Caught in the Ceo's web

Marriage contract

After the presentation was successfully done, everything was a success. The next day, the tension between us felt unbearable as Alex entered my office the next morning, his face was unreadable.

I was still shaken by what had transpired between us the previous night. The guilt, yet the pleasure. The wild desire, It was chaotic. A complex, thrilling chaos. And the guilt that i felt. It was eating me up slowly.

Daniel’s sweet texts still hung on my phone, each one a reminder of the boundary I had crossed. But Alex didn’t bring up what happened last night. Not directly, at least.

“We need to talk,” he said, his tone clipped. I sat up straight, attempting to disregard how my heart raced at his presence. “About what?” I asked “Come to my office,” he instructed, already moving to exit.

Reluctantly, I followed after him. As I walked in, the door clicked shut behind me, and Alex rested against his desk, arms folded. The room felt smaller, more suffocating, as his intensity filled every space.

“I’ve been thinking,” he started. “About last night?” I interrupted, my voice barely a whisper. His jaw clenched, and for a moment, he held back his response. Then, with a deliberate calm, he stated, “About the future. Specifically, the future of this company.”

I blinked, taken aback by the abrupt change in topic. “What does that have to do with me?” “A lot more than you realize, Sophia,” he said, his eyes locking onto mine. “Alex, if this concerns—It’s not about what happened last night,” he interjected, his tone sharp.

“At least not directly. This is about what comes next.” I frowned, confused. “You’re not making sense.” He pushed off the desk and began to walk, his usual calm fraying slightly. “Hayes Fashion is at a pivotal moment.

My family’s legacy is on the line, and I can’t make any wrong decisions that will tend to destroy everything. Investors are anxious, competitors are closing in, and every choice I make is being examined closely.”I crossed my arms, unsure of his direction.

“What does that have to do with me?” I asked. He stopped pacing and faced me, his expression unreadable. “Everything.” ”Silence lingered between us like a heavy mist before he finally continued.“

I need to firm up my position, Sophia,” he said, his voice low and steady. “And I need to do it quickly. The board and the media need to perceive stability and strength. A clear goal for the future.” I raised an eyebrow, still lost, and couldn't figure out what he was trying to say.

What the hell has his family's legacy got to do with me? I muttered to myself. “And how exactly do you intend to achieve that? I managed to ask him.” His gaze pierced mine, and for the first time, I detected something, a sign of weakness behind his usual armor.

“By getting married.” The words struck me like a blow. “What?” “You heard me,” he replied, his tone unwavering. I stared at him, my thoughts racing. “You’re kidding.” “I’m not.” “Alex,” I said, my voice escalating.

“Marriage? Are you serious? You don’t even know me for a month .“ “It’s not genuine,” he interrupted, his tone strong. “It’s an agreement. A business deal, a marriage contract. Nothing beyond that.” ”I shook my head, retreating as if the space could make this talk any less crazy.

“You’re genuinely asking me to marry you for... appearances? You want to use me like a pawn. Yes,” he replied directly. But not exactly as a pawn like you think. “It’s the only way to demonstrate to the world and the board that I’m dedicated to the future of this company.”

I laughed, but it sounded empty. “And you believe I’m the answer to that?” “You’re ideal,” he stated plainly. The air escaped my lungs.

“You need stability,” he cut me off, his voice calm but firm. “And I need someone who can help me maintain my position.”

I stared at him, stunned. “Why me?” Don't you have someone else to do this for you?

“You’re talented, ambitious, and…” His gaze flickered to my lips before he caught himself and looked away. “You’re someone I can trust not to sabotage me.”

I laughed, a bitter sound. “Trust? We’ve known each other for a week." And you're talking about trust.

“Alex...” He moved closer, his presence suffocating. “Consider it. You’re already involved in the company. You’ve shown you’re capable, someone I can rely on.” I scoffed. “Rely? Last night wasn’t exactly a brilliant display of trust.”

“Not just for my image,” he said, his voice lowering. “You’d benefit from this, too.”

My eyebrows shot up. “Oh, really? And how’s that?”

He stood and rounded the desk, stopping just a few feet from me. The air between us felt charged.

“I’m offering you financial stability,” he said. “You’d never have to worry about rent, bills, or loans again. You’d have access to opportunities you’ve only dreamed of. And when the contract ends, you’ll walk away with more than enough to start your own fashion line or whatever else you desire.”

His eyes bore into mine. “Including your so-called boyfriend.”

I sat in stunned silence, his words sinking in. It was absurd, outrageous, and completely unethical. But as much as I hated to admit it, his offer was tempting.

I thought about my bills piling up, the countless rejection letters from other companies, and my dream of starting my own fashion line. This could be the break I needed—a way to finally get ahead.

My breath hitched. He was right—this was an opportunity. But could I really trade my integrity for a contract marriage?

“What if I say no?” I asked, testing him.

“Then we go back to our professional relationship, and you continue working here,” he said evenly. “But I’d advise you to think carefully before making your decision.”

I don't think I'm ready for this. I said.

His jaw clenched. “Last night doesn’t alter the fact that you’re my best option.” I looked at him, searching for any sign he was joking, but his face was completely serious. “This is absurd,” I muttered, running a hand through my hair.

“It’s sensible,” he argued. “And temporary. We set the terms, sign the documents, and after a year, maybe even sooner, we separate.” “And what about my boyfriend? I have a partner, I questioned, my voice trembling. “What about the reality that I already have a boyfriend?”

Alex’s expression darkened. “Do you think your boyfriend would comprehend what it takes to thrive in this environment? To do what’s necessary, regardless of the consequences?” “That’s not just,” I retorted. “Life isn’t just,” he replied coldly.

I turned away, my thoughts racing. This wasn’t solely about Alex or the company. This was about me, what I was ready to sacrifice, and what boundaries I was willing to break. But before I could reply, Alex’s phone buzzed on his desk.

He glanced at the screen, his expression hardening. “What is it?” I asked. He hesitated, then replied, “My father. He’s insisting on a meeting. And believe me, Sophie, this won’t end well if I show up by myself.”

I froze, the gravity of his words sinking in. This was more than just a suggestion. It was a request. “Think about it,” he said, his tone now gentler. “But don’t take too long. I need a response within the week.”

But remember once the contract is signed, there's no going back. I exited his office feeling like I was standing at the brink of a cliff, with no option but to leap.