The Cold Billionaire's Contract Wife

The sound of shattering glass echoed through the kitchen. Elena Hart froze. Her fingers tightened around the wet dishcloth in her hand as she stared at the broken plate on the floor. Footsteps approached. Heavy. Angry. Her aunt's sharp voice cut through the air. “Look what you've done again!” Elena quickly bent down, gathering the pieces before anyone could step on them. “I'm sorry,” she whispered. “You're always sorry!” her aunt snapped. “If apologies could pay bills, maybe you would actually be useful in this house.” Elena lowered her head. Useful. That word had followed her for the past five years. Ever since her parents died. Once upon a time, Elena Hart had lived in the biggest mansion on Crescent Hill. Her father had been a respected businessman. Her mother was known for her kindness and elegance. Their house had been full of laughter. But everything changed the night of the accident. And the moment her father's half-brother, Victor Hart, stepped in to “take care of the family business.” Within months, the mansion was gone. The money disappeared. And Elena became nothing more than a burden in the house that used to belong to her parents. “Stop daydreaming and finish cleaning,” her aunt barked. Elena nodded quietly. “Yes, Aunt Margaret.” Behind her, laughter erupted from the living room. Her cousin Lily's voice carried through the hallway. “Mom! Dad! My friends are coming over tonight. Don't forget to tell the maid to stay out of sight!” The maid. Elena's chest tightened. Once, Lily had called her cousin. Now she called her servant. Elena swallowed the bitterness rising in her throat. One more year. Just one more year. Then she would graduate from the university she was secretly attending. Then she would leave this house forever. Her phone buzzed in her pocket. A message from her best friend Mia. Mia: Don't forget the interview tonight. Elena's heart skipped. The interview. It wasn't just any job. It was an opportunity that could change everything. She had no idea that tonight would be the beginning of a story that would bring her face-to-face with the coldest billionaire in the city. A man whose name alone made powerful men tremble. Alexander Knight. And soon… He would ask her to become his wife.