THE BILLIONAIRE'S UNEXPECTED BRIDE

CHAPTER 3- THE CONTRACT

The contract was twenty-three pages long, and Amelia had read every single line twice. Separate bedrooms, no business interference, no public arguments, no romance. Their marriage would end after twelve months, and the money promised to her family would be released after the wedding. That last part was the only reason she agreed to do this. Her family company was drowning in debts, her family's creditors were breathing down their necks, and her father had gambled away almost everything they had. If this marriage could save her family, she would suffer through it. Amelia wondered what else she would have to sacrifice.

"You really thought of everything," Amelia said, looking at Adrian across the table. He looked more like a billionaire closing a business deal than a groom. "I don't like complications,"

he said. "I'm not a complication,"

Amelia shot back, her eyes narrowing. "You'll see,"

she said, irritated. She signed her name at the bottom of the page, and Adrian raised an eyebrow. "That's it?" "You said it was business,"

he signed his name underneath hers,

"And we'll see."

One week later, Amelia stepped out of a black luxury car in front of the Blackwood mansion as Adrian's new wife. Flashbulbs nearly blinded her as photographers swarmed around them. "Mr. Blackwood, who is your wife?" "Why did you hide your marriage?" Amelia forced a smile while Adrian put a hand on her back. "Smile,"

he whispered. She did, managing a tight-lipped smile. "Enjoying this?" "I hate it,"

Adrian said. "So do I."

Their smiles were enough for the cameras, but Amelia wondered how long the marriage would last.

The doors to the mansion closed, and the reporters were replaced by a quiet, cold hallway. Amelia let out a breath. "Thank goodness." As far as mansions went, this one was more chandelier and marble floors than home. Before she could get a word out, a woman came down the hallway. Eleanor Blackwood, Adrian's stepmother, paused when she saw Amelia and took in the wedding ring on her finger. "So you're the wife,"

Eleanor said. "Amelia,"

she said politely. "I know your name."

Amelia's smile faltered. "It's nice to meet you."

Eleanor gave her a thin smile. "We'll see about that." With that, she turned on her heel and walked away. "Your family is very welcoming."

Amelia muttered. "Don't take it personally."

Adrian sighed. "I'm not." "You are." Before Amelia could say anything else, a new voice joined the conversation. "Welcome home, brother."

Sebastian Blackwood came into view with a smug smile. Adrian's younger half-brother studied Amelia. "My brother has great taste."

Adrian's jaw tightened. "Don't," "Sebastian!" he snapped. “Relax. I’m being friendly.” Sebastian turned to Amelia. "Welcome to the family." "Thank you."

His smile widened. "You're even prettier than I thought."

"Sebastian,"

he shrugged, and Amelia could see the silent tension between the brothers.

Before she could say anything else, the doors to the mansion opened again. "Adrian?" The sound of the familiar voice sent ice down Amelia's spine. As if summoned, Adrian turned, and a smile bloomed across his face. Victoria Hayes, Adrian's ex-girlfriend, stepped inside the mansion. The look on Victoria's face disappeared as she took in the sight of Amelia standing beside Adrian. Her eyes flicked from Amelia's face to the wedding ring on her finger. "You got married,"

she said softly. "Victoria,"

Adrian's jaw was set in a tight line. Victoria pasted a smile on her face and turned to Amelia. "Congratulations." "Thank you."

Amelia said, surprised Victoria even acknowledged her. The smile didn't reach Victoria's eyes; Amelia could see the silent accusation there. “I hope you’re happy.”I'm sure I'll manage."

Victoria turned to Adrian. "We need to talk." "Not now."

"Fine."

Victoria turned on her heel and walked out the door, giving Amelia one last scathing look. Once the door shut behind her, Amelia turned to her husband.

"She doesn't like you."

Adrian said nothing. "She wants you back." Still nothing. "Wonderful, I've been married less than an hour and already have an enemy."

Amelia crossed her arms. "I wasn't asking a hard question, was I?" Still nothing. "Perfect, because I don't plan on making things easy for you either."

she turned and walked up the stairs. "Stay out of it,"

Adrian said finally. “I’m your wife.”According to a contract."

Her voice was tight with something close to anger. "Exactly,"

She turned and walked away. Upstairs, Amelia challenged and infuriated him. Something else was blooming in his chest beneath the irritation. Curiosity. There were still twelve months left in this marriage, and neither one of them knew who would be the first to break the rules.