The Billionaire's Contract Wife

Playing the Part

Chapter 6: Playing the Part

Later that evening, Emma stood in front of the vanity in the master bedroom, staring at her reflection in silence.

She didn’t know which part was more surreal—being ambushed by reporters that morning, or being told by Leonard that she needed to “act more like his wife.”

As if her entire life had become a role she didn’t audition for.

The door behind her creaked open.

“You’re moving in here tonight,” Leonard said simply.

Emma turned, startled. “What? Into your room?”

He nodded, casually undoing his cufflinks as if this was just another boardroom meeting.

“Our pictures from yesterday are going viral. People are calling us the surprise couple of the year. If anyone finds out we don’t even sleep in the same room, this whole arrangement collapses.”

Emma’s throat tightened. “But I—Leonard , I’m not ready for—”

He looked up, his gaze calm but firm. “You don’t have to be. I’ll take the couch.”

She blinked. “Really?”

“I’m not that cruel,” he muttered with a faint smirk. “Unless you snore. Then you’re going to the couch.”

Emma let out a soft laugh, despite the anxiety twisting in her chest.

This was ridiculous. It was pretend. A temporary illusion.

Then why did it feel more intimate than any real relationship she’d ever had?

As she pulled a set of pajamas from the drawer—luxurious silk ones Leonard had probably never worn—her phone buzzed.

A new message from the System flashed on screen:

Daily Task Updated:

Publicly post a photo with your “husband.” Caption must reflect romantic involvement.

Reward: +10 Fame Points

Penalty: -5 Credibility if ignored.

She stared at the message, groaning.

“What is it?” Leonard asked, towel slung around his neck.

She hesitated. “I need to post a… couple photo of us. Something romantic. For my… fans.”

His eyebrow arched. “For your fans, or for your system?”

Emma froze. “What?”

He shrugged. “You always talk to your phone like it’s your manager. I’m not stupid.”

Emma’s cheeks flushed. “It’s complicated.”

He crossed the room slowly, stopping just a foot away from her. “Let’s make it simple, then.”

Without another word, Leonard took out his phone and flipped the camera to selfie mode. Before she could process it, he pulled her gently into his side, one arm resting around her waist.

Click.

Her breath hitched.

He turned the screen toward her. The photo looked… perfect. Too perfect.

His hand on her waist. Her head slightly tilted toward him. Both of them smiling—not forced, but natural. Like they did this all the time.

She stared at the image.

“This’ll do,” he said casually, already typing a caption.

Late nights feel better when she’s with me.

— L

He posted it.

Just like that.

Her heart skipped a beat. “That’s going to get attention.”

He smirked. “That’s the idea.”

Emma returned to the vanity and sat down slowly, trying to catch her breath.

This man. This contract. This life…

She wasn’t sure what was real anymore.