THE CEO'S CONTRACT WIFE

Chapter 2:THREE RULE

The door clicked shut, sealing out the noise of the rain and the city. Inside the limousine, the silence was deafening. The air smelled of expensive leather and a faint, woodsy cologne that Elena realized belonged to the man sitting across from her.

She sat on the edge of the plush seat, dripping water onto the pristine floor mat. She felt small, dirty, and completely out of her depth.

Julian Thorne didn't seem to notice—or perhaps he just didn't care. He pressed a button on the intercom. "To the office, Marcus. We have papers to sign."

"Yes, sir," the driver replied.

Julian turned his attention to Elena. He reached into a briefcase next to him and pulled out a thick document bound in a blue folder. He slid it across the leather seat toward her.

"The contract," he stated. "Read it."

Elena’s hands trembled as she picked it up. "Right now?"

"We have twenty minutes before we reach my legal team. That should be enough time for you to understand what you are selling."

Elena opened the folder. The legal jargon was dense, but the numbers jumped out at her. Five million dollars upon the dissolution of the marriage. Full medical coverage for Tobias Rossi immediately upon signing.

Her heart hammered against her ribs. This money could save Toby. It could buy him a new kidney, the best doctors, a clean house where he wouldn't get infections. It was freedom.

"Why me?" she asked, looking up at him. "You could have any woman in New York. Models, heiresses... why pick a waitress who just got fired?"

Julian adjusted his cufflinks, his expression unreadable. "Because heiresses talk. Models want fame. I need someone who needs me. Desperation makes people loyal, Elena. You won't betray me because you can't afford to."

His cold logic stung, but she couldn't argue with it. He was right. She was trapped.

"There are conditions," Julian said, his voice dropping an octave. "Three rules that you must never break if you want that money."

Elena gripped the folder tighter. "What are they?"

"Rule Number One," Julian said, holding up a finger. "This is a marriage on paper only. We will share a roof, but we will never share a bed. Do not expect affection, and do not attempt to seduce me."

Elena let out a short, incredulous laugh. "Don't worry. You're not my type."

Julian’s eyes narrowed slightly, but he continued. "Rule Number Two: Public perception is everything. In front of the cameras, my grandfather, and the board of directors, you are my devoted wife. You will smile, you will hold my hand, and you will play the part perfectly. If you slip up, the deal is void."

"I can act," Elena muttered. "I've been pretending to be okay for years."

"Rule Number Three," Julian said, his gaze hardening. "Complete fidelity. If you are seen with another man, or if a scandal arises because of your past, you get nothing. You belong to the Thorne name now."

You belong to the Thorne name. It sounded less like a marriage and more like a transfer of property.

"And what about my brother?" Elena asked, her voice fierce. "If I do all this... if I play your perfect little wife... do you promise he gets the surgery?"

Julian reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a gold fountain pen. He held it out to her.

"Sign the final page, and the hospital gets the transfer within the hour."

Elena looked at the pen, then at the man who was buying her future. She didn't hesitate. She thought of Toby’s smile. She took the pen, flipped to the last page, and signed her name in wet, shaky ink.

Elena Rossi.

She handed the folder back.

Julian checked the signature, nodded once, and closed the folder. "Good."

The car began to slow down. Through the tinted windows, Elena saw the towering glass skyscraper of Thorne Enterprises rising into the stormy sky.

"Wipe your face," Julian commanded, pulling a silk handkerchief from his pocket and handing it to her. "Stop shivering. You aren't a waitress anymore, Elena."

The car stopped, and the lock clicked open.

"Welcome to your new life, Mrs. Thorne."