The Billionaire’s Secret Obsession-Contract Bride

CHAPTER 3

Amelia’s POV

He stood by the edge of the dance floor, a tall, dark figure that made him stand out in the chaotic crowd. His gaze was intense like he could see right through the noise around him and straight into me. I felt a shiver run down my spine, but I couldn’t look away.

Sarah nudged me, catching my gaze. “Who’s that?”

I shook my head, my voice barely above a whisper. “I don’t know.” It was really dark so I couldn't really make out a face.

But as he moved through the crowd, he was still watching me, his eyes dark and piercing even in the dim light. My heart pounded as he started walking toward us, each step slow and deliberate.

“Mind if I join you?” His voice was deep and smooth.

I nodded, my mouth suddenly dry. Up close, he was even more striking O couldn't really see him but I could tell and I was too drunk to process anything— he had sharp features softened by the dim lights, and a presence that was both magnetic and intimidating. There was something oddly familiar about him, but I couldn’t quite place it.

We started to talk and drink, we drank so much making the words flow more easily than I expected. He asked questions, listened intently, and for the first time in days, I felt like someone truly saw me. His gaze never left me and I found myself drawn to him in a way I couldn't place. I didn’t even know his name, yet he felt like the escape I needed.

Just like me, he needed a break from everything. It was all too much to handle; Work, Family, things he did not have control over and I understood.

The music faded into the background as we continued talking, our words slowing, softening, until the space between us felt charged. I felt my heart pound, the alcohol and the thrill of the moment blending together into a heady mix that clouded my judgment.

And then, with the amount of alcohol I had taken and without thinking, I closed the distance between us, my lips brushing against his. He hesitated for a fraction of a second, as though surprised, but then his arms wrapped around me, pulling me closer. The world around us melted away as we moved together, lost in the moment.

———————————

I blinked against the harsh morning light filtering through the windows, my head pounding and memories of the previous night hazy as I could not remember anything. I sat up slowly, realizing there was someone next to me.

I peeked closer and it was Sarah. I didn't remember anything from yesterday but somehow we had ended back in Sarah's room.

I couldn’t put my hands on it but I knew I was with someone yesterday, I didn’t know his name, didn't see his face clearly and didn’t know if I’d ever see him again. The realization filled me with a mixture of relief and a tint of regret. As I stood up to get dressed something fell out my bag, seemingly forgotten in a hurry. My pulse raced as I reached for it, it was a watch, I picked it up and noticed it looked quite expensive . It definitely belonged to him. I tucked the watch back into my bag and left the room.

**Two weeks later, at the Sinclair Mansion**

The car pulled up to the grand gates of the Sinclair estate and my heart raced. I stared out the window, trying to calm my nerves. The mansion looked cold and entirely unwelcoming. I had seen it before–everyone had–but standing in it now, knowing this was my future, sent a shiver down my spine.

Damian Sinclair was not what I had imagined when my parents first mentioned the arrangement.The Sinclair family’s wealth and influence were legendary. But Damian himself was another story. Our one brief meeting had left me chilled. He was handsome in a severe way—sharp features, tall and projected dominance, but no warmth.

As the car door opened, I stepped out, my hands trembling slightly. I was met by a housekeeper, who offered a stiff smile and led me inside the hall. Everything about the mansion screamed wealth— marble floors, crystal chandeliers, priceless artwork.

The air inside was suffocating. My footsteps echoed through the marble floor as I followed the housekeeper toward the grand hall. Every step felt heavier than the last, like the walls were closing in, trapping me in this life I hadn’t chosen.

Damian stood near the window at the top of the grand staircase as I entered the house, his expression as cold as ever. He was dressed impeccably, his dark suit tailored perfectly. His sharp, controlled features gave nothing away. Not a flicker of emotion passed his cold eyes as he spoke, still facing the window.

“Amelia,” he greeted coolly, his voice smooth, but completely devoid of emotion. “Damian,” I replied, my voice trembling slightly as I met his gaze.

“Shall we?” he asked, motioning for me to follow him into a side room that looked more like a boardroom.

“Do you understand the terms?” he asked, finally turning to face me, his dark gaze piercing mine.

“I do,” I said, though my voice came out more fragile than I intended. I sat across from him, my hands clasped tightly in my lap.

Damian’s expression remained unreadable as he spoke. “This marriage, as I’m sure you understand, is a business arrangement. Your family’s debts will be paid in full, your father will be kept out of prison and in return, you will fulfill your role as Mrs. Sinclair. Publicly, you will be my wife. Privately...” He paused, his dark eyes narrowing slightly. “We will lead separate lives.”

I sighed, my throat tight. I had expected this but his words stung, hearing it out loud felt even colder than I’d imagined. There would be no love, just a title and an agreement.

Before I could respond, the door opened, and a woman stepped inside. “Well, isn’t this cozy,”

I turned to see her glide into the room like she owned the place. She was stunning—tall, elegant, and radiated confidence.

“Amelia right? I’ve heard so much about you.” The woman said, her voice dripping with false sweetness.

I stood awkwardly, I had heard of her before, whispered about in the circles of high society, The rumors about her and Damian had been impossible to avoid, but seeing her now, standing there with her gaze fixed on me, I felt like I was walking into a trap. Damian remained seated, his expression blank.

“Vanessa Whitmore,” the woman introduced herself, “I’m... an old friend of Damian’s.”

The way she said ‘old friend’ made it clear that her relationship with Damian was much more complicated than that.

I forced a smile. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“Isn’t it?” Vanessa replied, her tone sharp and condescending. She turned to Damian, her lips curving into a smirk. “I trust everything is in order for the wedding?”

“Everything is fine, Vanessa,” Damian replied, his voice clipped.

Vanessa smiled but there was something predatory in her gaze as she looked at me. “You must be thrilled, Amelia,” she said, her smile widening as she moved closer. “Damian is quite the prize. But then again, I’m sure you know that.”

Her eyes glittered as she took another step toward me, her fingers brushing against my arm lightly.

“Don’t worry, darling,” she whispered, leaning in close enough that I could take in the floral scent of her perfume. “I’m sure you’ll make a lovely Sinclair, once you figure out where you fit in.”

Her words hit me like ice, and I stiffened under her touch.

“Vanessa, that will be all,” Damian interjected, his tone harsh. Vanessa shot him a look but left without a word.

“That would be all” Damian started as he turned to me, “every other–” he got cut short by his phone ringing. He picked it up without hesitation, his voice strained as he spoke into it.

"Yes, I understand. Just... make sure everything is in place. And let them know that my mother won’t be attending," he says, the words dripping with finality. "And my brother... He won’t be there either."

I turned my head instantly, “Wait what?” “A brother?”