The CEO's Contract Wife has Triplets

Sophia pov If only I had known that entering that restaurant would change the course of my life. The glossy menu sparkled in front of me, but I didn't understand the options because the man in front of me preferred stainless steel utensils. Everything felt like a dream under the dimmed lights, and I could hear the steady chatter around me as well as the glass clinks in the space. This scene was presented through a pale glass screen. I was not supposed to be sitting next to him. Yet here I was. Lucas Hayes had an extraordinary presence in any room, giving the impression that he was in complete control. His dark hair, intense blue eyes, and tall stature gave him a magnetic appeal that seemed to see through me. This type of man can reduce anyone he looks at to a mere piece of dust. Lucas spoke in a slow, deep tone as he continued his assessment of me as he began to speak. His expression remained unchanged as he refused cordial greetings. I stowed my napkin while sitting in my seat; my fist clenched tightly around the folded linen. To keep my voice stable, I said, "Let's talk," while facing the man. Lucas rested his arms behind him and tapped the glass with his fingertips. The man seemed calm—too calm. His peaceful nature made it look like he had a lot of time and nothing urgent to attend to. His stare never left mine, a calculating glimmer in his eyes. He emphasized the fact that he knew that I was in debt. “I can help with that. But it’ll cost you.” The cruelty in his statements made me uncomfortable. It was true. The growing medical expenses, along with school bills for my brother and my hospital debt, dragged down my family until everything seemed suffocating. I could hardly breathe. I spoke barely audibly as I asked him since my body was feeling overwhelmed and my heart was pounding fast. He moved closer while joining his fingers. “A marriage contract. One year. Through this agreement, you work for twelve months while your family enjoys financial stability from the contract. I looked at him, attempting to understand his statement. "A marriage ?" I spoke in a doubtful tone. Lucas' answer was accompanied by a grin. Our marriage will stay professional during its one-year term. No feelings. No attachments. You will spend a year with me, and at the end of it, I will clear both of your family's debts and ensure their security. He will pay me generously and settle my bills. I considered his proposition too absurd to comprehend. Marrying you provides me with a way out of my financial issues. The idea had little effect on Lucas's conduct, and he silently confirmed the proposed arrangement. "It is simple. "A mutually beneficial arrangement." In my mind, I heard my mother repeat her advice to carefully evaluate my choices and help my family. Lucas' proposal of marriage alleviated both my financial and emotional pain. The prospect of being his next purchase made me want to reject marriage with him altogether. "No emotions," I repeated. "Is that your rule?" He answered strongly and without hesitation. To fool others, all we need to do is preserve our married image. As my wife, you will wear the ring at my side as I deal with your troubles. Simple as that." The words were tempting. Receiving that news provided me with so much comfort. All of my financial concerns will be alleviated once I sign the deal with him. The arrangement retained its attractiveness, but I recognized its concealed condition. What benefits will you get from this agreement? I inquired, my voice calm now. Lucas's delight was evident as he lifted the corners of his lips. "The same as you do. A solution for our difficulties. My professional position will effectively disguise your public profile. "The ideal wife on paper." When he stated it, my heart started to resist. "I'm not something to display," I blurted out before I could stop myself. Lucas did not flinch. He drew closer, his piercing eyes fixed on me. "You're not. But you are a tool, a means to an objective. You will receive appropriate compensation for your work. A tool. His description took my breath away and pushed me back into my chair. I kept my fists pressed on the tabletop. They exchanged property, not weddings, here. And I was the commodity. The words barely left my lips, but deep down, I knew I couldn't reject this offer. I agreed with family survival, not for selfish gain. Lucas responded with uncertain feelings but remained silent about it. Take your time. But understand this, Sophia. My offer will only benefit individuals with great qualifications. If this offer does not work for you, I will choose someone else. If you do not agree to this bargain, you will have to start over. I had no delusions. I realized I was cornered. Despite my internal anguish, I said, "I will accept" outright. He grinned with satisfaction at that point. "Good. He will draft the deal paperwork right now. As he finished speaking, I realized this was his final offer. We moved to the next table to work on the confidential document together. The paper was straightforward in structure and contained only the necessary details. He placed the document in front of me, not taking his gaze away from us. "One year," he said. "That's the only condition." I gripped the pen, letting its chilly touch brush over my fingertips. As I evaluated all of my concerns, none of them would be addressed until it was too late. But I had no option. I looked up to him. "And after a year?" Despite his softened demeanor, Lucas maintained his composure. "You will walk away. You will have enough money to live comfortably throughout your life. It was a dream, a fantasy. To have lifetime financial protection, I must endure twelve months of being a trophy wife. My signature showed nervousness as I signed my full name on the document. Lucas placed the black card on the table in front of me and said, "Your family is now safe. You have just become my property. I had a strong reaction when he said those words to me. However, there was no going back. Walking out of the restaurant sent a sensual wind through my clothes, but the real shivers came from a deeper emotion. I felt a permanent mark settle on us at that point. Though we hadn't officially entered this life, I had already fulfilled its purpose. Lucas reached around my waist with his arm before I replied. His unwelcome kiss made me freeze until he pressed his lips firmly against mine. The unexpected camera flashes startled me. This wasn't simply a kiss. It was a show-off. Lucas delivered a staged performance for photographers who tracked us at the restaurant. His right hand slid to the base of my spine and he brought me firmly against his frame for an intense kiss. Every photo lens that focused on us burned like fire against my flesh. Lucas showed no reaction when he stopped kissing me, yet my breathing would not steady itself. His facial expression remained blank as if no one could understand what he felt. “I had to make it look real." With his words, his voice turned into the frigid tone of ice. “No one can know the truth.” I nodded, my head racing. What the agreement indicated goes beyond the simple essence of a business contract. The situation transformed from a contract into a trapped situation for me. Lonely in my apartment, I faced the contract that night when all television cameras had disappeared, and the business deal was finalized. My decision to sign with Lucas Hayes turned out to be a total surrender of my existence. But what else could I do? What other alternative did I have? I kept flipping the pages of the contract while reading every line in the harsh fine print to grasp what I had just agreed. The black card lying on the table utilized its shape to humiliate my great need for money. This appeared to be my last option for survival. After this choice, I wondered if I had committed the worst mistake of my life.