THE CEO’S CONTRACT BRIDE

# Episode 1 — The Contract “Sign it.” Aria Anderson stared at the document in front of her. For a moment, she thought she had heard him wrong. Her eyes moved to the bold words printed across the top. MARRIAGE AGREEMENT. She slowly looked up. The man sitting across from her was completely calm. Alexander Black. The youngest billionaire in the city. CEO of Black Enterprises. Cold, powerful, and feared by almost everyone who worked for him. And now he wanted her to become his wife. “Are you serious?” Aria asked. Alexander didn't blink. “Completely.” “You want me to marry you?” “For one year.” Aria gave a short, disbelieving laugh. “And after one year?” “We get divorced.” She stared at him. “Do you usually propose marriage like you're signing a business contract?” “I don't usually propose marriage.” “That makes two of us.” Alexander leaned back in his chair. “My grandfather wants me married before his birthday. If I don't comply, he'll transfer his shares in my company to my cousin.” Aria frowned. “So you need a wife to keep your company?” “Exactly.” “And you chose me because…” “I investigated you.” Her eyebrows shot up. “You investigated me?” “You're educated, responsible, discreet, and you don't have a complicated past. Most importantly, you're not interested in publicity.” Aria folded her arms. “You make me sound like a product.” “I prefer to think of it as compatibility.” She almost laughed again. “There's nothing compatible about this.” Alexander pushed a folder toward her. “Read the contract.” Aria opened it. There were pages of rules. Separate bedrooms. No interference in each other's personal lives. No unnecessary physical contact. No discussing the agreement with outsiders. And one final condition: Neither party shall develop romantic feelings for the other. Aria looked up. “You actually included that?” “Yes.” “That's ridiculous.” “It's necessary.” “Why?” “Because emotions complicate arrangements.” Aria studied him. “You've clearly never been in love.” His expression changed for a fraction of a second. Then the coldness returned. “Neither have you.” Before she could respond, her phone rang. Mum. Aria immediately answered. “Hello, Mum?” Her mother's weak voice came through. “Aria…” Aria's heart tightened. “What happened?” “I don't feel very well.” “Where are you?” “At the hospital. Don't panic.” “I'm coming!” She ended the call and stood. Alexander watched her. “You need money.” Aria stopped. She didn't answer. “How much?” he asked. “That's none of your business.” He opened a drawer and placed an envelope on the table. “Five million naira.” Aria stared at it. “That will cover your mother's treatment.” Her throat tightened. “I can't take this.” “You can if you sign.” She looked at the contract. She hated the situation. She hated that she needed his help. But she loved her mother more than she hated her pride. “My mother comes first,” she whispered. “She will.” “You'll pay the hospital directly?” “Yes.” “No tricks?” “None.” “And after one year, you let me go?” Alexander met her eyes. “You'll be free.” Aria took a deep breath. She picked up the pen. Her hand trembled as she signed her name. Aria Anderson. Alexander signed beneath hers. He closed the folder. “It's done.” Aria stared at him. “So I'm your wife now?” “Legally.” The word sent a strange feeling through her chest. Alexander stood. “I'll have a driver take you to the hospital.” “I can go myself.” “You're my wife now.” Aria frowned. “You've said that three times.” “You need to remember it.” She grabbed her bag. “Don't worry. I'll remember it for exactly one year.” --- ### THE HOSPITAL Aria rushed into her mother's room. “Mum!” Her mother smiled weakly. “Why are you crying?” “You scared me.” Aria hugged her carefully. “I told you I'm fine.” “You're lying.” Her mother laughed softly. A doctor entered with the test results. “We've run some tests. She needs further treatment.” Aria's face fell. “How much will it cost?” Before the doctor could answer, a nurse walked in. “Excuse me, Doctor. The patient's bill has been settled.” Aria froze. “Settled?” “Yes.” “By who?” “I wasn't told.” Aria knew. Her phone vibrated. Alexander: Don't worry about the hospital. Focus on your mother. She stared at the message. For the first time, she wondered if Alexander wasn't as heartless as he appeared. Her mother noticed. “Who is that?” “No one.” Her mother smiled. “Aria, you're terrible at lying.” Aria sighed. “It's Alexander.” “Who is Alexander?” Aria hesitated. Then she whispered: “My husband.” Her mother's eyes widened. “Your what?” “I got married.” “You got married and didn't tell me?” “It happened quickly.” Her mother stared at her. “Is he good to you?” Aria thought about the contract. “He's… complicated.” “Is he rich?” Aria smiled weakly. “Yes.” Her mother laughed. “I knew it.” “Mum!” “I want to meet him.” Aria's smile disappeared. “You do?” “Of course. He's my son-in-law.” Aria swallowed. “I'll bring him.” She had no idea how she was going to convince her mother that this marriage was