---Title: The contract brideGenre: Romance|Drama| Enemies to lovers| Forced marriage🔖 Synopsis:---📘 The Contract Bride – SynopsisRuby Hayes never imagined her life would become a bargaining chip in her manipulative stepmother’s twisted games. An ambitious, fiery fashion designer with a fearless streak and a broken heart, Ruby has spent years trying to prove herself in a world that constantly underestimated her.But when her wicked stepmother, Clarissa, forces her into a one-year contract marriage with Royal Kingsley — the ruthless CEO of a global luxury brand — Ruby's life spirals into a storm of secrets, cold stares, and dangerously close encounters.Royal is everything Ruby hates: arrogant, commanding, emotionally unavailable… and undeniably attractive. With his reputation to protect and family legacy on the line, Royal agrees to the contract — but on his terms. And feelings? They're absolutely off-limits.Between icy silence at the breakfast table and heated confrontations that leave them both breathless, Ruby finds herself caught in a dangerous tug-of-war — between her need for freedom and her heart’s betrayal.Their forced marriage is nothing short of a battlefield.But things get worse when Amber, Ruby’s seductive and spoiled stepsister, moves into the mansion and starts stirring trouble. Her goal? Seduce Royal. Make Ruby break. Take what was never hers. And Royal? He plays along, unknowingly fueling Ruby's hidden jealously.---*Vanessa Cortez* Vanessa is a high-profile fashion model and Royal’s ex-girlfriend — stunning, cunning, and dangerous in heels. She was once the face of *Kinsley Designs* and the woman who shattered Royal’s trust in love. Known for her manipulative charm and obsession with power, Vanessa walked away from Royal when he needed her most, only to return when she sees him getting close to someone else. She’s not just back to rekindle flames — she’s here to burn everything in her way, especially Ruby.But Ruby proves to her that she not one of those girls to messed with.---In public they pretend.At galas,they smile.In private? They clash--This isn't a typical love story, it's full of drama, jealously , betrayal and slow burning romance that hurts before it heals . if you love strong woman, cold Hearted billionaire and contract marriage....... you are here for the Ride...---{The Price of Silence}The satin invitation in Ruby’s hand trembled slightly as her stepmother’s voice echoed behind her.“You should be grateful, Ruby,” Clarissa hissed, her eyes cold and sharp like glass. “Most girls would die to marry a man like Royal Kingston.”Ruby turned slowly, the corners of her mouth tightening. “Most girls aren’t being sold like property.”Clarissa’s laugh was poison wrapped in velvet. “Sold? Please. You’re entering a contract. A business deal. You always wanted to be successful, didn’t you?”Ruby stared at her reflection in the tall, ornate mirror — a beautiful young woman with full red lips, stormy eyes, and confidence that once lit every room she walked into. Now, standing in Clarissa’s luxury hallway, she looked like a stranger in her own skin.“This isn’t about my success,” she snapped. “This is about you! getting a slice of Royal Kingston’s empire.”Clarissa stepped closer. “Watch your tone. Remember who helped you rise from nothing. I made you into something, Ruby. Without me, you'd still be sewing cheap dresses in the back of your father's dusty old shop.you own me big time and you have to pay me ".Ruby’s heart ached. Her late father would’ve never allowed this. But he was gone, and Clarissa had taken everything — including control of Ruby’s design label.“Just one year,” Clarissa said smoothly. “One year of pretending. Play the role. Be the pretty wife. Then you’ll get your freedom, your brand, your life back.”“And what if I say no?”and " What are going to do about it"?Clarissa’s smile didn’t reach her eyes. “Then I’ll bury you in lawsuits. Ruin your name. Make sure no one ever works with you again.”Silence fell like a thundercloud.Ruby clenched her fists, fire rising in her chest. She’d built her reputation from scratch, earned respect, and fought tooth and nail to succeed. She wasn’t about to let Clarissa destroy it all.“Fine,” she said coldly. “I will marry your billionaire puppet.”Clarissa beamed. “Good girl.”Just then, the massive double doors swung open — and there he stood.Royal Kingston,Six-foot-something of expensive sin. Dressed in a navy-blue tailored suit that fit like armor, his chiseled jaw clenched, eyes colder than ice. He didn’t offer a smile. Didn’t even nod. Just looked at Ruby like she was already a problem.“Let’s get this over with,” he said.Ruby raised her chin. “Trust me, I’m counting down the seconds.”Their eyes locked. The war had begun...........................................................................................................let it burn 🔥.......................---