Conveniently His; The President's Secret Wife

**Nicholas Mansion**

Nicholas lounged in the quiet comfort of his expansive living room, the lighting casting shadows on the modern decor. 

A glass of champagne rested in his hand, the bubbles rising lazily to the surface. 

He was lost in thought, replaying Mason's words during the day, when his phone buzzed on the coffee table. 

He glanced at the screen, and a smile formed on his lips when he saw the caller ID.

"Mom," he answered smoothly, bringing the phone to his ear.

"Darling," her warm voice greeted him. "How are you settling back in?"

"Well, I'm managing," Nicholas chuckled. 

"That's good... So tell me, how did the dinner go last night? Did anything unusual happen?"

Following his mom's questions, Nicholas took a slow sip of his champagne before responding. 

"The Harrington family is as predictable as ever," he said, his tone tinged with sarcasm. "Everyone's still scrambling to win Grandpa's favor, as if that's the only thing keeping them afloat."

"That's to be expected." His mother chuckled lightly. "They've always been like that. And what about Mason? I heard he's married now."

"Yes, he is," Nicholas confirmed, leaning back into the plush couch. 

"But there's something off about it. They're keeping it under wraps, which only makes me think there's more to the story of his secret marriage."

"Really? Just be careful around them, Nicholas," his mother warned, her tone growing serious. 

"Especially Mason. He's not as straightforward as he pretends to be. He acts indifferent, but he's far more calculating than most people give him credit for."

Nicholas chuckled, the sound low and confident. 

"You don't need to worry about me, Mom. I already found a way to deal with Mason. Besides, I'm not here to play nice. I'm back to claim what's mine, and not even Mason can stop me!"

"That's the spirit," his mother replied, pride evident in her voice. "Just remember, we've worked too hard for this. Don't let anyone derail our plans."

"They won't," Nicholas assured her. "Now that I'm back in the company, everything will go as planned. I'll make sure of it."

Suddenly, there was a pause on the line before his mother's voice softened slightly. 

"And Evelyn? Did she say anything when she saw you at the dinner?"

Nicholas's expression darkened at the mention of Evelyn. He set his champagne glass down and let out a humorless laugh. 

"No, she didn't say anything. But I could see it in her eyes...she's scheming, as always. She's been doing everything in her power to keep me out of the family, but she'll find out soon enough that I'm not the same Nicholas who left five years ago. I can handle her now."

"Just be careful," his mother cautioned. 

"Evelyn is dangerous when cornered. She's spent years solidifying Mason's position as the perfect heir. She won't let you disrupt that without a fight."

Nicholas smirked, his determination unwavering. 

"Let her try. The Harrington Tech Corporation will be ours soon enough, and there's nothing she can do to stop it anymore!"

"That's my son," his mother said proudly. "I trust you'll do whatever it takes."

"Of course," Nicholas replied. "This time, I'm taking back what's mine, no matter the cost."

"Good!"

They exchanged a few more words before ending the call. Nicholas set his phone down, and leaned back into the couch. 

"This time," he murmured to himself, "no one... not even Mason, Evelyn, or anyone else will stand in my way! That company is mine!"

***

Back at the Harrington Estate, the second phase, Mason let out a sharp, derisive scoff, his lips curling into a smug as he stared at Anastasia. 

"A divorce?" he repeated, his voice low and mocking. 

He then took a deliberate step closer, closing the distance between them. Anastasia instinctively took a step back but refused to break eye contact. 

Mason leaned in, his face so close that she could feel the warmth of his breath. His piercing gaze locked onto hers.

"You seem to have forgotten the contract you signed, Anastasia. Or... maybe you didn't bother reading all the clauses?" 

Anastasia's heart skipped a beat. Her resolve wavered, but she didn't let it show. She lifted her chin and held his gaze. 

"What are you talking about?" She demanded and Mason's smug deepened as he straightened up, towering over her. 

"Let me refresh your memory, then," he said coldly. "The contract clearly states that you cannot ask for a divorce until your family's debt is fully paid. Ten million dollars, Anastasia. Until every cent of that is repaid, you're mine!" 

Anastasia stumbled back a step as his words hit her like a blow, while she tried to recall the fine print of the contract. 

She remembered now...the clause she had skimmed over, thinking it wouldn't matter. But it mattered now. 

She clenched her fists, her chest tightening with frustration. 

Ten million dollars wasn't a small amount, and she knew her family couldn't pay it anytime soon. 

For Mason, that kind of money was pocket change. But for reasons she couldn't understand, he seemed determined to make them repay every penny.

"Stay away from George... And especially Nicholas!" Mason's voice, sharp and commanding, interrupted her thoughts.

His tone brooking no argument.

Anastasia's anger flared at his audacity, but before she could respond, Mason turned on his heel and strode away, leaving her standing alone in the living room. 

She stared at his retreating figure, her body trembling with rage. 

"Why is he acting so petty?" she muttered under her breath, rolling her eyes in disdain. 

As the sound of his footsteps finally faded, Anastasia took a deep breath to calm herself.

"Fine... If he wants to hold me to this contract, then so be it. I'll work hard, save every penny I earn, and pay off my family's debt. And when that day comes, Mason Harrington, I'll walk away from you for good!"

Her resolve hardened as she made the silent vow. 

She didn't know how long it would take, but one thing was certain; she wouldn't remain trapped forever with Mason.

Without another glance toward the living room, she turned and marched up the stairs to her room...