In Aultman Hosp. v. Cmty. Mut. Ins. Co., 46 Ohio St. 3d 51, 544 N.E.2d 920, 923 (Ohio 1989), the Ohio Supreme Court explained: In construing any written instrument, the primary and paramount objective is to ascertain the intent of the parties. The general rule is that contracts should be construed so as to give effect to the intention of the parties. . . Where the parties, following negotiations, make mutual promises which thereafter are integrated into an unambiguous written contract, duly signed by them, courts will give effect to the parties' expressed intentions.