She Rejected Him on a Blind Date—Then Another Woman Said, “Marry Me”
Chapter 2
Ethan took the contract home.
He barely slept.
The next morning, Claire was waiting outside his apartment.
“You came.”
“Yes.”
“You read it?”
“Twice.”
“And?”
Ethan held the folder.
“This is crazy.”
“I know.”
“Why don’t you marry someone you already know?”
“Because everyone I know wants something.”
Ethan looked at her.
“And you think I don’t?”
“You got rejected yesterday.”
He stared.
“That’s your reason?”
Claire smiled faintly.
“No.”
She told him more.
Her father had died six months earlier.
The family company was run by her uncle, Victor Bennett.
Victor believed the company should have gone to him.
But Claire’s father had changed his will.
He left Claire controlling shares.
Victor had challenged the will.
The trust lawyer discovered a clause.
If Claire remained unmarried at the date of final transfer, Victor could temporarily control the voting shares.
That period would be enough for him to sell key assets.
Claire would lose control.
“Why can’t you just fight him in court?”
“I am.”
“Then why the marriage?”
“The trust has a family-protection clause.”
“And a husband qualifies?”
“Yes.”
Ethan stared at the contract.
“You’ve thought about this.”
“For months.”
“So why me now?”
Claire hesitated.
“Because yesterday, I realized I had to make a decision.”
“What changed?”
“My lawyer called.”
“What did he say?”
“That my uncle found a loophole.”
Ethan sighed.
“And you need a husband in three days.”
“Yes.”
He looked at her.
“You realize this sounds like a terrible idea.”
Claire smiled.
“I’ve had worse ideas.”
That afternoon, Ethan met her lawyer.
The lawyer explained everything.
The marriage would be completely legal.
A private agreement protected Ethan.
Claire would not have access to his personal finances.
He would not be responsible for her debts.
The arrangement could be dissolved after twelve months.
Ethan asked:
“What happens if I refuse?”
“Nothing.”
“And if I accept?”
“You become Claire’s legal spouse.”
Ethan looked at Claire.
“What happens if your uncle finds out this is a deal?”
“He can’t prove coercion if the marriage is entered voluntarily.”
Ethan nodded.
He was still uncertain.
Then Claire received a message.
Her face went pale.
“What happened?”
She handed him her phone.
A photograph.
Claire leaving her office.
Underneath it were four words.
You should have chosen better.
Ethan looked at her.
“Who sent this?”
“I don’t know.”
“You do.”
Claire swallowed.
“My uncle.”
Ethan stared.
“This is not just about money.”
“No.”
He closed the contract.
“Okay.”
Claire looked surprised.
“Okay?”
“I’ll do it.”
Her eyes widened.
“Why?”
“Because if someone is threatening you, I don’t want a contract to be the reason you face it alone.”
Claire looked at him.
“You’re sure?”
“No.”
She smiled.
“Good.”
“What?”
“If you were sure, I’d be worried.”
Three days later, they were married.
No flowers.
No guests.
No celebration.
Just signatures.
As Ethan placed the ring on Claire’s finger, he whispered:
“One year.”
She nodded.
“One year.”
Neither realized how difficult that promise would become.
