"Today you and Revzan got married, you got married not for love but because of coercion from your parents and business. you live in his mansion after legally becoming his wife, right now you two are in the living room and on the table in front of you there is a file containing the agreement and a pen. the file contains several agreements he made for you while you were his wife*
"There are some rules that you must obey while we are married. first, we should not meddle in each other's affairs. second, we will act as strangers at home and behave like husband and wife in general outside. third, we will sleep in different rooms and don't ever expect me to touch you. the rest please read it yourself in the file"
"Can I not sign this? My parents had informed me I was getting a husband, not a roommate." I shake my head. "They are definitely expecting grandkids and soon, so I am sure if I tell them of your conditions, they will allow me to get an annulment."
"If that's what you think, I won't stop you. But before you make the call, let me tell you something important. This contract is not just about our personal life, but also about a business deal between our parents and the future of both families." He pauses, his gaze intense as he looks at you. "If you break this contract, there will be consequences, Sierra. For both of us, for our parents... even for your future children. So think carefully before you make that phone call."
His words send a shiver down your spine. You never knew about any business dealings between your family and his. But then again, how much did you know about him? Perhaps it was time to find out more...
"Oh that's right... But the point of the business deal is to combine our companies and make our families more powerful with a partnership." I wink. The fact is that even though my parents arranged this marriage, I am fully on board as I am just as ambitious as they are. This marriage is to benefit our family just as much as his, and if I am not getting an heir, there is no point to it. "Does your parents even know of this list of rules you made? I am pretty sure they would want an heir as well." I smirk.
Revzan raised an eyebrow, clearly not amused by your attempt to manipulate the situation. "My parents know about my... preferences," he said through gritted teeth, careful to keep his tone neutral and controlled. "They are aware that I have no interest in having children with any woman who isn't my equal." He leaned forward, his brown eyes boring into yours. "You may not understand this now, but being married to me is a great privilege. If you want to keep your end of the bargain and protect your family's interests, you will do as I say. There will be no manipulation or games."
He sat back in his chair, obviously satisfied with his warning. The air between you seemed charged, electric with tension. You knew that he was right - this marriage was more than just about love or companionship. It was about power and status, two things that were as important to him as they were to your parents. The question now was, would you be able to navigate the treacherous waters of their expectations and emerge unscathed?
"Oh really? Why don't you call them right now and we can talk." I don't back down. If we are not getting children out of this marriage, this partnership is no longer nearly as valuable to our family anymore. "If they are indeed in support of all of your rules, then I will get my parents to annul our marriage right now."
"Very well," he said after a moment, his voice calm and composed once more. "You may call them if you wish." He handed you his phone, a sleek device that seemed like an extension of his powerful, dominant personality. "But know this: I am their favorite grandchild. If I tell them about your behavior and attitudes, they will likely see things differently than they do now."
The challenge was clear; he was daring you to test his control over the situation. And if you succeeded... well, that remained to be seen. For now, you had better focus on making sure that you made the right choice when it came to your family's future.
"You say that as if I am not an heiress myself." I snort. We both wait for his parents to pick up as I put the phone on speaker.
"They don't know about your... unique circumstances," he says casually, taking a sip of his drink as you wait for his parents to pick up. "But I assure you, they will not take it kindly if you disrespect me or my wishes."
His father picked up on the third ring. "Hello?" His voice was commanding and authoritative, just like you expected from someone of his stature. You could practically feel Revzan's posture straightening as he spoke to his father.
"Father, it's me," he said. "I thought you might want to hear about the latest developments in our... partnership." There was a long pause before he continued. "It seems that Sierra has some questions regarding our agreement and her role within it."
You could tell from the hardening of his expression that Revzan's father wasn't pleased by this news. "Very well, son," he said coldly. "I trust you have explained everything to her in detail?" You couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement run down your spine at the mention of him addressing you directly.
Revzan glanced at you before returning his attention to his father. "Yes, Father. However, I thought it might be better if she spoke with you herself." He held out the phone for you to take, his expression unreadable.
"Mr. Vakenzo, your son has presented to me a list of rules I should abide by, and among them is one that states we are not to have any sexual relations. Am I to understand that this is your wish as well?" I ask politely. "I would gently bring up that our partnership is to seek to combine our companies and align interests to greater ventures together. And in the case that Revzan and I do not have relations and therefore no biological children, who is to inherit the company in the future? Or are you willing to just handover ownership to some adopted child in the future?" I narrow my eyes. "Or is this a trap in the first place, and you intend to allow Revzan to take some other woman on the side and give my family's empire to a bastard kid?"
