The sleek, black Rolls-Royce rolled to a stop in front of a magnificent estate. The iron gates, standing tall like security, kept watch over the entire estate.
The sudden halt of the car brought her to reality. That was when she took in her surroundings.
The mere size of the estate before left her in complete awe - a clean driveway circling around a huge fountain, golden lights spilling from grand chandeliers.
This was wealth she had only thought possible in movies and books. She knew her boss's grandson was wealthy, but she didn't know to what level.
Merely staring at the estate, she felt underdressed in her wide-legged jeans and fitted long-sleeved top. If she had known, she would have dressed up more fittingly.
As the driver stepped out to open her door, she hesitated.
"Miss, miss? We have arrived. He said, promoting her in a calm tune.
She inhaled sharply and stepped out of the car. The air was clean, scented with the fresh smell of grass and something rich she couldn't quite place.
She adjusted the strap of her bag and pulled on the waist of her jeans. Turning to the driver who has been watching her, she said:
"Thank you."
Two uniformed maids stood at the entrance, their expressions neutral but kind ushered her inside with a slight bow.
She gave a slight bow back and walked in.
The moment she walked, it felt like another world. It was indeed a huge mansion with a grand staircase twisting to unseen floors.
Luxurious rugs lined the shiny floors. The air was thick with the scent of polished wood and a strong masculine smell.
She paused to take it all in. Every inch of the mansion screamed luxury, yet there was a calculated coldness beneath all the luxury as though this mansion had never known warmth.
"This way, Miss, Mr Blackwood is waiting." One of the maids directed leading her through a wide corridor decorated with huge paintings.
Of course, she knew why she was there, yet her heart was pounding. Nothing had prepared her for the complete seriousness of it. Nothing prepared her for this extravagant display of wealth in the form of a house.
At the end of the hall, the maid pushed open double doors to a lush sitting room. She looked around the room, once again taking in every detail.
Her eyes landed on the man standing by a grand window. His hands were buried in the pockets of his tailored slacks.
The dim lighting cast long shadows, emphasizing the impressive set of biceps and shoulder.
When he finally turned around, her breath caught in her throat.
He was, without a doubt, good-looking and breathtakingly stunning in a way that felt dangerous.
His steel-grey eyes locked onto her, his expression unreadable. This man was used to having control and getting his way with everything.
"Miss Carter," he greeted smoothly, moving closer to her.
His voice was intense, a slow measured drone that sent shivers down her spine.
She swallowed hard. "Mr Blackwood."
His lips moved slightly. Was it approval or amusement? She couldn't tell, but she knew he must have noticed her anxiety.
Without another word, he settled his hand on her waist and led her to a leather couch. His touch was soft, yet domineering, as if possessiveness came naturally to him.
"Have a seat." He instructed.
She obeyed and sat.
"Coffee, wine, water? " He offered, looking straight into her eyes as though gauging her expression.
"Water, please." Her throat had gone dry.
He walked over to a side table and poured her a glass of water, handing it over to her with a lingering gaze before settling on the couch across from her.
The silence stretched for a moment, charged and quiet.
Her fingers curled around the glass. "Am I here for a glass of water?" She asked, finally breaking the silence.
"No, not quite." He said, with a tiny smile lingering around his lips. This time, she was certain. He was amused.
"Actually, I'm sure you know why you are here." He was studying her.
"My grandma must have spoken to you already."
She met his gaze, refusing to back down. "She did, so what? Is this like our first date?"
His smile was full now, "if you'd like to call it that Miss Carter."
He reached for a folder on the centre table between them and handed it over to her. "Here you go, it's our marriage contract." He said, relaxing back in his seat.
Her pulse quickened. She stole a glance up at him. He watched her closely, his expression expectant. Waiting for her to say something.
Yes, Mrs Roseline Blackwood, who was her boss, had spoken to her about marrying her grandson.
She had known that the marriage would be more of a business decision for him than it would be a romantic one.
She was also well aware that Callum Blackwood did not exactly like her and was only going through with it for his grandma's wishes and the company's sake.
But a contract? She had never even thought of the possibilities of that. She had thought of the marriage as a strange agreement, one for show.
No one had even mentioned it would be a contract-based arrangement. Heat crept up her neck. No one had told her it was just a three-year arrangement.
Her fingers trembled slightly as she turned the pages, scanning through the content of the contract.
Each of the clauses was clear, leaving no room for misinterpretation.
Public appearances, wardrobe choices, and the confidentiality clause, which was very much expected. But her eyes got caught on the details of a particular clause.
Dominant. Submissive.
Her breath caught in her throat. She reached for her glass of water.
She had assumed this arrangement to be more of a public appearance, more like a business transaction.
But this, this was something different from what she had thought entirely.
"Does Mrs Roseline know about this contract?" She said, still looking at the contract.
"No, no one else knows aside from my lawyer, you and I. And it should remain that way." He answered without taking his eyes off her.
"But she's my boss."
"And I am the one marrying you."
The air around them was getting tense. He kept on watching her to catch the slightest reaction. She didn't look up.
"You know you don't have to decide now, right?" His voice was calmer now, almost inviting.
"Why not take it home? Take your time and go through the entire thing."
She forced herself to meet his gaze now. "What then happens if I agree?"
He relaxed back on his seat, and the side of his mouth lifted slightly. "We get married."