The CEO’s Contract Bride

A Proposal in Paris From the huge windows in her little apartment, Emma Harper peered out at the beautiful Parisian skyline. Though tonight it seemed like a frigid stranger, the city of lights and love was her home. Eyes lingering on the Eiffel Tower, standing erect and unconcerned with her inner struggle, she ran a hand over her auburn hair. Dealing with her demanding employer, the millionaire CEO of St. Claire Enterprises Alexander St. Claire, will be another exhausting day at work tomorrow. The ring of her phone cut off her thoughts. One from Alexander. She was unable to regulate or explain the skip in her heartbeat. Get to my office by eight in the morning. We need to talk about some serious things. Alexander. Emma looked down. Important things? Unique. Not that Alexander sent mysterious notes. Gritting, she turned on her alarm for six in the morning. Whatever it was, she had to be ready. Like every morning, Emma got to the workplace early. She liked how the building's grandeur, glass, and steel architecture reflected the riches and power of the St. Claire dynasty. After straightening her well-tailored jacket and inhaling deeply, she got out of the top-floor lift. Alexander had a luxurious haven in his office, with a sweeping view of Paris from floor-to-ceiling windows. Standing there already, in a black suit, was Alexander himself, his piercing blue eyes fixed on her as she walked in. Salutations, Mr. St. Claire. Emma gave him a composed, businesslike welcome. Morning, Emma. "Please, sit," he said, his voice remarkably kind. He usually exuded confidence, but she could feel tension in the air. Her head whirling with ideas, she sat down. What urgent topic did you wish to talk about?" Leaning back in his chair, Alexander looked straight ahead. Emma, let me put you up to something. Though unusual, this is very important." Emma felt a throb. Suggestive? What on earth would he want from her? The matriarch of the St. Claire family, my grandma, is quite sick. To see me married is her last hope. She thinks it's essential to the survival of our family history," Alexander said, his voice laced with a peculiar fragility. Shock widened Emma's eyes. Are you married? And you tell me this for...?" With a direct look at her, Alexander said, "Because I want you to marry me." The room spun, Emma sensed. Nothing came out of her mouth when she opened it to talk. She said, "You can't be serious." His face inscrutable, he said, "I'm very serious." "This is a contract marriage. The conditions will be outlined. Only when my grandmother dies away will it be transitory. You will get a handsome payment in return." Emma was whirling in her thoughts. Getting married on contract to her boss? Though absurd, his eyes betrayed a real desperation. She had to know why, so she questioned, "Why me?" "Among my tight group, you are the one person I trust. You've always been honest with me, you're discreet, competent, and... Alexander said, "You fit the bill; I need someone I can rely on." Emma was thinking fast. Her job and her freedom were important to her. The proposition was alluring, though, and something about Alexander's pleading touched her. Breathing deeply, she thought through the consequences. And should I decline, what happens? Alexander grew black in the eyes. I'll not make you. You will, however, be securing your future beyond your wildest dreams and helping an elderly woman realize her last wish if you accept." He spoke things that carried weight. Emma realized this choice would permanently alter her life. Searching for any glimmer of dishonesty, she gazed into Alexander's eyes and found just unadulterated, unvarnished resolve. Startled herself, she said, "Okay," in a whisper. I promise to finish it. Alexander let his shoulders drop, and Emma noticed a hint of relief in his eyes for the first time. Many thanks, Emma. You will not be sorry." Emma was struck, as she left his office, by the impression that she had entered a maze where the walls were closing in and that she had no guidebook to help her. High stakes and an unclear road lay ahead. She would never live the same life again, though, that much was certain. Emma was having trouble relaxing later that evening since her thoughts were racing over what had happened during the day. What was ahead, she wondered. Alexander St. Claire was a guy of many secrets, and she was about to enter his world completely. Emma was surrounded by bustle the next morning. Around her were contracts, attorneys, and a group of public relations experts planning their forthcoming marriage announcement. A shudder raced down the spine as she signed the last paper, committing herself to Alexander in a way she had never dreamed. What had she done? The next several weeks were a haze of high-profile occasions, media attention, and ongoing closeness to Alexander. Emma couldn't fight their developing attraction despite the mayhem. It was completely frightening, perplexing, and energizing. Emma was alone with Alexander in his opulent apartment one evening after they had returned from a charity banquet. There was a wonderful glow in the room from the sparkling city lights outside the windows. Softly shattering the quiet, Alexander whispered, "Emma." "I would like to thank you for everything you have done. You must be finding this difficult. Emma raised an eye to him, her heart thumping. "It's more complicated than I thought," she said. Stepping up closer, Alexander had keen eyes. Emma, I swear to watch after you. Whatever circumstances. Moments before she could answer, the doorbell rang. Gritting, Alexander answered it. Emma started as a towering, gloomy person with a threat about him entering the room. With whom are you? Cold and authoritative, Alexander commanded. The stranger grinned, a lethal spark flashing in his eyes. I am known to you, St. Claire. We still need to do business." Emma was a frigid person. Tension rose as the enigmatic stranger looked directly at Alexander. This guy, she knew, was a phantom from Alexander's past, able to destroy what they had created. Emma knew she was over her head as the altercation grew more heated. She never could have predicted the stakes and the distinction between danger and love was getting thinner by the day. Though it would cost her everything, she had to find out the truth about Alexander's history. The suspenseful moment left Emma struggling with her developing feelings for Alexander and the menacing shadow that seemed to be about to swallow them both. Though the trip ahead was dangerous, she was resolved to take it on, no matter what.