The Contract: My Hidden Billionaire Husband

Month of Lamb  A flight change completely upended Candy Weber's plans. She couldn't fathom how she ended up on another flight, nor could she discern the cause. No one at the agency could explain it, least of all her secretary, who had organized everything. What confounded her even more was the fact that her recent husband's ticket remained intact while hers changed. They were purchased simultaneously for their honeymoon, making it all the more bewildering that only hers suffered alterations.   Her husband boarded the flight without her, insisting they couldn't afford to miss hotel and restaurant reservations. He assured her there would be no issues if she arrived later.   Candy felt like her world was crumbling when she realized she might miss her honeymoon. Desperate, she began making calls. Despite her initial doubts, she managed to change her flight with the help of a friend of her best friend, named Asher Brennan, securing a seat on a flight just an hour apart from the original.   Her husband expected her to arrive a day later, and she decided not to confirm the change, opting instead to surprise him by allowing him to believe she would arrive the following day. It turned out to be a delightful surprise for the newlyweds.   How could she miss their honeymoon?   Her husband, Rick Johnson, hailed from a prominent family in Southern California, straight out of San Diego. His sun-kissed tan and blond locks turned heads wherever he went, and his chiseled muscles lent him the air of a Greek god. At thirty, he already had a reputation for his weakness towards women.   But Candy, at twenty-five, had fallen head over heels for his charms. Two years of dating had led them to marriage.   Seated beside her was Alaric Jackson, heading to the same destination. He had secured her plane ticket, thanks to Asher Brennan's persuasion to do everything possible to get her on the same flight.   "Business trip?" they had exchanged some conversation during the journey.   "Yeah, I'm closing a deal," Alaric responded.   "I'm intrigued by deals," she said. "Which company are you with?"   "I'm based in San Francisco."   "And I'm from San Diego," she replied.   "You're mighty lightly tanned for a San Diego native," he remarked.   "I roam quite a bit," she replied. "And you, Alaric, don't strike me as a San Francisco native either."   "Been callin' it home for a couple of years now," he drawled.   Their conversation skirted personal matters, and before long, she drifted off to sleep, her nerves settling. When the plane touched down, Alaric gave her shoulder a gentle pat.   As they parted ways, each in their taxi, they couldn't help but be taken aback by the coincidence of ending up at the same hotel. The very same hotel.   Candy couldn't shake the feeling that Alaric's presence wasn't just business. The choice of location and lodgings hinted at something more personal.   The air hung heavy with humidity, but it didn't dampen Candy's excitement. Her husband had arrived ahead of her, and now, at eleven o'clock in the night, she finally checked into the hotel.   "Here's your key, ma'am. Your partner's already checked in," the clerk informed her.   "My husband!" she exclaimed, her voice bubbling with excitement. "He's my husband, and this is our honeymoon trip!"   The clerk's expression soured, realizing the man who arrived earlier had a woman in tow, currently occupying their shared room.   "Care for a drink? Or perhaps a tour?" the clerk offered, trying to divert her attention. But Candy was resolute. She wouldn't explore until she had surprised her husband.   "No, thank you," she declined.   As Alaric Jackson sidled up beside her, staying a floor below in room 5456, Candy grabbed her bags and held the elevator for him.   The ascent was silent, and Alaric disembarked first, leaving Candy to admire his striking green eyes and charming demeanor.   They said goodbye with only a smile.   Facing the gleaming corridor of rooms, Candy scanned the numbers until she found hers. With a key card in hand, she opened the door.   The room lay cloaked in darkness. Setting her suitcase aside, she flicked on the lights, eager to discover her surroundings.   Quietly, she pushed open the door to the bedroom, half-expecting to find her husband already asleep. But as the light flooded the room, she raised her hands in surprise and exclaimed:   "Surprise! I'm here!" Candy exclaimed.   Indeed, her husband was in bed, under those sheets, but two pairs of feet came out of there and one pair was a woman.   “Rick…” her expression changed. Her husband covered the woman's face without Candy being able to see it.   Candy's heart sank as anger surged through her. She lunged for the sheets, but her husband and the other man were too quick. Candy stumbled backward, her back aching from the fall. Yet, lying beside her were unmistakable clues – gold heels, a Gucci bag – revealing the identity of the woman in bed with her husband. Her sister, Lexi Weber.   Everything seemed to spin as pieces fell into place. The change in his travel plans, his sister's odd behavior at the wedding, and their shared absences. But it was her sister. How could she betray her like this? And he was her husband.   "On my honeymoon?" Candy's voice quivered with disbelief. "Why now? Why betray me like this?" Anger seethed within her as she confronted her sister, hurling her bag in frustration.   Rick, now searching for his underwear, approached Candy, his hand connecting with her cheek. He slapped her.   Candy couldn't fathom the situation unfolding before her, compounded by the sting of his slap.   "Why didn't you tell me you were coming?" Rick's voice was laced with frustration. "Your surprise has brought this upon us. What were you thinking, barging in here a day early? What now?"   "You're both insane," Candy muttered, tears stinging her eyes as she headed for the door. "Enjoy your stay at the hotel. When I return, divorce papers will be waiting. It'll be the shortest marriage in history."   But before she could leave, Rick's voice halted her. "You can't just walk out. This is a mistake, Candy. You're the woman I love. Tell her, Lexi!"   "He told me he loves only me, that he chose you for your potential to bear him sons with blue eyes, Candy," Lexi sneered, finally revealing her face. "Do you think you can be a proper wife and mother to his child? We've been together for eight months, and I'm in love with him. If you divorce him, rest assured, I'll be the one to give him those beautiful, blue-eyed children you can't."   "You're not a bad choice, Lexi," Rick conceded. "You're beautiful, elegant, stand out more, and your eyes are captivating. Candy dresses conservatively and doesn't flaunt her figure. You, on the other hand, have all that Candy lacks, plus you're younger and more compliant."   "Seriously? You're considering marrying my sister?" Candy interjected, incredulous.   "I hadn't mentioned it, but as a wedding gift, my father has finally granted me a position in the company. I'll have authority in two years, and I need someone who fits the bill as my future president, someone on my level, Candy. And let's face it, Lexi is a better fit than you. She's superior, even in bed, darling."   Not only had Rick cheated on her, but he also gave her place to her sister, treating her as a replaceable object. Where were the two years of their relationship? Where was the man Candy fell in love with? There was nothing but disappointment.   Exhausted and humiliated, Candy gathered her belongings and left, clinging to what little dignity remained.   She hailed the first taxi to the airport, desperate to leave. But the earliest flight wasn't until noon the next day. She searched for hotels, but the high season meant everything was fully booked.   By two in the morning, she found herself in a bar, drowning her sorrows in beer until she couldn't remember how many she'd had. Leaning heavily against the bar, she sought solace in oblivion.   In the distance, she spotted those familiar green eyes and managed a weak smile. Attempting to approach, she stumbled and fell.   Alaric Jackson rushed to her side, helping her up. "Have a drink with me," she pleaded, clinging to his arm. "Drink with me, Alaric Jackson, Or I'll do it with the first stranger that passes by. I need to forget everything, remember nothing."