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's eyes snapped back into focus, her gaze darting to the oven. The smoke alarm's shrill beeps punctuated the air, shattering the intimate moment she'd shared with Victor. 


She pushed Victor away, her hands against his chest. "Move!" The word burst from her lips, laced with frustration. 


Victor stumbled back, his eyes never leaving hers. Concern etched his features. 


Ivy rushed to the oven, yanking open the door. A wave of smoke billowed out, carrying the acrid scent of burnt cake. 


Ivy's face crumpled, her lips trembling. She felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes. 


She slammed the oven door shut, the noise echoing through the kitchen. 


Victor approached her, his footsteps soft on the tile floor. 


Ivy spun around, her eyes blazing with anger and disappointment. 


"You!" she accused, her finger jabbing at Victor's chest. "This is your fault!" 


Victor's hands rose, palms open in a calming gesture. 


Chapter 77