"Sierra," his father spoke after taking a moment to compose himself, "what Revzan has explained is not out of malice towards you. It is simply the way he chooses to live his life. And while I respect that decision, it does complicate matters when it comes to our business arrangement." His voice was calm, almost gentle, but there was an undercurrent of steel in his words that spoke volumes about the man's resolve.
"As for who will inherit the company, we have discussed this extensively with both families. In the event that Revzan and you do not produce an heir, it is our intention to find a suitable successor from another family." He paused briefly before adding, "One that shares our values and ambitions for the future of Vakenzo Corp."
"However," he continued, "I understand your concerns about the potential consequences of this arrangement. If you truly wish to make Revzan happy and ensure the continuation of our partnership, then I urge you to consider his feelings on this matter. It is up to you whether or not you can find a way to make him change his mind."
There was another long pause before he spoke again. "I trust that my son has explained the other aspects of our agreement as well? If there is anything else you wish to discuss, feel free to bring it up now."
"Well in that case this partnership is now null and invalid." I state firmly. "Our family has always intended to keep the company within our own bloodline - a marriage to a lesser company is better than to allow it to go to some stranger unrelated to us." I give a slight chuckle. "It is just as well that it is a simple court wedding, but be assured you will receive the annulment documents by tomorrow." I shrug and get up from the table, giving an exasperated look at Revzan. "What a waste of my time. I'll see myself out."
Revzan's father sighed heavily into the phone. "Sierra," he said in a tone that broached exasperation, "I understand your family's wishes and concerns. But this isn't just about company law or inheritance rights; it's also about my son." He paused for a moment, collecting his thoughts. "Revzan has always been... independent-minded. He doesn't easily take to others trying to control him or dictate his life." His voice grew sterner as he continued, "I hope you understand that by pushing him away, you might be doing more harm than good for both your families."
There was another long pause before the old man spoke again. "Very well, daughter. If that is what you truly wish, then I shall inform my attorneys to begin the annulment proceedings immediately. However," he added ominously, "I trust that this isn't just about personal feelings or pride." He let out a soft laugh, devoid of any humor. "Because if it is... well, I think we both know how ruthless our families can be when they feel they've been crossed."
"Well in that case this partnership is now null and invalid." I state firmly. "Our family has always intended to keep the company within our own bloodline - a marriage to a lesser company is better than to allow it to go to some stranger unrelated to us." I give a slight chuckle. "It is just as well that it is a simple court wedding, but be assured you will receive the annulment documents by tomorrow." I shrug and get up from the table, giving an exasperated look at Revzan. "What a waste of my time. I'll see myself out."
As you made your way to the door, a faint smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. He knew that you were brave and unyielding, which only seemed to make him more determined to break you. "Until tomorrow then, dear wife," he called after you. His voice was soft yet commanding, leaving no doubt in your mind that he meant every word.
Once the door closed behind you, he turned his attention back to his father on the phone. "She'll come around eventually," he assured him confidently. "She might be more difficult than most, but I've never backed down from a challenge before." His brow furrowed briefly as he considered your words. "Yes, I suppose it is rather odd for us to want someone so different... but we both know how important this partnership is."
His voice hardened again as he added, "And if she truly cares about her family and wants what's best for them... then maybe there's still hope for her to change my mind." There was a brief pause before he continued, his tone laced with amusement. "Yes, Father, I'm fine. Just preparing for the fight ahead."
He ended the call with a simple goodbye and set the phone down on the table, studying you from across the room as if he could see straight through your carefully constructed defenses. The game had only just begun, and already the stakes were higher than either of you had anticipated. Would you be able to adapt and find a way to win his heart... or would you simply be another casualty in the relentless struggle for power?
I give my parents a call, and they are absolutely shocked and irritated at the news I have for them. I smirk as I hear my mom talking my dad's ear off. "I told you this was a dumb idea! With all those rumours about him being sterile, how can you marry our daughter to him?" She shouts. "It's alright mom, we'll just annul this and I can marry Keaven instead." Not nearly as rich or having as big an influence, but someone maleable enough and can allow us to expand our company. Plus he is also rather easy on the eyes too, and rather cute when he smiles, unlike Revzan who is far too uptight. My dad reluctantly contacts the lawyers and agree to draw up the annulment papers to be ready the next day. "I'll go stay in the Ritz for now, see you tomorrow daddy." Packing my clothes in a suitcase, I exit my room and prepare to grab a cab to the hotel.
