BOUND TO THE BILLIONAIRE BY CONTRACT

A CHOICE SHE NEVER WANTED

Chapter 4 – A Choice She Never Wanted

Olivia's heart raced as she burst through the hospital doors. She ignored the curious stares of the nurses and visitors while she ran toward the emergency department. Her hands trembled so badly she could barely push open the swinging doors. A nurse stopped her before she could go any farther. "Are you Olivia Reed" Olivia nodded frantically. "Where's my brother Is he alright" The nurse's expression softened. "The doctor is with him now but his condition has become unstable. Please come with me." Every step down the long hallway felt heavier than the last. When they reached the observation room Olivia saw Mason lying on the hospital bed with an oxygen mask covering his face. His eyes were closed and machines beeped steadily beside him. She slowly walked closer until she reached his bedside. Gently taking his hand she whispered his name. Mason opened his eyes weakly and forced a smile. "You came." Olivia smiled through her tears. "Of course I came." "I'm sorry I scared you." "Don't apologize. Just get better." Mason squeezed her hand with what little strength he had. "Did I make you cry again" Olivia quickly wiped her face and laughed softly. "No. Something got into my eyes." Mason knew she was lying but chose not to say anything.

A few minutes later the doctor asked Olivia to step into his office. He placed Mason's medical file on the desk before looking at her seriously. "Miss Reed I'm afraid your brother's condition is progressing faster than we expected." Olivia felt her stomach tighten. "What does that mean." "It means we can't wait another month. He needs surgery within the next few days." Her face turned pale. "A few days." The doctor nodded. "Without it the risks increase significantly." Olivia lowered her head. She already knew she couldn't afford it. "I'm trying to raise the money." "I understand." The doctor hesitated before speaking again. "But time is no longer on your side."

Olivia left the office feeling completely numb. She wandered into the nearly empty hospital garden and sat alone on a wooden bench. The afternoon sun had disappeared behind dark clouds leaving everything cold and quiet. She pulled the marriage contract from her handbag and stared at it for a long time. Just yesterday she had promised herself she would never marry for money. Today she was running out of choices. Her phone vibrated.

"Miss Reed this is Daniel."

She answered weakly. "Hello."

"Mr Carter asked whether you've made your decision."

Olivia closed her eyes.

"My brother's condition has become worse."

There was silence on the other end.

Then Daniel spoke gently.

"I'm sorry to hear that."

Another long silence followed before Olivia finally whispered the words she never imagined she would say.

"I want to meet Mr Carter."

Less than an hour later the same black luxury car arrived outside the hospital. Daniel opened the rear door for her and the drive to Carter Mansion passed in complete silence. Olivia looked out of the window watching people laugh in cafés and families walk together through the park. For a moment she wondered what her life would have been if her parents were still alive. Maybe she would still be in university. Maybe Mason would never have become sick. Maybe she wouldn't be on her way to agree to a marriage with a man she barely knew.

When she entered the library Ethan was already there. He stood beside the fireplace reading a document without looking up. William Carter smiled warmly as Olivia walked in. "Miss Reed thank you for coming back." She nodded politely before facing Ethan.

"I've made my decision."

He finally lifted his eyes from the file.

"And."

Olivia took a deep breath.

"I'll sign the contract."

Neither Ethan nor William looked surprised.

Ethan walked to the table and placed a fountain pen beside the agreement.

"You've read every condition."

"Yes."

"You understand this marriage is only temporary."

"I understand."

"There can be no misunderstandings later."

"There won't be."

For the first time Ethan looked at her a little longer than necessary. He expected desperation or excitement in her eyes but found neither. She looked calm despite the sadness she was trying to hide.

Olivia reached for the pen but paused.

"I have one condition."

Ethan raised an eyebrow.

"Go on."

"My brother's surgery must happen immediately."

"It will."

"I want it arranged before the wedding."

Ethan answered without hesitation.

"Done."

She looked into his eyes searching for any sign that he wasn't sincere.

There was none.

With trembling fingers she signed her name at the bottom of the final page.

Olivia Reed.

Ethan picked up the pen and signed beneath hers in smooth confident handwriting.

Ethan Carter.

William Carter smiled with quiet satisfaction as he closed the folder.

"Congratulations."

The word echoed through the silent room.

Olivia looked down at the ringless finger that now carried the weight of a promise she never wanted to make.

Ethan slipped the contract back into its folder before speaking in the same calm voice.

"The wedding is in three days."

Olivia's eyes widened.

"So soon."

"It has to be."

She nodded slowly.

As Daniel escorted her toward the door Ethan spoke one last time.

"Miss Reed."

She turned around.

"From the day we marry..."

He paused for a brief moment.

"...your life will never be the same."

Olivia met his gaze, unsure whether those words were meant as a promise... or a warning.