The Marriage Clause

er and expensive cologne filling his senses. The room, filled with memories of st

ttling as it hit the wood. "What is this, Harrison?

justed his glasses and met Lucas's intense gaze. "Your

clear: marry within a year, or lose control of Blackwood Ente

his hair. He stopped at the window, staring out at the city skyline. His empire, built on hard

believed a stable family image was crucial for th

Understand? This is manipula

ns, Lucas. Find a suitable partner, mee

t relationships were shallow, more about convenience than connection. He needed

status. None of them were suitable. They were too ambitious and too entangled in their own lives

rounded by canvases and sketches. Her art was her passion, but it didn't p

that captured the chaos of her life. Her phone buzzed, breaking her

little weight. She hung up, frustration bubbling over. How w

ered her next move. She opened it to find an

oks?" he

me," Emma rep

pe. "This is for you. Mr. Bla

e envelope. "Mr. Blackw

ified. "He's interested in disc

the contents, her eyes widening. A meeting with Lucas Black

ses. The luxury was overwhelming, a stark contrast to her modest lifestyle. She was ush

s tone professional but cold. "Thank

process everything. "What's

udying her. "I have a proposition

ure she'd mishe

I need to be married within a year to secure my company. In re

ld solve all her problems. She weighed the pros and co

. "You'll have your freedom and your sp

here. She knew this wasn't a man who would ta

lief in his eyes. "Then w

h. "Alright, Mr. Black

e clause had set the stage for a year of deception, challenges, and unexpected twists. Neith

it was necessary. He returned to his desk, pulling out a contract he had prepared. It outlined every detail

hint of scandal or insincerity could topple everything he had worked for. Lucas knew t

contract. As she read through the document, h

The stakes are high, and we

ightly as she signed he

Emma to his inner circle, coaching her on how to present herself as the perfect billionaire's wife. They a

ant scrutiny and the pressure to appear flawless. The media's relentless attention was

each other, sharing private jokes and confidences that blurred the lines of their agreement. The mor

al event, Lucas found Emma sitting alone in the study, staring at o

ur mind?" he

and determination. "Sometimes I wonder if I'm losing myse

"I know this isn't easy, Emma. But remember why

mained troubled. "I just hope we d

ssuring hand on hers. "We won't.

over them. The marriage clause had brought them together, but

ce brought a warmth to Lucas's life that he hadn't expected. Her creativity and pa

ation to his company and his willingness to protect those he cared about. Their bond grew stro

as's phone rang. He answered, his expression growing serious. After

g?" she aske

ying to dig up dirt on us. If they find anything that su

raced. "Wha

k to the plan. We can't let anyone see throu

to rely on each other more than ever. The marriage clause had brought them to