The CEO's Contract Wife

Chapter 8: Elena Returns

The CEO's Contract WifeBen was moved out of ICU that morning. Aria hadn’t slept in 36 hours. Zayn hadn’t left her side once. He got her coffee. Blankets. Food she didn’t eat. The board called 8 times. He ignored all of them.“Go home and rest,” Zayn said, brushing hair from her face. “I’ll stay with Ben.” Aria shook her head. “No. We stay together.”The word we made Zayn go still. Then he nodded.3 PM. Hospital Lobby.They were walking back from the cafeteria when she appeared. Elena. Red dress. Perfect hair. Anger in her eyes.“Look who’s playing house,” Elena said, voice loud. Nurses looked up.Zayn stepped in front of Aria instantly. “What are you doing here?” “Saving you from yourself.” Elena looked at Aria up and down. “Still here? I thought 30 days was up.”“21 days left,” Aria said quietly. “And it’s none of your business.”Elena laughed. “Oh honey. It is my business. I was supposed to be Mrs. Carter.” She pulled out her phone. “The board knows it’s fake, you know. I sent them the contract.”The air froze.Zayn’s jaw ticked. “You did what?” “Someone has to protect your company from a gold digger.” Elena smiled. “Cute story though. Sick brother. 1 million. Very dramatic.”Aria felt sick. “How did you—” “I have friends in finance,” Elena cut her off. “Unlike some people.”Zayn grabbed Elena’s wrist. “You’re done.” “Am I?” Elena yanked her hand away. “Wait till the press gets this. ‘Billionaire fakes marriage for merger.’ Your stocks will crash by morning.”She walked away, heels clicking. “21 days, Zayn. Better enjoy it.”Aria’s legs gave out. Zayn caught her. “Don’t listen to her,” he said fiercely. “She’s lying.”“Is she?” Aria whispered. “Is the contract going to leak?”Zayn looked at her. Really looked. Then he did something in front of 20 people in the hospital lobby.He kissed her. Not soft. Not careful. A claiming kiss. A she’s mine kiss.When he pulled back, he said loud enough for everyone to hear: “She’s my wife. Not for 30 days. Not for money. Forever. If she’ll have me.”The lobby went silent. Then a nurse clapped.Aria’s eyes filled with tears. “You can’t just—” “I can,” Zayn said. “Because I’m tired of pretending.” He took her hand. “Come on. We have a press conference to crash.”8 PM. Carter Tower Live.Cameras. Reporters. Chaos. Zayn walked in holding Aria’s hand. No suit. Hospital bracelet still on his wrist.“Ladies and gentlemen,” Zayn said. “You’ve heard rumors. Here’s the truth.”He held up a paper. Tore it in half. “The contract is void. As of now.”Gasps. “I married Aria because I love her. Because she’s the only real thing in my life.” He turned to Aria. “And I’m asking her to marry me again. For real. No contract. No rules.”He got down on one knee. Right there. Pulled out a ring. Simple. Elegant.“Aria, will you be my wife? For real this time?”Aria was crying. Shaking. The whole world was watching.“Y-yes,” she whispered. Then louder. “Yes, Zayn. Yes.”He slid the ring on her finger and stood. Kissed her while flashes exploded.Later that night, in his car, Aria stared at the ring. “You just ruined your merger.” Zayn pulled her into his lap. “I just saved my life.” He kissed her temple. “New rule. No more rules.