His Contract Wife: Her Billionaire's Revenge

CHAPTER 3

HAZEL

“We… we shouldn't be doing this,” I muttered, managing to pull my lips out from his, breathless, as the realization of what happened crashed on me.

"I just want to make you feel visible,” he said sharply, eyes flickering with impatience.

I hated that his words were soothing to my ears. It wasn't even the kiss. It was the feeling of being seen and felt.

Slowly, he pulled my lips back into his. And this time, it was warmer than the first time. I didn't fight or pull away. I just stood still, waiting for the moment to unfold.

The heat built slowly and gradually. Everything felt natural, there was no rushing, or tearing. It was just our mouths finding rhythm and our bodies syncing perfectly. I had already given in.

I leaned further into him, without hesitation, and he responded by pressing his lips against mine.

He reached out, his fingertips tracing my body curves. Then he grabbed my breasts, curving them up in his hands.

‘This is not right, Hazel. You shouldn't do this,’ my inner voice kept ringing in my head but it kept fading into the background with each stroke of his hands.

My body shivered from his touch, but I leaned into him still, my skin responding to his gentle caress, while I reciprocated the act. I felt his manliness press against me as he explored my body like an artwork.

Wanting more, I began to unbutton his shirt. Soon I was done, and he stripped my clothes off too. His eyes burned with lust as he took a picture of my unclad body.

“You are beautiful," he muttered with a devilish grin, “You should be a goddess.”

Then he carried me and placed me on the soft mattress, his hands still roaming over my body as his weight clashed against mine.

My body burned with uncontrollable desire, and I could sense how much he wanted me too.

With a long exchange of understanding gazes, I felt him sliding into me– hard and powerful. We started slowly until we got lost in the moment, our bodies clapping in rhythm to the act.

And more than before, I felt seen and wanted.

“Don’t stop, just go faster," I grunted, almost screaming as he increased his thrusting pace, going faster and deeper until I felt the tension building in-between my legs.

Almost immediately, our body crashed onto one another in pleasure.

***

The next morning, I woke up to a throbbing pain at the side of my head. My eyes opened slowly to the unfamiliar sight of the hotel room and a man sleeping next to me.

Memories from last night surged back like a tidal wave. My chest tightened, each flash more damning than the last.

I was at the bar, then he came. We came in here when he offered to help. Then it happened…shit!

I felt the pang of embarrassment as I remembered everything that happened. I had not only stooped low but also made a fool of myself.

I needed to get out before he woke up. Gathering my clothes from the corner of the bed, I slid into it as fast I could. And next, I had bolted out of the room.

I felt a bit relieved at the thought that he would never see me again.

2 WEEKS LATER

Time flies!

But the sting of betrayal lasts forever.

Chatters and murmurs sneaked in from everywhere into my room, making it difficult to get over the pain and hurt that lingered in my chest.

My room door pushed open and mom walked in.

“I've always known you to be a jealous fool… shouldn't you be in your sister's room by now to congratulate her and at least, be useful to her this once?”

Mira and Ethan were getting married today. The day which was supposed to be my happiest day, but had become a dream day for my sister.

But none of that mattered to mom. I wasn't their favorite daughter so I wasn't allowed to feel or to expect.

“I'm… I'm sorry, mom. I was about heading to her room when you came,” I stuttered, trying to steady my hitching breath.

"Spare me the lies!” She blurted without concern. She closed the gap between us and her hand found its way to my jaw, lifting it forcefully to meet her gaze.

"You had better get up and do the needful now before I come back to shred you with my bare hands,” she roared before bolting out of my room.

The past had been cruel, but the present had dealt a heavier blow which I had to endure. But worse? The future looked jeopardized.

I went to Mira's room. I wished I never had to go greet her, but that would mean additional trouble.

My legs were heavy as I walked down to Mira's room to wish her a happy marriage and the best for the future–a future I wished she would never have. Or if she did, I would destroy.

She was lost amidst playful conversation with her friends when I got there, my mind burned with hatred when she smiled heartily while I wallowed in regret and pain on the day that was supposed to be my day.

“Congratulations, Mira. I'm happy for you,” I lied, faking a smile.

But instead of gratitude, she let out a sarcastic smile immediately after I spoke, and her friends joined in the mockery.

“Well, thanks so much, Hazel. Actually, you know sometimes I feel bad realizing you have no choice but crumble whenever our worlds clash.”

I stiffened, my fist clenched in anger. My stomach twisted, a voice whispered that I should move close to her and award her the slap she deserved, but I had to keep calm despite the rage swelling inside of me.

“I wonder how she feels right now, poor Hazel,” Lydia, one of her friends added.

Without a word, I turned to leave, although the weight of their words pressed me against the floor, and Mira's laughter accompanied me away from the room.

I had barely gotten back into my room when I heard footsteps approaching, forcing me out of the haze of my deep thoughts.

“You need to get dressed right now, we're meeting with the Raymonds family right away,” my father declared as he barged into my room.

“But why?" I asked, my voice wrapped in a mix of shock and defiance.

His gaze on me was stern and unapologetic, then without consideration, he broke the news which additionally shattered my broken heart.

“The company had just experienced a huge financial loss due to an unforeseen disaster that took place a few hours ago,” he started, rubbing his temple rigorously.

"The incident incurred a huge loss and investors have given us a twenty-four-hour deadline to get everything fixed and the only help coming at the moment is from the Raymonds… I'm sure you know what that means?”

Yes.

I did.

An arranged marriage with the family. To someone I didn't know all because they wanted to secure the family business.

I should get married to save the family business on the day which was supposed to be my wedding day, but my sister had stolen. My vision blurred, my heart ached even harder than it was before. Just like that?

Why me again?

Tears streamed down my cheeks as I went on my knees, pleading with him to find another solution. My head hurt badly, my chest heavy with the burden of betrayal.

“Father please, don't do this to me,” I sobbed but his mind was already made. He wasn't someone to go back on his decision once made.

“You have five minutes only!" He yelled, slamming the door furiously. Well, I had no control, not even over my life. I just had to obey and do as instructed.

My life has been such a mess. I had always been an unwanted daughter, a pawn in my family game. I guessed that wasn't enough because now I was going to become a sacrificial wife for the same family which made life hell for me.

As I sat there on the floor, tears streaming down my face uncontrollably, I knew the game was about to get really messy.