Chapter 1 A Deal With The Devil

(Ethan’s POV) Ethan Carter sat stiffly at the dinner table, arms crossed over his chest, his expression a storm of barely contained rage. The dimly lit dining room, with its worn-out wooden table and flickering overhead light, did little to soften the tension in the air. His father, William Carter, sat across from him, his expression grim, while Lisa, his younger sister, hovered between them, arms crossed as she anxiously watched the brewing storm. "You're joking, right?" Ethan finally spoke, his voice dripping with disbelief. "Because there is no damn way I'm marrying some spoiled princess just because you made bad business decisions." William exhaled heavily, rubbing his temples. "Ethan, listen to me…" "No, you listen!" Ethan snapped, slamming his hands onto the table, causing Lisa to flinch. "You expect me to marry some rich brat just to save a business that you ran into the ground? Are you even hearing yourself?" "It's not just about the business," William said tiredly, looking far older than his years. "It’s about survival. If we don’t take this deal, we lose everything. The Windsor family is powerful…" "And arrogant, and entitled, and think they can buy people like puppets," Ethan cut in coldly. Lisa cleared her throat, her gaze darting between them. "Ethan, I know this sounds terrible, but maybe just hear Dad out…" "Not you too, Lisa!" Ethan groaned. "You actually think I should sell my soul for a deal with the devil?" "I think you should at least consider it," Lisa said, sighing. "You’re always talking about how much you want to prove yourself, how you hate being seen as a nobody. Well, here’s your chance. Show them they can't control you, even if they think they can." Ethan scoffed, shaking his head. He knew Lisa meant well, but this was different. This was his life. "I won't be a pawn in their stupid game," he said firmly, standing up so abruptly that his chair nearly toppled over. "Find another way, Dad. Because I am not marrying Zara Windsor." Without waiting for a response, he grabbed his jacket and stormed out of the house. (Zara’s POV) Zara Windsor sat on a plush leather couch in the grand sitting room of the Windsor mansion, her manicured nails tapping impatiently against the glass coffee table. Her father, Leonard Windsor, sat across from her, looking as composed as ever, while her mother, stood by the window, arms folded. "Let me get this straight," Zara said slowly, her voice calm. "You want me to marry some... nobody? Some poor guy just because you think I need a husband?" Leonard sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "It’s not just about you, Zara. It’s about the family. The Carter business is struggling, but they still have valuable connections. If we bring Ethan Carter into our family, we gain control over them. It’s a smart move." "Smart for you," Zara shot back. "But what about me? You expect me to spend my life married to some peasant?" "Don’t be so dramatic," mother interjected, barely glancing at her daughter. "It’s a business arrangement. You don’t have to love him. You just have to tolerate him." Zara let out a bitter laugh. "Oh, that makes me feel so much better." Leonard’s patience was wearing thin. "You are not in a position to argue, Zara. Your reputation has made it impossible to find a suitor willing to marry you. This is the best option." Zara’s eyes flashed with fury. "I don’t need a suitor, and I sure as hell don’t need a husband!" "Then what do you need, Zara?" Leonard’s voice was damn low. "Because right now, all you are is a liability. It’s time you start acting like a Windsor and not some spoiled brat." Zara clenched her fists. She wanted to scream, throw something, but instead, she shot to her feet. "I need some air." Without waiting for their response, she grabbed her car keys and stormed out. (Ethan’s POV) Ethan walked down the quiet street, still fuming from the conversation with his father. He needed air, space, anything to clear his head. That’s when he heard it. The screeching of tires. He barely had time to react before a sleek black sports car swerved dangerously close, forcing him to jump back. The car skidded to a halt just inches away. "What the hell?!" Ethan shouted, slamming his fists against the hood of the car. The driver’s door flew open, and out stepped a woman, a ridiculously beautiful woman with long, dark hair and a smug expression. "Ugh, seriously?" she groaned, inspecting her car instead of looking at him. "Do you know how expensive this is? If I scratched my car because of you, I swear…." Ethan stared at her, dumbfounded. "Are you serious right now? You almost ran me over, and you’re worried about your damn car?" Zara finally turned to look at him, her eyes scanning him with a mixture of boredom and disdain. "Well, maybe you shouldn’t have been walking in the middle of the street like some lost stray." Ethan’s jaw clenched. "Maybe you shouldn’t drive like a psychopath." Zara smirked, crossing her arms. "Oh, please. What are you gonna do, sue me? Do you even have a lawyer?" Ethan let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. "Wow. You’re even worse than I thought." "And you are...?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. "Someone who’s glad he never has to see your entitled face again." "Likewise, peasant." With that, Zara flipped her hair, got back into her car, and sped off, leaving Ethan standing there, shaking his head in disbelief. (Third-Person POV) The next morning, the Carter family arrived at the Windsor mansion. The atmosphere was tense, William Carter, despite his nervousness, tried to appear composed, while Ethan walked beside him, looking like he’d rather be anywhere else. Lisa was the only one who seemed somewhat amused by the whole situation. Inside the lavish sitting room, the Windsors were already seated, waiting. Leonard Windsor sat at the head of the table, his expression unreadable, while Mrs Windsor sat beside him. And then there was Zara, looking irritated and bored. Ethan barely glanced at her, until he did. The moment their eyes met, the realization hit them at the same time. "You?!" they both shouted. Lisa’s eyes darted between them. "Wait... you two know each other?" Zara let out a bitter laugh. "Of course. This idiot nearly dented my car yesterday." "This lunatic nearly ran me over," Ethan countered. The room fell silent as the two glared at each other, completely ignoring the shocked expressions of their families. Leonard sighed, rubbing his temples. "Well, this is off to a fantastic start." William forced a strained smile. "Ethan, why don’t you and Zara have a private conversation before we proceed?" Ethan’s jaw clenched. "I don’t need to talk. I already know I don’t want to marry her." Zara scoffed. "Oh, don’t flatter yourself. If any thing, I should be the one refusing." Leonard shot his daughter a warning glare. "Enough. The contract is non-negotiable."