Contract Marriage with an Arrogant Billionaire

Victoria stood at the front of her desk, tears streaming down her cheeks as she spoke to her best friend. “I can’t believe I’m bankrupt and now I’ve agreed to a contract marriage with a man who doesn’t love me. Why am I still so unlucky even in love? Her best friend Lily sat next to her, trying to comfort her. "Vicky, you understand the significance of this marriage to your business. Accepting it is your only option, otherwise, you risk going to jail. And this contract will only last for two years, then you can have your life back,” she said gently. Victoria wiped away her tears and exhaled. "I know how important it is, but I find it unbelievable that he wants to be married so quickly. I feel as though I have no voice in this.” Victoria's phone rang at that moment. She was hesitant to pick up when she saw Edrick's name on the screen. "Hello Victoria, I want you to get ready and look good. We're going on a date, and we'll be signing the contract in front of my lawyer," Edrick said, leaving no room for debate. Before she could reply, the phone went dead. Victoria was surprised, she could not express her feelings at that moment. Concerned, Lily tapped her arm. “Victoria, what happened?”. As she struggled to absorb the abrupt turn of events. "He said we're going on a date... to sign the contract," Victoria stated. "Did he explain to you why he needs a contract marriage?" Lily asked. "No, he didn't," Victoria replied. Lily received an urgent phone call that required her attention. She gave Victoria a kiss on the cheek and a reassuring smile before leaving her office and said. "See you later, girl." Victoria withdrew to the restroom to prepare herself for the date. She wore a gorgeous evening gown, let her hair down, and applied minimal makeup. When she came out of the restroom, she was surprised to see Edrick waiting in her office. Victoria accidentally dropped her purse as Edrick, seated in her chair. "It took you long enough," Edrick said. "Mr. Sylvester," she said, quickly picked up her purse. "I told you to look nice, not turn into a queen," he said, his eyes briefly softening before returning to their regular icy expression. "Are you prepared?,” He asked "Yes, sure," Victoria said. As they headed out, Edrick grasped her hand in his. "We need to sell the story." He said, while everyone in the lobby gazed at them. Victoria felt a mixture of humiliation and defiance as they went under the analyzing stare. When they reached the car, Edrick opened the door for her. She got in, followed by Edrick, and they drove away to a location known only to Edrick and the driver. The car ride was nothing relaxing, Victoria’s mind buzzed with many questions while Edrick made several phone calls in different languages she didn’t understand. When they arrived at their destination, Victoria exhaled for the fifth time since she had been in the car with Edrick who never bothered to have a conversation with her even when he got off the phone five minutes ago. Victoria's door was pulled by the driver. She muttered a thank you to him and got out of the car and that was when she realized that the sun had gone down but it wasn't completely dark yet. She took a look at the restaurant and couldn’t help but whisper, “Wow.” She could tell from the name that it was an Italian restaurant. Edrick got out of the car and took her hand. “Shall we? And please, smile,” he said, with a calm voice. When they got inside the restaurant Edrick pulled out a chair for her which she took and said a silent thank you to him. The interior of the restaurant exuded elegance, with crystal chandeliers throwing a warm glow over beautiful table sets. After they were brought wine, a middle-aged man in a suit and glasses approached them and sat down at the table. “Hello, I am Mr. Edward, Mr. Sylvester’s lawyer. Miss Victoria, I’m sure you understand the main reason for this meeting,” he said firmly “Yes I do,” Victoria replied. He then took out some documents from his bag and handed one to Victoria and one to Edrick. “Madam Victoria Williams, this is the contract between you and Mr. Edrick Sylvester. You are advised to review it thoroughly and let us know if you have anything you'd like to remove or add to it.” Victoria read through the document carefully. “I have no changes,” she said firmly. Edrick nodded, pleased. The lawyer had them sign the contract, and they left the restaurant. The lawyer got in his car and drove off. Edrick opened the car door for Victoria to get in and then got in himself. The ride back to Victoria’s apartment was silent. The driver played soft music, which started lulling Victoria into a deep sleep. When they arrived at her apartment, Edrick noticed that Victoria was still sitting and showed no sign of getting out of the car. When he turned to look at her, he realized she was sleeping and couldn’t help but stare at her beautiful, sleeping face. Deep down, he felt he did not deserve her. Victoria is a soft young lady who needs a man who would love and handle her with utmost care. He is not sure if he can make her happy because he never believed in love, not after his ex-fiancee betrayed him. Had his father not threatened to make his cousin his successor if he did not marry and give him a grandchild , Edrick would have invested in Victoria’s company without requiring a contract marriage in return. “Madam Victoria is sleeping sir, should I carry her into her apartment?” His driver Stan said, bringing Edrick out of his train of thought. He felt a strange pang of jealousy at the thought of someone else carrying her. “I’ll carry her myself,” he said to the driver. Gently, he carried her bridal style into her apartment, laying her on her bed. He resisted the urge to kiss her, staring for a moment longer before leaving her apartment. “What the hell is Victoria doing to me?” He mumbled to himself as the driver drove off to his apartment.