Alexander's POV

I leaned back in my chair, my fingers steepled as a slow smirk curved my lips.

So... she agreed.

Despite all the rumors. Despite everything she must have heard about me.

Gold diggers were always the same. They pretended to be brave, pretended to be different, but in the end, they all wanted one thing,my name, my money, my power.

"Ava Hale," I muttered, glancing at the file on my desk.

The woman was either desperate or greedy. No sane woman willingly walked into my world without expecting something in return. And if she thought marrying me would be a fairytale, then she was in for a rude awakening.

I stood and walked toward the glass window overlooking the city. From this height, people looked insignificant. Easily controlled. Easily replaced.

I reached for my phone and dialed a familiar number.

"Ethan," I said the moment the call connected. "Send a message to the Hales. Let them know I accept their offer."

"Yes, sir," he replied promptly.

"And draft the contract," I continued coolly. "Make it clear that this marriage will be strictly contractual. One year. No emotions. No expectations beyond what's written."

"Understood."

"Send it to them tomorrow," I added. "They'll sign it."

I ended the call and slipped the phone back into my pocket.

I hope you're ready, I thought, a cold smile tugging at my lips. Because I won't make this easy for you.

Marriage was nothing more than a business deal to me. And if Ava Hale believed she could buy her way into my world, she was about to learn just how unforgiving it could be.

"Let's see how long you last," I murmured.

Hale's Mansion

Richard paced the living room, his phone clutched tightly in his hand, worry etched deep into his face.

"Our shares are dropping fast," he said, his voice tense. "If this continues, the company won't survive another quarter."

Vivian sat upright, her fingers folded calmly, though her eyes revealed concern. "That's why I sent the proposal to Alexander Blackwood. If he agrees to marry Ava, the Hale Group will be saved."

Richard sighed deeply. "I just hope Mr. Alex agrees to marry Ava. He's our only chance now."

They were still discussing figures and losses when the front door opened.

Skyle stepped inside quietly, exhaustion weighing heavily on her body. Before she could say a word, Vivian's sharp gaze snapped toward her.

"So you've finally decided to come back," Vivian said coldly. "Where have you been all day?"

"I was...." Skyle began softly.

Before she could finish, Vivian raised her hand and slapped her hard across the face. "Useless girl! Neglecting your duties like this house means nothing to you!"

Skyle staggered but said nothing, lowering her head.

"Go and finish your work," Vivian ordered. "Clean the house, wash the clothes, and don't expect food until you're done."

She moved to block Skyle when Richard suddenly spoke.

"That's enough," he said. "Let her go."

Vivian turned to him in surprise.

"She's of marriageable age now," Richard continued. "There's no need to treat her like a child."

Vivian studied him briefly, then smiled faintly. "Fine," she said. "She can continue her job,but on one condition."

Skyle looked up cautiously.

"She obeys without question," Vivian added coldly. "And remembers her place in this house."

Skyle nodded silently and turned to leave.

Just as she took a step away, Vivian spoke again, her tone casual.

"Ava will be getting married very soon."

Skyle froze.

"Married?" she whispered.

"Yes," Vivian replied. "I only hope Mr. Alex agrees to marry Ava."

Skyle's heart tightened painfully.

*****

Ava lounged on the couch, flipping through channels absentmindedly when a familiar face appeared on the screen.

"...Alexander Blackwood, officially ranked as the richest man in New York," the news anchor announced. "His empire spans real estate, technology, and global investments."

Ava's eyes lit up instantly.

"So rich..., so powerful," she murmured, a smile tugging at her lips. "Imagine being Mrs. Alexander Blackwood."

Her smile froze.

"...however," the reporter continued, "sources have allegedly confirmed rumors that Mr. Blackwood is gay, a speculation that has followed the billionaire CEO for years."

Ava's face twisted in disgust. She grabbed the remote and switched off the TV immediately.

"Gay?" she scoffed. "Never."

Just then, a knock sounded at the door.

Annoyed, she stood up and opened it,only to freeze.

A tall man in a neat suit stood outside, his expression professional and unreadable.

"Good afternoon," he said. "I'm Ethan, Mr. Alexander Blackwood's manager. Please call Mr. Hale."

