Contracted to the Ruthless Billionaire

Chapter 4: Rules of the Marriage

Emma sat silently as Adrian King placed a leather-bound folder on the table between them.

"Before you decide," he said calmly, "you need to understand exactly what this marriage means."

She folded her arms.

"I'm listening."

Adrian opened the folder.

"It contains the terms of our agreement."

Emma raised an eyebrow.

"You really made a contract."

"I don't make important decisions without one."

He slid the document across the table.

At the top, in bold letters, it read:

CONTRACTUAL MARRIAGE AGREEMENT

Emma took a slow breath and began reading.

Rule One: The marriage will last exactly one year.

Rule Two: They will appear as a real couple in public whenever required.

Rule Three: Neither party may reveal the true nature of the marriage.

Rule Four: Personal privacy must always be respected.

Rule Five: No dating or romantic relationships with anyone else during the contract.

Emma looked up.

"So you're serious."

"I always am."

She continued reading.

Rule Six: Emma would move into King's Manor immediately.

Rule Seven: Adrian would provide financial support, legal protection, and every resource needed to recover her stolen identity.

Rule Eight: If either party broke the agreement, the contract could be terminated.

Emma closed the folder.

"Why do I feel like there are rules you haven't written down?"

Adrian's expression softened for the first time.

"There is one."

"What is it?"

He met her eyes.

"Don't fall in love with me."

Emma couldn't help laughing.

"Trust me, Mr. King. That's the one rule I won't have trouble following."

For the first time that day, Adrian smiled.

It was brief.

Almost invisible.

But it was enough to make Emma wonder whether the ruthless billionaire was hiding someone very different behind the cold mask he showed the world.

Neither of them knew that someone was already watching the mansion from outside.

And before sunrise...

The first move against their marriage had already begun.