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's arms enveloped Ivy, pulling her close as the door closed behind the Smith brothers. The sound of their departure faded into the silence, leaving only the soft hum of the city outside. 


Ivy's eyes searched his, her gaze piercing the mask he wore. Her fingers traced the lines of his face, seeking the truth beneath. 


"What happened?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Her breath danced across his skin, sending shivers down his spine. 


The tension lingered, palpable in the air. Victor's expression smoothed, his features rearranging into a calm facade. 


"Nothing, baby," he lied, his voice gentle. His lips curved into a reassuring smile. 


But Ivy's eyes narrowed, sensing the evasion. Her gaze probed deeper, seeking the secrets he kept. 


"Don't hide things from me, Victor," she said, her voice laced with concern. Her hands slid up his chest, her fingers tracing the contours of his face. 


Chapter 73