THE BILLIONAIRE'S CONTRACT BRIDE

THE CONTRACT AND THE BANQUET

*CHAPTER 2: THE CONTRACT AND THE BANQUET*

The courthouse was cold.

Esther sat beside Daniel on a wooden bench, clutching the contract folder. Her hands wouldn’t stop shaking.

"Sign here," Daniel said, sliding a pen to her. His voice had no warmth. "Then here. And here."

She signed. Esther Miller. Then Mrs. Cole.

A court clerk stamped the papers. Flash. A photo was taken. The way it happens in movies. Two strangers becoming husband and wife in 5 minutes. No guests. No flowers. Just law and debt.

"It’s done," Daniel said. "Your father’s debt is cleared as of 10am."

Esther exhaled. For her family.

---

The Cole mansion wasn’t a house. It was a glass castle.

The car stopped at the gate and guards opened it. Inside, the driveway was longer than her old street.

Daniel turned to her before getting out. "Listen carefully. Rules."

"One: You attend all public events with me. Smile. No talking back."

"Two: Don’t speak to the press. Don’t post online."

"Three: Don’t go into my office or the west wing. Ever."

"Four: Don’t fall in love with me. This is business for 1 year."

He got out without waiting for her answer.

A woman in a black uniform was already at the door. Early 30s. Neat bun. Kind eyes.

"Mrs. Cole? I’m Mia. I’ll be taking care of you."

Mia picked up Esther’s only bag like it weighed nothing. "Let me show you to your room."

The room was huge. Bigger than her whole apartment. Mia unpacked the 2 dresses Esther owned and hung them beside 10 new designer ones.

"Lunch is 1pm. Dinner is 8pm sharp," Mia said softly. "If you need anything, press this button."

At 1pm Esther came down. The dining table was empty.

"Where’s Daniel?" she asked.

"He went to the office, ma. He won’t be back till late," Mia replied. Then she smiled. "Let me show you around. But don’t go to the west wing or his office. Those are Mr. Cole’s rules."

Mia showed her the gym, the pool, the garden. The house felt like a prison with gold bars.

That evening Esther was in her room, pressing her phone. The weather had changed. It was getting dark.

Knock knock.

Mia came in with a cream envelope. "Invitation, ma. Mr. Cole said you must attend. The Harrison Charity Banquet. Tonight at 8."

She placed a dress on the bed. Red. Silk. Backless. "Mr. Cole picked this for you. The driver will be ready at 7:30."

Mia left. Esther picked up the dress when her phone rang.

DAD.

"Esther!" His voice was shaking. "Those people came again! They said if I don’t pay they’ll take your brother, your mom, your sister! I told them you signed! Did you sign?!"

Esther’s throat closed. "Yes dad. It’s done. You’re safe."

"Good. Don’t you dare mess this up." Click.

Her hands shook.

At 7:30 she came downstairs. The red dress fit like it was made for her. Hair down. Simple makeup. She looked stunning.

Daniel was waiting in the garage, leaning on a black Bentley. When he saw her, his eyes flickered. Just for a second.

_She doesn’t look like a desperate girl,_ he thought. _She looks like she belongs._

He didn’t say it out loud.

"Get in," he said instead.

In the car, Esther stole a glance at him. Black suit. Sharp jaw. Cold, but his profile was unfair.

_He’s cruel,_ she thought. _But why does my heart beat faster?_

They arrived at the banquet. Lights. Cameras. Rich people.

Daniel held out his arm. "Remember the rules. Smile."

Esther took it.

But inside the banquet hall, someone was waiting.

A woman in white. Holding a glass of wine. Smiling right at Esther.

Victoria.

*[END OF CHAPTER 2]