Chapter 4 ONCE AGAIN, I'M PART OF THE FAMILY

ELARA

Mr Harris, didn't give me an option to choose.

“You have a great future in the sports world,” he said with the corner of his mouth twitching.

“It’s just marriage… you won’t be a housewife. No children to tie you down. You’ll be the golden girl you've dreamt of.” I knew what he wanted as my lips curved into a small smile.

“And… what is your share if I get married to him?” He frowned.

“What do you mean?”

I shrugged lightly. “Just kidding.”

“How long do I have to stay here?” I questioned.

“Can I… get a day or two here just to think? To…”

“No,” he interrupted, calm but final.

“Today. You leave today.”

“Today?” But he didn’t answer me and just gestured to the waiting car outside his window.

“Mr Damien is waiting, that car will take you to the Blackthorne’s estate. Your bags are packed." He said, this time not looking at me.

“Without a sponsor, you’ll age out there,” he said quietly.

So, it's either Damien or the streets.

Without another word, I left the office and went to the car.

The ride was a very quiet one.

The Blackthornes looked perfect from the outside. Beautiful family, But I knew better.

The car slowed along the long driveway. My stomach twisted as fear shot through me for the first time.

Damien stood at the edge of the stone steps in a dark suit waiting for me, a little girl no older than four, wrapped her tiny fingers tightly around his hands.

I rolled my eyes at this sight, how had I forgotten? Damien and his precious little angel who complemented each other.

Four days before my death, we had just celebrated her seventh birthday. Aiden adored her.

Damien was a proud and arrogant man who talked down to everyone and expected obedience without question, but Aria, his daughter, was way too soft and innocent.

He walked toward me and extended his hands, the faint glint of gold on his cufflinks caught my attention. I hesitated, then took his hand.

“Welcome to your new home." He forced a smile. I didn't return it and frowned.

“I am Damien, your benefactor,” he added.

I smiled thinly. He didn’t finish, but I already knew the rest.

“To seal our contract, you will marry me for three years. During that time, I will build you and make the world know your name.” I snorted in disbelief. Just like that.

“A contract marriage… why?” I half yelled, as Aria’s nanny rushed to take her in, but was stopped by Damien.

"To help you, you want fame and wealth? Your talent to be known right? You will have it all.” His words dripped with pride.

“And what do you want in return?” I asked, breathing hard as my hands clenched at my sides.

He had the money, which means he had control and men like him always used what they had.

“Hmm… fierce. I like you already, you're a good choice.” I gulped as he continued.

"We will be married for three years and in these three years, you will do these three things.”

“Handle my daughter’s night routine. Meaning, you can't stay out late, no matter your practice or games. You must be with Aria.” My fingers went into a fist, but I couldn't blow my cover and forced a calm nod.

“You will earn my mother’s trust.”

He paused.

“And you will stay away from my brother.” My heart skipped. I became skeptical, did he know my plans? I had questions, but I didn't ask any.

I knew the Blackthorne brothers weren't fans of each other, but had the same goal... Winning. They weren't people to back down.

If signing the contract means finding out why I was betrayed and killed, and finding those behind my death? I would gladly do it.

“Are you in? You’d benefit more from this,” Damien pressed like he knew what I wanted.

I returned his gaze and without a word took the papers from him.

My pen moved across the papers and the contract was signed.

“Good. Our wedding is in three weeks.” His gaze dropped to my clothes and it lingered as though he had just noticed what I wore.

“And make sure you wear something presentable. I would introduce you to my family at dinner.”

Without another glance, he walked inside, but before the doors shut, his daughter gave me a look that felt like a warning.

Immediately, the front doors swung open, and a maid appeared.

“Madam Elara, this way,” she was way too polite.

I glanced at my watch, it was really late, past 12 am.

I followed her, but just as I was about to step into the corridor leading toward a room, a hand shot out from behind me and clamped my mouth while the other hand yanked me sharply to the other side.

I struggled against the firm grip, trying to free myself, but when the rotating security light swept by and we ducked, I caught a glimpse of the person holding me as his hand loosened.

“Don’t scream,” his familiar voice murmured.

It was Aiden.