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

CHAPTER 3: THE FIRST RULE BROKEN

The next morning, Ava woke up to the smell of coffee.

She tiptoed to the kitchen. Damian was there. No suit.

Just black sweatpants and a white t-shirt. His hair was messy.

He looked... human.

"Morning," she mumbled.

Damian didn’t look up from his laptop. "Breakfast is on the counter.

Don't talk to me before 9am."

Rule #1: No feelings.

But Ava’s heart still flipped seeing him like that.

At noon, his assistant called. "Mrs. Sterling, there's a gala tonight.

Mr. Sterling needs you as his date."

Ava panicked. She owned 2 dresses. Both cheap.

At 7pm, a box arrived. Inside was a red gown. Designer.

$10,000 at least. And a note: `Wear this. -D`

The gala was full of billionaires and models.

Cameras flashed when Damian walked in with Ava on his arm.

"Smile," he whispered in her ear. His hand rested on her lower back.

Ava smiled. It looked real.

A reporter stopped them. "Mr. Sterling, is this your new wife?"

Damian pulled Ava closer. "Yes. My wife."

His voice was possessive. His eyes were dark.

On the ride home, the car was silent.

"Thank you for the dress," Ava said quietly.

Damian turned to her. "It looked good on you."

Their eyes locked. The car felt too small.

Rule #1 was cracking.

And Rule #2: No kissing... was next.