Setting: Alexander Blackwood's Private Penthouse – Manhattan
Sophia stood in the middle of the luxurious penthouse, her arms crossed as she stared at the man who had just turned her life upside down.
Alexander Blackwood.
Her soon-to-be husband.
The city lights stretched out behind him, the floor-to-ceiling windows making it seem as if he ruled over the entire skyline. And maybe he did.
"You're awfully quiet, Sophia," Alexander said, pouring himself a drink from the crystal decanter on the bar. "Regretting your decision already?"
She exhaled sharply, her mind still trying to process everything.
Last night, she had made a deal with the devil. A contract marriage with one of the most powerful men in New York.
CEO. Billionaire. Mafia king.
And in a few weeks, she would become his wife.
Not because of love. But because they both had something to gain.
"Let's get one thing straight," she said, her voice steady. "I'm only doing this because it benefits me. The moment this contract is over, I walk away."
Alexander smirked, swirling his whiskey. "Of course."
She narrowed her eyes. Why did it feel like he was lying?
"Now," he said, setting his glass down. "Shall we go over the details of our arrangement?"
He motioned toward the sleek, glass coffee table where a stack of papers sat neatly.
The contract.
Sophia hesitated before walking over and sitting on the plush leather couch.
She picked up the contract and scanned the terms.
The Rules of the Marriage
Duration: The marriage will last one year. After that, both parties are free to part ways.
Public Image: Sophia must maintain the appearance of a devoted wife in public.
Loyalty: No affairs. No outside relationships. She belongs to him during this year.
Control: Alexander has the final say in any public matters concerning their relationship.
Compensation: Upon completion of the contract, Sophia will receive a financial settlement that guarantees her independence.
Confidentiality: She is not allowed to speak about the true nature of their marriage to anyone.
She clenched her jaw. "You really think you can control every part of my life, don't you?"
Alexander chuckled. "I don't think, sweetheart. I know."
Sophia hated the way her skin heated at the way he said that.
"This is ridiculous," she muttered. "What if I break one of these rules?"
Alexander leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees.
His gray eyes darkened. "Then you'll have to face the consequences."
The air between them grew thick.
She knew he wasn't bluffing.
This wasn't a game to him.
And yet…
She signed the contract.
Her hand barely trembled as she scrawled her name across the page.
When she set the pen down, Alexander's smirk widened.
"Welcome to my world, Mrs. Blackwood."
First Public Appearance
Two days later, Sophia stood in front of her full-length mirror, dressed in an elegant, off-shoulder black gown that hugged her curves perfectly.
Tonight was their first appearance as a couple.
Alexander had insisted on taking her to a high-profile gala—one where Nathaniel and Emily would be in attendance.
Her chest tightened at the thought.
She wasn't weak anymore.
She wasn't the heartbroken woman who had walked away from that engagement party in tears.
Tonight, she was Mrs. Blackwood.
And she would play her role flawlessly.
A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts.
"Come in."
The door opened, and Alexander stepped inside, dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit.
For a second, she forgot how to breathe.
Why did he have to look so damn good?
His eyes scanned her, darkening slightly. "You clean up well, Sophia."
"Flattery won't change anything," she said, adjusting her earring.
He smirked. "Good. I like you just the way you are."
Before she could respond, he stepped closer, his cologne intoxicating.
He reached out, tilting her chin up with a single finger.
"Remember," he murmured, his voice low, "tonight, you're mine."
Sophia swallowed hard.
For a moment, she wasn't sure if this was just an act anymore.
The Gala – A Show of Power
The moment they stepped into the grand ballroom, all eyes turned toward them.
Gasps. Whispers. Stolen glances.
Everyone in New York knew Alexander Blackwood never brought a woman to events.
Yet here he was, with Sophia on his arm.
Nathaniel's eyes widened from across the room.
Shock. Jealousy. Rage.
Good.
Emily clung to his arm, her smile faltering as she looked between them.
"Let's give them something to talk about," Alexander murmured.
Before she could process his words, he pulled her flush against his side.
His hand rested possessively on her waist.
Then, with a smirk, he leaned down—his lips brushing her temple.
It was just an act.
And yet, Sophia's heart pounded like it wasn't.
Nathaniel's fists clenched. "Sophia?"
She lifted her chin, her voice smooth. "Oh, Nathaniel. I didn't see you there."
His jaw tightened. "What the hell is going on?"
Alexander's smirk grew sharper.
He pulled Sophia even closer, his grip on her waist firm.
"She's with me now," he said coolly. "Problem?"
Nathaniel's eyes burned with fury.
Sophia had never felt more powerful in her life.
This was just the beginning.
End of Chapter 3