The Billionaire’s Contract Bride (Final Edition)

“I never thought I would marry a stranger… until he offered me millions.” Amara stared at the hospital bill in her trembling hands. ₦2,450,000. The number refused to make sense, no matter how many times she looked at it. Her chest tightened as panic slowly crept in. How was she supposed to get that kind of money? “Miss?” The nurse’s voice pulled her back to reality. “Your mother needs treatment as soon as possible. We can’t delay any longer.” Amara swallowed hard and nodded, even though her mind was blank. “I understand,” she whispered. But she didn’t. Not really. Because understanding wouldn’t magically put millions in her account. She walked slowly back into the hospital room. The soft beeping of machines filled the silence. Her mother lay weak and pale, her breathing shallow. “Mum…” Amara sat beside her, gently holding her hand. “I’m here.” Her mother smiled faintly. “You’ve always been strong,” she said weakly. “You’ll be fine.” Amara felt tears sting her eyes. “Don’t say that. You’re going to be fine too.” But deep down… she wasn’t sure. Hours later, Amara stood outside the hospital, her thoughts spinning wildly. She had called everyone she knew. No one could help. She was alone. Completely alone. “I can solve your problem.” The voice came from behind her. Calm. Deep. Confident. Amara turned sharply. A tall man stood there, dressed in a perfectly fitted black suit. His presence alone felt… powerful. “Excuse me?” she said cautiously. He stepped closer, his eyes fixed on hers. “I heard your conversation inside.” Her expression hardened. “That’s a private matter.” “I know,” he replied calmly. “But I can help you.” Her heart skipped. “How?” He didn’t hesitate. “Marry me.” The world seemed to stop. Amara blinked. “What?” “A contract marriage,” he clarified. “One year. You play the role of my wife.” Her mind struggled to process his words. “And in return?” she asked slowly. His gaze didn’t waver. “I’ll pay for your mother’s treatment.” Silence fell between them. This couldn’t be real. But the desperation in her chest… made it feel like the only option she had left. “No emotions,” he added. “No complications.” Amara looked at him, her heart racing. This was insane. But losing her mother? That was worse. “Who are you?” she whispered. A faint smirk touched his lips. “Alexander Kane.” And somehow… her life would never be the same again. Amara stood frozen, her heart pounding loudly in her chest. “This isn’t funny,” she said, trying to steady her voice. Alexander didn’t smile. “Do I look like I’m joking?” She shook her head slowly. No… he didn’t. There was something about him—something cold and certain—that made her realize he meant every word. “Why me?” she asked. His gaze lingered on her for a moment longer than necessary. “Because you need something,” he said. “And I need something.” Her chest tightened. “There are thousands of women out there. Why not choose them?” “Because they would expect more,” he replied calmly. “You won’t.” That stung. But she didn’t deny it. Because he was right. She was desperate. And desperate people didn’t have the luxury of pride. “What exactly do you gain from this?” she asked carefully. Alexander’s expression hardened slightly. “That’s not your concern.” “If I’m going to marry you, it is my concern.” A flicker of something—approval?—crossed his eyes. “You’ll find out soon enough.” Silence stretched between them again. The weight of the decision pressed down on her. This was insane. Completely insane. But her mother… She had no time left. Amara closed her eyes briefly, taking a deep breath. When she opened them again, her decision was already made. “Okay,” she said quietly. Alexander’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Okay?” “I’ll do it.” And just like that… her life changed forever.