Chapter 4: The Contract Bride
1023 Words
The first rays of sunlight slipped through the hospital window, but Amara had not slept for even a minute.
She sat quietly beside Ethan's bed, watching the rise and fall of his chest.
Every breath he took reminded her of the decision she had made.
She reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair away from his forehead.
"I'll save you," she whispered.
"No matter what it costs."
Just then, a soft knock came from the door.
Dr. Richard Benson stepped inside with a small smile.
"Good morning, Miss Cole."
She stood immediately.
"Doctor... how is he?"
"His condition is stable for now, but we can't wait any longer."
Amara lowered her head.
"I understand."
The doctor looked at her for a moment before speaking again.
"Have you found a way to raise the money?"
She remained silent.
That silence was enough to answer the question.
"I'll figure something out," she finally said.
"I hope you do."
The doctor gave her a sympathetic look before leaving the room.
Amara looked at Ethan one last time.
She kissed his forehead gently.
"I'll be back soon."
As she stepped outside the hospital entrance, a shiny black Rolls-Royce was already waiting.
The same luxury car.
The same bodyguard.
He walked toward her and bowed slightly.
"Good morning, Miss Cole."
She wasn't surprised this time.
"Mr. Blackwood told me to bring you to him."
She took a deep breath.
"So... this is really happening."
The bodyguard opened the back door.
Without another word, Amara entered the car.
The journey was silent.
She watched the city pass by through the tinted window.
Small roadside shops slowly disappeared.
Tall buildings replaced them.
Soon, the car entered the richest part of the city.
Luxury mansions stood behind massive gates.
Fountains sparkled under the morning sun.
Finally, the Rolls-Royce stopped in front of a breathtaking estate.
The gates slowly opened.
Amara stared in disbelief.
The mansion looked more like a royal palace than someone's home.
"This is where he lives?" she whispered.
The bodyguard smiled politely.
"Welcome to Blackwood Manor."
Before she could respond, the front door opened.
Damien Blackwood stepped outside.
He wore a black suit as though he had just walked out of the cover of a business magazine.
His expression was as calm and unreadable as ever.
He walked toward her with slow, confident steps.
"You came."
Amara looked into his eyes.
"I didn't come because I wanted to."
"I know."
She looked away.
"I came because I don't have another choice."
For the first time...
A faint smile appeared on Damien's face.
"Honesty."
"I like that."
Amara folded her arms.
"Don't misunderstand me."
"I'm not here because I trust you."
"I'm here because my brother needs me."
Damien nodded once.
"Then let's save him."
Those four words caught her off guard.
For a brief moment...
She wondered if there was more to this man than the cold face he always showed.
Before she could ask another question, Damien turned toward the mansion.
"Come inside."
Amara followed him, unaware that once she crossed that doorway...
Her life would never be the same again.
Damien led Amara into the mansion.
The moment she stepped inside, she froze.
The living room was four times larger than the entire apartment she shared with Ethan. Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, expensive paintings decorated the walls, and the polished marble floor reflected every light in the room.
She suddenly felt out of place.
Everything around her screamed wealth.
A middle-aged woman dressed in a black uniform approached them.
"Welcome home, Mr. Blackwood."
Damien gave a slight nod.
"This is Mrs. Harris. She manages the house."
The woman smiled warmly at Amara.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Cole."
Amara returned the smile politely.
"It's nice to meet you too."
"Follow me."
Damien walked into his private office.
The room was quiet and neatly arranged. A large bookshelf covered one wall, while floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the city.
On the desk sat a familiar document.
The marriage contract.
Damien picked it up and placed it in front of Amara.
"You should read it carefully."
Amara looked at him in surprise.
"I thought you'd just ask me to sign it."
"If you sign without understanding it, you'll only regret it later."
His calm reply caught her off guard.
She pulled out a chair and began reading every page.
There were rules.
She would live in Blackwood Manor for one year.
She would appear beside Damien whenever necessary.
Neither of them would interfere in the other's private life.
At the end of the contract, they would quietly go their separate ways.
Amara looked up.
"And if I refuse now?"
Damien met her eyes.
"You'll walk out of this house."
"No threats?"
"No."
"No conditions?"
"I don't force people."
Silence filled the office.
Amara looked down at the contract again.
She thought about Ethan.
His smile.
His laughter.
His weak voice told her not to cry.
Slowly, she reached for the pen.
Her hand trembled.
"This is for you, Ethan," she whispered.
Then...
She signed her name.
Damien looked at the signature for a few seconds before signing his own.
The deal was complete.
He picked up his phone and dialed a number.
"This is Damien Blackwood."
"Transfer the full payment to St. Mary's Hospital immediately."
"I want the surgery approved before noon."
He ended the call without another word.
Amara stared at him in shock.
"That's it?"
He slipped the phone back into his pocket.
"I keep my promises."
Before she could thank him, another man rushed into the office.
He looked worried.
"Mr. Blackwood, we have a problem."
Damien frowned slightly.
"What is it?"
"The media somehow found out about the marriage."
Amara's eyes widened.
"What?"
The assistant swallowed nervously.
"There are already dozens of reporters outside the main gate."
Before anyone could react, loud camera flashes lit up the windows.
Voices echoed from outside.
"Mr. Blackwood!"
"Who is the woman with you?"
"Is she your secret fiancée?"
Amara's heartbeat quickened.
She had signed the contract less than five minutes ago...
And already, the whole city wanted to know who she was.
- Writer
