The Billionaire’s Reluctant Bride (Elara and Victor) novel Chapter 7

Negotiating Terms

Negotiating Terms

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Elara stood before the massive iron gates of Damian’s estate, her heart pounding with a mixture of anxiety.

The decision to meet with Damian had not come easily. The entire drive here, she had wrestled with herself, going over every possible outcome and every consequence. But here she was, standing on the precipice of a decision that could change her life forever.

The gates swung open with a low, ominous creak, and she drove up the long, winding driveway, the manicured lawns and towering trees standing as silent witnesses to what was about to transpire. The mansion loomed ahead, its imposing architecture a stark reminder of the world Damian inhabited–a world she was about to step into.

Upon parking and stepping out of the car, a uniformed butler promptly approached her, guiding her into the grand foyer. The silence of the surroundings felt eerie, and the sheer opulence of the place was almost too much to take in. Crystal chandeliers adorned the ceiling, casting a soft glow over the gleaming marble floors.

Damian was waiting for her in a spacious study, a room lined with floor–to–ceiling bookshelves and dominated by a large mahogany desk. He was seated behind it; his posture relaxed, but his eyes were sharp, calculating. A fire crackled in the fireplace, casting flickering shadows on the walls.

“Elara,” he greeted her, standing as she entered. “I’m glad you decided to come.”

“I’m here,” Elara replied, her voice steady. “But that doesn’t mean I’ve made up my mind.” Elara lied. She didn’t want to reveal what had happened to her.

“Of course,” Damian said with a nod, gesturing to a chair opposite his desk. “Please, sit.”

Elara hesitated for a moment before crossing the room and taking a seat. Damian remained standing, moving around to lean casually against the desk, his eyes never leaving hers.

“Let’s get to the point,” Elara uttered, cutting through the tension. “You want me to marry you to secure your inheritance? But if we’re going to do this, we need to lay out some terms.”

“Agreed,” Damian announced, folding his arms across his chest. “I’ve had my lawyers draw up a preliminary contract. But I’m open to discussing any concerns you might have.”

He handed her a folder from the desk, and Elara took it, flipping it open to reveal a detailed contract. She skimmed the pages, her sharp legal mind quickly processing the information. The terms were straightforward: a one–year marriage, with public appearances and support required on both sides. There was a substantial financial payout for her at the end, as well as a clause ensuring her reputation would be restored.

But it wasn’t the money or the professional perks that concerned Elara. It was the personal cost.

“First, we need to establish boundaries,” Elara replied, closing the folder and looking up at Damian. “This is a business arrangement, nothing more. I don’t want any… misunderstandings.”

Damian’s expression remained unreadable, but she noticed the slight tightening of his jaw. “Understood,” he said evenly. “We’ll keep our personal lives separate as much as possible. But you’ll need to be by my side at public events and functions. The media will be watching us closely, and we need to appear as a united front.”

“I can do that,” Elara responded, her tone firm. “But I won’t be paraded around like a trophy. I’ll support you publicly, but I expect the same respect in return.”

“You’ll have it,” Damian assured her, his voice sincere. “This isn’t about control, Elara. It’s about necessity.”

Elara studied him, searching for any sign of deception. But Damian’s gaze was steady, his demeanor calm. Despite their complicated history, she sensed that he was being truthful–or at least as truthful as someone like Damian Blackwood could be.

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Negotiating Terms

+25 BONUS

“There’s one more thing,” Damian added, his voice taking on a more serious tone. “You’ll need to move in here.

itx The media will expect us to live together, and it will be easier to maintain the facade if we’re under the same boof?

Elara’s stomach twisted at the thought of living in Damian’s manston, surrounded by his world of wealth and power. But she knew he was right. If they were going to convince everyone that this marriage was real, they had to play the part convincingly.

“Fine,” she agreed, her voice betraying a hint of reluctance “But I want my own space. I’ll move in, but I need a place where I can have some privacy.”

“Consider it done,” Damian noted with a nod. “There are plenty of rooms in this house. You can choose whichever one you like.”

The terms were clear, and the boundaries set. But the reality of what they were agreeing to was only beginning to sink in.

Elara rose from her chair, the folder clutched in her hand. ‘ll have to review this,” she said, her voice clipped. If everything checks out, I’ll sign it.”