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 hovered Ivy, his eyes burning with desire. He claimed her lips in a searing kiss, his mouth ravaging hers. 


As he broke away, Ivy's gasps filled the air. Victor's lips trailed down her neck, leaving a trail of kisses that ignited her skin. 


He treated her body like a canvas, himself the artist. Every kiss, every touch, and every suckle was a deliberate stroke. 


Victor's mouth left a path of hickeys across her skin, marking her as his own. Ivy's moans grew louder, her body arching into his touch. 


His lips danced across her collarbone, down to the swell of her breasts. Ivy's fingers tangled in his hair, holding him close. 


Victor's hands roamed her body, shaping her curves and claiming every inch. His touch left her breathless, her senses reeling. 


As he explored her body, Ivy felt herself becoming a masterpiece, crafted by Victor's skilled hands. 


"Mine," Victor whispered, his lips grazing her skin. 


Chapter 70