real. --- ### THE BLACK MANSION That evening, a black luxury car arrived outside Aria's apartment. A driver stepped out. “Mrs. Black?” Aria frowned. “Please don't call me that.” The driver looked confused. “Sorry, ma'am.” Aria picked up her suitcase and entered the car. Thirty minutes later, she arrived at Alexander's mansion. Her mouth fell open. The house was enormous. A fountain stood in the middle of the driveway, and several expensive cars were parked outside. She stepped inside. Marble floors. Crystal chandeliers. Beautiful paintings. Everything looked perfect. Too perfect. Alexander stood at the bottom of the staircase. His eyes moved over her. “That's all you brought?” Aria looked at her small suitcase. “Yes.” “You're moving here.” “I wasn't exactly prepared for this.” He nodded toward a maid. “Take her things upstairs.” Aria followed him. “My room?” “Second floor.” “Separate room?” “Yes.” She sighed in relief. “Good.” Alexander looked at her. “You'll need to meet my grandfather tomorrow.” “Tomorrow?” “He's expecting us.” Aria stared at him. “Already?” “This marriage was supposed to solve my problem quickly.” “You're very impatient.” “I'm efficient.” She rolled her eyes. “Same thing.” For the first time, Alexander almost smiled. --- ### THE NEXT MORNING Aria woke up early. She dressed in a simple cream-colored dress and tied her hair neatly. When she came downstairs, Alexander was waiting. His eyes briefly rested on her. “You're ready.” “I didn't want to keep your grandfather waiting.” He handed her a small box. “What's this?” “Your wedding ring.” Aria opened it. A diamond ring sparkled inside. Her eyes widened. “This is expensive.” “You're Mrs. Black.” “There you go again.” “Put it on.” She slipped it onto her finger. It fit perfectly. “How did you know my size?” “I know more about you than you think.” “That sounds scary.” “It should.” Aria laughed. They entered the car. During the drive, Alexander reached for her hand. She looked at him. “What are you doing?” “We need to look convincing.” “You could have warned me.” “Would you have agreed?” “No.” “Exactly.” She sighed but allowed him to hold her hand. When they arrived at his grandfather's mansion, an elderly man greeted them. Alexander's grandfather smiled when he saw Aria. “So this is my grandson's wife.” Aria smiled politely. “Yes, sir.” The old man looked at their joined hands. “I like her.” Alexander relaxed. But then his grandfather said something that made both of them freeze. “When is the wedding ceremony?” Alexander cleared his throat. “Grandfather, about that—” “I want a grand wedding next week.” Aria's eyes widened. “Next week?” “Of course.” The old man laughed. “You two have already married secretly. Now it's time to make it official in front of everyone.” Aria looked at Alexander. He looked equally surprised. Before either could answer, a woman's voice came from behind them. “Alexander?” They turned. A beautiful woman stood near the entrance. She stared at Alexander. Then at Aria. Her expression changed when she saw the wedding ring. “You're married?” Alexander's face became cold. “Victoria.” The woman walked closer. “You married her?” Alexander didn't answer. Victoria laughed bitterly. “After everything between us?” Aria looked at Alexander. “Who is she?” “Someone from my past.” Victoria's eyes filled with anger. “Someone from your past?” She looked at Aria. “You should ask your husband why he promised to marry me.” Aria's heart sank. She slowly turned toward Alexander. “Is that true?” Alexander's silence was answer enough. Aria pulled her hand from his. For the first time, the contract didn't feel like a simple agreement. There was a past she knew nothing about. A woman who clearly still loved Alexander. And now there was going to be a wedding. A real one. In front of everyone. Aria stared at Alexander. “You never told me about her.” His eyes met hers. “I was going to.” “When?” “Before this became a problem.” Victoria stepped forward. “You think this marriage will make me disappear?” Alexander's voice hardened. “Victoria, leave.” She smiled. “I will.” Then she looked at Aria. “But don't worry. You'll learn everything soon.” She walked away. Aria stood silently. Alexander moved toward her. “Aria.” She stepped back. “You promised there would be no complications.” “This isn't your problem.” She laughed bitterly. “I'm your wife. Apparently everything is my problem now.” She turned and walked away. Alexander watched her go. For the first time since signing the contract, he felt something he couldn't explain. Fear. Not fear of losing his company. Not fear of his grandfather. Fear of losing the woman who had only been his wife for less than twenty-four hours. And Aria? She had entered the marriage believing she could leave after one year. But she was beginning to realize something terrifying. Alexander Black's contract came with more than money. It came with secrets. It came with enemies. And perhaps, eventually… It would come with a heart she never intended to give him. To be continued…