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 solitude felt oppressive and suffocating. Jane was away visiting her parents, and Ryder was out of town on business. Victor's sudden disappearance left her feeling abandoned, uncertain. 


As she wandered the empty halls, Ivy's thoughts swirled in turmoil. Why had Victor left without a word? 


Her mind racing, Ivy couldn't shake the feeling of unease. She needed answers, needed to see Victor's face, needed to know he was safe. 


"I won't just sit here, waiting and wondering," Ivy declared to herself, determination igniting within. 


She made up her mind; she would go to Victor, no matter what. Even if he didn't want her to. 


"I just want to be with him," Ivy's thoughts whispered. "I want to spend time with him, to see him smile." 


The thought of Victor's face, his eyes, and his smile fueled her determination. She needed to see him, to touch him, to reassure herself he was alive and well. 


Chapter 80