Married To The Billionaire Devil

"You can’t do this Eliana. It just doesn’t make sense." "Sarah, that’s the only way out. My mom is dying!" Eliana shouted at her roommate. "You need to calm down early and think this through." Sarah said, trying to calm Eliana down. "I went to visit her today," She sniffs. "And... And she is..." Eliana looked up to avoid the tears from dropping, "She used to be full of energy; you know. But she’s just there." She sniffs again, avoiding the cattarh from sliding down. "Eliana, it’s okay," Sarah said, comforting her. "I just don’t want you to make the wrong decision. The law exam is in the next two months," She wiped Eliana’s tears. "hope it won’t affect." "It can’t. I’ll make sure it doesn’t." The more Eliana thinks about it, the more she’s assured that’s the best decision for her. In fact, it feels like the opportunity was delayed for her up to this point. What could she need than having her mom’s surgery taken care of and also being paid $200 million? That’s enough to set her up for a lifetime. All for a year’s contract. A contract marriage. But what she doesn’t know is with whom. She only got to know about the opportunity when a young female lawyer was telling her friend. "A top client of mine needs a lady to get married to for a year," the lawyer said. "Another contract marriage?" the lawyer friend asked, sipping her iced drink. "Yeah, but this time, more professional," the lawyer replied. "What’s the catch?" "$200 million" the lawyer said, almost in whispers. The glass cup fell off Eliana’s hand from shock. She’s working part time as a bartender in the cafe. “I hope you aren’t injured,” the lawyer said to Eliana as he picked up the shattered glass from the floor. "I think she might be interested. You just found your girl," the lawyer’s friend said, still sipping her drink while gaze fixated on Eliana. Eliana explained to the lawyer how she needs to take care of her sick mother first and fast that day. The hospital had made their rules clear. Surgery needs to be done in the next 24 hours. Pay in full or sign the release form. She will not sign the release form. It’s already 4 hours in. "Let me speak with my client first and I’ll get back to you." Presently, it’s 10 hours in, since she explained to her roommate. She’s hoping the lawyer calls. She has been pacing the room, phone clung to her chest like a precious baby. Then it vibrates. She took in a deep breath as she saw the name on the screen. It’s lawyer. "He's in." "Oh my God!" Eliana screamed, jumping up. "I’ll send the contract to you," the lawyer continued. "You print it out and sign it. I’ll send the address to you. You can go meet him in person now." "Thank you, thank you so much," Eliana said both in tears and smiles. "You are welcome. Go through the contract. It’s just 10 pages. Please do not mess this up for me, okay?" "I promise I won’t." "If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to me." The lawyer ended the call. Eliana has less than 12 hours left to save her mother’s life. So she needs to act fast. She signed the contract and headed to the address. The rain fell like punishment from heaven as Eliana stood outside the tall building of Wood Tech Industries. Soaked to the bone, her clothes clung to her like a second skin, giving her no protection from the chills that are seeping into her bones. And in her shaking hands is the contract. The 10 pages that’s about to change her life. But what choice does she have? The receptionist didn’t even hide the disgust in her eyes as Eliana entered the building lobby with her water dripping clothes. "What’s your name?" The receptionist asked. "Eliana Reyes." Eliana replied. The receptionist scanned through the huge ledger in front of her. "Mr. Blackwood has been expecting you. Come along." The receptionist told her. But that name sounds awkwardly familiar to Eliana, even the building. But she dismisses it. They probably treated it in one of her law classes. Her heels echoed through the building like gunshots, with each step taking her to the brink of the life she had ever known. The elevator door slipped open, revealing the golden design that looks more like a coffin. She stepped inside and let out a breath, holding the contract firmly to her chest. The receptionist had gone back to her seat. 8 more hours to save her mom. 20 seconds left to the top floor. 20 seconds left to sell her freedom. Silence greeted her as the elevator door departed. The penthouse office is cold and impersonal, just like the man who owns it. Floor to ceiling windows revealing a city drowning in grey clouds. And in the center of this breathtaking view stood Cassian Blackwood. The renowned devil himself. He didn’t look up, maybe not at first. Eliana’s heartbeat roared in her ears. Her fingers tightened around the contract till her knuckles turned white. She is face to face with the devil. Then his eyes met with hers, still grey and emotionless. "You are late," he said, his voice smooth and broad. "I already signed the contract," she replied, using every ounce of energy in her to steady her voice. She stretched the contract to him. Finally, he moved, walking towards her like a predator, looking at him up close. He looked familiar. She had only seen him in papers, but standing face to face with him, he is more dangerous and sneering than what she had heard. Cassian collected the contract from her, not breaking their eye contact. "You read the terms?" "I did." "Read them to me." She blinked. "Sorry?" "To survive here, you have to obey my rules, and that starts now. Read the contract." Eliana’s throat tightened, but she forced the words out. "No affection, no interference with your work. I live solely in your house. I must attend events when I’m asked to. I keep my mouth shut about everything I see and hear. " "And?" "No touching without permission, no falling in love." His smile was wicked. "Smart girl," he turned, signing the last page of the contract. The sound of the pen scratching against the paper felt like a blade searing her skin. The deal has been sealed. "You’re moving tonight," he said, not even sparing her a look. "Concerning your mother’s surgery, it has been settled." "Thank you," she whispered with tears sitting on her eyelids. He looked at her, then narrowed his eyes. "Don’t thank me. You’ll work for every penny." She straightened her spine, cleaned her face. "I’m not scared of that." "But you should be," he said, moving closer. He stopped a few inches from her, his cologne cycling around her. Expensive and intoxicating. "Do you know what they call me, Eliana," he asked, raising his brows. She didn’t answer, her stomach churned. "They call me the devil of Woodtech, because I do whatever it is to get my goals, and I bury secrets deeper than graves," he leaned in, his breath brushing her ear. He whispered, "You’re my investment now, and I must get my money’s worth." Her pulse skittered, not from affection, at least that’s what she told herself, but from the weight of his presence, the raw power he wore like a second skin. He stepped back and pressed a button. The doors of the elevator opened behind her. "Your driver is waiting. Don’t be late again." Eliana turned, fist clenched by her sides. "One more thing," Cassian turned. "If I’m going to be your wife, then learn to treat me as such." He let out a dark laugh. "Oh, please, Eliana, that’ll be tough for you." As the elevator door closed, she exhaled. Step one, marry the devil. Moving to step two, make him burn from inside.