The CEO signed a contract marriage to save my dad

The CEO Signed a Contract Marriage to Save My Dad Episode 1 — The Deal Rain poured heavily across the city as Lina Moore ran through the crowded street with trembling hands. Her soaked hoodie clung tightly to her body while she struggled to hold the hospital documents against the wind. “Please… just wait a little longer,” she whispered to herself. Her phone vibrated again. Unknown Number. She already knew who it was before answering. “Miss Moore,” the cold male voice spoke immediately. “Your father’s surgery payment deadline is tomorrow morning. If the hospital does not receive the deposit, the operation will be canceled.” Lina stopped walking. Her chest tightened painfully. “I’m trying my best,” she said softly. “Please… give me more time.” “We already gave you extra time.” The call ended. Lina lowered the phone slowly, tears mixing with the rain on her face. She had spent the last three months borrowing money, working late-night freelance jobs, and selling almost everything in her tiny apartment, but it still wasn’t enough. Her father needed surgery urgently. Without it… he might die. She inhaled shakily and looked across the street toward a massive building glowing with lights. KINGSLEY GROUP. One of the richest companies in the country. Tonight, they were hosting a luxury business gala open to investors, celebrities, and media personalities. Lina wasn’t invited, but she had heard the company was hiring freelance designers for temporary work during the event. Any job. Any opportunity. She needed money desperately. Taking a deep breath, she entered the building. The lobby was breathtaking. Crystal chandeliers sparkled above polished marble floors while elegantly dressed guests moved around laughing and drinking champagne. Lina suddenly became painfully aware of her cheap clothes and wet shoes. A female manager approached her with annoyance. “Staff entrance is at the back.” “I-I’m here about the temporary design assistant position,” Lina explained quickly. The woman scanned her from head to toe. “You’re late.” “I know. Please, I really need this job.” The manager sighed impatiently before handing her a name tag. “Fine. The presentation room upstairs has technical issues. Go help immediately.” Relief flooded Lina’s chest. “Thank you so much!” She hurried toward the elevator, unaware that her life was about to change forever. Inside the VIP conference hall, panic filled the room. “The screen isn’t working!” “The investors arrive in ten minutes!” “Where’s the technician?” Employees rushed around nervously while a tall man stood silently near the window, watching everything with cold eyes. Adrian Kingsley. CEO of Kingsley Group. At only twenty-nine years old, he had built a terrifying reputation in the business world. Ruthless. Untouchable. Emotionless. People feared him more than they admired him. “Sir,” an assistant said nervously, “we’re trying to fix the presentation—” “I don’t pay people to try,” Adrian interrupted coldly. “I pay them to succeed.” The room immediately fell silent. At that exact moment, the doors opened and Lina entered breathlessly. “Sorry! I’m here to help with the display system.” Several employees looked at her doubtfully. Adrian’s sharp gaze landed on her instantly. Wet hair. Cheap clothing. Nervous expression. Completely out of place. Lina avoided his eyes and rushed toward the damaged projector. Her fingers moved quickly across the control panel before she connected her laptop. After a few tense seconds— The giant screen came back to life. Everyone sighed in relief. “It’s fixed!” someone exclaimed. Lina smiled softly. “The connection settings were corrupted.” For the first time that night, Adrian spoke directly to her. “What’s your name?” She turned toward him nervously. “Lina Moore.” His dark eyes studied her carefully, almost as if trying to read her thoughts. Then his assistant hurried toward him with a tablet. “Sir, the board members are waiting.” Adrian glanced at Lina one last time before walking away. But something about her remained in his mind. Hours later, the event finally ended. Lina stepped outside the building exhausted but relieved. At least she would get paid something. Maybe enough to delay the surgery cancellation. She checked her phone again. Seven missed calls from the hospital. Fear instantly consumed her. She called back immediately. “Miss Moore,” the nurse said gently, “your father collapsed again tonight.” Lina froze. “What?!” “You need to come quickly.” The phone slipped slightly from her shaking fingers. Without thinking, she ran into the road— SCREECH! Bright headlights flashed toward her. A black luxury car stopped inches away from her body. The driver stepped out angrily. “Are you insane?!” But Lina barely heard him. Her knees weakened from shock and exhaustion. Just before she collapsed, a strong hand caught her arm. She looked up slowly. Adrian Kingsley. He stared at her silently. “You again,” he said calmly. Lina tried to stand properly. “I’m sorry…” But the stress, hunger, and fear became too much. Everything turned black. When Lina opened her eyes again, she was inside a luxurious car. Soft leather seats. Warm air. The scent of expensive cologne. She sat up in panic. “Relax,” Adrian’s deep voice came from beside her. Lina turned quickly. “What am I doing here?” “You fainted.” “I need to go to the hospital—my father—” “I know.” Her eyes widened slightly. Adrian handed her a bottle of water. “I had my assistant investigate you.” Lina stiffened immediately. “That’s creepy.” “It’s efficient.” She frowned at him while drinking water nervously. Adrian remained calm. “Your father needs surgery worth two hundred thousand dollars.” Her face lost color. “How do you know that?” “I know everything I need to know.” Silence filled the car. Then Adrian said something that completely changed her life. “I can pay for your father’s surgery.” Lina’s breath stopped. “What…?” “In exchange,” he continued, “you’ll marry me.” The world became silent. Lina stared at him as though she had misheard. “Excuse me?” “A contract marriage,” Adrian clarified. “One year. Publicly, you’ll act as my wife.” “Why would a billionaire need a fake wife?” “My reasons are none of your concern.” Lina almost laughed from disbelief. “This is crazy.” “Maybe. But your father is running out of time.” His words stabbed directly into her heart. Adrian calmly removed a document from his briefcase and placed it before her. A contract. “If you sign tonight,” he said, “your father’s surgery will happen tomorrow morning.” Lina’s hands trembled as she stared at the paper. Outside, the rain continued falling heavily against the windows. One signature could save her father. But it could also destroy her future forever. Adrian watched her silently. “Choose carefully, Miss Moore.”