The Contract bride

Emily Carter’s tiny apartment seemed to grow smaller with every bill she unfolded. The hip on her kitchen table felt like a mountain, each envelope marked with red warnings: “FINAL NOTICE,” “DELINQUENT ACCOUNT,” “IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED.” She brushed her hand through her messy chestnut hair, glaring at the papers as though sheer willpower could erase them. “Emily?” Her sister Isabelle’s voice pulled her from her thoughts. Emily turned to see the eighteen year old lingering by the doorway, her face filled with worry. “You’ve been staring at those for hours. Did… did you figure something out?” Emily forced a smile. “Almost. Don’t worry, Izzy. I’ve got a plan.” Isabelle’s expression softened, but her eyes betrayed her doubt. “Mom’s been asking about the store again. She thinks Dad’s old clients will come back, but…” Isabelle trailed off, her voice heavy with the truth neither of them wanted to say. The Carter family business, once a thriving chain of specialty boutiques, was on the edge of collapse. Emily walked over and pulled her sister into a hug. “I’ll fix this,” she murmured. “You focus on your exams. You’ve got med school to think about.” Isabelle pulled back, her eyes searching Emily’s. “You can’t keep doing everything alone, Em.” Emily swallowed the lump in her throat. Alone was all she had. Later that night, Emily sat at her laptop, scrolling through possible loan options. The rejections piled up in her inbox, one after the other. She leaned back in her chair, exhaustion pressing down on her chest. Then her phone buzzed. It was a text from an old friend. If you’re really out of options, talk to Adrian Blackwood. He has the resources and the ruthlessness to help. Just… be careful. He doesn’t do charity. Emily’s heart sank. Adrian Blackwood was a name whispered in both admiration and fear. Billionaire CEO. Corporate shark. He didn’t just play the game,he owned the board. But the more she stared at the screen, the more her desperation outweighed her hesitation. The next morning, she made the call. Blackwood Enterprises towered over the city like a fortress, its glass facade reflecting the gray winter sky. Emily adjusted her coat and clutched her folder of documents tighter, steeling herself before stepping into the sleek lobby. “Miss Carter?” a crisp voice called. A neatly dressed secretary approached her, scanning her board. “Mr. Blackwood is ready for you.” Emily followed the woman into an elevator, her stomach twisting with nerves. When the doors opened, she stepped into a sprawling office that screamed wealth and power. Floor to ceiling windows overlooked the city skyline, and every piece of furniture looked like it cost more than her yearly salary. Adrian Blackwood sat behind a massive desk, his attention on a tablet. He didn’t look up as she approached, and the silence was uncomfortable. “Mr. Blackwood?” she called him. Finally, he raised his head, his piercing gray eyes locking onto hers. The air seemed to thicken under his gaze. “Miss Carter,” he said, his voice smooth but detached. “You’re here to discuss funding for your failing business.” Emily flinched but held her ground. “It’s not failing. It just needs—” “Capital. Connections. A miracle,” he interrupted, leaning back in his chair. She was shocked at his bluntness. “It needs someone to believe in it. My father built that company from nothing. It’s part of our family’s legacy.” Adrian tilted his head, studying her like a puzzle he was deciding whether to solve. “And why should I care about your legacy?” Her throat tightened. “Because it’s worth saving. We cater to a loyal niche market. With the right investment, I can turn it around and make it profitable again.” He didn’t look convinced. “Your father’s business is of the past, Miss Carter. The numbers don’t lie.” He gestured to the folder she’d placed on his desk. “But let’s say, hypothetically, I did invest. What’s in it for me?” Emily’s confidence faltered. She hadn’t expected to get this far. “A return on your investment, of course. And—” Adrian raised a hand, cutting her off. “Your proposal is boring” he said, his tone cold. “I don’t take risks on sentimental things.” Her stomach dropped. She clenched her fists, frustration filled her voice. “So that’s it? You won’t even consider it?” “No,” he said simply. She stood abruptly, grabbing her folder. “Thank you for your time, Mr. Blackwood.” As she turned to leave, his voice stopped her. “Unless…” Emily froze, her hand on the door handle. Slowly, she turned back to face him. Adrian’s gaze was steady, calculating. “There is one scenario in which I’d consider helping you.” She frowned. “What are you talking about?” He rose from his chair, buttoning his suit jacket as he approached her. “I need a wife.” Her jaw dropped. “What?” “A wife,” he repeated, as though it were the most logical thing in the world. “My grandfather’s will demands that I must be married to inherit the Blackwood estate and maintain my position as CEO. Time is running out, and I have no intention of pursuing a genuine relationship.” Emily blinked, trying to process his words. “And you think I’m the solution to your problem?” “You’re desperate, capable of following instructions, and unconnected enough not to complicate matters,” he said matter of factly. “In return, I’ll pay off your family’s debts and provide the capital your business needs.” Her hands clenched at her sides. “So you want to buy me.” “I’m offering a mutually beneficial arrangement,” he corrected, his tone sharp. “Six months of marriage. No emotions, no intimacy, and a clean separation when it’s over.” She shook her head, incredulous. “You’re insane.” “No,” he said, his eyes glinting. “I’m practical. And so are you, or you wouldn’t have come to me.” The ride back to her apartment felt like a blur. Adrian’s proposition echoed in her mind, a mix of rage and temptation. She thought of her mother, who was growing more fragile by the day. Of Isabelle, whose dreams of med school were slipping further out of reach. By the time she reached her front door, tears were burning in her eyes. She couldn’t do it. She couldn’t sell herself no matter how noble the reason. But that night, as she sat in her dimly lit kitchen, staring at the eviction notice taped to her refrigerator, the weight of her family’s situation crushed her decision. The next morning, Emily found herself back in Adrian’s office. She set her jaw, refusing to show any weakness. “I have conditions,” she said, her voice firm. His lips twitched in what might have been amusement. “I’m listening.” “No physical relationship. No public humiliation. And you keep your end of the deal no matter what.” “Agreed,” he said smoothly, extending a hand. Her fingers trembled as she shook his. “I want everything in writing.” “You’ll have it,” he assured her, summoning his lawyer. When the papers were finally placed before her, Emily hesitated, the pen hovering over the line. “This is your last chance to back out,” Adrian said, his tone almost mocking. She gritted her teeth and signed. The ink was barely dry when the door to Adrian’s office burst open. A stunning woman in a tailored designer dress stormed in, her heels clicking sharply against the floor. Her sharp features twisted into a sneer as she took in Emily. “So,” the woman said, her voice dripping with disdain. “This is the woman you’ve chosen? She won’t last a week.” Emily’s heart sank. She’d just stepped into a world far more dangerous than she’d imagined.