My Contracted Billionaire Husband

CHAPTER 3 – The Contract Marriage

Arabella sat at her desk, her fingers hovering over the keyboard. She had spent the last few hours researching Alexander Lee, combing through articles, business reports, and anything she could find about him. His name popped up everywhere: Alexander Lee – a businessman, visionary, and enigma.

Everything about him screamed power. His wealth, his charisma, his ability to keep people guessing. He was a man who could make her feel both awe and fear in equal measure. But what intrigued her most wasn’t his wealth or reputation—it was the way he had built his empire. A man like him would never care for the drama of a traditional marriage, and that was precisely what she needed.

Arabella knew what she was asking of him was a lot. A contract marriage wasn’t something people took lightly. It required trust and discretion—two things Alexander Lee valued above all. But she was determined. If she had to marry someone to escape her father’s grasp, it would be someone like him. Someone who understood the world she was about to step into.

Her phone buzzed, interrupting her thoughts. A message from a mutual acquaintance she’d used to arrange the meeting with Alexander: He’s agreed to meet you. Tomorrow, 4 p.m. at The Elite Lounge. Don’t be late.

Arabella’s heart skipped a beat. Tomorrow. The opportunity was finally here.

The next day, Arabella found herself at The Elite Lounge, an upscale private venue known for its exclusivity. She had arrived, wanting to prepare herself for what was about to happen. She had dressed carefully—a simple yet elegant dress that wasn’t too flashy but conveyed the seriousness of her intention. There could be no mistakes. This was her chance to take control of her life.

As she entered the lounge, she immediately spotted him. Alexander Lee. He was sitting alone at a corner table, his back straight, his eyes scanning the room. Even from across the room, Arabella could feel the magnetic pull of his presence. He was everything she had read about and more. Tall, impeccably dressed in a dark suit, his sharp features hidden behind a mask of calm. There was something about him that made it impossible to look away.

Arabella hesitated for a moment before walking over to him, her steps measured and confident. As she approached, he looked up, and their eyes met. For a moment, time seemed to freeze, the air thick with anticipation.

“Miss Whitmore,” he greeted, his voice low and smooth. “I see you’ve come prepared.”

“I don’t take these things lightly,” Arabella replied, taking a seat opposite him.

He gave a slight nod, acknowledging her seriousness. “I can see that. So, what is it that you want, Arabella?”

His use of her first name caught her off guard, but she quickly regained her composure. This was a business meeting, not a social one. She wasn’t here to flirt or engage in pleasantries. She was here to make an offer.

“I need your help,” she began, her voice steady despite the rush of emotions flooding her. “I want to offer you a contract marriage.”

Alexander leaned back in his chair, his gaze never leaving hers. “A contract marriage?” he repeated, his tone tinged with curiosity. “Why would I need such a thing?”

Arabella took a deep breath. This was it. She had to make him understand. “I can’t marry the man my father has chosen for me. He wants me to marry Mr. Ashford, someone I don’t know, someone I don’t love. I can’t live a life like that. But I can live a life of my own choosing if I have the right arrangement.”

Alexander’s lips curved into a slight, knowing smile. “And you think I’m the man who can help you?”

“Yes,” she replied without hesitation. “I’m offering a marriage—on paper only. We’ll be married for the sake of appearances. You need the legitimacy of a marriage, and I need freedom. It’s a mutually beneficial arrangement. No emotions are involved. Just a contract.”

He raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued but unfazed. “And you expect me to marry you for what? A business arrangement? That’s it?”

Arabella’s gaze was unwavering. “Yes. We both get something out of it. You’ll have the status of a legitimate wife without the complications of a real marriage, and I’ll have the freedom to live my life without being under my father’s control.”

There was a long pause as Alexander considered her proposal. Arabella held her breath, every second stretching into eternity. She could feel the weight of his silence, the calculated way he weighed every word.

Finally, he spoke, his voice calm but firm. “You do realize that this is not something I take lightly, Arabella. A marriage—even a contract one—carries risks. If we enter into this agreement, there will be no turning back. It will be private, between the two of us. No one must know about this. Not your father, not anyone.”

Arabella nodded eagerly. “I understand. I’m offering this because I want it, and I’m willing to keep it private. It’s the only way I can take control of my life.”

Alexander leaned forward slightly, his gaze intense. “And if you change your mind? What if you decide you want something else?”

Arabella’s heart skipped a beat. She had thought about that, of course. But she had no intention of turning back. “I won’t change my mind. I know what I want, and this is the only way I can get it.”

There was a pause, and then Alexander finally spoke again, his tone decisive. “Very well, Arabella. I accept your offer. We will proceed with the contract marriage. But understand this—there will be no room for mistakes. This is a business agreement, and I expect it to stay that way.”

Arabella exhaled in relief. “Thank you. I won’t disappoint you.”

Alexander stood up, offering her a hand. “We’ll finalize the details and arrange everything. This will be our arrangement, on our terms.”

Arabella took his hand, her heart pounding with anticipation. She had done it. She had taken control of her future, and now, with Alexander Lee by her side, she would begin a new chapter in her life.

As they left the lounge together, Arabella couldn’t help but feel a sense of power. The deal was done. No longer would she be forced into a life she didn’t want. The contract marriage was the beginning of her freedom.