Ava's heart skipped.

She quickly called out to her father. Richard appeared moments later, followed closely by Vivian.

Ethan wasted no time. He handed over a brown envelope. "This is the marriage contract. Mr. Blackwood has agreed to the alliance."

Vivian's eyes gleamed. Richard's hands trembled slightly as he opened the document.

Ethan spoke calmly, firmly. "The marriage will be contractual. One year only. No emotional involvement. Both parties must comply strictly with the terms."

Richard barely finished reading before signing. He didn't hesitate for even a second. Vivian added her signature immediately after, her lips curved in satisfaction.

They handed the document back to Ethan, who signed his own copy, nodded once, and turned to leave.

The moment the door closed behind him-

"I'm not marrying him!" Ava burst out.

The room went silent.

"What?" Vivian snapped.

"I refuse," Ava said firmly. "Didn't you hear the rumors? He's gay! Do you think I'll waste my life in a fake marriage?"

Richard frowned. "Ava, this marriage will save the company"

"I don't care!" she interrupted. "I won't do it."

Vivian opened her mouth to argue, but Ava's eyes suddenly lit up with a wicked idea.

"Besides," she added slowly, "no one knows the Hale family has two daughters."

Vivian stiffened.

"Ava..." Richard warned.

"If we send her instead," Ava continued smoothly, "he won't even know. Skyle looks presentable enough. She'll do."

The room fell into a heavy silence.

Vivian's gaze shifted thoughtfully.

Slowly... a smile spread across her face.

"You're right," she said softly. "No one knows about Skyle. And Mr. Blackwood won't question it."

Richard hesitated. "But...."

"The deal matters more," Vivian cut him off. "Skyle owes this family everything."

Ava smiled in triumph.

Skyle Hale

I had just returned from work, my body heavy with exhaustion. Every step felt like a mile as I climbed the stairs to my room. After a long bath, I finally felt a little relief from the day's fatigue. Hunger gnawed at me, so I headed to the kitchen to make something quick.

Ava was there. She didn't speak, only smirked at me as I started preparing noodles. I couldn't help but wonder what her new motive was this time. Whatever it was, it always involved making my life miserable.

I carried my bowl to my room, seeking a quiet corner to eat in peace. No one had ever cared about me here, and for once, I wanted just a moment of solitude.

But then... a knock at the door.

Curious and nervous, I opened it to find my father and stepmother standing there. My heart skipped. What brought them here? They had never cared enough to check on me before.

My father spoke first, his voice soft but serious.

"Skyle... we need to talk."

ok I said giving him an "about what" look so he began ; "skyle dear, you know that you are my first daughter"since when I thought aloud,he looked at me but continued"I will go straight to the point,the company has been loosing it's shares lately and as a result we need a higher company to join forces with " so what did that got to do with me? I asked.uhm dear he continued " we submitted a marriage proposal to the black wood group and it have been accepted,so you will be getting married to Alexander. It came like a shock to me ,I wanted the ground to open right now and swallow me but it couldn't,I burst Into tears,

"I... I can't," I whispered, shaking my head. Tears pricked my eyes. "I thought it was meant to be Ava, not me?"

Richard sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair. "Skyle... the company is losing everything. Alexander's marriage proposal is the only way to steady it. I... I need you to do this for the family."

My heart sank. The weight of his words crushed me.

Vivian stepped forward, her gaze sharp and unyielding. "You are of no use to this family," she said coldly. "All you can do is... this much. If you refuse to marry Alexander Blackwood, you will not be living in this house."

My father's pleading eyes met mine, but Vivian's words were final. They turned and left without another word.

I sank to the floor, my bowl untouched beside me. Tears streamed down my face as I asked myself question after question: Why me? Why now? What did I do to deserve this?

I thought of my job, the little pay I earned, and the impossibility of affording an apartment on my own. The harsh truth settled over me like a heavy blanket: I had no choice.

As I sat there, broken, I caught a glimpse of Ava peeking from the staircase, her smirk faint but unmistakable. She had seen everything. I knew she was already plotting her next move, enjoying my misery as much as she always did.

