My Contract Husband Has Six Months To Live

Chapter 4

Sophia Sterling stood before the floor-to-ceiling mirror in her luxurious walk-in closet, turning slightly to admire her reflection from every angle. A satisfied smile curled on her lips.

She looked flawless. Her silky champagne-colored robe draped elegantly over her figure, while her perfectly styled chestnut hair framed her delicate features. There wasn't a single imperfection she could find.

"No wonder everyone says I'm beautiful," she murmured, tilting her chin proudly. Her thoughts drifted elsewhere.

To a certain man, Donald Hart. Ever since their blind date a few days ago, his handsome face refused to leave her mind. Although the date had ended with barely any conversation, his cold demeanor only made him more intriguing. Unlike the countless men who showered her with compliments, Donald barely acknowledged her existence.

And somehow...That made her want him even more. She walked toward the television in her bedroom, where a business interview featuring Donald was playing.

His deep voice echoed through the room as reporters praised his achievements. Sophia rested her chin on her palm, completely mesmerized. "So handsome..."

She imagined standing beside him at business galas. Walking hand in hand, becoming Mrs. Hart.

Even Betty Hart had welcomed her warmly during her previous visit, telling her to treat the Hart Mansion as her own home. Surely, that meant Betty approved of her.

Donald was simply too cold to express himself. He would come around eventually.

A loud knock interrupted her daydream.

"Sophia!"

Before she could respond, her assistant, Lora, rushed inside, breathing heavily.

"What is it?"

"I... I just saw Mr. Hart."

Sophia smiled immediately.

"Really? Where?"

"At the Civil Service Center."

Sophia's smile widened. "He must've been handling business."

Lora hesitated. "There was... a woman with him."

The smile on Sophia's face froze. "...What?"

"I saw them leave together." She muttered.

Sophia laughed lightly. "You're mistaken."

"I'm certain it was him."

"No." Sophia shook her head confidently. "Betty likes me. She even invited me to visit whenever I wanted."

Lora remained silent.

"Donald may be difficult, but he's not married." She grabbed her handbag. "There's only one way to prove you're wrong. I will visit the Hart Mansion myself "

****

The Hart Mansion radiated warmth unlike any ordinary gathering. Laughter echoed throughout the spacious living room as family members chatted over afternoon tea.

Standing beside Donald, Rita felt almost overwhelmed. Emma had transformed her appearance entirely.

She wore an elegant ivory midi dress with a fitted waist, delicate pearl buttons, and soft chiffon sleeves that gave her a graceful yet refined look. Her long black hair had been styled into loose waves with the front sections pinned neatly behind her head, revealing a pair of pearl earrings Emma had chosen for her. She barely recognized herself.

Donald leaned slightly toward her. "Nervous?"

"A little."

"You will be fine."

During the drive over, Donald had patiently explained everything she needed to know. His parents. His uncle. His cousin. His likes and dislikes.

How long they had supposedly been dating. Even small habits they could mention if anyone became suspicious.

Within an hour, Rita had memorized everything. Now... She simply had to act.

As soon as they entered the living room, Betty's face lit up. "You actually brought her!"

She hurried over and pulled Rita into a warm embrace.

"So this is the young woman who stole my son's heart."

Rita smiled shyly. "It's nice to meet you, Mrs. Hart."

"No more Mrs. Hart." Betty frowned jokingly.

Betty laughed.

"Call me Mother."

Rita blinked. "...Mother."

Betty beamed happily.

Raymond Hart rose from his seat and offered Rita a welcoming smile. "So you're the woman who finally convinced Donald to settle down."

"It's a pleasure meeting you, sir." She said with a smile. Deep down in her, the smile wasn't real, but this was the best she could do to save herself and her family. She needs to act very well as if her life depends on it.

Donald smiled. "My Dad." He introduced his father to Rita.

Nearby stood Richard Hart, Donald's uncle, along with his elegant wife and their cheerful son, Lucas.

Lucas immediately walked over and gave Donald a playful punch on the shoulder. "You really hid a wife from me?"

Donald remained expressionless. "You talk too much." He teased him.

Lucas laughed loudly.

Richard's wife warmly held Rita's hands. "You're absolutely beautiful."

"I agree," Betty added proudly.

For the first time in years, Rita experienced what genuine family warmth felt like. No shouting, no fear. Only smiles.

