Paper Rings and Painted Smiles
The mahogany boardroom doors swung open at precisely two in the afteenoo, revealing the dozen members of the Granex corporation board already seated,their faces carefully blank- or politely cold.
Elara entered first,her posture regal,her eyes clear. Killian followed closely, his steps slower,more calculated. The contract had already been signed in private,but now came the performance- the public binding of image and name.
The formalities.
The whispers that had begun as soon as the scandal broke had not faded. They had multiplied.
Killian's father sat at the head of the table, his posture like a blade - sharp,direct,commanding. His presence alone silenced the room more effectively than a gavel.
"To the matter at hand," he began without preamble. "As of today, Killian and Miss Vance are engaged. The documents have been drawn, the terms agreed upon."
The word 'terms' lingered,and several board members subtly looked toward Elara.
She didn't flinch.
Killian's mother sat beside her husband, her black suit immaculate,lips painted in a red too bright to be warm. She hadn't said a word since Elara entered, but her eyes said everything.
Elara took her place at the table,the engagement announcement and media contract laid before her in fine cream folders.
President Reeve didn't elaborate. He didn't ask if she was ready. His glance was enough.
"You may sign."
Elara nodded once. Calmly, precisely, she signed her name beneath the words that declared her engaged to the heir of the empire. Her pen barely made a sound on the paper, but she knew every person in the room was watching.
Killian signed next.
No ceremony. No sentiment. Just ink and obligation.
When it was done the head of the legal department collected the folders and bowed slightly. "The engagement will be made public soon."
Killian's father leaned forward,folding his hands. "Ensure your press appearance reflects our expectations. No room for softness now."
His gaze fell on Elara.
"And Miss Vance. The clause remains as it was. Pregnancy within the year.x
The words were heavy spoken like a commandment. Not a suggestion.
"Yes,sir," Elara replied. Not out of fear. Not out of respect. But because there was nothing left to say.
No one asked for her opinion.
The meeting adjourned minutes later. Chairs slid back in quiet order. Not a single board member offered congratulations. A few nodded to Killian. Most didn't look at her at all.
As they exited,the president stood again. "Prepare the engagement documents for permanent filing," he told the secretary without looking at either of them. "The board will reconvene at four for financial impact assessment ."
That was it.
Another business transaction sealed.
As the room emptied,Killian remained silent,his hands in his pocket,his jaw locked. Elara stood beside him,composed and expressionless.
The doors finally shut behind the last director,leaving only the two of them.
She glanced at him for a moment and then went back to her office to work.
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Back in her office,Elara placed the signed copies into her drawer,careful to lock them. She stared at the small silver key in her hand for a moment- something so tiny,yet holding the weight of her future.
She didn't cry. She hadn't cried in years.
Instead she sat back in her chair and whispered to herself," just one year."
Then it would be over.
Or so she hoped.