Swallowing my tears, I realized my fate was sealed. Without even knowing it, my life was about to change forever.

Still sitting on the cold floor, my chest felt tight, like I couldn't breathe properly.

I wasn't feeling myself. Not at all.

I needed to talk to someone... someone who would listen without judging me. Someone who cared.

Clara.

With trembling hands, I reached for my phone. My vision was blurry from tears as I dialed her number. It rang once... twice... then she answered.

"Skyle?" her voice came through, warm and familiar. "What's wrong?"

That was all it took. I broke down.

"Clara..." my voice cracked as tears poured freely. "I don't know what to do anymore."

I told her everything,how my father and stepmother had come to my room, how he pleaded with me to marry Alexander because the company was falling apart. I told her how I refused at first, how I asked why it had to be me and not Ava. I told her about Vivian's cruel words, about the threat to throw me out of the house if I didn't agree.

"I don't even have a choice," I sobbed. "My job can't even pay for an apartment. If I leave... I'll have nowhere to go."

There was silence on the other end for a moment, then Clara spoke softly, her voice full of concern.

"Oh, Skyle... I'm so sorry. You don't deserve any of this."

"I'm scared, Clara," I whispered. "I don't know this man. I don't know what kind of life I'm walking into."

"You're strong," she said firmly, trying to steady me. "Stronger than you think. And whatever happens, you won't face it alone. I'm here, okay? Always."

Her words didn't erase the pain, but they made it bearable,just a little.

After ending the call, I stared at the ceiling, my heart heavy. One thing was clear, my life was no longer mine to choose.

Hale's mansion

Ava twirled slowly in front of the mirror, a satisfied smile playing on her lips.

"So it's settled," she said smugly. "She agreed."

Vivian sat comfortably on the sofa, crossing her legs with elegance. "Of course she did," she replied calmly. "Where else would she go? That girl has always known her place."

Ava laughed softly. "Did you see her face? She looked like she'd break."

Vivian's eyes gleamed with triumph. "Good. Pain teaches obedience."

Ava picked up her phone, scrolling through pictures of Alexander Blackwood on the screen. "Imagine... all that wealth, all that power-and she's the one marrying him." She scoffed. "What a joke."

Vivian stood and adjusted Ava's hair affectionately. "Relax. Skyle will go in your place, suffer through that marriage, and when the company is stable again, we'll find a way out."

Ava smirked. "And if Alexander finds out?"

Vivian's smile didn't falter. "He won't. To the world, you are the only Hale daughter. By the time the truth comes out... it will be far too late."

Ava clapped her hands together lightly. "Perfect. Let her marry the rumored gay billionaire and live a miserable life."

Vivian's gaze darkened. "She was born to sacrifice for this family."

Alexander Blackwood

I ended the call and set my phone down slowly, my expression unreadable.

One year.

That was all this marriage would last. One year of convenience, strategy, and silence. Nothing more.

I turned my chair toward the window, the city lights glittering beneath me like trophies I had already won. The Hale family thought this alliance would save them. Maybe it would. But for me, it was simply another calculated move.

Marriage wasn't about love. It never was.

The woman,Ava Hale,had agreed far too easily. That alone told me everything I needed to know. Women like her always wanted something. Status. Money. Security. And she would get all of it... on paper.

I smirked faintly.

I hope you're prepared, I thought. Because being Mrs. Alexander Blackwood won't be as glamorous as you imagine.

I picked up the contract again, skimming through the clauses I had personally added. No emotions. No interference in my work. No expectations beyond what was written. This was a business arrangement, and I intended to keep it that way.

"One year," I muttered. "Then we go our separate ways."

I stood up, straightening my suit. Whoever she was, whatever she expected from this marriage, she would soon learn one thing,

"I was not a man to be loved."

Skyle Hale

The house felt strangely quiet the next morning.

Too quiet.

I sat on the edge of my bed, staring at the wall, my thoughts tangled and heavy. Every word my father and Vivian had said replayed in my head like a cruel reminder that my life was no longer mine.

I was really going to marry him.

Not because I wanted to.

Not because I loved him.

But because I had nowhere else to go.

A knock sounded on my door,not the harsh kind this time, but firm.

Before I could answer, the door opened.

