LOVE UNDER CONTRACT

CHAPTER 5

CARA'S POV

The message came when I was on my way back from one of my shifts. My phone buzzed in my pocket, and when I pulled it out, I saw an unfamiliar number.

“Use the card. Change your wardrobe. I don't need my future wife looking like she got her clothes from a thrift store. You need to be presentable when going out with me. The pin is 0000 —Damien.”

I blinked at the screen, reading the words again, astounded at his level of audacity.

So, he had gotten my number somehow. Probably from Mark.

I gripped the phone, my steps slowing. Just who does this man think he is?

He didn’t even bother with a hello. No “how are you.” Just an order, like I was one of his employees or those blond bimbos that hang around him on magazines. And the thrift store? I knew my clothes weren’t great, but did he have to put it like that?

I wanted to throw the phone into the nearest drain and never see him again.

But then I remembered my brother. I remembered how pale he looked last night when he tried to sit up in bed and almost collapsed. My chest ached, but I lifted my chin.

If Damien wanted to treat me like some greedy woman out for his money, then fine, I was going to give him a taste of who I really am

When the driver dropped off the credit card that evening, I held it in my hands like it was a golden ticket. The shiny black surface caught the light. I never imagined I would hold the "legendary black card" in my lifetime.

I smirked. Alright, Mr. Billionaire. Let’s play.

The next day, I went shopping.

Not my usual thrift store runs but Real shopping.

I walked into a highend boutique, and the salespeople glanced at me, probably ready to escort me out. But when I pulled out the card, their smiles could have lit up the whole store. Suddenly, I was “ma’am” and “miss” and “please, let us help you.”

Truly the life of the rich was wonderful.

I tried on dresses, jacket, shoes and all kinds of jewelleries. Every time I swiped the card, I could see Damien’s arrogance in my head. Change your wardrobe.

Well, I did.

And not just for me, I picked out clothes for my brother too. Comfortable pajamas, soft slippers, even a couple of suits for when he got better. He deserved to look sharp when he was back on his feet.

By the end of the Shopping spree, I had spent thousands, maybe even tens of thousands of dollars. I didn’t even look at the total amount. That wasn’t my problem. I was just following Orders.

A few days later, it was time to meet Damien again.

I walked into his office in one of the new outfits, a beautiful fitted black dress with a cream jacket. My hair was pulled back neatly and the heels clicked against the polished floor, for the first time in a long time, I felt… untouchable and powerful.

Damien looked up from his desk when I entered. His eyes swept over me, slow and sharp, like he was capturing every detail.

“You didn’t waste any time,” he said, leaning back in his chair. His voice had a deep edge to it, almost amused. “The card was barely warm before you started using it.”

I raised a brow and gave him a tight smile. “You told me to change my wardrobe, I was just following your orders.”

One of his brows lifted. “You didn’t hold back.”

I folded my arms. “Was I supposed to? Isn’t that what you wanted? A wife who looks the part? Well, here I am. Exactly what you asked for.”

His jaw twitched, but his eyes stayed unreadable. He picked up the contract from the table between us and tapped it with his pen. “Let’s just get this done with then.”

I didn’t move yet. Instead, I tilted my head and said, “Before I sign anything, let’s talk about the money.”

His gaze sharpened. “Money.”

“Yes,” I said calmly. “Fifteen million upfront, after we sign and get the certificate. The rest after the year is done.”

He studied me for a long moment. I wondered if he could hear how hard my heart was pounding.

Finally, he gave the faintest smile. Not warm, not kind, more like someone who had just confirmed what they already believed. “Straight to business. You really are something.”

I forced my lips into a matching smile. “What can I say? I like to be clear. Saves us both time.”

He signed the contract with a firm hand , then slid it toward me. His hand brushed the paper, steady and controlled. “Your turn.”

I picked up the pen, ignoring the way my fingers trembled.

I thought of my brother. His laugh, his tired eyes.

I pressed the pen down and signed my name.

When I lifted my head, Damien’s gaze was on me. it was sharp and unreadable, like he was trying to see what was underneath my calm face.

I didn’t let him.

I leaned back, crossed my legs, and gave him a cool smile. “Congratulations, Mr. Blackwood. You just bought yourself a wife.”