The Billionaire's contract bride

Chapter 1: The Offer Elena Carter didn’t belong in places like this. Marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and people who drank champagne like it was water—this was a different world. A world that didn’t care that her rent was overdue, her bank account was gasping, or that she was one signature away from losing the only fashion studio she’d ever owned. She was here for one reason: to beg. Her heels clicked nervously as she stepped into the private lounge of Wolfe International. The man she was meeting—Jaxon Wolfe, billionaire CEO, venture capitalist, and heartless businessman—was known for one thing: never giving second chances. Yet, here she was, hoping for one. The double doors opened, and there he was. Tall. Sharp. Devastating. Jaxon Wolfe sat behind a sleek glass desk, his dark eyes lifting lazily to meet hers. A slow smirk curved his lips, and something flickered in his gaze—something unreadable. “You’re late,” he said. “I—traffic—” she fumbled, suddenly forgetting every practiced word. He rose, walking toward her like a panther—smooth, lethal. “You’re here because you want something from me, Miss Carter.” She swallowed. “A loan. Or an investor. I just need a few months to get the studio back—” “No,” he said flatly. Her heart dropped. “But,” he added, walking a slow circle around her, “I may have a different offer.” She turned, confused. “What kind of offer?” He leaned in close, his voice silk and steel. “Marry me. For one year. Publicly, perfectly. In exchange, I’ll pay off your debt and fund your business. But you’ll belong to me, Elena—in every way that matters.” Her breath hitched. “That’s not a relationship,” she whispered. “No,” he agreed. “It’s a contract.”