The CEO's Contract Wife: One Night, One Deal, One Baby

The hospital hallway smelled like bleach and fear. Ava Carter clutched the medical bill in her shaking hands. $50,000. Due in 7 days. Or they pull the plug on her mom’s life support. Her phone buzzed. Unknown number. "Miss Carter. This is Damian Sterling’s assistant. Mr. Sterling would like to meet you regarding a business proposal. One hour. Sterling Tower. Penthouse floor." Ava almost laughed. Damian Sterling. The youngest billionaire CEO in the city. Ruthless. Cold. Untouchable. She had nothing to lose. One hour later, Ava stood in an office bigger than her whole apartment. Floor to ceiling windows. City lights below. And him. Damian Sterling turned from the window. Black suit. Black eyes. Six foot two of pure power. "You're late," he said. His voice was ice. "You're offering me money," Ava shot back. "So talk." He slid a folder across the marble desk. Inside was a contract. "Six months. You will be my wife. Publicly. We attend events. We look in love. In private, we have nothing to do with each other." Ava frowned. "Why me?" "My grandfather is dying. His last wish is to see me married. After six months, we divorce. You get 5 million dollars." Ava’s heart stopped. 5 million. Enough to save her mom. "What's the catch?" she whispered. Damian leaned forward. "Three rules. No feelings. No kissing. No baby. Break one and you get nothing." The pen felt heavy in Ava’s hand. This was insane. But her mom was dying. She signed. Ava Carter. Damian’s jaw tightened. "Congratulations Mrs. Sterling. The wedding is tomorrow." Ava stood to leave, but Damian caught her wrist. His touch sent electricity up her arm. "Remember the rules," he murmured. That night, Ava told herself it was just business. She didn’t know that one heated night would shatter every rule they just made.