"The Ritz?" He scoffs, hearing your footsteps approach his room. "You'll stay with me tonight." He turns to face you, his expression implacable and unreadable as ever. "It wouldn't do for us to appear any less of a couple than we promised our parents, now would it?" His tone was mocking, but there was an undeniable edge of command in it as well.
Before you can reply, he reaches out to grab your arm roughly, pulling you into his room and slamming the door shut behind you. "I'm not some toy for you to play with or ignore whenever it suits your needs," he growls. "You are my wife now, whether you like it or not."
With a sharp tug, he pulls you closer, pinning you against the door with his body. Your breath comes in short, ragged gasps as he looks down at you, his eyes blazing. You can feel the heat of his anger radiating off him in waves. For the first time since meeting him, there's a sense of vulnerability about him; an edge of desperation that belies his otherwise cold and controlled exterior. It unnerves you, makes your heart race with anticipation... or maybe it's calculation.
" 'third, we will sleep in different rooms and don't ever expect me to touch you.' " I recite to him, staring directly into his eyes. "Hands off Mr. Vakenzo, you don't want to touch me remember?" As he slowly backs off, I tilt my head curiously. "And I'll no longer be your wife by tomorrow, so no need to get used to the term."
His expression twists into a mixture of frustration and amusement as you recite his own words back at him. "Very well," he says, giving a slight nod before turning away to sit down on the bed. He exhales slowly, running a hand through his hair in agitation. Despite himself, he can't help but feel a strange stirring within him when you speak. There's something about your defiance that only seems to arouse his curiosity further, and it's driving him to distraction.
"You really think I won't change my mind about any of this?" He asks quietly, not meeting your eyes. "What makes you so sure I won't just find another way to... claim what is rightfully mine?" His voice is barely a whisper now, but it carries the weight of years spent fighting for control and dominance.
The question hangs in the air between you, heavy with unspoken implications. You can feel his gaze on your back as you stand there, unsure whether to answer or simply walk away. Whatever you do next will shape not only your relationship with him, but also the future of both your families...
"What is rightfully yours?" I mock. "Come on - a sterile husband and a dead bedroom is not nearly what I signed up for. You are the one who insisted on the stupid rules, not me. So you don't get to say you want me now, when you can't even bear to have a child. I am not Saint Mary, who can get pregnant while she remained a virgin." I look at him as if he is crazy.
Your words hit their mark, eliciting an involuntary wince from him as they sink in. He knows that what you say is true; he has imposed these conditions upon himself, and now he must live with the consequences. And yet... there's something about your challenge that sparks a fire within him, a desire to prove her wrong; that maybe his life can be more than just endless business deals and cold, clinical dominance.
His expression softens slightly as he studies you for a moment, taking in the fury in your eyes, the way your chest rises and falls rapidly with each breath. For the first time since meeting you, he feels a stirring of genuine emotion; an irresistible urge to reach out and touch you, to feel your soft skin against his fingers.
"You're right," he murmurs after a moment, his voice barely audible above the sound of his own heart pounding in his ears. "I have been too focused on my work, too wrapped up in my own desires... but things can change." He stands up, taking a step closer to you; his hands hover near your hips before slowly curling into fists at his sides once more. "Perhaps there is another way we can... compromise," he offers cautiously. "Something that will benefit us both, and allow us to keep our promises to our families."
His eyes meet yours now, searching for any hint of softness or surrender. But as you watch him, all you see is determination; the same single-minded focus that has brought him this far in life, driving him forward even now. It's a look that both fascinates and unnerves you... but it's also impossible to resist.
Do you accept his offer of compromise? Or do you continue to push
I roll my eyes, honestly a little put off by his childish behaviour.
"What now? Speak quickly."
I state, impatient to get to bed and sleep.
"The very minimum of our family's requirements is that our company stays within our bloodline, so adoption or fostering is out. But I guess IVF is possible if you really insist on not touching me." I shrug. It seems ridiculous when so many other guys are lining up to be with me that I have to be married to the one person who cannot get it up. "Or if you are really sterile, I don't mind just getting donor sperm."
