The Domineering Female CEO

Eliana's POV:

Alexander's eyes narrowed slightly as he spoke. "I was thinking more along the lines of a two-year contract," he said.

My heart sank. I had been hoping for a one-year contract, something manageable and temporary. Two years was a lifetime.

"I don't know," I said, trying to sound noncommittal. "Two years seems like a long time."

Alexander leaned forward, his eyes intense. "It's necessary," he said. "We need to establish a strong foundation for our partnership. Two years will give us enough time to solidify our position and secure our interests."

I felt a surge of frustration. He was being unreasonable. But I knew I had to negotiate. I couldn't let him dictate the terms of our contract.

"Tell you what," I said, trying to sound conciliatory. "I can offer you a one-year contract with a renewable option for a second year. That way, we both have flexibility."

Alexander's expression remained skeptical. "I need a guarantee," he said. "Two years upfront."

I shook my head. "I'm afraid that's not possible," I said firmly.

The tension between us grew, the air thick with unspoken words. We were at an impasse, each of us dug in our heels. The fate of our contract marriage hung in the balance.

The silence between us grew thicker, like a fog that refused to lift. I could feel the tension building, the air charged with unspoken words.

Alexander's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched in determination. "I'm not backing down," he said, his voice low and firm.

I met his gaze, my own eyes flashing with defiance. "Neither am I," I said, my voice equally firm.

The standoff continued, neither of us willing to yield. The clock on the wall ticked away, marking the passing of time.

Finally, Alexander spoke up, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Well, it seems we're at an impasse," he said.

I raised an eyebrow, my expression mirroring his. "Indeed we are," I said.

The silence that followed was oppressive, heavy with unspoken words. It was clear that neither of us was willing to back down.

And then, without warning, Alexander stood up, his eyes flashing with anger. "I think we're done here," he said, his voice cold and dismissive.

I felt a surge of anger, but I kept my cool, standing up to face him. "I think you're right," I said, my voice equally cold.

And with that, the meeting was over.

I walked into the office, still fuming from my meeting with Alexander. Royalty looked up from her desk, a concerned expression on her face.

"How did it go?" she asked, her voice gentle.

I dropped into the chair across from her desk, letting out a frustrated sigh. "He's handsome, I'll give him that," I said. "But he's also incredibly rude and stubborn."

Royalty's eyes widened in surprise. "What happened?" she asked.

I shook my head, still trying to process the meeting. "He refused to agree to a one-year contract," I said. "He wants two years, and he's not willing to budge."

Royalty's expression turned thoughtful. "That's not surprising," she said. "Alexander is known for being a shrewd businessman. He's not going to give up easily."

I sighed, feeling frustrated. "I know," I said. "But I'm not going to give up either. I need to find a way to convince him to agree to a one-year contract."

Royalty nodded, a determined look on her face. "Don't worry, Eliana," she said. "We'll figure out a way to make it work. We just need to think outside the box."

Royalty's eyes sparkled with excitement as she leaned forward. "I think it's time you called Xavier McKinney," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

I felt my heart skip a beat as I hesitated. Xavier McKinney, the celebrity I had a one-night stand with. The one who had a crush on me, but I had been avoiding him.

I liked him, I really did. But he was a public figure, and I didn't want to deal with the drama that came with dating a celebrity.

"What makes you think he'll help us?" I asked, trying to stall.

Royalty's smile grew wider. "Because he's been pining for you for months," she said. "And I think he'll do just about anything to get your attention."

I felt a flush rise to my cheeks as I looked away, trying to compose myself. I knew Royalty was right. Xavier had been trying to get in touch with me for months, but I had been avoiding him.

But now, it seemed like I had no choice. I had to call Xavier McKinney and ask for his help

I sighed, feeling a mix of emotions as I thought about calling Xavier McKinney. He was a celebrity, after all. A famous actor with a reputation for being charming and charismatic.

I couldn't help but wonder if he would even be interested in a contract marriage. He was a public figure, and his personal life was always under scrutiny. Would he really want to tie himself down to a contract marriage, even if it was just for a year?

And then there was the fact that he had a crush on me. I had been avoiding him for months, and I wasn't sure if he would even want to help me now.

But Royalty seemed to think that he would be willing to help, and I had to admit that I was curious. What would Xavier say when I called him? Would he agree to help me, or would he turn me down flat?

I took a deep breath and picked up my phone, my heart racing with anticipation as I dialed Xavier's number.