Vivian walked in first, her expression unreadable, followed closely by Ava. Ava's lips curved into a slow, victorious smile when her eyes met mine.

"Get dressed," Vivian said flatly. "Someone is here."

My heart skipped. "Who?" I asked, though I already felt the answer tightening in my chest.

"A representative from Alexander Blackwood," Ava replied smugly. "He's here to finalize things."

Finalize.

The word felt like a death sentence.

I was escorted downstairs, my legs shaky with every step. Standing in the living room was a man in a sharp suit, his posture straight and professional. He introduced himself calmly.

"My name is Ethan," he said. "Mr. Blackwood's manager."

His eyes briefly flickered to me,not with interest, not with curiosity, but with assessment. As if I were just another document to be signed.

Vivian spoke quickly, smoothly. "This is Ava Hale."

I froze.

But Ethan only nodded, unfazed. "Mr. Blackwood sends his regards. The wedding arrangements will begin immediately. The contract has already been signed by both parties."

Ava stepped back, pretending to look bored. I stood there, silent, invisible, my name erased with a single lie.

Ethan turned to leave, then paused. "The wedding will be private. No delays."

When the door closed behind him, Ava laughed softly. "Congratulations, sister," she said. "You're about to become Mrs. Blackwood."

I wanted to scream.

I wanted to run.

But all I could do was stand there, realizing that the world knew me by another woman's name,and the man I was about to marry had no idea who I really was.

Alexander Blackwood

I stood by the floor-to-ceiling window of my office, my hands tucked into my pockets as I watched the city pulse below me. Everything was moving as planned. Smooth. Predictable.

Just the way I liked it.

A marriage contract lay open on my desk, my signature bold at the bottom. One year. No emotions. No complications. A simple exchange,my name and influence for the stability of the Hale Group.

I scoffed softly.

Ava Hale...

Women like her were always the same. Ambitious. Calculating. Ready to trade anything for luxury and status. She had agreed far too easily, and that alone confirmed my suspicions.

Gold digger.

I picked up my phone and checked the time. Ethan would have delivered the final message by now. There was no turning back.

"Prepare the house," I said calmly into the intercom. "I don't want delays."

Marriage meant nothing to me. Love was a weakness I couldn't afford. Whatever expectations she had, she would soon learn one thing,

This marriage would be on my terms.

I turned away from the window, a faint smirk playing on my lips.

I hope you're ready, Ava Hale, I thought.

Because becoming Mrs. Alexander Blackwood is not a fairy tale.

*******

The door to my office opened without a knock.

Only one person in this world had that privilege.

"My grandmother."

Margaret Blackwood walked in with the same quiet authority she had carried all her life. She was elegant in a simple way, her silver hair neatly styled, her eyes sharp,too sharp. She had always seen through me, even when I wished she wouldn't.

"I heard something," she said calmly. "From Ethan."

I smirked, turning slightly toward her. "Ethan talks too much."

"Is it true?" she asked. "Are you getting married?"

"Yes," I answered without hesitation.

She studied me closely, her brows knitting together. "No," she said firmly. "That's not the truth. I know you better than you know yourself, Alexander. You can't marry without my knowledge, especially not like this. Tell me what's really going on."

My smirk faltered for only a second.

I sighed and walked back to my desk, leaning against it. "It's a contract," I admitted. "Onw year. Business. Nothing more."

Her eyes softened, but her voice remained steady. "And the girl?"

"She agreed," I said, shrugging lightly. "She wants what I can offer."

Margaret took a slow step forward. "Every decision has a cost," she said quietly. "And this one... it won't just be yours to pay."

For the first time, I didn't respond immediately.

"She's marrying a man who doesn't believe in love," my grandmother continued. "Do you know what kind of life that is for a woman?"

I looked away, my jaw tightening.

"I feel sorry for her," Margaret said softly.

I straightened, with my smirk returning effortlessly. "You worry too much, Grandma. She'll be fine."

But as Margaret Blackwood turned and left my office, her words lingered longer than I cared to admit.

For the first time, I wondered briefly,what kind of woman would agree to marry a man like me,I waved the thought away immediately it's unfortunate she had won my hate already.