I sat in Julian's lawyer's office, staring blankly at the contract in front of me. The words blurred together on the page, but I knew exactly what they said.
This was it. This was the moment I sold my soul to the devil.
The lawyer, a bespectacled man with a kind face, smiled at me reassuringly. "Don't worry, Miss Thompson. This is just a standard prenuptial agreement. It's all very straightforward."
I nodded numbly, my heart heavy with doubt. But what choice did I have? My mother's life depended on this.
As I picked up the pen to sign, my hand trembled. Julian's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing. "Cold feet, Miss Thompson?" he sneered.
I felt a flush rise to my cheeks as I met his gaze. "No, Mr. Blackwood. I'm just... cautious."
Julian's smile was like a crack in the ice. "How... refreshing. But let's get one thing straight, Miss Thompson. I don't do 'cautious'. I do results. And if you can't deliver..."
He left the threat hanging in the air, but I knew exactly what he meant. I was trapped, and I knew it.
With a sense of resignation, I signed the contract, feeling a sense of trepidation wash over me.
As I handed the contract back to the lawyer, Julian's eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "Excellent," he said, his voice dripping with triumph. "I see you've signed the contract, Miss Thompson."
I nodded, feeling a sense of dread wash over me. "Yes, I have."
Julian's smile grew wider. "Good. Then it's settled. We'll get married tomorrow, and you'll become my wife in every sense of the word."
I felt a shiver run down my spine as he looked at me, his eyes burning with intensity. What had I gotten myself into?
As we left the lawyer's office, Julian handed me a small box. "A little something for my bride-to-be," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
I opened the box, revealing a stunning diamond necklace. It sparkled in the light, but I felt no joy, no excitement. Only a sense of dread.
"What's this for?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
Julian's eyes glinted with amusement. "A symbol of our partnership, Miss Thompson. A reminder of what you've agreed to."
I felt a wave of nausea wash over me, but I knew I had to keep my cool. I had to play the role of Julian's wife, no matter how much I hated it.
"Thank you," I said finally, trying to sound sincere.
Julian's smile grew wider. "You're welcome, my dear. Now, let's get ready for our big day tomorrow."
As we walked out of the office building, I felt like I was walking into a nightmare. But I knew I had to see it through. For my mother's sake, I had to make this work.
But as I glanced up at Julian, I saw the disdain in his eyes. He didn't like me. He didn't even respect me. I was just a means to an end, a way for him to achieve his gosls
As we walked to the car, Julian's driver opened the door for us. Julian gestured for me to get in first, his eyes never leaving mine. I felt a shiver run down my spine as I sat down, Julian sitting opposite me.
"You know, Miss Thompson," Julian said, his voice low and menacing. "I expect great things from you. You're going to be my wife, after all."
I swallowed hard, trying to keep my cool. "I understand, Mr. Blackwood."
Julian's eyes narrowed. "I hope you do. Because if you fail me, there will be consequences."
I felt a wave of fear wash over me, but I knew I had to stand my ground. "I won't fail you, Mr. Blackwood."
Julian's smile was like a crack in the ice. "We'll see about that."
The rest of the ride was silent, the tension between us palpable. I knew I had to be careful around Julian, that one wrong move could spell disaster.
When we arrived at Julian's mansion, I was taken aback by its grandeur. The house was huge, with sprawling gardens and a private lake.
"Welcome to your new home, Miss Thompson," Julian said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
I felt a pang of sadness, knowing that this would be my prison for the next year. But I knew I had to make the best of it, for my mother's sake.
As we stepped inside, Julian's butler greeted us. "Welcome, sir. Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials."
Julian's smile was cold. "Thank you, Jenkins. See that Miss Thompson has everything she needs."
Jenkins bowed. "Of course, sir."
As Julian walked away, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. But it was short-lived, as Julian turned back to me.
"Oh, and Miss Thompson?"
"Yes, Mr. Blackwood?"
"Don't think for a moment that you can escape me. You're mine now."
I felt a chill run down my spine as Julian's eyes seemed to bore into my soul. I knew I was trapped.