Bride for Hire: A CEO’s Secret Contract

Kiara tightened her grip on the edge of her faded shawl as she stood awkwardly in front of the tall, glass office building that screamed money and power. This wasn't her world — it was his. Clean, cold, and full of people who wouldn’t last a day in her kampung. But today, she needed to be brave. She stepped through the doors, her footsteps echoing against the marble floor. Her heart pounded. The receptionist didn’t even look up. “Miss Kiara?” a voice called. A woman in a black skirt suit gestured toward the lift. “He’s waiting.” He. Aiden Laurent. The name alone sent a shiver through her. Not because he was dangerous — but because he was everything she wasn’t: rich, ruthless, and untouchable. --- The office on the top floor was colder than she'd imagined. White walls, silver shelves, glass table. No warmth. No smile. And there he was — sitting behind the desk, dark hair neatly styled, sleeves rolled to his elbows, jaw sharp enough to cut glass. Aiden didn’t stand up. He didn’t even greet her. He just looked at her with those unreadable grey eyes and said, “Sit.” She obeyed, silently. “I don’t have time for small talk,” he began. “You know why you’re here.” Kiara swallowed. “Yes. You need a fake wife.” Aiden nodded once. “Three months. You play the part, keep your mouth shut, and act like we’re madly in love. After that, we go our separate ways.” She hesitated. “Why me?” His eyes flicked up. “Because you’re... forgettable. Simple. No one would suspect a girl like you to be involved in a deal like this. That’s exactly what I need.” Kiara clenched her fists under the table. She hated how he said it, but she couldn’t deny the truth. She was simple. And she did need the money. “For the record,” Aiden added coolly, “I don’t believe in love. So don’t expect a fairytale.” “Good,” Kiara said quietly, meeting his eyes. “Because I’m not here to fall in love either.” There was a flicker of surprise on his face — just for a second — before it vanished. --- He pushed a file across the table. “Read. Sign. Walk away if you’re not ready.” Kiara opened the folder. A thick contract. Cold, clean terms. Duration: 3 months Public appearances: 2 per week minimum No intimacy Payment: RM100,000 Confidentiality: Strict She didn’t need time. Her father’s hospital bills were piling up. The farm was nearly gone. She needed this more than her pride. With a deep breath, she picked up the pen. --- “You’ll move in tomorrow,” Aiden said as soon as her signature hit the page. “No contact with your family unless I approve it.” Kiara’s eyes widened. “What? Why?” “I don’t want them getting curious,” he said, standing. “This marriage is business. Not family drama.” She stood too. “They think I’m getting married for real, you know.” “That’s the point,” he said flatly. “Everyone needs to believe it.” He walked to the window, looking out over the city like a king on his throne. She followed slowly, her voice softer this time. “What happens after three months?” Aiden turned, his face expressionless. “We pretend none of this ever happened.” --- But deep in her heart, Kiara knew one thing — nothing about this was going to be easy. And maybe, just maybe… it wouldn’t go according to plan at all.