CONTRACTS OF HEARTS

Chapter One: The Contract The city of Burlington glittered like a thousand diamonds under the bright evening sun, its skyline a jagged silhouette against a canvas of pink and orange hues. At the heart of this bustling environment stood a glass tower, its reflective surface glittering with ambition and power. Inside, the atmosphere was a blend of luxury and tension, the air thick with the scent of expensive cologne and the sound of clicking heels echoing against polished marble floors. Ethan Blackwood, a name that reverberated through business circles like thunder. He was the youngest billionaire in the country, known for his ruthless business acumen and striking good looks. Rumors circulated everywhere—his cold demeanor, his charm that could reduce anyone to putty in his hands, and a lifestyle that seemed entirely out of reach for someone like Sophie. Sophie Langston stood in front of the vast window of her office, the architectural marvel reflecting the bright city lights of Manhattan. It was a familiar sight, yet tonight it felt particularly heavy with the weight of ambition and uncertainty. She had dedicated herself to building her marketing firm from the ground up. But just as her dreams were within reach, a new challenge loomed on the horizon. Today, she was meeting Ethan Blackwood, the billionaire CEO of Ethan Industries. At twenty-eight, he was already one of the most influential figures in the business world, known for his ruthless and cunning negotiation tactics and a reputation for keeping his personal life under tight wraps. And now, she was about to enter the most unconventional contract of her life. Sophie took a deep breath, steeling herself. She had worked tirelessly to climb the corporate ladder, and this meeting could be her ticket to a promotion she had dreamt of for years. A chance to prove herself as more than just the assistant to the marketing director. But the promotion came with a catch—she had to help Ethan with a peculiar situation that could compromise his public image. The door to his office loomed ahead, its dark wood and silver handle a stark reminder of the power dynamics at play. She knocked lightly, the sound swallowed by the plush carpet. The soft chime of her phone broke her reverie. A message from her assistant: Ethan Blackwood is here. “Come in,” a deep voice called. Sophie stepped inside, her heart pounding as she faced the man who had made headlines for both his business acumen and his enigmatic persona. Ethan blackwood sat behind a massive mahogany desk, his dark hair tousled and his ice-blue eyes piercing through the dim light. He looked up from a stack of papers, his expression unpredictable “Ms. Langston,” he said, his voice smooth like silk. “Thank you for coming.”“Please, call me Ethan,” he said, taking a few steps forward, his voice lowering. “I've heard remarkable things about your work. Your recent campaigns have been nothing short of genius.” “Thank you for having me, Mr. Blackwood.” She took a seat across from him, her pulse racing as she tried to maintain her composure. “I understand you have an urgent matter to discuss.” He leaned back, studying her with an intensity that made her skin tingle. “I do. And it’s… unconventional.” Sophie raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “I’m listening.” Ethan leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. “I need a…. wife.” The words hung in the air, shocking her into silence. “what” “Excuse me?” “A wife,” he repeated, his expression unwavering. “For a year. It’s a contract marriage.” Sophie’s mind raced. “A contract marriage? Why?” “Public perception. I’ve been linked to various women in the press, and it’s becoming a distraction. I need to present a stable image to the board and the investors, and a marriage would solve that problem. It’s a business arrangement, nothing more or less.” She blinked, trying to process the absurdity of the proposal. “You want me to pretend to be your wife?” “Precisely.” He held her gaze, his expression serious. “You would have access to my resources, a salary, and the opportunity to advance your career. In return, you would attend events, manage public appearances, and help maintain the façade of a happy marriage.” Sophie felt her heart race, a mix of excitement and disbelief. “And what happens after a year?” “We part ways, no strings attached.” He paused, his gaze unwavering. “You’d be free to walk away.” The prospect was tantalizing. A year of living in luxury, mingling with the elite, and building her career? But the idea of fabricating a life with a man like ethan, who exuded confidence and complexity, made her hesitate. “Why me?” she asked, curiosity lacing her tone. “You’re smart, ambitious, and you know how to navigate the corporate world. Plus, I need someone who can keep up with me.” He smirked slightly. “And you’re not in the tabloids.” Sophie considered his words. This was a chance to step into a world she had only dreamed of, but at what cost? “And what if I say no?” “Then I’ll find someone else.” He shrugged, but there was a glint of determination in his eyes. “But I think you’ll find it hard to resist.” She felt a spark of defiance. “wait You think you can just buy me?” “No,” he said, leaning closer. “I’m offering you a partnership. Think of it as a business deal. You get what you want, and I get what I need.” Sophie’s mind whirled with unimaginable possibilities. The allure of wealth and status was intoxicating, and tantalizing, but the reality of living a lie weighed heavily on her conscience. “Let me think about it,” she said finally, standing up to leave. “Of course,” ethan replied smoothly. “Take your time. But don’t take too long. This opportunity won’t last forever.” As she walked out of the office, her heart raced with the thrill of the challenge ahead. She was stepping into uncharted territory, and the stakes had never been higher. Little did she know, this contract marriage would change everything.