Balotelli-Bale Series Book#1: HELENA'S CONTRACT

Chapter 11: Another Contract

Alexander's POV
Playing ten moves ahead of another player is something that is normal in my family. My grandfather was obsessed with it. His primary lesson was always stay ten steps ahead. The number itself doesn't hold much meaning but the point is, anticipate your opponent's move and do something to get ahead.

Sarris knows my father's dirty secret. Sarris wants a marriage between me and Rhea. His only goal is to get his hands on the Christos billions. He is not motivated by anything less. Rhea is the same. It's all material for her. She doesn't love me. I will never love her. Should I consent to a wedding, I'll be handing them everything on a silver platter. In the event of my demise, everything will belong to them. Since i have no intention of getting Rhea pregnant, my legacy, the Christos name will be lost. I can't have that.

What is my ten steps ahead move?

"What are you doing?" She yanked her hand free when she noticed the celtic ring in my hand. "What is that?"

"Give me your hand." I insisted looking her dead in the eyes. The celtic rings belonged to my grandparents. It's all part of my plan which I haven't fully discussed with her. I slipped hers on her finger. I also wore mine. "Perfect."

"What does this mean?" Helena's expression didn't change.

"That for tonight. You are playing Mrs Christos."

That is my ten steps ahead move. I want to marry Helena Bale as my legal wife. A baby is in order. I will leave everything to her. Not a penny will go to Rhea as she will be the fake wife. I have to make a lot of pay offs so that they don't suspect anything.

"Mrs Chrisos? Are you insane?" She took off the ring like it's burning her.

"Put it on Helena."

She took a moment to think about it before she did. "I like it. It's not flashy. It looks like it has a story behind it but why should I wear it?"

"My grandfather had nothing when he met and married my grandmother. He was dirt poor. He crafted those simple rings himself. They may not have much monetary value but hold weight in a sentimental way. It looks good on you."

"Still, wife? Mrs Christos? It will never work."

"Can't a man dream for one night?" I smiled at the beauty. She made me sign a twisted contract agreeing to give up my paternal rights. I didn't sign out of good will. I signed because I knew she will be signing a contract of my own.

She's been really open with me. The walls are slowly coming down. Perhaps if I have longer than a month I will be able to fix her and our contracts won't hold any meaning allowing us to be a family even if it's in secret. "What's so special about tonight?"

"There's a masquerade party. It should be fun." That's not what I wanted to say. She wore her feather mask and I put on a plain black one. It's the perfect party because we can pretend to be married and not be seen by the public.

"I don't like these parties. Having to wear a mask is burdensome."

"It's fun. You get to play the role of someone else."

"Who are you playing Alexander?"

"The man married to the most beautiful woman to walk on this planet." I thanked the valet who took our car. Settling my hand on the small of her back, we joined the rest of high society in yet another reason to be part of an exclusive clique. 

"I'm honored." She gazed at the ring fondly. "I love it Alexander. Let's be married for tonight."

Let's be married forever.

We mingled with the crowd. She doesn't like people from what I'm seeing. She's the type to love her own company. I keep finding reasons to love her more each day. She's strong and doesn't care what people think of her. She won't pretend for anyone.