Chapter 115 The Contract

Words : 1940 Updated : May 20th, 2025

Alessandro was working in his office when the commotion outside made him frown with frustration. He was furious at whoever was ruining his already foul mood, and he didn't have to wait long to find out who it was. Vanessa barged into his office, with his secretary trailing behind her, still trying to convince her not to disturb him. "I'm sorry, Mr. Valentino. Miss Vanessa wouldn't stop," the secretary mumbled, her voice filled with helplessness and apology. Alessandro nodded dismissively and beckoned her to leave them alone. "What is it, Vanessa? You know I don't like interruptions while n working," he growled, glaring at her. "I know, honey, but I was missing you so much I couldn't stop myself from coming," she murmured sensually, walking seductively toward his desk. She sat on the edge, arching her back, her eyes half-lidded as she gazed at him. "Get the hell off my desk," Alessandro scolded, his tone icy. His words made her shiver, and she quickly slid off, standing nervously by. "Now tell me why you're here. I don't have time for your nonsense," he grimaced. Alessandro, why are you avoiding me? I'm your fiancée," she began, her voice breaking as tears welled up. her lips trembling. "How can you do this to me?" "The engagement is off, Vanessa. When will you get that through your thick, pitiful skull?" Alessandro growled, barely glancing up from the papers he had been reading before she barged in. "Engagement is off?!" she gasped. "Alessandro, I will die without you. I love you. Don't leave me, please!" she pleaded, her voice thick with desperation, though inside she was fuming that her theatrics weren't working on the Italian don. "Stop wasting my time and get out," he waved his hand coldly, his expression unreadable. "And don't ever show your face to me again," he added sharply, making Vanessa's jaw drop in shock. "Is this... is this because of that bitch, Mia Peterson?" she stammered, her voice trembling as rage overtook her. "No matter how hard she tries, she can never be your late wife, Alessandro. Open your eyes and see her lies-she's after your wealth!" she shouted, her anger spilling out. "Don't shout," Alessandro warned, his voice dangerously low, his eyes narrowing with fury. "And don't you dare speak ill of her, or the consequences will be worse than you can imagine," he thundered, his threat sending a wave of fear through Vanessa, causing her to stumble back. He hadn't seen Mia since that day, but he knew he had to keep his distance-for her own safety. Yet, the decision was tearing him apart inside, each passing moment without her feeling like a wound that wouldn't heal "Alessandro, she doesn't love you, but I do. You're making the same mistake by not choosing me," Vanessa mumbled, her eyes filling with tears. "Please, remember how much you used to love me." "That was in the past, Vanessa. It's history. I don't love you anymore, Alessandro grumbled, his irritation evident in the hard set of his jaw and the coldness in his eyes. "Now leave!" he ordered authoritatively. But Vanessa stood there stubbornly, her teary eyes locked on him. "Leave now, or I'll call security to throw you out of my office," he yelled, his patience snapping. Fear gripped Vanessa, and she cried loudly before hurrying out of his office. But none of her tactics worked on Alessandro this time. was getting harder for her to mask surface. She ran away, not stopping, unwilling to let anyone see her true fac the burning anger and hatred she felt for Mia, the emotions og just beneath the As soon as she stepped inside the elevator, she wiped her tear-streaked cheeks, her expression twisting into something sinister. Just wait and watch, Mia Peterson. I'll make your life a living hell," she muttered to herself as she pulled, out her phone from her purse, quickly typing a message before sending it to Mia's number. Claire stood before Adam's mansion, taking a deep breath as her heart pounded with nervousness. Though she had been here countless times for work, today felt different. The air felt heavier, and butterflies swirled in her stomach as she crossed the threshold. Trying to steady herself, she took another deep breath and made her way toward the large room Adam had transformed into his study. Each step seemed to echo her rising anxiety, knowing that today wasn't like any other. Knocking on the door, she entered without waiting for a response, a habit she had formed over time. Usually, she would find him engrossed in reading scripts or working on something related to his scenes, and she would quietly sit in a corner with her laptop, waiting until he was free. Today, however, was different. As she stepped inside, she saw Adam pacing the room, a deep furrow adorned his face and his hands clasped behind his back. He stopped abruptly when he noticed her. A smirk spread across his face as he walked closer. "Claire," he said, his voice smooth and confident, "So what have you decided?" Her nerves flared, but she maintained her composure. I accept your proposal," she replied, meeting his gaze with determination. "So it's a yes?!" he asked, cocking his head and raising an eyebrow. "Yes," Claire breathed out. "Good decision, Claire. I've already called my lawyer and drafted the contract in advance. He picked up a folder and handed it to her. "Read it carefully and let me know if you want to add anything else," he said. curtly. Claire took the folder and opened it to find several pages detailing the