CONTRACTS OF HEARTS

Chapter2

The sun dipped low in the sky, casting a warm glow over the city as I sat across from Ethan Blackwood in a sleek, modern café. His dark hair was tousled just enough to seem effortless, his deep-set blue eyes piercing through the ambient noise around us. I had known Ethan for a while, but today felt different. Today, he was about to change everything.

Sophie who had always dreamt of a life beyond her small town sat in my tiny apartment, surrounded by scattered papers and files, the weight of her aspirations felt heavy on her shoulders. Sophie Langston, a capable accountant, working tirelessly for a small nonprofit had spent a year building. Each document represented a potential fresh start for someone who desperately needed it, but I felt like I was stuck in a never-ending cycle of struggle

My day had started at a fundraising gala, an event I had reluctantly attended in hopes of snagging a donation or two. I felt painfully out of place among the lavish decorations and clinking glasses. Yet, when I spotted Ethan across the room, surrounded by admirers, my heart raced. Our eyes met, and sparks ignited for a brief moment before fizzling out. Ethan who is a billionaire, and I was just trying to make a difference with a limited budget. I tucked my emotions away, reminding myself I that had no time for distractions. But as the days passed, I replayed our conversation over and over in my mind.

Ethan’s assistant first reached out to me about a contract marriage, skepticism flooded my mind. Ethan blackwood needed a temporary arrangement to maintain his family’s respectability and reputation to keep his late dad’s business running under good conditions. For me, it was a chance to escape my mundane life and experience the luxury I had only ever dreamed of. After a few meetings and careful consideration, I agreed.

“Are you even listening to me, Sophie?” His voice cut through my thoughts, a mixture of amusement and impatience.

I blinked, pulling myself back into the moment. “Sorry, can you repeat that?”

Ethan leaned back in his chair, a smirk dancing on his lips. “I was saying that marrying me could be mutually beneficial. A contract marriage, to be precise. You get the financial security you need, and I get the public image I want.”

The words hung in the air like a challenge. I wanted to laugh, to dismiss the absurdity of it all, but the truth was, I was intrigued. My life had been a constant struggle, juggling bills and dreams that felt just out of reach. The idea of marrying a billionaire—Ethan Blackwood, no less—was both enticing and terrifying.

“Why on earth would I agree to something like that?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

Ethan leaned forward, his expression shifting to something more serious. “Because you’re smart, Sophie. You know how this world works. You get a taste of luxury, and I get to keep up appearances. It’s just business.”

“Business?” I echoed, feeling a mix of indignation and curiosity. “You can’t just reduce a marriage to a contract.”

He shrugged, the corner of his mouth quirking up again. “In this case, I can. Look, I won’t pretend it’s a fairy tale. But think about it—no strings attached, no romantic entanglements. Just a simple agreement that benefits us both.”

I took a deep breath, weighing my options. Ethan was right; I was struggling. The idea of financial freedom, of not worrying about rent or bills, was seductive. But at what cost?

“What’s the catch?” I asked, narrowing my eyes.

“No catch. Just a year. You live at my place, attend events with me, and we both play our parts. After that, we part ways—no hard feelings.”

The terms were straightforward: a one-year marriage, shared living arrangements in his sprawling penthouse, and a generous compensation for my role as his wife. I was thrilled yet nervous

A year. The thought raced through my mind. A year of luxury, of being seen as the wife of a billionaire. But could I really do it? Could I pretend to be someone I wasn’t?

“I need time to think,” I said finally, unable to meet his gaze.

“Take all the time you need,” Ethan replied, his tone softening. “Just know that I’m serious about this.”

As I walked away from the café, my heart raced. I was torn between the thrill of the offer and the reality of what it meant. A contract marriage with Ethan Blackwood? It felt like stepping into an entirely different world, one where I could lose myself—or find something extraordinary.

Over the next few days, I found myself replaying our conversation, the way he looked at me, the way his confidence seemed to wrap around me like a warm blanket. I was still hesitant, but the thought of that luxurious life kept creeping in, tempting me with its possibilities.

Finally, I made my decision. I called him, my voice shaking slightly. “Ethan, I’m in.”

“Really?” His voice was full of surprise and something I couldn’t quite place—was it excitement?

“Yes, I’ll do it,” I confirmed, feeling a sense of liberation wash over me.

“Great! We’ll draw up the contract and set everything in motion,” he said, the enthusiasm in his voice palpable.

As I hung up the phone, I realized this was just the beginning. I was about to embark on a journey that would challenge everything I thought I knew about love, trust, and the true meaning of partnership. Little did I know, the lines between business and emotions would blur in ways I never expected, and I would find myself drawn to Ethan

in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

The first few weeks were filled with an awkward dance around one another. Ethan was consumed by work, often leaving early and returning late. I settled into my new life, continuing my job remotely while adjusting to the lavish surroundings. As days turned into weeks, our interactions began to shift. Casual conversations turned into late-night talks about our hopes and fears, shared meals over candlelight