BOUND BY A BILLIONAIRE

“I don’t do love.” The words fell from his lips without hesitation, without warmth. Cold. Final. She blinked once, then laughed softly — a broken, disbelieving sound. Not because she was hurt… but because she was relieved. “That’s okay,” she said quietly. “I don’t need it.” He turned to her slowly, eyes sharp and unreadable. “This marriage will be nothing more than a contract. No affection. No promises. No emotions.” Her fingers curled into her palm, memories of betrayal flashing through her mind — the lies, the abandonment, the love that had ruined her. “Good,” she replied. “I’ve had enough of emotions.” Silence stretched between them, heavy and dangerous. “You won’t expect anything from me,” he warned. “I won’t,” she answered immediately. For the first time, something flickered across his face — surprise. Women usually hoped. She didn’t. He placed the contract on the table. “Once you sign, you become my wife. In name only.” She stared at the paper, her heart pounding. Not with fear — but with the shock of how easy it was to agree. She picked up the pen. Cold marriages were safer. Love had already destroyed her once. Neither of them knew they had just signed a fate neither could escape.