A contract for two An Ashwoods bride

At the center of the Remington's living room sat Talon Ashwood, calm, composed and utterly in control.

Across him sat Scarlet Remington, pen poised above the contract, while she read it with excitement in her eyes. Her glamorous ruby red dress clung to her like a second skin, her nails manicured to match. Her parents, the Remington's, Mr Alfred and his wife Dolores sat beside her with wide smiles. Their eyes, proud and eager.

This was it, the deal that would tie the Remington's to the Ashwood's. Both their families and stocks.

Two lawyers sat on each side representing the families and overseeing the documents. Talon tugged on his straight black tie impatiently. This contract was a mere formality, this marriage, a necessity.

His father had made that much clear, if he scored himself a wife before the stroke of midnight, then he would get the one thing he needed.

Scarlet twirled the pen gracefully between her fingers, a smirk on her face as her signature on the paper began to dry.

"I am done with my part" she announced, handing the pen over to Talon.

His gloved hand reached for the pen, and in the process his wrist bumped against the stack of papers on the table. A single sheet slipped, fluttering to the floor.

He followed the paper's descent, but when his gaze lifted again, it didn't return to Scarlet or the lawyer trying to pick the paper up.

It landed elsewhere.

Hanging on the wall above where the paper landed, was a portrait. Vintage-like and within a square frame.

His brows furrowed slightly and his dark eyes roamed over the unfamiliar face in the portrait.

His voice when he asked was calm, neutral, direct.

"Who is that?" He asked.

Scarlet gripped the table nervously, exchanging a glance with her mother who shifted in her seat uncomfortably.

"My other daughter," Mr Alfred responded before any words could be exchanged.

"You have another daughter?" Talon asked, the surprise obvious in his tone. He had done business with them for years and yet he didn't know. And besides, Scarlet's identity to the public was that of an only child.

Mrs Dolores cleared her throat, her fingers straightening the silk of her dress.

"Yes, Scarlet's twin sister. But she prefers not to be involved in social or official affairs. She is.....different"

Talon didn't look away from the portrait. His gaze was assessing and unreadable. Without hesitation, he spoke.

"Call her down"

Scarlet blinked caught off guard, Mr Alfred shifted forward in his seat.

"I assure you that she-"

"Call. Her. Down"

He wasn't asking them for their permission to request for her presence. And they understood.