The billionaire's contract wife

Chapter 1: The Contract. The rain was relentless that night, slamming against the glass walls of the café like it was trying to break in. Ava Collins sat stiffly at the corner table, her fingers curled tightly around a cup of coffee she hadn’t touched in over thirty minutes. The heat had long faded, but she didn’t notice. Her eyes were fixed on the entrance, watching every couple that walked in—laughing, holding hands, happy. Happy. What a cruel word. Her phone buzzed again on the table. Ethan: I’m on my way. Stop overthinking. She swallowed, her throat burning. Overthinking. Right. As if a woman could overthink catching her fiancé cheating on her. Three days ago, she had walked into the apartment she shared with Ethan, ready to surprise him with the news that could change everything. Instead, she had found his jacket on the couch, unfamiliar heels by the door, and sounds coming from the bedroom that shattered her world in seconds. She still remembered how her hand had trembled as she pushed the door open. How the woman in his bed wasn’t a stranger. It was her cousin. The same cousin who had cried with her during wedding dress fittings. Ava closed her eyes. Don’t think about it. The bell above the café door rang, and she looked up instinctively. Ethan walked in, tall and handsome as always, wearing the same confident smile that had once made her feel safe. Now, it made her stomach churn. He spotted her and waved casually, as if this was just another normal meeting. As if he hadn’t destroyed her. He sat across from her, placing his phone on the table. “You look tired.” She let out a soft, humorless laugh. “Funny. I was thinking the same about you. Must be exhausting juggling two women.” His jaw tightened. “Ava, don’t start.” “Don’t start?” Her voice shook despite her effort to stay calm. “You cheated on me. With family.” He leaned back, crossing his arms. “It wasn’t planned.” “That’s your defense?” Her eyes burned. “It ‘wasn’t planned’?” He sighed, clearly annoyed. “Look, mistakes happen. We’ve been together for four years. You’re really going to throw everything away over one mistake?” One mistake. Ava stood abruptly, the chair scraping loudly against the floor. Heads turned. She didn’t care. “I was going to tell you I’m pregnant,” she said quietly. Ethan froze. For a split second, panic flickered across his face. Then it disappeared, replaced by calculation. “Were,” he repeated slowly. “Going to?” Her hand dropped to her stomach. “Not anymore.” The silence between them was suffocating. “That’s probably for the best,” he finally said. Her heart cracked open. “For the best?” Her voice rose. “You cheat on me, humiliate me, and now you’re saying—” “Lower your voice,” he hissed, glancing around. “Do you have any idea how this looks?” That was it. She laughed—a broken, hollow sound. “You’re worried about how this looks?” Ethan stood, towering over her. “I’m not ready for a child, Ava. And frankly, neither are you. You don’t even have a stable job.” The words sliced deep. “So that’s it?” she whispered. “Four years. Just like that?” He reached into his wallet and pulled out a stack of cash, placing it on the table. “Consider this… support. We’ll call off the wedding quietly.” Her vision blurred. Before she could respond, his phone rang. He glanced at the screen and immediately softened. “I have to take this.” He turned away, walking toward the entrance, speaking gently into the phone. Ava didn’t need to hear the words to know who was on the other end. The café buzzed with whispers. She felt eyes on her. Pity. Judgment. Curiosity. Public humiliation. Ava grabbed her bag and rushed outside, the rain soaking her hair and clothes instantly. She didn’t stop until she reached the street, her chest heaving as sobs finally broke free. That was when a sleek black car pulled up beside her. The passenger window rolled down. “Get in.” The voice was calm. Deep. Commanding. She turned, startled. The man inside the car was breathtaking in a way that felt dangerous. Sharp jawline, cold eyes, tailored suit that screamed money and power. He looked like someone who controlled rooms without raising his voice. “I don’t know you,” she said. “I know you,” he replied. Her heart skipped. “Excuse me?” “You’re Ava Collins,” he said. “Graphic designer. Engaged—formerly—to Ethan Moore. Wedding scheduled for next month. Cancelled.” Her blood ran cold. “Who are you?” “Lucas Hart,” he said simply. The name hit her like a slap. Lucas Hart. CEO of Hart Global. Billionaire. Media darling. Untouchable. “What do you want?” she asked warily. He studied her soaked clothes, trembling hands, red eyes. “I need a wife.” She blinked. Once. Twice. Then laughed. “You’ve got the wrong woman.” “No,” he said. “You’re exactly the right one.” She shook her head. “I’m not in the mood for jokes.” “I’m not joking.” He opened the door and stepped out, towering over her. Even in the rain, he looked flawless. Untouchable. “My grandmother is dying,” he continued. “Her last wish is to see me married.” “I’m sorry,” Ava said, confused. “But that has nothing to do with me.” “It does,” he replied calmly. “You need money. Stability. Protection.” Her spine stiffened. “I don’t need a man to save me.” A corner of his mouth lifted slightly. “Good. Then this will be a business arrangement.” He pulled a folder from the back seat and handed it to her. She hesitated before opening it. Inside was a contract. Marriage Agreement. Her breath caught. “One year,” Lucas said. “Publicly, you are my wife. Privately, we live separate lives.” She flipped through the pages, hands shaking. “No emotional involvement,” he continued. “No physical obligations unless mutually agreed.” “Monthly compensation: fifty thousand dollars.” “Bonus upon completion: five million dollars.” Her knees almost buckled. “This is insane,” she whispered. “You’re free to refuse,” he said coolly. “But if you accept, Ethan Moore will never touch you again. Professionally or personally.” Her heart slammed against her ribs. “What do you mean?” Lucas’s eyes darkened. “I mean I don’t like men who humiliate women in public.” Ava stared at the contract, then up at him. “What’s the catch?” she asked. He leaned closer, his voice dropping. “You must never fall in love with me.” Her lips parted. “And I won’t fall in love with you,” she replied. For the first time, something flickered in his gaze. He smiled. “Good.” He handed her a pen. “Sign it,” Lucas said softly. “And tonight, your life changes forever.” Ava looked at the rain-soaked city behind her… Then at the contract in her hands. And she signed it......