"Five years, should suffice".

Damien Brick generously bestowed upon them a mansion in one of the most exclusive government reserved areas.

He noticed the joy in Ryan Scott's face, and he was happy too, that at least, he was begining to Calm down.

He had been so much on the edge, acting like he was in bondage, as though he was never going to gain anything from the signed deal. Though his choice was taken away from him, Damien still have a special likeness for him, and he was sure, deep down, that Ryan was going to give him what he really wants to see in his daughter.

As he watched on him, he realized that Maybe he doesn't know there are loads of benefits that comes with Marrying the princess of the Brick family. He clears his throat, got a bit close to him, close enough to be able to touch his shoulder.

"Do you like it? He asked the couple, looking at his daughter with a broad smile, but his daughter who was already seated, gave him a strange, angry look, and after she had gotten him to look at her, she hissed and looked away, as she brings out her phone, and start to plays loud music, without actually responding to her father.

In her mind, he should be asking the poor driver's son, who have not seen such luxury before, not her, she has seen and have owned wonderful things all her life.

Ryan ignores her attitude, and nodded his head, in response to Mr Damien Bric's question, for he have never, had to live in a place so big, spacious and knowing that it is all his.

"I knew you would like it". He says; And not wanting to waste so much time, he added "You will have to report at my office, first thing tomorrow morning so you resume work as soon as possible, you have to earn, you cannot be my son in-law, and not know how the business is run". Ryan was short of words. It wasn't really part of the contract, he didn't say he was going to get him involved in family business, even Alexander seems to be taken aback, and she stared angrily at her father.

This was supposed to be just about the marriage, why was he asking him to resume work, when she was going to resume work too? Is he trying to make her life unbearable? It is already too much, seeing him around her, now she will have to suffer his presence in the work place too? She shook her head, unable to understand it anymore, she walked away, while Damien was only made to watch. He had a smile on.

"She is coming back". He whispers.

It was time for him to leave, It is the home for the couple, he should leave, so they get to know eachother, but before that, he pulled Ryan aside for a private conversation.

"I understand this isn't your ideal situation, and you are being pressured into it, but I need to make one thing very clear: never harm my daughter", Damien said solemnly.

Ryan was taken aback. He had never considered himself capable of such violence. His expression alone conveyed his disbelief, promoting Damien to continue, with a smile.

"I know you are a good person. And you will never intentionally harm my daughter. I just want to see a positive change in my daughter. And I can already see it.

I know She can be very difficult to handle, but if you get to know her, you will understand, that she isn't that bad, but as soon as my daughter can come out of her shell and take her rightful place as my heir, you can both go your separate ways. She will also be at the office tomorrow, You can come together, I will send my driver to come get you both, but whatever you do, never let her out of your sight.

Five years, should suffice, I mean for this contract marriage, as stated in the contract you signed, to which everything given to you, during the course of this marriage, remains with you, and it's forever yours". After he was done talking, there was a long silence, and Ryan silently agreed, though he dreaded the wait.

Five years was a long time, for him to contend with Alexander. She seem too difficult to work with, and he really wants to help, because just as Mr Damien Brick have clearly stared, she isn't that bad, she is just trying to fight back.

As Damien left, Ryan found himself admiring the lavish surroundings of the house, realizing neither he nor his wife, had any say in it's design.

He romanced the furniture, as he gently sat down. This was a dream come true, for him. He had dreamt of owning a house, buying a car, and running a multi billion company. However, he sensed someone observing him, and turned to face her, expecting another confrontation. She stared disgustedly at him, but his smile was that of a man who was ready to oppress her the more.

"Hey honey", he greeted with a smile, getting up from the sofa, and reaching for her hands.

Surprised by his affectionate tone, she recoiled, expecting more hostility. After all, he had spoken angrily at her, Infront of aunt Meridian. She hissed and made to move, but He pulled her back gently, closing the distance between them, and caressing her shoulders, their eyes fixated on eachother's, feeling violated, she quickly pulled away, taking back her hands, her eyes, devoid of warmth. She slapped his chest, sending him far away from her.

"Don't ever touch me like that again", she snapped, retreating. Despite his urge to stop her, Ryan left her to go, allowing her space to cool off.

After she left, Ryan's heart sank.

He felt a pang of loneliness and frustration, knowing that the gap between them, was widening with each passing moment.

Despite his effort to bridge the emotional distance, it seemed futile.

He couldn't shake of the feeling of rejection. Wondering if they could ever find common ground.

As he stood there, grappling with his emotions, he couldn't help but question the future of their relationship and whether they would ever overcome their differences. And if Five years was ever going to happen.

He doesn't want her to love him, but he wants her to win, since that is what her father wants for her, which is not a bad thing, and so far, he had seen that her step mother, have an ulterior motive, a motive Damien Brick isn't aware of, so helping is what he should do.