow. 


Chapter 52