Trapped In A Contract Marriage

Ava Daniels sat frozen on the couch, her fingers digging into the fabric of her worn-out jeans as her father dropped the bombshell. “You have to marry him, Ava,” he said quietly, not meeting her eyes. “What?” Her voice cracked. “Who?” “Jace Blackwood.” The name hit her like a slap. The cold, arrogant billionaire? The same man who looked at people like they were beneath him? “Why would I ever marry that man?” Her father sighed, a tired, broken sound. “Because I owe him more than I can ever repay. And if you don’t… he’ll take everything. The house. The shop. Our lives.” Ava stood up slowly, the world spinning around her. “So you want me to sell myself off to save your mess?” “It’s just a contract,” he muttered. “One year. No feelings involved.” Her laugh was bitter. “You really think Jace Blackwood does anything without a price?” Her father opened his mouth, but another voice cut through the silence like a knife. “You don't have much choice, Miss Daniels.” Ava turned sharply toward the doorway — and there he stood. Jace Blackwood. Dark suit. Cold eyes. Untouchable presence. He walked in like he owned the air around him. Tall, composed, with a calm arrogance that made her blood boil. “You think you can buy me like one of your companies?” she snapped. “I’m not buying you,” Jace replied coolly. “I’m offering you a solution. You sign the contract, we get married, and in one year, you walk away with your father’s debt cleared — and a generous reward.” “Reward?” she spat. “Is that what you call it?” “I call it a business transaction.” He stepped forward, eyes sharp. “You sign the contract. We both get what we need. I get a wife on paper. You get to keep your father's dignity intact.” Her hands curled into fists. “Why me? You could have anyone. Women throw themselves at you.” “I don’t want someone who wants me,” he said flatly. “I want someone who understands boundaries. No emotions. No expectations.” Her chest rose and fell rapidly. This couldn’t be real. She turned to her father, voice trembling. “You agreed to this?” He lowered his gaze. “I didn’t know who else to turn to. I’m sorry, Ava.” For a long moment, no one said anything. Then Jace placed a thick envelope on the table. She didn’t need to ask — it was the contract. “Take your time,” he said calmly. “But not too long. I don’t like being kept waiting.” He turned and walked out, leaving behind silence and shattered reality. Ava stared at the envelope like it was poison. The air felt heavy. Her world had just cracked open, and she wasn’t sure what would be left standing. This wasn’t love. It wasn’t even marriage. It was a business deal. And she was the collateral. --- End of Chapter 1