od table, glanced around her office that spoke of opulence and splendour,

and a tall, strikingly handsome man wa

?" Julian Blackwood said s

she replied, her face scrunching up in disapproval. "Anyw

. "I was about to seal a very important deal with

Pattersons can wait. Sit. Down. Now. I have

d took a seat, breathing in and out through his mouth to regain

indifference. His jaw ticked in frustration; he didn't

time now, always changing the topic to something else anytime I bring it up. So, I decided to

g like this today. A sense of unease passed through him, but he kept his expression blank as he said, "I

ar, I've given you enough time for that. Now it's time for me to take the reins.

n said in a low vo

. "The board of directors has been breathing down our necks about y

Do. Not. Wish. To. Get. Married now or anytime soon for th

time around. You won't have your way this time

think I'll agree t

ith a cunning smile. "After all, you woul

a flash. His already tense shoulders bunched up again, and he f

few days, Julian.

. I'll do it. When do you need

d of you," she said with a twisted smile. "Let's meet on Monday at the cou

thickly, stood up, and

-

it provided. The air around the place was gloomy and hostile despite the cool wind. Perspiration gathered at her f

n a suit walked up to her with a bl

's me," sh

ad arrived earlier, but Madam Blackwood had an urgen

hallway and into a courtroom that screamed luxury and power. Two men stood at the end of the

fined scowl on his face that indicated he'd rather be anywhere than there, she didn't blame him, though; she'd rather be anywhere than here too. She increased her foot

nt, and she shuddered involuntarily from the coldness in his deep hazel gaze. His eyes roamed her body briefly, and a glint passe

e she was married just like that, but as she stared at the white certificate with the

ie followed behind, struggling to keep up with his long strides. He paused when they reached a secluded corne

ingly and continued, "This marriage is one of convenience. I believe you do not have any funny ideas about love or frie

art. Here she was, thinking she was going to at least maintain a cordial, peaceful relationship w

beautiful and so out of place in his world. He was shocked by how quickly he was attracted to this woman with big green eyes and a petite frame. He was both shoc

wanted

u think I expect anything from you? Haa," she scoffed out loud. "I was forced into this too, you know. I have dreams and aspirations too, you know. I also hav

ith awareness of his closeness, and he came closer again until her back hit the wall. He stared down at her coldly, then at her lips, and she subconsciously ran her

ething to her insides, and she wasn't sure she was su

o this?" he asked again,

eled her body. "That is none o

stake of thinking of this as anything more than a business arra

lation raked her body. She felt hurt, rejecte