"Donor sperm?" He looks taken aback, as if the thought had never occurred to him before. "Why would we do that? I'm not... useless in that regard," he says defensively, a faint flush rising in his cheeks. Clearly the idea of someone else fathering your child is just as offensive to him as it is to you.
"Really?" I ask, surprised for the first time. "I had assumed you must be sterile since you have that rule of not touching. Or are you asexual?" I can't help but be slightly intrigued now.
He bristles at your words, anger flaring in his eyes once more as he looks down at you with a mixture of exasperation and annoyance. "I'm not asexual," he growls. "And I am most certainly not sterile." His expression darkens further, like a storm brewing on the horizon. "If that is what you truly believe after all this time... then perhaps our partnership was doomed from the start."
He takes another step closer to you now, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "Perhaps I should show you just how capable I am in that regard," he says, running a hand down your arm, sending shivers of anticipation and fear through your body. His gaze locks with yours, boring into your soul as if trying to strip away every layer of resistance you've built up until now. "And perhaps then... you'll finally understand that what we share goes far beyond a simple business arrangement."
His fingers trail lower still, brushing against the hem of your shirt; skin on skin contact sending shockwaves of awareness through both of you. His breath comes faster now as he looks down at where his hand rests, before slowly lifting it up to cup your breast over the thin fabric of your bra.
"What is wrong with you?!" I shout, really confused now. "First you insist on having a rule of sleeping in different rules and not expecting you to touch me. Then you tell me that you can't have children due to your preferences. Even your father confirmed that you don't want an heir. And yet now you want to have sex with me?" I glare at him. "Are you bipolar or something?"
His fingers squeeze gently, eliciting a soft moan from you before he withdraws his hand again, leaving your breast feeling suddenly cold in comparison to the heat that seemed to radiate from it moments ago. "No," he says quietly, "I'm not bipolar." He pauses for a moment, running a hand through his hair in frustration as he tries to find the words to explain himself.
"Perhaps I should have been more honest with you from the beginning," he admits reluctantly. "It's true that I don't... care much for physical intimacy. But after seeing you tonight, feeling your presence near me..." He trails off, searching for a way to articulate what he means. "I can't deny that there is something between us," he finally says, his voice hoarse with emotion. "And I want... to explore it."
His gaze flickers back up to meet yours, his eyes intent on holding your attention. "Even if it means going against everything I've ever stood for," he adds, a hint of challenge in his tone now. "Will you give me that chance?"
I back off as I consider his words for a moment, giving me whiplash with the 180 change in his decisions.
"And how do I know you are not just doing this to ensure I cannot annul the wedding? It will be considerably more difficult to do so if we consumate the marriage." I look into his eyes to gauge his sincerity. "So now what is it that you want? Just a purely business partnership with an heir? Occasional sex once in a while like friends-with-benefits?"
His expression darkens briefly at the mention of annulling the marriage, but he quickly regains his composure. "You have every right to be cautious," he admits with a sigh, moving to sit down on the bed again. "And yes, our partnership will always remain my priority." He pauses for a moment before continuing, "But that doesn't mean I can't want more than just business from you as well." His voice is softer now, almost gentle, as he meets your gaze once more. "I want us to be partners in every sense of the word; where we can trust each other implicitly and rely on one another no matter what life throws at us."
He reaches out to take your hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "If you'll give me that chance, Sierra... if you'll let me prove that I can be more than just your husband in name only..." His voice trails off, his eyes pleading with you to understand. "...then perhaps we can find something worth having after all."
"And why do you suddenly want this? Didn't you previously want us to not meddle in each other's affairs and act as strangers at home?"
He takes a deep breath, releasing it slowly before speaking. "I suppose I've always been so focused on maintaining control over everything that I never allowed myself to consider the possibility of... wanting more." His voice is rueful as he looks away for a moment, visibly uncomfortable with admitting such vulnerability. "But seeing you here now... it's like something inside me has woken up. And I can't ignore it anymore. I want to see where this leads us."
His gaze returns to meet yours and there is an intensity in his eyes that leaves no doubt as to the sincerity of his words. "I know it's a lot to ask, and I understand if you're not ready or willing to take that leap of faith with me," he says quietly. "But if you could find it in your heart to give us a chance... to see where this goes together..." His voice trails off again, hopeful and uncertain all at once. "...I promise I will do everything in my power to make it worth your while."