A Contract written in Blood

“At last, you’ve finally arrived, Vania. I never imagined I’d be spending the night with you,” Leonard said in a low voice, his breath brushing against her neck as he wrapped his arms around her from behind.

Vania’s body stiffened instantly. The files in her hands nearly slipped, and several sheets of paper slid onto the cold marble floor. She could feel his chest pressed against her back, warm and firm, making her heart pound uncontrollably. The sharp scent of Leonard’s cologne filled her senses, making the situation feel even more suffocating.

“Let go of me!” Vania struggled to free herself, her voice trembling with anger and shock.

She managed to shove Leonard away and quickly turned around. Her gaze was sharp, though fear still flickered within her eyes.

“What are you doing, Leon? I came here only to deliver Devan’s documents. I never intended to spend the night with you.”

Leon chuckled softly, the sound echoing through the spacious, empty office. The crystal chandeliers above reflected a yellowish glow, casting darker shadows across his face.

He took a casual step toward Vania, who instinctively stepped back. His expression had changed—no longer that of a friendly fiancé’s best friend, but of someone who believed he had a claim over her.

“Really?” he said lightly. “Don’t you know that your lover has already sold you to me? One trillion rupiah. That’s the price he set to save his company.”

The words struck Vania like a bolt of lightning without warning. Her face turned pale. Her hands trembled as she clutched the brown folder, which now felt unbearably heavy, as if the weight of the world rested in it.

“That’s impossible…” she whispered, shaking her head slowly, refusing to believe the accusation. “Devan would never do that.”

For seven years—through dating and engagement—Vania had guarded herself wholeheartedly. She believed love was about loyalty and purity. She held herself back, resisting every temptation, for the one man she believed would one day become her husband. She built her future with Devan on patience and faith.

But now, Leonard’s words shook that foundation to its core.

“Stop lying, Leon!” she cried, her voice trembling between anger and fear. “I’m sure you’re just slandering Devan to destroy our relationship!”

Leon shook his head with a faint, amused smile. He slipped his hand into his suit pocket and pulled out his phone. Calmly, he tapped the screen and played a voice recording.

Devan’s voice sounded faint but unmistakably clear.

“…I don’t have any other choice. I need the funds as soon as possible. Just think of it as an investment. She won’t find out.”

Vania’s world seemed to stop spinning. Her breath caught in her throat. Her fingers loosened, and the folder fell to the floor, scattering important documents around her feet.

“Are you stupid or just naïve?” Leonard said mockingly as he turned off the recording. “The man you’re so proud of spends his nights with other women. And the most tragic part? He sold you to his own best friend.”

“Shut up, Leon!” Vania screamed, tears pooling in her eyes. “I don’t want to hear any more of your nonsense!”

She bent down, hurriedly gathering the scattered papers, as if by doing so she could piece her shattered life back together. But her hands were shaking too badly.

Leon stepped closer. His shoes stopped right in front of Vania, who slowly stood again, forcing herself upright even though her knees felt weak.

“If you don’t want to entertain me tonight, that’s fine,” he said casually, as though discussing an ordinary business contract. “Just return the one trillion rupiah that’s already been paid. We’ll consider the deal canceled.”

“Deal?” Vania lifted her face, tears streaming down her cheeks. “I never agreed to any deal!”

“That’s not my concern,” Leonard replied coldly. “Your name is listed in the agreement. Devan signed it. You are the collateral.”