The Billionaire's Forced Wife

Elena's hands trembled as she stared at the contract on the mahogany desk. "One year," the man in front of her said coldly, his voice as sharp as ice. "Marry me for one year, and your father's debt of five million dollars will be cleared." Elena looked up at Alexander Knight. The billionaire. The most ruthless man in New York. At 28, he owned half the city, had a face like a Greek god, and a heart made of stone. "Why me?" she whispered, her voice breaking. "You can have any woman you want." Alexander stood up, his tall, powerful frame towering over her. He walked closer, and Elena could smell his expensive cologne. He lifted her chin with one finger, forcing her to look into his cold grey eyes. "Because you are innocent. Because you will obey. And because I need a wife to get my grandfather's inheritance. You need money, I need a wife. It's a business deal, Miss Elena. Don't think it's love." Tears filled Elena's eyes. Yesterday she was a normal 22-year-old college girl. Today her father was in the hospital after a heart attack, his company bankrupt, and loan sharks were at their door. This was her only choice. "If... if I refuse?" she asked. "Then your family will be on the streets by tomorrow morning," Alexander said without any emotion. "Your father will go to jail for fraud. Choose wisely." Elena closed her eyes. She thought of her mother crying, her father on the hospital bed. She picked up the pen with a shaking hand. "Where do I sign?" A small, cruel smile appeared on Alexander's lips. "Smart girl." As she signed her name, Elena didn't know that she had just signed away her freedom to a man who would become obsessed with her. A man who said he hated love, but would soon be unable to let her go. Alexander took the contract and leaned close to her ear, his breath hot against her skin. "Welcome to my hell, Mrs. Knight. From tomorrow, you are my forced wife."