contract. As she started reading, she noticed many conditions that were also in her favor. She had expected to negotiate certain terms, but Adam had already included them, such as the intimacy clause. They wouldn't sleep in the same room or be intimate during the contract period; otherwise, it would be considered a breach, and the responsible party would have to pay ten million as compensation. She looked up at Adam, who was watching her intently, waiting for her response. She continued reading further. Another clause stated that, in front of Adam's family and friends and whenever in public, they had be intimate-holding hands, hugging, and kissing-to maintain the appearance of a real married couple. Other clauses related to living conditions specified that after the marriage, she had to move in with him immediately. However, she had to respect his privacy, living as strangers in the same house, had abieruntimes the expences and household chod. The expecial Claire in leave her job as his PR manager had become a full time housewife fu the endte year he had To potstic appearances and family gatherings. She conduct refuse any of he requests for her to appear in pin as his wife. Albinimally, she had to cut ties with her boyfriend anddemon labbind to Adam during their marriage. why she was expectations placed on Adam The final clause stated that she must never discour the existence of this contract to anyone, as doing in would consitute a punishable offense for breaching the contract. Under no circumstances should Adang mage by inished She read the contract thoroughly and found no loophole, it was a clean and clear dead. She closed the folder and lifted her head to look at her boss. Did you read all the conditions carefully?" Adam asked, will watching Claire closely, standing imparienly while sucking his hands in his pants pockets. Ned" Clafle replied, and Adamy released the breath he was holding while waiting for her responses "And??" he asked, furrowing his brow Tagree to all the terms and conditions. I just want to add one more," she said. "Tell me," Adam demanded solemnly "You also have to appear as my husband in my family giderings," she said. Addion nodded, taking out his phone from his pants pocket and calling his lawyer to add this condition "Anything else?" he asked, muting the phone and holding his lawyer on the line. "Umm. I don't want to stop working. I need to do something otherwise, I won't be efficient for a job after a year. I can't do this contract wife job as a serious profesion for the rest of my life" she hall joked, sporting Adam didn't laugh and remained serious. "Look, Claire, I don't have any problem with you work jg, but what will people think if you keep on doing a job like that?" Adam said, wats hing Claire's face fall with disappointment. Something stirred inside him, and he felt the need to cheer her up. "Okay, how about this. I will start a venture in a clothing line, jewelry, or any business you want?" he offered Claire looked at him with surprise. "Don't worry, that lasiness will be yours even after our marriage ends," he added promptly as if reading the doubts in Claire's mind. "It's alright. I'll be fine at home," she hesitated and muded. She didn't want to take more lavors than what he was already offering as the salary. She never wanted anyone to feel she was a burden, she had lived her life independently. "Alright, we will talk about it later," Adams dismissed, but mentally made a note to persuade her to start a business for herself. He could at least do this for her. "Okay then, I'll leave you to your work and will finish jine," Claire said as she got up and began to walk toward the door. "Wait!" Adam suddenly spoke as he noticed her face. "What happened to your tafer" he asked, furrowing his brows with concern. Claire stopped in her tracks as Adam walked closer. His expression was intense, his gaze locked onto her with a fierce intensity. "Nothing!" Claire licked her lips nervously and tried to look down, hiding her face from his gaze. But Adam gently grabbed her chin and lifted her face, inspecting her swollen check. He touched it, and Claire winced in slight pain. Adam slowly rubbed his fingers, removing some of the makeup from her soft cheek. Claire swallowed hard as tingles erupted where he touched. She focused on her breathing, trying not to appear affected by the movie star's proximity. Adam's eyes burned with anger as he realized she had been hit. "Who did this to you?" he growled, making Claire flinch. She had never seen him so angry before. She was surprised her boyfriend hadn't noticed her swollen check when she was sitting so close to him, but Adam had noticed it even from a distance. "I told you it's nothing." Claire said, trying to sound casual. "I collided with a wall in the darkness. That's it." Adam's eyes narrowed, not entirely convinced by her explanation. There was something about her reason that didn't add up, but he chose to respect her reluctance to share more. He released her face and Claire took a step back instantly, creating some distance between them. She felt a wave of relief as she was finally able to breathe normally again. This man was truly intoxicating and enchanting. "Should I leave?" Claire asked, lowering her head and avoiding his gaze. "Hmm." Adam nodded, his gaze fixed on her with intensity. He watched with a frown as she hurriedly exited his study, moving like a frightened kitten.

Chapter 115 The Contract

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