Marriage agreement

Scarlet arrived the Royal Prince hotel earlier based on the instruction that she will meet with the client who will detail her on the scope of operation. She paid the taxi man before making her way into the grand lobby of the hotel, the cool air-conditioning sending a chill down her spine.

The hotel screamed luxury—polished marble floors, towering chandeliers, and elegantly dressed staff attending to the various needs of the guest

Her gaze landing on a young elegant woman standing near the reception desk, hands akimbo as she glanced at her wrist watch, eyes sharp. Scarlet immediately knew—this was the client.

Sophia Robert.

She was stunning—tall, refined, with a commanding presence. Her hair shining with its sheen lustre danced in the wind, her perfume lingered in the air, and her high heels clicked against the floor as she walked over to Scarlet.

"Sophia Robert", she said as she stretched her hand towards Scarlet for a hand shake.

"Scarlet Winter" she replied with a business like tone while Sophia motioned ushered her to a private lounge. Scarlet stayed composed, waiting for instructions.

Sophia handed her a folder and a contract, her lips curving into a satisfied smirk.

"You look perfect," she said, nodding approvingly. "Exactly the kind of image I need for this. The client is Mr. Sterling." She briefed.

Scarlet accepted the documents without a word. Her job was simple—attend, act professional, and ensure the deal was sealed.

Sophia's voice dropped slightly, her tone firm and decisive. "This deal is crucial for the Roberts family development. The necessary preliminary discussions has been done. You just need to ensure nothing goes wrong".

"It might be a bit difficult to convince him but this business corporations must not fail. Nothing more, nothing less. I don't care how you do it—just get it done." Sophia instructed coldly.

Scarlet frowned slightly but nodded.

"I am waiting for your good news," Sophia added before turning on her heels and walking off, her stilettos echoing through the lobby.

Scarlet took a deep breath, as she slowly opened the folder and read through the document.

The contract was filled with legal jargon and clauses that she studied carefully so as not to miss any. It was a high-stakes business merger between two powerful families.

What puzzled her was why she is needed to be the one to get it signed. When they have meticulously prepared for this. Her brow furrowed lightly. Whatever Sophia's reasons were, it wasn't her place to ask questions.

She only needed to complete the business meeting and get her balance. She needed to move out of home. She can't imagine that even at this time, her mother had not even called her to find out why she is not back. Scarlet sighed bitterly.

She closed the folder, straightened her blazer, and checked the time.

9:00 PM.

Taking a deep breath, she gathered her composure and strode toward the private VIP box at the far end of the hotel where the business meeting is supposed to hold. .

The moment she reached the door, the hotel staff politely opened it for her.

Inside, the atmosphere was heavy, the air tinged with expensive whiskey and smoke with several bottles of drink on the table. A group of serious-looking men in suits, all silent.

At the head of the table, obscured by shadows, was a man seated, his aura cold and distant as his eyes scanned the lady before him.

Good evening Mr. Sterling," Scarlet greeted, her posture straight and her composure screaming strictly professional.

Though his face was partly obscured by the dim lighting, but from what she could see—strong jawline, well-defined features, and an aura that sent a chill down her spine.

Scarlet silently cleared her throat, her voice calm and professional. "I am here to finalize the deal on behalf of—"

The man lifted a hand slightly, cutting her off.

"Sit."

His voice was deep, smooth, and commanding.

Scarlet nodded lightly, she pulled out the chair and sat down placing the folders on the table, her legs crossed over the door. The man's gaze never leaving her face. There was no fear or cowardice.

In silence the man pushed forward a folder towards her on the table and leaned back in his seat. "Sign this agreement." His tone was firm. "Then we can talk."

Scarlet's raised a brow, an agreement before they can talk. She mused. She picked the folder her hand hovering over it briefly as she felt uneasy. But she had already come this far and backing out now wasn't an option.

She picked up the file to read through it's content.

With a quiet breath, she flipped open the folder, Scarlet stared at the document in her hand in disbelief, her fingers trembled slightly and she gathered her composure

"Sir," she said, her voice steady despite the confusion clouding her thoughts, "there is an error on the document. This marriage agreement not a business deal". She said unflinching in her gaze.

She looked up at the man across from her, trying to gauge his reaction, but he was unfazed. A faint smirk tugged at the corner of his lips, and his dark eyes never left hers.

"If we are going to talk about this deal," he said, his voice low and deceptively calm, "you have to sign this marriage agreement."

Scarlet's stomach dropped, her thoughts spiraling as his words sank in like a heavy stone.Her heart pounded in her chest, her fingers instinctively curling around the edges of the folder.

"Sir, can keep aside this stunt and carry out the purpose why we are here?" She suggested.

"Young lady, that marriage agreement is the prerequiste to the contract and so must be done properly. The lady that sent you is supposed to sign that but it seems she is swapping with you so I don't mind." He smirked.

Scarlet felt her world tumbling down. Sophia's word echoed in her head no matter the condition sign the deal. "Had she known about this? Is that why the pay is high?" She mused.

For the first time as a stand in, Scarlet felt fear. She can't offend this man here neither can she provoke the Roberts. She is doomed, she is trapped. Her pulse raced as she met his gaze, trying to maintain control of the situation.

"Is there no other option?" She asked struggling to maintain her calm.

Her thoughts raced, her mind spinning in circles. Then, before she could fully process, the man spoke again with a tone that shifted slightly, almost as though he knew she was wavering.

"Don't worry," he said, almost too casually. "The marriage will be just for a period of time, and you can switch back the identity to the rightful lady."

Her heart skipped. Switch back? The identity? Who was the rightful lady he referred to? Was he planning to swap her for someone else? It didn't make sense.

"Why signing the marriage agreement when you know I am not the one?"she asked. It baffles her how they treat the issue of marriage.

"Because, the lady who is supposed to be here for this brought you instead and I don't play hide and seek game so I use the available." He smirked.

"But the marriage agreement and can still be signed later, right?" She asked.

"Since, she is eager to swap with someone why don't I fulfill her wish?" So either you sign the marriage agreement and get the contract signed or we forget about it all". He concluded.

Scarlet felt the walls closing in on her and she must get this contract signed other the breach of contract she can't afford it but signing out her life—that's terrible.

"I need some air", she said and stood up to leave but his next words stopped her in her tracks "you leave the door, forget the contract, I don't have all the time in the world." He smirked.

Scarlet clenched and unclenched her hands. With no option, she spurned around, in one fluid motion, she signed her name on the marriage agreement.

Her action left everyone in the room stunned, they had expected her to ask of time rather she signed her name. Lucian Sterling gaze remained fixed on her.