Contract for Passion

Contract for Passion An Enemies to Lovers Romance Viviette Grey Copyright Copyright © 2023 by Viviette Grey All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher or author, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law. Contents 1. Chapter 1 The Ultimatum 2. Chapter 2 Bankrupt 3. Chapter 3 Meeting 4. Chapter 4 Contract 5. Chapter 5 The Ceremony 6. Chapter 6 Honeymoon 7. Chapter 7 Lost 8. Chapter 8 Storm 9. Chapter 9 Borrowed Bliss 10. Chapter 10 The Ball 11. Chapter 11 The Ex 12. Chapter 12 Resolve 13. Chapter 13 Nightmare 14. Chapter 14 Broken 15. Chapter 15 Falling 16. Chapter 16 New Hope Chapter 1 The Ultimatum Sebastian The word "marry" echoes through my mind like a relentless drumbeat, reverberating with a force that leaves me dazed and disoriented. It's as though a sledgehammer has struck me squarely between the eyes, leaving me reeling with the enormity of what I've just heard. The Lawyer's ultimatum still rings in my ears. "Marry or lose everything." It's like a death sentence, hanging over me like a dark cloud. "Did I hear correctly, Mr. Daniels? My father wishes me to marry ” I glance at my family's lawyer. The tension in my broad shoulders is clear. I can't bring myself to say it out loud. It might make this nightmare become real. “Yes, I’m afraid you did, Sebastian ,” he says, slipping into the familiarity of using my name. After all, he is a frequent visitor to the house and knows me well. “Your father never did anything without reason, although it’s hard to guess what that might be in this instance.” I rise sharply from my seat. “My father was always completely irrational.” Mr Daniels lips tighten, but he doesn't respond. “And I will not agree to such a ridiculous proposition,” I continue. “The company is mine. Everybody agrees — it’s always been mine. My grandparents always intended for it to be mine.” “It was your father's to will, Sebastian , and he did so in sound mind. The will is watertight.” “I’ll appeal.” “That is your right, as you have standing. But you should know that, if successful, your father’s previous wills will come into play. His previous will leave everything to charity. You will receive nothing under it.” “Then I will contest that, too!” “I anticipated you might respond in this way, therefore I had this document drawn up.” He hands me a sheet of thick cream paper. “You’ll see listed there, your father’s previous wills and their beneficiaries. If you go down that track and are successful, which is, I have to say, unlikely, you will end up with far less than what is presented to you now.” I shrug. “I can marry and then divorce immediately. That will satisfy the conditions of the will.” Mr Daniels clears his throat. “Two years,” he mutters. He looks from me to my best friend Matteo who has been silent. “Your father has stipulated that you should remain married and live together for two years before divorcing, otherwise everything becomes the property of charity.” I swear under my breath and pace away to the window. I look back at Mr Daniels, unable to control my anger. “Is this even legal? It sounds archaic and we are in the 21st century. “Contingent bequests are certainly unusual. But I’m afraid it is entirely legal. It’s been set up as a testamentary trust, the specific conditions of which you are most welcome to peruse, but I can assure you it’s watertight.” “So, let’s get this straight. If I contest this, you don’t believe I’ll win and, if I lose, I’ll lose a lot.” “Exactly.” “Then it’s clear,” I say, facing my friend. “I must marry.” He gasps “You want this?” “Of course I don’t want this. But if it’s the only way I can inherit the estate, then I’ll do it. I can lead separate lives from my arranged wife.” I frown at the solicitor. “I take it that my father hasn’t insisted that I have sex as part of the conditions of the will.” Of course not,” I listen intently as the older man explains the conditions of his inheritance. "Getting married was the only stipulation, and staying married, of course. But as to how you lead your life, that is entirely up to you.” "Marriage and staying together," I repeat incredulously. "That's it?" The solicitor nods, looking almost apologetic. "Yes, that's all. Your father wanted to ensure that his legacy continued. "Well, I’m glad my father has allowed me some freedom!” "I mean,” he said sarcastically, “the alternative isn’t exactly appealing. Leave here with nothing.” Sebastian can feel the anger bubbling up inside him. He's always despised his father's controlling ways, and this inheritance feels like one final manipulation. "And if I refuse?" I ask, my voice dripping with sarcasm. Mr Daniels' expression turn grave. "Then you'll receive nothing, I'm afraid." I scoff "Well, that's not exactly a tempting offer, is it?" "Fine, I accept. Anything else?" Mr Daniel's smiles kindly. "No, that's all." I stand up, feeling a surge of frustration. I want to lash out, to scream at the injustice of it all and punch something but I force myself to keep my composure. "Very well. You can leave. I have work to do." As I watch him stalk out of the office, I can't help but feel like a caged animal, trapped in my father's web, with no way out. But i'll find a way to break free, no matter what it takes. I pour two glasses of whiskey and hand one to my best friend Matteo, who's sitting on my couch. "I can't believe this is happening, Matteo," I say, taking a long sip. "I know, man. It's messed up," Matteo replies, sympathy written all over his face. "I mean, why does my father get to control my life even from the grave?" I ask,