The CEO’s Contract Wife

Elena Carter stared at the letter in her hands. Her fingers trembled as she read the same sentence for what felt like the hundredth time. FINAL NOTICE — PAYMENT REQUIRED WITHIN SEVEN DAYS. Seven days. That was all the time her family had before the bank took their home. Elena slowly lowered the letter and looked around the small living room. The worn sofa, the old curtains, the family photographs on the wall—everything suddenly felt more precious than ever. “Mom,” she said quietly, “what are we going to do?” Her mother sat on the sofa, her eyes red from crying. “I don't know, Elena.” The answer broke Elena's heart. Their family had never been rich, but they had always managed to get by. Her father had owned a small business and worked hard to provide for them. Then everything changed. After his illness, the business began losing money. The debts kept growing, and no matter how much they tried to recover, they couldn't keep up with the payments. Now, they were about to lose the only home Elena had ever known. Her mother wiped her eyes. “You shouldn't have to worry about this. You're only twenty-four.” Elena shook her head. “I'm part of this family too.” “But you've already been looking for work everywhere.” “I'll keep looking.” Her voice was firm, even though she wasn't sure where her next opportunity would come from. She folded the letter and placed it on the table. “I'll find a way.” That night, Elena barely slept. The next morning, she put on her best dress and headed to an interview at Blackwood Enterprises. She didn't know that the interview would change her life. Blackwood Enterprises was one of the largest companies in the city. The moment Elena stepped into the lobby, she felt completely out of place. The building was enormous, with polished marble floors, glass walls, and employees dressed in expensive suits moving quickly from one place to another. Elena looked down at her simple dress and took a nervous breath. Just get the job. That was all she needed. “Miss Carter?” Elena turned around. A woman wearing a black suit stood behind her. “Yes?” “Mr. Blackwood is expecting you.” Elena frowned. “Mr. Blackwood?” “Yes.” “I thought I was here for an interview with the human resources department.” The woman gave her a polite but unreadable smile. “You'll understand soon.” Before Elena could ask another question, the woman walked toward the private elevators. Elena hesitated, then followed. As the elevator climbed higher, her nervousness increased. When the doors opened, they stepped onto the top floor. The woman stopped in front of a large wooden door. “Go inside.” She knocked once before opening it. Elena stepped into the office. The first thing she noticed was the view. The entire city stretched beneath the floor-to-ceiling windows. The second thing she noticed was the man standing behind the large black desk. He was tall, dressed in a perfectly tailored dark suit. He looked calm, powerful, and completely in control. Elena recognized him immediately. Adrian Blackwood. The thirty-year-old billionaire CEO of Blackwood Enterprises. She had seen his picture in newspapers and business magazines. He was known for being intelligent, ruthless, and extremely private. Adrian looked down at a file on his desk. Then his eyes lifted to her. For several seconds, neither of them spoke. Finally, he said, “Elena Carter.” It wasn't a question. Elena nodded. “Yes.” “Twenty-four years old. University graduate. No criminal record.” Her eyebrows rose. “How do you know all that?” Adrian closed the file. “I make it my business to know the people I deal with.” “But I'm here for a job interview.” “No.” Elena blinked. “No?” “I didn't ask you here for a job.” She stared at him. “Then why am I here?” Adrian stood and walked around his desk. He stopped a few feet away from her. “I have a proposal for you.” Elena waited. “What kind of proposal?” Adrian's expression remained completely serious. “Marriage.” For a moment, Elena thought she had misunderstood him. Then she let out a nervous laugh. “I'm sorry?” “I said marriage.” “You're asking me to marry you?” “Yes.” Elena stared at him in disbelief. “You don't even know me.” “I know enough.” “That doesn't make any sense.” Adrian reached for a document on his desk and handed it to her. Elena looked down. The words at the top immediately caught her attention. MARRIAGE AGREEMENT Her heart began pounding. She looked back at him. “You're serious.” “Very.” She opened the document. The terms were simple but shocking. A twelve-month marriage. She would live with Adrian and appear beside him at important business and family events. She would not interfere with his business. She would respect his privacy. And after twelve months, the marriage would end. Elena slowly looked up. “Why would you do this?” “I need a wife.” “Then find someone who actually wants to marry you.” “I don't need someone who loves me.” His words were cold and direct. “I need someone who can follow the terms of an agreement.” Elena's stomach tightened. “This is crazy.” “Perhaps.” He picked up another document. “But your family is in financial trouble.” Elena froze. “How do you know about my family?” Adrian didn't answer immediately. Instead, he placed the document on the desk. “I know that your family's house is facing foreclosure.” Her face went pale. “You investigated me?” “Yes.” “Why?” “Because I needed to know whether you were suitable.” “Suitable for what?” “For this.” He pointed toward the marriage agreement. Elena looked at the amount of money written in the contract. Her breath caught. It was enough to pay the bank. Enough to clear her family's debts. Enough to save their home. For several seconds, she couldn't speak. Adrian watched her carefully. “You'll receive the money according to the terms of the agreement.” “And in return, I marry you for one year?” “Yes.” Elena swallowed. “There has to be a catch.” “There are conditions.” “Of course there are.” Adrian's expression didn't change. “You will live with me for twelve months. You will attend the events I require you to attend. You will not interfere with my business or private affairs.” “And after twelve months?” “The marriage ends.” Elena stared at the contract. It sounded simple. Almost too simple. But there was something about Adrian that made her uneasy. She looked at him. “Why me?” For the first time, Adrian hesitated. It was only for a moment, but Elena noticed. “Because,” he said, “I believe you will agree to my conditions.” “That isn't an answer.” “It is the only answer you're getting.” Elena looked away. She hated this situation. She hated that her family's problems had brought her to this office. Most of all, she hated the fact that she was seriously considering marrying a stranger. But then she remembered her mother sitting on the old sofa with tears in her eyes. What choose would she made? To be continued....