Maxine

I stare down at my clean signature on the fine print of the marriage contract. I ponder on the thought of whether it's too late to back out now. Me signing the documents had sealed any possibility of second thoughts. Seth's attention was on the paper for a while which unnerves me a bit. Who knows the gears working in that mind of his?

The details of the contract include an agreement of confidentiality where I would swear to never make the reality of the marriage. The next parts included all the benefits I would gain from the contract. It also contained the duration of the marriage, the next lines of action after it had elapsed and so on. A few rules were also highlighted with the most important rule being that; no party was allowed to fall in love with the other. 

“Alright then. I think we've gotten the first part of it done.” He picks up the document from the table and arrange them. 

“What's next?” I ask, a nervous feeling welling up in the pit of my stomach.

He raises his eyes to meet mine for a brief second. My stomach flips when he doesn't take his eyes away. After some more uncomfortable seconds, he finally turns back to the documents in his hands.

“We'll need to head to the court to make the marriage legitimate.” Seth answers, a thoughtful expression on his face.

I simply nod, unable to think of what to say. My heart pounds hard against my chest with what could be Anxiety? Trepidation? I'm not too sure about that. I watch in silence as Seth pulls out his phone from his pocket and scrolls through it in search of God knows what. He seems to have found what he is looking for when he brings the phone closer to his ear.

“Come to my office immediately.” He speaks into the phone before ending the call. 

I resist the urge to roll my eyes. It was probably one of his employees he ordered to come. His brief call with no context fills me with irritation. The sheer power and command in the way he spoke to whoever it was spoke numbers about him. This guy is the real deal.

A minute later, the door to his office opens to reveal Levi. He walks into the office, his eyes briefly meeting mine which makes him smile a little. He stands besides my chair, his full attention now on Seth.

“Sir.” Levi says in a monotonous voice.

“Get me in contact with a judge in the courthouse. We'll be heading there for the wedding by this time tomorrow.” Seth's authoritative tone leaves no room for complaint. Levi nods his head and immediately pulls out his phone, already getting to work on his given task.

“Also, book a photoshoot session with me and call Nadia to have the outfits prepared. I want them ready by tomorrow morning with no delay.” Seth says, without skipping a beat.

“Understood.” Levi answers, before the taking his attention to the person he's calling.

I press the tips of my fingers against the wooden desk trying desperately to quell my growing nerves. Everything seems to be happening way too fast while I simply stand without an idea of what to do. I wonder if I even have a say in any of what Seth is planning. All the words that left his mouth don't seem to make complete sense to me. I think Seth notices the conflicted look on my face because a smirk starts to grow on his lips.

“Regretting your decision already?” He asks, a smug look in his eyes.

“I never said anything like that, did I?” I narrow my eyes at him, not giving him the satisfaction of knowing the whole marriage is making me anxious.

“It doesn't matter anyway. There's no backing out of this contract now. You already sealed your faith, Maxine.” He stares deep into my eyes when he says my name.

Something about the way he says my name both leaves me enthralled and irritates me to no end. He is enjoying every moment of toying with me and I'd be damned if I let him get any satisfaction from it.

“I don't remember saying anything otherwise though. It's not like I blindly went into signing this contract. I went through its contents and decided I wanted to go with it myself. So I'd appreciate it if you stop reminding me if what is already obvious and maybe focus on holding your own end of the bargain.” I fold my arms, staring daggers at him.

The reason for my outburst is something I don't understand. It all just came out on the spur of the moment. I still wouldn't take it back though. I watch as the smirk on Seth's face and a cold glare replaces his facial expression. I swallow down nervously, wondering if I have bitten down more than I can chew. For all I know, he can decide to tear that contract into shreds. Where would that leave me? At the mercy of all my creditors.

“If you know what's good for you, then I'd advise you never in your miserable life think of speaking to me in that manner again.” Seth's voice has dropped to a deathly low tone. I felt a shiver run down my spine as he glared down at me from head to toe.

“As great as you might think you are, you are not irreplaceable. With a snap of a finger, I can have another person who would be glad to take this position and accept this contract. The only person who actually needs this contract the most is you.” A look of disgust appears on his face.

I plant my palms on the desk and meet Seth's harsh glare. I glare at him with as much confidence as I can muster, refusing to let him intimidate me. The door to the office opens again and Levi stands there with a confused expression on his face.

“I…I've made all the arrangements sir.” Levi says, sounding very confused.

I let out a hum before leaning back into my seat and turning away from Seth. I would have to stomach all this if it means I get what I want.