They later sat around the table as the maid served them different meals. Everyone was surprised and kept admiring Rita nonstop; it's shocking that a cold son finally got married. However, Rita couldn't stop admiring the different meals on the table; it's something different from her world entirely. She is so used to the one meal routine and leftovers, but the case is different here. Deep down, she wants to taste almost all the delicacies, but she needs to compose herself. After all, she is amidst the billionaire class.

While eating, Donald's uncle studied Rita thoughtfully. "So, Rita..." He smiled kindly. "What does your family do?"

Before Rita could answer...

"Uncle." Donald's calm voice interrupted. "Are you trying to run a background check on my wife?" Adding a funny, shocking expression, "Even in my presence?"

Richard raised both hands. "I was only making conversation." They both laughed together.

Donald gently placed his hand around Rita's waist. "But let's not make her uncomfortable."

Richard chuckled. "Fair enough."

The atmosphere quickly became lively again.

Rita stared at Donald for several moments; he seemed different entirely with his family. Even though his cold aura was still lingering in the air, he still made his blunt response sound like a joke.

Soon afterward, Lucas hooked an arm around Donald's shoulder. "Come on." "We haven't talked properly in months, as you are busy building a snow empire," Lucas teased, referring to his cold attitude.

Donald glanced at Rita. "I will be back."

She nodded.

Lucas led him toward the balcony.

At nearly the same time, Raymond and Richard excused themselves to continue discussing company matters in the study.

Richard's wife also left to supervise preparations with the household staff.

Before long... Only Betty and Rita remained in the sitting area. At that moment, Rita's heartbeat increased.

Betty gently reached for Rita's hand. "My dear..." She smiled warmly. "I honestly can't thank you enough."

Rita looked confused. "For what?"

"For loving my son." Her eyes softened. "I know Donald isn't the easiest person to understand."

Rita smiled naturally. "I will admit..." She laughed softly. "I was a little scared of him when we first met."

Betty couldn't help laughing. "Most people are."

"But..." Rita continued. "After I got to know him, I realized he's actually a kind person. He simply doesn't show it."

Betty's eyes became slightly moist. "I'm so relieved."

Rita lowered her gaze; she was trying to cook up more lies as soon as possible. "The way we met was... complicated." She chuckled. "I also knew he had gone on a blind date."

Betty sighed deeply. "That was my fault."

She gently squeezed Rita's hand. "I pushed him into it."

"If I knew the two of you were already together, I never would've arranged it."

"It's alright."

Just then, "Mrs Hart!"

A sweet voice echoed through the mansion. Sophia Sterling walked elegantly into the living room carrying an expensive gift bag. Her bright smile immediately landed on Betty.

She rushed forward and hugged her affectionately. "I missed you."

Betty smiled happily. "Sophia! When did you arrive?"

"Just now."

Only then did Betty remember.

"Oh!"

She turned toward Rita. "Sophia, let me introduce you."

"This is Rita, my daughter-in-law. She is Donald's wife."

Sophia's smile stiffened.

For a brief moment, her expression completely froze.

Before she could react, Richard's wife called from the dining area. "Aunt! We need your help."

"I will be right there." Betty smiled apologetically. "You girls talk; I will be right back. Enjoy yourself." She walked away.

Silence filled the room.

Sophia slowly turned toward Rita. The warmth on her face disappeared instantly.

"So..." She folded her arms. "You're Donald's wife?"

Rita nodded politely. "Yes."

Sophia let out a mocking laugh. "Who exactly do you think you are?" She sneered. "What makes you think someone like you deserves to marry Donald?"

Rita remained calm. "I never said I deserved him."

Sophia scoffed. "At least you know your place."

Rita smiled gently. "But somehow..."

She met Sophia's eyes confidently.

"I still managed to captivate his heart."

Sophia's expression darkened. "You think wearing an expensive dress makes you Mrs. Hart?"

Rita's smile never faded. "I don't need to convince you. I have our marriage certificate already ." Rita took a close look in a pretense. "You must be part of those bean weevils interested in my husband, right?"

Sophia clenched her fists. "You will regret saying this to me!"

Rita rose gracefully from her seat. "But for now, I am Mrs. Hart."

She turned to leave.

"How dare you walk out on me!" Unable to control herself any longer, Sophia grabbed Rita's wrist.

Rita suddenly stopped. The room spun, her vision blurred. A strange ringing filled her ears; Rita's body went limp. She collapsed onto the polished marble floor.

Footsteps thundered through the hallway.

Donald rushed into the room, his face turning deathly cold the moment he saw Rita lying unconscious on the floor...

His eyes flashed with terrifying fury the moment he turned to Sophia.

"What did you do to her?”