Lucas' POV
I could see the expansive cityscape outside my office's floor-to-ceiling windows. The view generally helped me to relax since it brought back memories of all the things I had done to start over in my life following the death of my father. But tonight that tranquility vanished, replaced by a thick, boiling rage.
Making the deal was supposed to be simple. They described it as a collaboration. An advantageous working partnership for Knight Enterprises. However, I was unaware, or perhaps no one had bothered to inform me, that the agreement depended solely on my being married to Isabella Rodriguez.
Even simply thinking about it made my jaw clench. Bella. My tongue was sour by the name. We hadn't talked for years, not since our families turned into sworn adversaries. And I was planning to marry her now? This was a trap, not a business deal. One that I had simply stumbled into.
Trying to get rid of the rage that had been eating at me ever since I found out the truth, I turned my back on the window. It was overwhelming in my office, with its slick dark wood furniture and contemporary glass décor. Shelves displaying books and business awards adorned the walls, each one symbolizing a step I had taken to recover what my father had lost. But suddenly everything appeared tarnished.
It was strangely calm today in the Knight mansion. The usual buzz of bustle had been muffled and the broad hallways were vacant. Domestic staff have also been instructed to avoid eye contact. I needed time to reflect and process what had happened.
I had been played.
I ran a hand through my hair while thinking back to the previous conversation. I had been discussing what I believed to be a simple corporate merger between Knight Enterprises and the Rodriguez family in a meeting with my legal team. I had signed the agreement, believing it to be a sound and lucrative transaction. Shortly after my signature was finalized, they revealed that the merger was about more than simply business. It had to do with marriage.
What about the bride? Isabella Rodriguez .
Once more, I felt the surge of betrayal. I had been duped. tricked into accepting a marriage that was all about saving their dying ship and had nothing to do with business. For months, I had witnessed the Rodriguez family's downfall, but I had no idea they would go to such lengths.
The polished wooden floor made a cracking sound as I moved across the room. My office was filled with contemporary artwork with sharp angles, bizarre shapes, and tones of black, gray, and silver. Normally, I would have loved their crisp lines and the air of authority they convey. They seemed to be reflecting the confusion that was building inside of me today.
How was I supposed to miss it? How could I have failed to notice their scheme?
The abrupt sound of the door opening snapped me out of my thoughts. With her sneakers lightly striking the floor, my mother entered. Her dark hair was always well styled, her fitted dress never wrinkled, and she exuded confidence and composure at all times. She possessed the appearance of a formidable socialite.
"Lucas, we need to talk" she said.
I avoided looking at her. I was unable to. Not quite yet. I was trying to quiet the tempest inside of me, so my hands were clinched into fists at my sides. "Talk? Specifically, about what? How I got duped into getting married to Bella Rodriguez?
Her silence was sufficient response. I narrowed my eyes as I turned to look at her. "You were aware of this, were you not?"
With a sigh, she moved farther into the space. "Yes, I was aware of the merger. However, I was unaware of all the specifics until you signed. Lucas, I assure you that none of us should be in this situation."
"This situation?" I gave a sour laugh. "Mum, I fell for a trick. I signed what I believed to be a business deal rather than a marriage vow.
Although her look softened, I was not feeling sympathetic. "I know how you feel, but we stand to gain from this deal. There are connections the Rodríguezes..."
I yelled at her, "I don't care about their connections. I'm concerned that they tricked me into doing this. And for what purpose? to salvage their collapsing company? They wish to take us down with them as they sink."
I could hear the grit in her voice as she remarked, "You know we need this deal to solidify our hold on the market. This goes beyond the Rodríguezes. This has to do with safeguarding Knight Enterprises' future. That future includes this marriage, even though you might not like it."
I tried to contain the rage that was simmering beneath the surface as I turned back toward the glass. In some respects, I knew she was correct. In business, power and leverage were key considerations. However, marriage? That was never intended to happen.
I whispered, "I won't forgive them for this. They're going to pay for their actions."
She said, "Lucas, don't let your pride cause you to become blind. Keep the wider picture in mind."
I remained silent. Already, my mind was racing, planning my next move. The Rodriguezes were mistaken if they felt they could take advantage of me. Yes, I would marry Bella. However, this would only ever be a business agreement. No matter how hard they tried, they could never have control over me.
Mom moaned once more, recognizing my determination. "Everything is planned for the wedding. Nothing else needs to be spoken. With the gentle click of the door shutting behind her, she departed the room as soundlessly as she had entered.
I stared out at the city, not really seeing much, for a long while. My thoughts raced, attempting to decipher how I had been taken advantage of so easily. Bella also had to be aware of this. She was not as naïve as she appeared to be. Presumably, she was acting out her part flawlessly, pretending to be as taken by surprise as I was.
I wouldn't fall for it.
I refused to be deceived by her once more.
I took a seat behind my desk in the leather chair, my fingers tapping the smooth surface while I weighed my options. There would have been severe financial consequences if the marriage could be dissolved. However, that did not force me to accept it. For now, I would do my bit, but I could never trust Bella. Whether she acknowledged it or not, she was involved in this plot.
My thoughts were once again interrupted by a knock on the door, causing me to snap out of them. Michael, my attorney, entered the room with a cautious demeanor.
He looked away from me and continued, "Lucas, we need to finalize some details about the contract." There was something wrong with his attitude. Overly cautious. Overly restrained.
"What details?" I questioned, sounding harsh.
Michael looked at the ground in hesitation before continuing. "The marriage contract has a provision that we haven't yet talked about. It's a little strange.
I leaned forward, beginning to suspect something. "What sort of clause is this?"
He moved in an awkward way. "It's complicated, I'd say. In essence, there are heavy financial consequences for both parties if the marriage dissolves in the first year."
I furrowed my brow. "consequences? What are you saying?"
Michael looked anxiously at the door and spoke hurriedly, "Half of the estate will automatically be transferred to the other family if either party initiates a divorce. The legal team representing the Rodriguezes included it in the contract. We failed to detect it in time."
My heart grew icy. "Half of the estate?"
Michael swallowed hard and nodded. "Yes, Bella's family would receive half of your estate if you filed for divorce during the first year."
I was having trouble understanding what I was hearing. Half of my estate, what? That is not feasible. Just as I was about to press for further information, I saw Michael's eyes flicker to the door. His anxious expression suggested to me that he was holding back on speaking more.
"What else are you withholding from me?" I enquired.
Michael hesitated, but before he could respond, someone else from the legal team entered via a creaking door. Michael muttered, "We'll finish this later," changing the tone of his voice. "We have to get ready for the nuptials."
I started to object, but they had already turned to leave, closing the door. The weight of their unfinished conversation stayed heavily in the air throughout the stifling silence that followed.
My mind was racing as I sat there, thinking the consequences of what I had just discovered. My estate would be lost if this marriage didn't work out. But what was my legal team not telling me? I had underestimated the level of danger involved in this transaction, and I had to identify it quickly to avoid losing any more time.