THE Billionaire Temporary Bride

Chapter One: A Proposition Worth Millions Sophia Carter's hands trembled as she held the eviction notice. The warning was loud and clear: she was about to lose it all. Her heart raced in desperation. The apartment in Brooklyn that was small and that she shared with her younger sister, Emma, seemed to be in no good condition, and now even that was about to be taken away. The landlord had shown patience yet it still didn’t pay the rent, just as it wasn’t a journalist’s salary—especially when your most recent article which you just wrote got you fired. She clenched her eyes and breathed out heavily. Emma depended on her. Those expensive treatments for her sister weren't going to be handled on their own. Her phone buzzed, jerking her out of her reverie. The caller ID groaned: Alexander Sterling. The billionaire CEO of Sterling Enterprises. A man she despised. The person whose most recent corporate scandal she had been digging into just prior to losing her job. Sophia almost ignored the call, but curiosity prevailed. “Sophia Carter speaking,” she answered coolly. “Meet me at La Mer in an hour.” She frowned. “Excuse me?” “La Mer. One hour. I have a proposition for you.” "I don't do deals with corporate criminals," she retorted, tightening her grip on the phone. His laughter was deep and truly amused. "You might just regret not coming. See you soon, Miss Carter." The line went dead before she could protest. Sophia exhaled in frustration. What could the arrogant billionaire possibly want from her? One hour later, she walked into La Mer, an upscale eatery that oozed affluence. The hostess cast your weary coat a glance barely concealing her disdain but escorted you to a private booth where Alexander Sterling sat, casually sipping a glass of scotch as if he owned the joint. Which, knowing him, he probably did. He was even more annoyingly beautiful in person—jawline sharp, blue eyes piercing, and confidence seemingly effortless made her want to punch him. “Miss Carter,” he greeted smoothly, gesturing for her to sit. “Make it quick. I don’t have time for games.” He smirked. "Oh, but this is very much a game. One I need you to play." She folded her arms. “I’m not interested.” "I think you will be," he said, pushing a contract across the table. Sophia hesitated to pick it up. Her breath caught as she read. Marriage. A contract marriage. “Are you insane?” she hissed. "Not at all. I need a wife for one year. You need money. A lot of money. One million upfront, another million when the year's over." Her hands trembled slightly. “You think I can be bought?” His expression was unreadable. "I believe you need to protect your sister's life, and I consider this the simplest way to accomplish that." Sophia’s heart raced. He learned enough to get prepared. He knew clearly what to do to upset her. “Why me?” she asked, voice quieter now. "You’re not the kind of woman my grandmother would expect me to marry," he confessed. "You're so independent, clever, and damn stubborn. She'd never expect you to marry for money. So that makes this deal perfect." Sophia gritted her teeth. “This is blackmail.” “This is business.” His voice was smooth as silk. Her hands clenched into fists. A million dollars. The difference between saving Emma and letting her suffer. The difference between drowning in debt and having a way out. She hated him. But she had no choice. Swallowing her pride, she reached for the pen. “Fine. You have yourself a deal.” The media frenzy outside the grand Sterling estate was impossible to miss. Cameras flashed, reporters yelled questions, and luxury cars delivered invited guests, all eager to witness the spectacle of Alexander Sterling’s impromptu and unexpected wedding. Sophia stared at her reflection in the large mirror of the bridal suite and adjusted the lace sleeve of her designer wedding dress. She looked nothing like herself. The sleek updo, the flawless makeup, and that expensive gown-it was all an illusion, just like this marriage. Emma sat on the couch, beaming. “You look so much like a princess.” (she observed with pleasure) Sophia forced a smile. If only Emma knew the truth. A knock on the door that sharpens the stomach. The wedding planner looks in. “It’s time.” Heart beat out, she took a deep breath and descended the imposing staircase to confront her destiny. Alexander stood at the altar, waiting, and looking devastatingly handsome in his bespoke suit. His blue eyes were hers untranslatable. He extended his hand. With the world watching, Sophia placed her hand in his. The contract was signed. The deal was made. There was no turning back now. Sophia woke up to the smell of expensive cologne and silk sheets. She blinked at the gentle morning light and groaned as memories of the previous day flooded in. She was married. To him. Rolling over, she thought the other side of the large bed would be empty. But there was Alexander Sterling, just scrolling through his phone like waking up next to his contract wife was the most ordinary thing in the world. “Morning, darling,” he said without looking up. Sophia sat up, rubbing her temples. “Don’t call me that.” He smirked. “Now we’re married. You should get used to such things.” She glared at him. "This is a business arrangement, Sterling. It's not more than that." He finally put his phone down and met her gaze. His blue eyes were twinkling with something she couldn't interpret. "We have to make it look real, Sophia; that involves public affection, smiles, and acting like the happy couple." She scoffed. “And behind closed doors?” He leaned in a little, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Behind closed doors, we tolerate each other. Can you handle that?" Sophia swallowed hard. One year. Just one year. “I can handle it,” she said firmly. But deep down, she wasn’t sure she believed it. The morning sun flooded the luxurious penthouse, casting light on the unease between Sophia and Alexa nder seated opposite each other at the elongated dining table.